Wormwood is a magical herb that has been associated with protection against all evil and promoting concentration since ancient times. Aromatherapist and phytotherapist Aneta Jirchářová will tell you about one of the representatives of the rich Artemisia family, not accidentally associated with the ancient Greek goddess Artemis.
Abundance of wormwood
I thought I knew Wormwood well. But then I realized how big the world is, and how many wormwoods there are on this little planet of ours. Over five hundred species! And every part of the world has its own wormwood that it needs. We have it too, and it’s worth picking it just before sunrise on a waning moon, ideally on a full moon. So meet at the holy hill…
Wormwood as a gift from the goddess Artemis
For me wormwood is strongly linked to Artemis, the goddess of the moon, whose twin is Apollo, the sun god. Artemis is a powerful and mischievous goddess who prefers to spend her time in the woods with wild animals. She’s carried a bow and arrow since she was a child, but she’ll never use them to hurt us. They are her talismans that help her focus her thoughts and intentions. She always manages to reach her potential and achieve her goal. And it’s wormwood that she’s endowed with these abilities. It’s a magical herb that helps us concentrate and focus.
Bitter or sweet
Wormwood is a very aromatic and bitter herb. I once read a tale that sweetness bets with bitterness which one one one likes more. But no matter what they did, one didn’t notice them. So they went to an old, wise and experienced owl for advice, and she told them that in order to reach man they must enter the herbs. And so all the herbs came together and began to act. And it turned out that almost everyone just wanted sweetness. Some didn’t want bitterness or sweetness. They just wanted to stay the way they were. Only wormwood and celandine accepted all the bitterness of the earth.
Energy path cleaner
Wormwood is bitter, but its hydrolat is refreshing and stimulating with beneficial effects on the digestive system. Its fragrance helps women transition from the fertile years to the age of wisdom. It is a time of change for women and we need to embrace it as part of our lives. Wormwood helps us to accept this change and shows us new possibilities that we can take advantage of. Because it opens and clears the energy pathways in the body. And if our energies are flowing properly, we can also perceive different situations in life with better perspective and send our arrows, like Artemis, in just the right direction.
Read Anet’s previous article “Wild Carrot Hamster or Bold Woman” here.
Buy essential oil and Wormwood flower water here.
Author Aneta Jirchářová
Art school graduate, expert aromatherapist and phytotherapist with a focus on aromatherapy massages, who likes to perceive aromatherapy from the point of view of colors.
“I most often look for inspiration in nature, which I admire and respect for its wisdom. In my drawings, I try to capture the soul and power of the plant.”
