Apothecary
Vervain.
Verbena officinalis
Also known as Holy Herb, Enchanter's Plant, Juno's Tears, Herb of Grace
One of the three most sacred herbs of the Druids — Tears of Isis, Holy Herb, the Enchanter's Plant. Add a pinch of vervain to any working and the working is consecrated; no magical herb is more universally respected across cultures.
Correspondences
Element
Earth/Air
Planet
Venus
Zodiac
Gemini, Taurus
Chakra
Crown
Parts Used
Aerial parts
Harvest
Summer
Origin
Europe
Moon Phases
Waxing
Practice
Magical Properties
Protection, purification, love, divination, peace, healing
One of the three most sacred herbs of the Druids. Use in all magical workings for extra potency. Add to purification baths and incenses. Carry for protection.
Mundane
Mundane Uses
Bitter tonic, nervine, anti-inflammatory. Used for nervous exhaustion and fever.
Devotion
Deity Associations
Thor, Juno, Cerridwen, Isis, Aradia, Mars
History
Folklore & History
Sacred to virtually every ancient culture — Egyptian, Roman, Greek, Celtic, Norse. Called 'Tears of Isis'. Roman soldiers carried vervain as a protective herb.
Safety
Safety Notes
Avoid in pregnancy — uterine stimulant. May interact with diuretics.
This information is provided for educational and magical reference only. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using herbs medicinally.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vervain used for in witchcraft?
Vervain is traditionally used in workings for protection, purification, love, divination, peace, healing. One of the three most sacred herbs of the Druids.
What element is Vervain associated with?
Vervain is associated with the Earth/Air element and the sign of Gemini, Taurus, and resonates with the Crown chakra.
What planet rules Vervain?
Vervain is ruled by Venus. In the classical planetary system, this gives the herb its characteristic energetic signature and indicates which workings it most readily amplifies and which planetary hours best suit it.
Is Vervain safe to use?
Some care is required when working with Vervain. Avoid in pregnancy — uterine stimulant. May interact with diuretics. The information here is provided for educational and magical reference only — always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb medicinally.
In Your Practice
Track your work with Vervain.
Record spells, rituals, and observations in your private digital grimoire.
Be among the first
Grimoire is now available on Android. Join the waitlist to be notified when iOS launches.