Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs - Scott Cunningham 1985

Periwinkle
The Herbs

(Vinca minor) Poison Bp- Ho Cn

Folk Names: Blue Buttons, Centocchiio (Italian: Hundred Eyes), Devil’s Eye, Joy on the Ground, Sorcerer’s Violet

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Powers: Love, Lust, Mental Powers, Money, Protection

Magical Uses: A powerful magical herb (as noted in the folk name “Sorcerer’s Violet”), periwinkle should be gathered according to strict procedures before it is of any efficacy in magic (or so said the Pseudo-Apuleius).

It is to be gathered when one is “clean of every uncleanness” when the Moon is one night old, nine nights old, eleven nights old or thirteen nights old, and the following incantation should be uttered while plucking the plant:

I pray thee, vinca pervinca, thee that art to be had for thy many useful qualities, that thou come to me glad blossoming with thy mainfulness, that thou outfit me so that I be shielded and prosperous and undamaged by poisons and water.

After this the plant is carried to obtain grace, to attract money, and to protect against snakes, poison, wild beasts, terror, the evil eye, and spirits. It is also placed over the door to protect the home.

Periwinkle is utilized in love spells and is thought to increase one’s passions when carried or sprinkled under the bed. When gazed upon it restores lost memories.