Plant Witchery: Discover the Sacred Language, Wisdom, and Magic of 200 Plants - Juliet Diaz 2020

Altamisa Ambrosia peruviana
A Compendium of Plants

ESSENTIAL PROPERTIES

purification, opening the door between realms

Altamisa is a variety of ragweed found in South America, and is quite similar to mugwort. She grows easily in relatively moist environments, and her usual herbal size can expand to a bush in wetter, more swampy locations. She has a strong, almost bitter scent, and a very bitter flavor.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Altamisa is an anti-inflammatory, and her bitter flavor can stimulate the digestive system. She can help regulate menstruation, reduce swelling in the legs, and aid respiratory issues like asthma. She also has a calming effect, and can help relieve stress and anxiety.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES

The Incas embalmed their dead with altamisa to ensure a smooth transition to their next existence. Burning altamisa can purify your altar or sacred space, and can enhance your ability to transport your consciousness during meditation. Sprinkling altamisa into a ritual bath is sacred to the spirit of creation, water, and motherhood.

Altamisa prefers to be in a sacred space, such as your altar, meditation space, or any room that is quiet and has bright light. She brings an energy flow of openness. Wherever she is, you can feel her vibrating with positive energy and purity.

PLANT WISDOM

When working with altamisa, you are to be very respectful. Always ask permission to even touch her and/or speak to her. “Altamisa, may we have a chat please?” Close your eyes and feel for subtle energy—if you feel energy in your throat that indicates she is saying yes, you may absolutely converse with her. But if you feel that energy anywhere else in your body, especially the stomach, that means she is saying not right now. I’ve seen people work with her without asking permission and their intentions often backfire or simply don’t work at all. Altamisa isn’t a diva, but she’s definitely goddess-like.

Altamisa Cleansing Dream Bath

This bath will cleanse your body of negative energy and ill will, opening you to visions and connections to other realms.

WHAT YOU NEED

1 tablespoon dried altamisa

1 tablespoon dried mugwort

1 tablespoon dried rue

1 tablespoon dried lemon balm

1 tablespoon dried rose petals

White candle

WHAT TO DO

· Bring a pot of water to a boil.

· Add all the ingredients except the candle and allow them to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.

· Strain the liquid, let it cool a bit, then add it to your bathwater.

· Dim your lights or turn them off entirely and light your candle. Soak in your bath for a minimum of 15 minutes.

Taking a bath with altamisa will open your mind. If you bathe with her before bedtime, she will open portals and help you travel in your dreams, even connecting you with your ancestors and aiding you to communicate with spirit. She doesn’t personally appear in your dreams, but her energy does—though this takes practice working with her.