To harvest Basils for medicinal use, gather the herb fresh in July or when it is at its peak, just before flowering. Continue to harvest until the first frost.
For a quick look at ten different varieties of Basil at a glance, check out these pictures of basil at garden.com, now www.burpee.com .
Magical Use:
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Deities: Vishnu, Erzulie
The magical uses of Basil are as widespread and varied as its folklore and history. While the varieties of the herb do share some significant associations, magically the properties of Bush Basil and Sweet Basil differ slightly as well. Bush Basil is appropriate for incenses and rituals to do with death and passing, while Sweet Basil is more ideal for those working with initiation rituals, purification ceremonies, cleansings or certain types of dragon energy.
Both varieties of Basil share the following properties:
The scent of fresh Basil is said to calm emotions between lovers, and induces empathy between people. You'll find it often added to love sachets or incenses for love divination. Cunningham tells in his Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, that casting Basil leaves upon glowing coals or an individuals hand can indicate the success of a relationship or indicate chasteness. Cunningham suggests a sprinkling of basil over one's body while your lover is asleep will ensure fidelity in the relationship.
Basil is also said to bring fortune in the areas of money. Combined with its cleansing and protective nature, Basil makes a good addition to house blessing or space blessing herbal mixtures.
Basil is also said to be an ingredient in some of the 'flying mixtures', Cunningham mentions "Witches were said to drink about ½ a cup of basil juice before flying off int the air". I wouldn't suggest trying this at home!
So, did you have any idea what a versatile little herb this culinary favorite would turn out to be? There's nothing basic about Basil! Enjoy!
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