Folk Names: Brittanica, Enchanter's Plant, Herba Sacra, Herb of Enchantment, Herb of Grace, Herb of the Cross, Holy Herb, Juno's Tears, Pigeon's Grass, Pigeonwood, Simpler's Joy, Van-Van, Verbena, Vervan Gender: Feminine Planet: Venus Element: Earth Deities: Kerridwen, Mars, Venus, Aradia, Isis, Jupiter, Thor, Juno Powers: Love, Protection, Purification, Peace, Money, Youth, Chastity, Sleep, Healing Ritual Uses: Priests in ancient Rome used vervain to cleanse the altars of Jupiter. Small bundles of vervain were fashioned and the altars were swept with these. According to tradition, daughters of Druids who were initiated were crowned with vervain; this was a sign of the attained rank. (As with anything "Druidic," this has to be looked upon as poetic, rather than historic fact.) Magical Uses: Vervain is traditionally gathered at Midsummer or at the rising of the Dog Star when neither Sun nor Moon is out, but this is not necessary. Vervain is a common ingredient in love mixtures and protective spells. A crown of vervain on the head protects the magician while invoking spirits. Any part of the plant may be carried as a personal amulet. Vervain placed in the home protects it from lightning and storms. The infusion sprinkled around the premises chases off evil spirits and malignant forces. Vervain is also added to exorcism incenses and sprinkling mixtures. It is also a common ingredient in purification bath sachets. The dried herb is scattered around the home as a peace-bringer and is also worn to calm the emotions. Vervain is used in money and prosperity spells. If the herb is buried in the garden or placed in the house, wealth will flow and plants will thrive. To remain chaste for long periods of time, rise before the Sun on the first day of the New Moon. Gather vervain (still before sunrise), press out its juice, and drink it down. According to ancient instructions, it will cause you to lose all desire for sex for seven years. Vervain carried may offer everlasting youth, and when placed in the bed, hung around the neck, or made into an infusion and drunk prior to sleep, no dreams will haunt you. Vervain is also a fine healing herb. The undiluted juice of the vervain smeared on the body cures diseases and guards against future health problems. To aid in recuperation the root tied with a yard of white yarn is placed around the patient's neck. It should remain there until recovery. To discover if someone lying sick will live or die, place vervain in your hand and press it against the patient, so that the herb is undetected. Ask them how they feel; if they are hopeful they shall live; if not they might not. If someone you know has taken something from you, wear vervain and confront the person. You shall surely regain possession of the stolen articles. If vervain is placed in a baby's cradle the child will grow up with a happy disposition and a love of learning. The juice of the vervain, smeared on the body, will allow the person to see the future, have every wish fulfilled, turn enemies into friends, attract lovers, and be protected against all enchantments. Burnt, it dispels unrequited love.
