Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris -- "Dreamweaver") is a symbol of new beginnings, peace, and good fortune. It is traditionally used for cleansing the spirit or a space, providing protection from negative energy, and enhancing dreamwork, intuition, and meditation. 

I think I may enjoy making smudge bundles more than burning them. It's quite a process from harvesting, to drying, and assembling a final product....but so satisfying. Mugwort grows wild on our property and when harvesting, I always give thanks for this gift from nature and being able to provide you with these special treats.

Mugwort plays a unique role in the art of smudging, as it has a long history of use to enhance dream work. These bundles can be placed under a pillow to ward off nightmares and enhance dream recall or lucid dreams. (In lucid dreams, it's believed that a person is aware they are sleeping and may control the narrative of their dreams). It can also be burned before bedtime to cleanse the space and prepare the mind for sleep and dreaming.

There is also a technique in traditional Chinese medicine when mugwort sticks are burned close to the skin, on specific parts of the body, to promote Qi energy; also known as your life force. This technique is called moxibustion and is believed to intensify the effects of acupuncture.

In the spiritual world, mugwort is used to cleanse ritual tools and spaces, increase spellwork, and aid in spiritual journeys. As a lunar plant, it has a strong association with the moon and feminine energy. Mugwort and the new moon represent new beginnings and many facilitators smudge during new moon rituals or women's spiritual practices. 

You can get your Mugwort Smudge bundle in our Shoppe for a limited time and while supplies last. Just click on the photo to be directed to the Shoppe and click on the "Ritual Tools" tab.

Every year many people harvest or wildcraft flowers, herbs, and foods. Harvest Rituals are celebrated around the world and deeply rooted in cultural history: so much so that many countries plan festivals around it, write songs, or pledge stewardship. 

                                Thanksgiving in the USA & Canada = fall harvest celebration

                                 Pongal Festival in India = Dec/Jan rice, turmeric, and sugarcane harvest celebration

                                 Erntedankfest in Germany = fall harvest celebration

                                 Fête des Vendangesi in France = fall grape harvest celebration

                                 Chuseok in South Korea = fall harvest celebration

Whether thanking a God or nature, it's important to give thanks for the abundance and gifts given to us. However, not all celebrations need to be a grand festival. At Sun & Soil Botanicals, we give thanks whenever we take from the land to make herbal products or to sell our blooms at market. It is humbling to know that the earth provides for our families and never asks for anything in return. Our thanks offers respect to something bigger than ourselves. The pollinators buzz around making sure everyone is doing their part so I leave water as my thanks for their hard work. In my German culture, toadstools are believed to give shelter to fairies or provide travel through realms. I leave a ceramic mushroom toadstool - just in case.

As an herbalist, another harvest ritual is a Nature Ritual Pledge. A pledge, as a plant steward, to take care of the land, water, and wildlife. An offer of flowers is given and a poem is written to show respect and a promise to reduce our footprint. 

                                 We give thanks for our harvest

                                  Taking only what we need

                                 We play music for our plants

                                 As the bees and butterflies do their daily ritual dance

                                  I leave water as gratitude

                                 And stand still when the humming birds take flight

                                 Giving thanks for abundance

                                 And a toadstool for travelers in the night

                                 Don’t worry about our unsold market haul

                                 Those blooms are drying for crafters in the fall