Masterwort (Peucedanum ostruthium or Imperatoria ostruthium) is a perennial member of the Apiaceae family of plants with characteristic umbrella-like flower heads seen in other members of this carrot family.
It is native to Europe but has been cultivated throughout the world with several varieties developed for the ornamental plant trade, sometimes sold under the name peuce. Masterwort is also known as imperatoria and master root.
Many other plants have been given the name Masterwort, or variations of it, and several bear a physical resemblance. These include Astrantia(great masterwort), Goutweed (wild masterwort), Hogweed and Angelica. To confuse matters more, many of these also enjoy similar growing conditions.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Masterwort, though less renowned than some botanicals, possesses intriguing folklore, spiritual, and magickal significance:
In European folklore, masterwort was esteemed for its purported protective properties. It was often carried or placed in homes to ward off evil spirits and negative energies. Some traditions also associated it with luck and prosperity.
Masterwort’s resilience and ability to thrive in diverse environments are sometimes seen as symbolic of inner strength and adaptability in spiritual contexts. It may be used in rituals or ceremonies aimed at fostering resilience, protection, and grounding.
In magickal practices, masterwort is valued for its protective and purifying qualities. It can be incorporated into spells or charms designed to banish negativity, enhance psychic awareness, and create sacred spaces. Its association with fortitude and resilience may also be invoked in rituals for overcoming obstacles and challenges.
While not as widely recognized as other botanicals, masterwort still holds a place in folklore, spirituality, and magickal practices, offering its unique energies and symbolism to those who seek its wisdom and protection.
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Spiritual and Magical Uses of Masterwort
Masterwort corresponds to the planet Mars and the element Fire. It can be used in any spell to promote courage or strength and for protection.
Sprinkling an area with the powdered root, or a decoction of the root is said to force any resident spirits to make themselves known.
Carrying the root in your pocket will help keep evil beings (variously identified as witches, troublesome faeries, trolls, the devil, etc.) from bothering you, and planting some near your door will keep them from entering your house.
Wash your weapons with a decoction of masterwort root to ensure they strike true, for hunting or battle.
Use the root of masterwort in sympathetic spells to ensure your mastery over a situation or over other people.
Spiritual Uses of Masterwort
| Spiritual Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Sacred Offering | Masterwort is used as a sacred offering in spiritual rituals and ceremonies to honor the gods, spirits, and ancestors. Its delicate flowers and aromatic leaves are offered on altars, shrines, or outdoor sanctuaries as a gesture of reverence and gratitude. Masterwort is believed to carry the blessings of the earth and the divine, serving as a conduit for spiritual energy and communion with the sacred realms. Offering masterwort in rituals invokes the presence of the divine and invites their guidance, protection, and blessings into the sacred space. |
| Ritual Purification | Masterwort is used in ritual purification practices to cleanse the aura, sanctify sacred spaces, and dispel negative energy. Its purifying and protective properties make it an ideal herb for spiritual cleansing and renewal. Masterwort leaves or flowers can be burned as incense, sprinkled in ritual baths, or placed around the home to purify the energy field, banish negativity, and create a harmonious environment conducive to spiritual growth and well-being. Using masterwort in purification rituals helps to align the individual with the natural rhythms of the earth and the divine, restoring balance and harmony to body, mind, and spirit. |
| Ancestor Connection | Masterwort is associated with ancestral wisdom and connection in spiritual practices. It is used in rituals and ceremonies honoring ancestors to evoke their presence, receive their blessings, and seek guidance from the spirit world. Masterwort is often incorporated into ancestor altars, offering bowls, or sacred spaces as a symbol of remembrance and communion with the spirits of the departed. Its presence is believed to bridge the gap between the living and the dead, facilitating communication and honoring the legacy of the ancestors. |
Magical Uses of Masterwort
