Vervain (Verbena) Meaning, Healing, and Magical Uses
Welcome to the Masters’ Grimoire of Magical Herbs page for Vervain. Here you will learn everything you've ever wanted to know about this herb including Vervain's magical uses, Vervain physical healing, and emotional healing properties, plus its use in meditation, Vervain lore and legends, and much more!
Introduction to Vervain
Vervain, more commonly known as Verbena, is a genus in the family of Verbenaceae. It has about 150 species of annual and perennial herbaceous or semi-woody flowering plants. Most of these species are native to the Americas and Asia. Common vervain or common verbena is the only type native to Europe.
Some hybrid species of verbena are used as ornamental plants. They are drought-resistant and tolerate full to partial sun. They enjoy well-drained, average soils. They are valued for butterfly gardening in suitable climates and attract such Lepidoptera as Hummingbird Hawk-Moth, Chocolate Albatross, and Pipevine Swallowtail. They are also favored by hummingbirds.
In the United States, the name Verbena is most common, though in Europe the name Vervain is preferred. Vervain or Verbena is an herbaceous flowering plant that belongs to the Verbenacaea family and can be annual or perennial depending on the species. The leaves are usually simple and hairy and dense. The flowers are small with five petals and containing dense spikes. Typically they are a shade of blue but some are white, pink, or purple. The European species of vervain are derived from the North American lineage.
Pliny the Elder also noted that “the Magi” would make “mad” statements about the plant “amongst other things.” Such as a “circle must be drawn with iron around the plant.” The common names of verbena in many Central and Eastern European villages are associated with iron. These include the Dutch “Ijzerhard” (Iron-hard), Danish “Læge-Jernurt” (medical ironwork), German “Echtes Eisenkraut” (true iron herb), Slovak “Železnik lekársky” (medical iron herb), and Hungarian “Vasfü” (iron glass).
The sacred number of Vervain is 65.
Vervain Magical Uses and Purposes
Vervain can be used in magical purposes for taking action, providing strength, creativity, and making a difference. It can help to bring encouragement for the best outcomes of the future, setting priorities, and aligning ourselves with our best futures.
Take care to never use vervain for the purpose of charging ahead and forcing outcomes that are not appropriate or not thought out well. This also includes uses of pursuing goals that are at disadvantageous to others.
Vervain is feminine by nature and can be used in midsummer celebrations. It is believed to be an enhancing herb for any other magical work with other herbs.
The plant of vervain may be bruised and worn around the neck for protection from headaches and snakebites. This charm is also said to help when you need it no matter how dire a situation may be. A fresh sprig carried can help protect a person from evil spells of ill will.
Plant vervain around your property to protect it from damage by bad weather.
It can also be used in rituals to honor Thor or Jupiter. It may be burned as an offering or infused into water and sprinkled on the alter for purification. In Hellenic rituals it was bundled and used to sweep the alter or ritual area or dipped into the sacred water for the area.
Vervain can also be used to rid an area or a person of negative energies and may be combined with dill for this purpose. It can also be used in love spells to rekindle or revive a dying love. It can be woven in bridal bouquets to ensure love. A vervain plant buried in the garden will bring abundant crops and the leaves may be used to attract wealth.
Drinking tea made of vervain is also said to ward off vampires.
Healing with Vervain
Vervain Physical Health Benefits
Vervain has been used in herbalism and traditional medicine as an herbal tonic though there is no high-quality scientific proof for its effectiveness. Vervain has been listed as one of the 38 plants used to prepare “Bach Flower Remedies” that is a kind of alternative medicine promoted for its effect on health.
According to Cancer Research UK the essence, some therapists believe, can be used to help increase mental, emotion, and spiritual well-being. However, these essences are not used to prevent, control, or cure cancer in any physical sense.
The essential oil of various species of common vervain is traded as “Spanish Verbena Oil” and is considered inferior to to that of Lemon Verbena in perfumery.
 |
Notes from the Masters
Vervain should be in every witch's cupboard! This herb has a rich magical history and is often used in spells or rituals for protection. I like to infuse vervain in oil or water to either anoint my tools or in the process of asperging, which is a form of ritual purification involving the sprinkling of liquid on an item, person or area to be purified.
|
 |
Spiritual Healing with Vervain
As a protection herb, vervain can ensure safety when making a spiritual journey. It can provide protection and ease of mind when traveling the astral plane.
Emotional Healing with Vervain
Vervain can provide emotional healing by allowing the mind to be at ease. It helps ease anxiety and allow the mind to heal without the distraction of worry and anxious tendencies.
Vervain for Chakra Healing
Vervain is associated with the Crown Chakra. This chakra controls how we think and how we respond to the world around us. It is the gateway to the expanded universe beyond our bodies and the fountainhead of our beliefs.
It extends our energy beyond our body. It is source of higher information and universal energy and truth.
Color Energy of Vervain
The color energy of Vervain is Violet. Violet is the color ray of intuition, dreams, nobility, and luxury. It is a color of influence that begins the cycle of life once again. Violet is one of the most powerful color rays of nature. It inspires awe and invites a feeling of mystery and magic reminiscent of the mystery of life’s rejuvenation and renewal.
Violet color rays are powerful aids in interpreting our dreams and inspires us to great deeds and accomplishments and putting magic back in our relationships. Violet is the color of music and stirs us to transform and connect with the mystery of dreams, the past, and ourselves.
Angels Associated with Vervain
Vervain is favored by two angels: Enochian Archangel Baradiel, and Angel Lecabe.
Guardian Angel Baradiel is the angel of hail and ice. He brings hails. But he also stops them. Therefore, he can protect your plants, animals and house from hails.
