Periwinkle is a potent magical plant, and is considered the patron herb of witches. It is associated with Venus, the Goddess, and the element of Water.
Dried periwinkle flowers or periwinkle root may be used in love-drawing spells and charms, and the dried leaves are used in hoodoo to promote sexual desire and pleasure. Periwinkle leaves are said to protect against evil, baneful spirits, snakes, poison, wild beasts and terror. The dried leaves are good for smudging to clear away negative energy. Periwinkle is associated with memory; specifically, gazing at a periwinkle flower is said to bring back lost memories.
Periwinkle also has several associations with grieving, spirits and death, especially the death of young children. In European tradition, periwinkle was woven into crowns for deceased children at their burial. When planted on or near the grave of the beloved deceased, periwinkle helps parents overcome the grief of losing a child, and can also help comfort restless spirits of any age.