| Magical Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Protection Magic | Masterwort is a powerful ingredient in protection magic, offering defense against negative energy, psychic attacks, and malevolent forces. It is used in spells, charms, and rituals to create a shield of spiritual protection around the practitioner or their home. Masterwort leaves, flowers, or roots can be carried in an amulet or mojo bag for personal protection, placed in doorways or windows for home protection, or burned as incense to purify and sanctify the space. Using masterwort in protection magic helps to ward off negativity, dispel harmful influences, and safeguard against spiritual harm. |
| Divination Aid | Masterwort is used as a divination aid to enhance psychic abilities, intuition, and spiritual insight. Its aromatic leaves and delicate flowers are believed to open the channels of communication with the spirit world, making it easier to receive messages, visions, and guidance from the divine. Masterwort can be burned as incense, brewed into a tea, or used in ritual baths to enhance psychic awareness and deepen spiritual connections. Using masterwort in divination rituals helps to amplify spiritual energies, heighten intuition, and facilitate the reception of divine wisdom and insight. |
| Healing Magic | Masterwort is valued in healing magic for its ability to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It is used in spells, charms, and rituals to support healing, vitality, and renewal. Masterwort leaves or flowers can be incorporated into herbal remedies, healing sachets, or bath blends to alleviate physical ailments, soothe emotional distress, and restore balance to the spirit. Using masterwort in healing magic helps to activate the body’s natural healing processes, enhance vitality, and promote holistic wellness on all levels. |
Gardening and Wildcrafting Masterwort
Several varieties of masterwort have been bred for the nursery trade, including some with interesting variegated leaves that look nice in a moon garden. These plants prefer at least a half-day of shade and moist, rich soil and are also a good choice for a woodland garden.
They form a neat mound, about 10 inches tall by 18 inches wide, but will send up their umbrella-shaped heads of fragrant white flowers to a height of 3 feet from Midsummer through August. They should be planted with about 2 feet of space, but expect them to spread out a bit over the years. This is a well-mannered plant that does not tend to become invasive, though it has naturalized outside of its native habitat where it can be found in damp meadows, woodland edges and along riverbanks.
Masterwort is hardy in zones 5-9 and prefers full to partial shade, but will survive in full sun if it is kept well watered.
The seeds need to be cold stratified for proper germination. You can plant it in the garden in autumn and it should sprout in the spring, but if you want to provide extra protection by starting seeds indoors, they can be refrigerated for 1-3 months in a wet medium prior to sowing them in the warm spring garden or in pots indoors for transplant later.
Healing Uses of Masterwort
Masterwort is a warming herb used to promote heat in the body.
Traditional use of the root includes chewing it or gargling with a decoction to relieve a toothache and steeping it in wine to help relieve a fever or treat liver disease, jaundice, leprosy, coughs, and to promote menstruation.
Traditional use of the leaves includes applying them to wounds to encourage healing.
Masterwort is a traditional veterinary remedy for cows and horses to increase appetite and milk production.
Masterwort tea is said to benefit digestion.
| Purpose | Healing Application | Magickal Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Digestive Health | Used in herbal remedies for digestion | Promotes digestion and eases gastrointestinal discomfort |
| Wound Healing | Applied topically as a poultice | Aids in the healing of cuts, wounds, and skin irritations |
| Protection and Warding | Carried in an amulet or charm | Offers protection from negative energies and psychic attacks |
| Enhancing Spells and Rituals | Used as an ingredient in spellwork | Enhances the power and effectiveness of spells and rituals |
| Divination Aid | Burned as incense during divination | Heightens intuition and psychic abilities during divination |
Culinary Uses of Masterwort
The leaves can be used as a potherb and has been used to flavor cheese. The roots provide a slow heat that burns hotter than peppers when used to season foods. Masterwort has historically been used to flavor alcoholic beverages, including beer.
Cautions and Toxicity
The sap from masterwort can cause phototoxicity if it comes into contact with the skin. The degree of reaction varies by individual.
Masterwort is mildly toxic and large doses can cause hallucinations.
Masterwort should not be used during pregnancy.
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