Palm, Marjolane, Herb Mercury, Vervain

The aforementioned paragraphs were placed here partially due to the fact that Palm and Vervain are actual plants and Herb Mercury and Marjolane are actually not, specifically.

Although there are a genus (or type), of plant(s) referred to as mercurial or mercuries that are used in cooking and also for their scents in perfumes, like Basil and Oregano.

They can be assumed to be this or that plant but not in the actual the name(s) listed by the author, and so, once again, students fall victim to the author's curious sense of honor.

There are actually a good number of them I won't name here.

Palm: Symbolically the branch of the palm has represented victory in nearly every culture. In pre-Christian times the branch was given as reward to Roman military leaders

successful in battle or accomplished gladiators in the Roman Coliseum after victory.

In Jewish tradition also, during celebrations it was traditional to carry palms also signifying victory of some fashion. 

Whether good over evil or spirit over flesh, even the conquest of territories. Like taking over a city.

The date palm fruit was also commonly used in daily ritual. Considered as a Tree of Life in the Kabala also.

In the Muslim tradition it is told that Mohammed built his house from the palm tree and so it also bears symbolism that is related to comfort, home, hospitality and peace.

The Egyptians, Assyrians and Mesopotamians all had symbolic relations with the palm tree as bearing fertility, life and longevity of life. Peace, prosperity, victory and hospitality.

The palm has over 2500 species in its family, with around 250 types worldwide and grows in most every form as flower, shrub and tree.

Most of the species of palms grow in Tropical climates but there are also palms found in Ireland and Canada also. 

Depending on ocean currents and durations of cold temperatures in the area.

Of course the palm was seen as salvation to many a desert traveler not only due to the fact that when seen in the otherwise barren desert wilderness, the tree was evidence of

water but also the fruit that grows on the desert date palm is, of course, the date and would save someone from starvation.

The palm shows written origins as far back as 8000 years ago. 

Another well-known palm is the coconut palm, which has been a reliable source of sustenance, shelter, and a variety of other necessities over the millennium.

The palm was used as a sacred Christian item when the followers/worshippers of Christ laid palms and cloaks on the path of the mule upon

which Jesus was said to have traveled upon, riding triumphantly into Jerusalem, just prior to his final days.

The palm is still used by the Catholics for this significant time of religious history on Palm Sunday in which many religions, Lutheran, Protestant, etc will reenact the occurrence. 

Prior to those times the Egyptians also used them for a multitude of reasons from shelter, baskets, mats, bedding, fans, plates even forms of cover garments, headdress and fishing.

It's a multi-versatile plant, existing in a wide variety of species, varieties and usage.

Vervain: Vervain has also long been considered a sacred plant by many cultures throughout history.

Vervain is a perennial plant (mentioned earlier) with around 250 species. It grows in almost every climate and it's used in teas, perfumes,

medicines and certain liquors by different cultures around the world.

With its sweet fragrance and nectar it's known to attract well over 180,000 species of butterflies, moths, humming birds, honey bees, etc.

Its scent can vary depending on the species. Some are lemony some are rosy but all are pleasant to the senses.

In ancient Egypt vervain was referred to as the Tears of Isis.

With small flowers, in a variety of colors from white, pink, blue or purple, which grow in clusters and having a pentagram shaped leaf setting of five; its leaves are green with a

hairy texture. It's the plant that is said to have been used, to clean the wounds of Christ when he was removed from the cross. 

Thus the name Holy Herb was also given to vervain.

However it's been considered as a potent plant for the warding off of evil by either the drinking of its tea, hanging it in the home or even wearing it in a variety of fashions.