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Religion:
Religion:
Foxglove Academy
Basil
OCIMUM BASILICUM
Also known as sweet basil or common basil, this plant is probably the most commonly grown kitchen herb. It is recognizable by its shiny green to purple spear-shaped, serrated leaves and its spicy scent.
Its reputation over the centuries has been divided. with those on one side demonizing it with a variety of ridiculous side effects such as insanity, coma & spontaneous generation of scorpions, among other things; and those on the other side praising it as both a delicious condiment & medicine. In many countries basil was used to protect against evil and as a symbol of love.
Today basil is still used as common cooking herb, popular in pesto, & as a seasoning for many dishes & desserts.
Healing properties:
Relieves nausea, flatulence & bloating due to gas & helps digestion
An-inflammatory effects that ease arthritis pain
Antimicrobial properties
Fights breast cancer & heart disease
Helps with diabetes & high cholesterol
Protects the liver
Fights stress
Parts used: leaves
Collection: leaves are best harvested in summer before plant blooms
Aromatherapy:
Basil aromatherapy clears congestion in the head & chest. It can be beneficial for cold & flu symptoms, sinus & respiratory problems. It is also used to refresh & uplift while relieving tension.
Topically basil essential oil soothes insect bites, sore muscles and joint pain.
Read Intro to Aromatherapy
Magickal Properties
Associations
Element: Fire
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mars
Deities: Vishnu, Erzulie
Magical Uses
Basil is commonly added to love sachet, incense & spells. Fresh leaves can be used as a love perfume & it’s scent is said to sooth tempers & create sympathy between two people.
To encourage fidelity in a relationship, sprinkle powdered basil over you body, especially your heart, while your lover is asleep.
Basil can bring luck to a new home when given as a house warming gift.
When placed in wallet or carried in pockets, basil brings wealth. For a business, a basil leaf placed next to the cash register or widow sill will attract customers.
Basil is also popular as a protective herb. It is said that where basil is no evil can live (place it in all 4 corners of a room or sprinkle in on the ground). It is also used in exorcism incense & baths.
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Luck
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Energy
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Digestion
Powers
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Cleansing
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Protection
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Addiction
A form of Love Divination using fresh basil leaves:
Place two basil leaves together on a a live coal.
- If they stay still and burn fast, your love will be harmonious.
- If the leaves crackle, this signals quarrels in the future.
- If they separate, this signifies an undesirable relationship.
- Magic & Medicine of Plants, by Readers Digest
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, by Scott Cunningham
Sources:
Books:
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