Today is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern hemisphere, and it is a hot one. A “heat dome” has covered much of the central and northeastern United States, creating record-breaking temperatures for days on end. Personally, I have taken two different approaches to the sweltering heat: retreating to the (relatively) cool confines of my home and swimming in various bodies of water, both of which are fitting for the onset of Cancer season.
We have completed one quarter turn around the wheel of the year since we began this journey together in March. Just as Aries initiated the season of spring with its cardinal fire energy, Cancer now ushers us into summer as the cardinal water sign. If Aries energy was the thrusting forth of a shoot emerging from the earth, then Cancer energy is the pull of the Moon on the tides. I think of it as an invitation to flow with the currents of our emotions, to honor how we give and receive care, and to embrace our inner rhythms.
![A photograph of a beach on Cape Cod A photograph of a beach on Cape Cod](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F78a60f77-26ee-4b19-a310-d0491f1c8a04_4284x4503.jpeg)
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is a plant ally that I closely associate with this season. Called the “mother of herbs” in the Middle Ages, mugwort has a long history as a sacred and healing plant. It thrives in human-shaped environments, growing in huge stands along roads, paths, and any place the soil has been disturbed. You will often meet Mugwort at the threshold between the cultivated and the wild. Fittingly for the season, I first encountered Mugwort on the banks of a nearby lake which is a favorite for swimming and kayaking. You will recognize Mugwort by the distinctive shape of her leaves and their silver-colored underside. Keep an eye out and I’m sure you’ll find some growing close by.
Mugwort is a digestive bitter and has a healing affinity for the digestive system. It is also linked to the menstrual cycle, acting as an emmenagogue to bring on the cycle and regulating the sex hormones to restore balance. Mugwort can also aid with dreamwork, deepening the connection to the subconscious and possibly facilitating lucid dreaming. To use Mugwort, harvest the leaves and hang them to dry. The dried leaves can be steeped in a tea, smoked, or used as a smudge.
Mugwort’s genus name, Artemisia, evokes Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt, childbirth, and wildlife. As written in the Old English Herbarium, “… the three plants that we call artemisia, it is said that Diana found them and gave knowledge of their power and medicinal value to the centaur Chiron, who was the first to prescribe a medicine using this plant.” Known as the "wounded healer" in astrological and symbolic terms, Chiron represents our deepest emotional and spiritual wounds as well as the healing force that they release into the world when properly cared for. This story of Mugwort as a gift of healing passed on from Artemis to Chiron, and through his healing arts to the rest of the world reflects another aspect of Cancer energy. This is a season to put our healing energy to good use, both within and without.
According to legend, Artemis drew the moon across the sky in her chariot pulled by golden horned deer, just as Apollo drew the Sun. Correspondingly, Mugwort’s silvery leaves and healing affinity for the lunar cycle of menstruation create a strong association with the moon. As Dr. Jacqui Wilkins writes in her Mugwort monograph, “The Moon may be seen as our Grandmother… guiding us and inspiring us. Moving us to flow with Creation and within our own bodies, and rhythms. In this way, Mugwort may also support us with sometimes difficult aspects of flowing and honouring our own unique cycles and rhythms.”
Cancer is the only sign in the zodiac ruled by the moon, reflected in its lunar themes of tidal emotions and cyclic rebirth. The western symbol for Cancer is the crab, which embodies the death and birth cycle as it molts throughout its life. Usually protected beneath a hard shell, the times of transition are when the crab is most tender. I encourage you to reflect on what is ebbing within you and what is flowing this season. When do you need to retreat into your inner home for some deep healing and when are you ready to surge forth with your gifts for the world?
In ancient Egypt, the scarab served as the symbol for Cancer, representing in turn the cycle of birth, life, death, and resurrection. For this month’s collage I incorporated both Artemis and the scarab along with some microscopic aquatic lifeforms.
Further reading:
Viriditas: Musings on Magical Plants - Artemisia vulgaris: https://worldsensorium.com/viriditas-musings-on-magical-plants-artemisia-vulgaris
good to see you, get to know you here Gabrielle. I'm just beginning to work with mugwort, so this was perfect, thank you!
Lovely article as always gabrielle