Magical Herbs - Basil

Basil (or Ocimum basilicum) is a herb that is just as comfortable at the dinner table as it is in a tincture or spell. It is a member of the mint family and flowers with small pale flowers in the summer.

Basil is a great ingredient for beginning hedgewitches or those that are learning about herbology because it's so easy to grow in home environments. Basil can easily be grown in pots in a kitchen or on a balcony, or in a backyard garden. This allows for a constant flow of fresh basil, as well as the knowledge that your dried basil is a high quality.

Basil is a masculine herb that is known by the names: Albahaca, American Dittany,"Our Herb," St. Joseph's Wort, Sweet Basil, Witches Herb, Njilika, Balanoi, and Feslien.

From Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs:
"Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Deities: Vishnu, Erzulie
Powers: Love, Exorcism, Wealth, Flying, Protection"

Magical Uses for Basil

• Used in love rituals because the scent of fresh basil brings out sympathy between people.
• Rub leaves directly on the skin to act as a type of love perfume.
• Used for love divinations.
• drop a leaf of basil in the hand of a lover. If it stays fresh then the lover has been true,, if it quickly withers then they have not.
• place two leaves on a live coal, if they still and burn quickly then the relationship will be harmonious; if the leaves crackle as they burn, the relationship will have quarrels; if the leaves fly apart with crackling the relationship is doomed.
• Carry it in your pocket to bring wealth.
• Scatter basil across the floor to keep evil away.
• Evil cannot live where there is basil.
• Symbol of love in Italy. A Pot of basil on a balcony is a public symbol that she is ready to receive suitors.
• Used in exorcisms and purification baths.
• Place small amounts throughout a house for protection.
• There are myths of witches drinking a cup of basil juice before flying.
• Basil given as a housewarming present will bring good luck to the new home.
• Basil may protect against scorpions or attract them.
• Basil tea is good for drinking during emotional negotiations or discussions.