In astrology, Baradiel’s planet is Jupiter. He is the guardian angel of those who were born in October. But Archangel Admael is also known as the angel of October. His color is blue and dark blue. So these are the colors you should use when you try to connect with him. Also, his scent is vanilla and his herb is Silverwood. Therefore, use these scents as incense in your meditation sessions. But you can also use crystals for Baradiel’s altar. His crystal is Onyx. And the best day to pray for his guidance is on Thursday." (4)
Vervain is also associated with the Angel Lecabe, protector and ruler of the dates august 23-28 and associated with the sign of Virgo.
Vervain and the Goddess
Vervain is associated with two goddesses primarily:
Diana /Artemis - Artemis (or Diana) is the Greek Goddess of the Hunt. She is a beautiful goddess who was often lusted after but celebrated for her femininity. She protects the forests and animals of the wild with her bow and arrow.
and,
Hecate - Hecate is the Greek Goddess of the crossroads. She is associated with magic and mystery. She is the Goddess to call upon when performing magical rites such as purification, protection, and consecration spells.
Vervain Birth Herb
Vervain is the birth herb for those born on
January 5, January 16, January 24, Feb 3, Feb 17, and Aug 29.
If you were born on one of these dates, you might find that you have a particular attraction to Vervain. You may feel drawn to it. Those with the birth herb of Vervain will likely find it more powerful and intuitive to work with.
Vervain I Ching Hexagram
Vervain is associated with the 1st I Ching Hexagram - Taking Action
Keywords: decisive action, overwhelming strength, forceful motion, dynamic creativity, making a difference
Encourages: taking decisive, appropriate action at the best possible time as a means of aligning yourself with the best possible future, setting priorities, focusing on the completion of fewer goals, being persistent, enhancing success by involving others.
Cautions us against: changing ahead, wielding blind force, and pursuing your goals to the disadvantage of others, squandering energy by trying to do everything at once, bing offensively forceful.
Vervain Astrological Sign
Vervain I associated with the astrological sign Gemini. In Moon Astrology it is associated with the 19th Mansion of the Moon, the Mansion of Steam.
Vervain I associated with the astrological sign Gemini. In Moon Astrology it is associated with the 10th Mansion of the Moon, the Mansion of the Storm.
Uses of Vervain in Feng Shui
Vervain corresponds with the element of Fire in the use of Feng Shui.
Fire energy is the energy of enthusiasm, warmth, brightness, illumination and activity. It is Yang in nature. It is the energy of heat, action, emotion and passion- of ideas, of concepts, and sex. It is alive, potent, but often destructive. We all need the heat, passion, and life giving energy of the fire element. It is a powerful element that must be used in moderation.
Fire energy is traditionally associated with the south area of a home or room. It is associated with the fame and reputation area your life and dwelling, Use its energy to give your life the boost it needs to enhance your standing in the community and within your family.
Uses of Vervain in Talismans and Amulets
Vervain is used to create amulets and talismans to: Deal with abuse, adaptation, adversity, aggression, anarchy, arrogance, confusion, get more energy, overcome fright, guardian stone, deal with hate, hostility, lust, masculinity, pressure, problem solving, psychic protection, rage, resistance, ruthlessness, self reliance, strategy, valor, victory, violence, action, physical prowess, danger, harshness, adversity, conquer fear, and for courage.
Using Vervain in Divination
While common vervain is not native to North America, it has been used in Pawnee culture as an entheogen enhancer and in dream divination.
Meditation with Vervain
The calming effects of vervain are beneficial for the use in meditation. The scent or essential oil can inspire creativity and peace while clearing the mind.
Lore and Legends of Vervain
The word vervain comes from the Celtic term ferfaen meaning “to drive away stones” as it was believed to be a helpful treatment for kidney stones.
Vervain has always been associated with the divine and other supernatural sources. It was called “tears of Isis” in ancient Egypt and later called “Hera’s Tears” in ancient Greek. It was also dedicated to Eos Erigineia. The generic Latin term for the plant is derived from the name sacred to the ancient Romans. Pliny the Elder described verbena that was presented on the alters of Jupiter in his writings though it is not clear if he was referring to verbena rather than the general term for sacrificial herbs.
In the early Christian Era, folk legend stated that Verbena or Vervain was used to staunch the wounds of Jesus after he was removed from the cross. Consequently, it was called the “holy herb” or “Devil’s Bane.”
According to some Wiccan beliefs, vervain flowers signify the Goddess Diana and are often depicted on traditional Italian amulets dedicated to her. In the 1870 “The History of Practice of Magic” by Paul Christian, these amulets were employed in the preparation of a mandragora charm. This book also describes the antiseptic capabilities of the herb as well as the use in protection against spells.
In the Victorian language of flowers, Vervain held the dual meaning of enchantment and sensibility.
Vervain is also mentioned and widely used in the popular television show and inspired universe in The Vampire Diaries to prevent compulsion from vampires.
by Theresa Peters
Theresa Peters is an (almost) life-long Alaskan. She is a writer and artist for the Crystal Inner Circle and has been studying crystals and their metaphysical and magical properties since she was a teen. Living in Alaska she has grown to appreciate the magical qualities of nature and the way the effect it has on all living things.
Share this page:
Always stay up to date on crystals, sales, get the latest guides, and more by joining our email list!
We're proudly spam-free and will only send you the best crystal info and sales.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verbena
IChing for Beginners - by Mark McElroy
/witchipedia.com/book-of-shadows/herblore/vervain/
guardianangelguide.com/guardian-angel-baradiel/
(Please note: Information on this website is no substitute for consulting a health care professional. All information contained on this website, including information relating to medical and health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. Please see your doctor or health care professional before starting any alternative treatments, diets, supplements, or exercise programs.)