Description: Upright, pale lilac flowers. Prefers light to part shade, well drained soil.

Magical Uses: Vervain is tradtionally gathered at Midsummer or at the rising of the Dog Star when neither Sun nor Moon is out. 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.

Ritual Uses: Priests in ancient Rome used Vervain to cleanse the altars of Jupiter. Small bundles of Vervain were made and the altars were swept with these. According to tradition, daughters of Druids who were initiated were crowned with Vervain as a sign of the attained rank.

Back