VERVAIN

HOMEOPATHIC USES: It will strengthen the nervous system whilst
relaxing any tension and stress. It can be used to ease depression. Also used
in the early stages of fevers. Other uses are increase breast milk,
eczema, and other skin eruptions, as it is a kidney and liver cleanser.
Jaundice, whooping cough, edema, mastitis, and headaches fall under
its sphere. Externally, vervain is used in poultices for ear infections,
rheumatism and wounds. A tincture has been used as a remedy for poison
oak.


MAGICAL USES: Vervain was used by the Roman priests and priestesses as
an altar plant, it was tied in bundles and used to ritually "sweep" and
purify the altar. Druids placed it in water that was sprinkled on
worshippers as a blessing.
Vervain was picked at the rising of the Dog Star, at the dark
of the moon, just before flowering. It was taken from the earth with the
sacred sickle and raised aloft in the left hand. After prayers of
thanksgiving were spoken, the Druid or Druidess left a gift of honey to recompense
the Earth for her loss.

To dispel fears, light a candle daily and surround it with
vervain. Speak aloud a prayer to the Gods and Goddesses asking for release from
your fear. Do this as long as necessary.

On the night of the full moon, go outside with a chalice filled
with water, vervain, and salt. Take also a candle and a piece of petrified
wood. Dip the stone into the water mixture and then pass it through
the candle flame. Touch the stone to your feet, hands, shoulders, and
head. As you do this ask for the blessings of youth and beauty. Repeat the
process seven times.

Vervain is worn as a crown during Druidic initiatory rites and
as a protection for those who are working magic. It is sprinkled throughout
the home or ritual area and burned as incense as a protecting and to
bring peace. Keep some in the bedroom to bring tranquil dreams. Keep
it in the home to attract wealth and to keep plants healthy. Sprinkle
some on the garden as an offering to the elementals and other nature
spirits.

Vervain is worn to recover stolen articles. Tucked into a
child's cradle, the plant brings joy and a lively intellect.

DEITIES: Kerridwen, Mars, Venus, Aradia, Isis, Jupiter, Thor, Juno
GENDER:Feminine
PLANET: Venus
ELEMENTS: Earth
POWERS: Love, Protection, Purification, Peace, Money, Youth, Chastity,
Sleep, Healing
 COLORS: Black, Blue, Green, White,Brown, Rose, Pink, Red