Basil is an herb that many people have in their kitchen cabinets. From dried and in pots to having the whole plant in your kitchen. Basil is within reach for most people. It can be found in many stores and is often affordable. But what can we use basil for in witchcraft?
General information
Ocimum basilicum belongs to the mint family and is quite aromatic which means it has a lot of fragrance. It can be a tricky plant to care for and likes warm and dry places.
History
Basil has been used for many different functions over the centuries. In ancient Egypt it was used for embalming mummies. In ancient Greece there was a similar function, namely as a symbol for mourning. And the herbs originate from India thousands of years ago. That while it is now seen as typically Italian.
Symbolism and witchcraft
Basil is widely used in witchcraft. One reason for this is that it often has powerful features and is accessible. It not only symbolizes love and happiness, but also has protective powers. That is why it is often used in spells about love, money and luck.
According to Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magickal herbs, it can be used for love divination. By burning it, you can read whether a relationship will continue harmoniously or whether a relationship would break down. He also says that basicilicum is useful to have in your wallet to attract wealth. He mentions the following magical properties for basil: cleansing negativity, wealth, flying and protection.
Other properties:
- Masculine
- Mars
- Fire
Use of basil
As mentioned before, it can be used in spells. It can also be used in everyday cooking to add some magic. Think of a pasta with the intention to bring some extra luck. Look up more ingredients with this property and you'll get a dish that's not only tasty, but also has a little spell.
Placing a basil plant in the house or garden also helps. The plant will give off a strong odor and thus can release its powers with the right intention. Basil plants are for sale in many places. In some supermarkets they even have a complete basil plant for sale. With such a plant you always have fresh basil at home. Just be careful not to exhaust the plant by removing too much of its leaves.
