Vervain, also known as Verbena, is an herbaceous flowering plant native to the Americas and Asia. It has about 150 species, with common vervain being the only type native to Europe. Vervain is drought-resistant and suitable for butterfly gardening, attracting Lepidoptera such as Hummingbird Hawk-Moth, Chocolate Albatross, and Pipevine Swallowtail. The sacred number of Vervain is 65.
Vervain can be used for magical purposes such as taking action, providing strength and creativity, and making a difference. It can also bring encouragement for the best outcomes of the future, setting priorities, and aligning ourselves with our best futures. It is feminine by nature and can be used in midsummer celebrations.
Vervain can be bruised, worn around the neck for protection from headaches and snakebites, and planted around property to protect it from bad weather. It can also be used in rituals to honor Thor or Jupiter, rid an area or a person of negative energies, and in love spells.
Vervain’s physical health benefits include promoting good health, reducing inflammation, and promoting relaxation. It is also believed to ward off vampires.
Vervain, a plant with a rich magical history, has been used in herbalism and traditional medicine as an herbal tonic. It is listed as one of the 38 plants used to prepare “Bach Flower Remedies,” an alternative medicine promoted for its health effects. Some therapists believe that the essence can help increase mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Vervain is often used in spells or rituals for protection, and its color energy is violet, which is associated with intuition, dreams, nobility, and luxury. It is also associated with the Crown Chakra, which controls how we think and respond to the world around us. Enochian Archangel Baradiel and Angel Lecabe are two angels who favor vervain. Baradiel is the angel of hail and ice, while Lecabe is the protector and ruler of August 23–28 and the sign of Virgo. Vervain is also associated with the Goddess, promoting spiritual growth and a sense of balance.
Vervain is a birth herb associated with two Greek goddesses: Diana (Artemis) and Hecate. Artemis is the Greek Goddess of the Hunt, known for her femininity and protection of forests and animals. Hecate is the Greek goddess of the crossroads, associated with magic and mystery. Vervain is associated with the 1st I Ching Hexagram, promoting decisive action and dynamic creativity. It encourages setting priorities and focusing on fewer goals, while cautioning against changing ahead and wielding blind force. Vervain is associated with the Gemini astrological sign and the Mansion of Steam and Storm in Moon Astrology. In Feng Shui, Vervain corresponds with the element of Fire, which is associated with enthusiasm, warmth, brightness, illumination, and activity. It is used in talismans and amulets to enhance standing in the community and family.
Vervain is a powerful herb used in various ways, including creating amulets and talismans to deal with various issues such as abuse, adaptation, adversity, aggression, and more. It has been used in Pawnee culture as an entheogen enhancer and in dream divination. Vervain’s calming effects are beneficial for meditation, as the scent or essential oil can inspire creativity and peace. The plant’s name comes from the Celtic term ferfaen, meaning “to drive away stones.” It has been associated with supernatural sources, such as the “tears of Isis” in ancient Egypt and “Hera’s Tears” in ancient Greek. In the early Christian Era, Vervain was used to staunch Jesus’ wounds, making it known as the “holy herb” or “Devil’s Bane.” Vervain flowers also signify the Goddess Diana and are often depicted on traditional Italian amulets. The herb is also mentioned in popular TV shows like The Vampire Diaries to prevent compulsion from vampires.
