Vervain

Origin: Afrida, Asia, Australia, Europe
Family: Verbenaceae
Scientific Name: Verbena officinalis
Folk Names: Blue vervain, brittanica, common verbena, enchanter’s plant, herba sacra, herb of enchantment, herb of grace, herb of the cross, holy herb, iron-herb, Juno’s tears, mosquito plant, pigeon-grass, pigeonwood, simpler’s joy, verbena, vervan, wild hyssop
Magical
Element: Earth
Day: Friday
Planet: Venus
Zodiac: Taurus
Associated Celebrations: Midsummer
Deities: Aradia, Isis, Juno, Jupiter, Kerridwen, Mars, Thor, Venus
Parts used: Plant
Magical Properties: Cleansing, purification, clairvoyance, divination, protection, love
Lore
Ancient Rome: Bundles of vervain were used to cleanse the altars in Jupiter’s temples.
It was believed that carrying vervain could bring everlasting youth.
Magical Uses
- Burn vervain to dispel unrequited love.
- Wear a crown of vervain for protection when invoking spirits.
- Place vervain in the home to protect it from lightning and storms.
- Scatter vervain around the home to calm emotions and promote peace.
- Sprinkle an infusion of vervain around the premesis to drive away negative forces.
- Place vervain in a baby’s cradle to ensure it grows up happy, and with a love of learning!
- Bury vervain in the garden (or place in the home) to attract wealth, and ensure plants thrive.
- To ensure a dream-free sleep, place vervain in the bed, hang around the neck, or drink an infusion prior to sleeping.
- If someone you know has stolen something from you, confront them while wearing vervain, and you’ll get your items back.