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Hedgewitchery, Brews, & Potions: Basil, A Wit...

Hedgewitchery, Brews, & Potions: Basil, A Witches’ Herb

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I have dreams of making a meal I had on a beautiful night in Venice, Italy. It consisted of oversized crostini bread, with buffalo mozzarella, olive oil, fresh tomato, and a large, fresh piece of basil. After a late night I made a variation but included brie, instead of mozzarella, and added some balsamic and strawberries. It was eloquent, but missed one ingredient that I was too stingy to splurge on. Basil.

Basil has a rich history in pagan and folklore magick. It is a pungent herb with a distinct flavor that can help deter pests in the garden, especially when placed next to one of its culinary lovers, the tomato plant. Folklore herbalists have used it as a natural adaptogen, for it’s anti-bacterial qualities, anti-inflammatory qualities, and more.

Records have been found before 206 B.C.E. that said it only “exists to drive men insane”. For the Romans and Greeks, it was associated with hatred. To grow a proper crop of basil, one was supposed to swear and cuss when sowing the seeds. Of course, that ideology of basil has changed since it became a symbol of Love in Italy. Some areas of Italy associate it both with Love and Death.
 

There are 35 or more types of Basil, and I might guess anywhere it has been grown, it has interesting folklore. Some of the more commonly known are sweet bail, Thai basil, and holy basil (tulsi) in Indian Culture. Being sacred in India, it is not surprising that it is used in countless Ayurvedic recipes. I drink tulsi tea when I’m feeling stressed and it is said that it can block the cortisol hormone.

I can’t help but wonder if the lore comes from it’s ability to absorb negative energy, and somehow transmute it. Perhaps that is why it has been said to be in connection with the scorpion. In any case, it is the perfect time to include it in your magickal, Full Moon in Scorpio rituals.

Parkinson’s 17th Century herbal said:

“And away to Dr. Reason went I, who told me it was an herb of Mars, and under the scorpion, and, perhaps therefore called basilican, and it is no marvel if it carry a kind of virulent quality with it. Being applied to the place bitten by venomous beasts, or stung by a wasp or hornet, it speedily draws the poison to it. Every like draws his like . Mizaldus affirms, that being laid to rot in horse-dung, it will breed venomous beasts. Hilarius, a French physician, affirms upon his own knowledge, that an acquaintance of his, by common smelling to it, had a scorpion bred in his brain. Something is the matter this herb and rue will not grow together, no, nor near one another; and we know rue is as great an enemy to poison as any that grows.

To conclude. It expelleth both birth and after-birth; and as it helps the deficiency of Venus in one kind, so it spoils all her actions in another. I dare write no more of it.”

the house of twigs basil hatred witchcraft spell protection home thot

 

For magickal use, grab some of that basil growing in your windowsill or garden, or grocery store.

  • It is said the scent of Basil can connect or repel an unwanted lover, depending on the intention set.
  • It is an excellent addition to an incense blend for love, divination, or bringing in money. 
  • It was said if you carry bunches of basil in your pocket it would bring you money.
  • It was used as a protective herb by being sprinkled about the home. Consider adding it to a homemade floor wash!
  • Grow it in your home to add protection to your space. It does great in a windowsill, and the more often, you pick a few leaves and use it, the better it can grow
  • One of the less known traits of basil is that it was used in flying ointments or potions. Witches were said to fly after drinking ½ cup of basil juice. That said, empower that inner kitchen witch, and add it to your fresh juice before you start your day.
  • Just remember, it is also said that too much basil can be an abortive. This would go above and beyond a normal eating of the herb, so if you are pregnant, feel free to eat that pizza, pesto, or your favorite crostini recipe, and witch on.

  • Author Posts
Owner, Product Fabricator, Tarot Reader , The House of Twigs, Keven Craft Rituals, Queen Meb
Head Mistress of THoT, and THoT: the School of Ritual, Owner of Keven Craft Rituals, and q. Meb ~ Queen Meb the Portland witch shop with handmade skincare products, organic goods, tarot, metaphysical items, home & hearth decor, A practicing eclectic-solitary witch, she works with energy healing / reiki master, psychopomp and psychic work, witch attunements; specializing in tarot and channeling since 1995. Erika rides the cusp of the Alpha / Omega and favors the Morrighan, Isis, Hecate, Freya, and Cernunnos.
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Owner, Product Fabricator, Tarot Reader , The House of Twigs, Keven Craft Rituals, Queen Meb
Head Mistress of THoT, and THoT: the School of Ritual, Owner of Keven Craft Rituals, and q. Meb ~ Queen Meb the Portland witch shop with handmade skincare products, organic goods, tarot, metaphysical items, home & hearth decor, A practicing eclectic-solitary witch, she works with energy healing / reiki master, psychopomp and psychic work, witch attunements; specializing in tarot and channeling since 1995. Erika rides the cusp of the Alpha / Omega and favors the Morrighan, Isis, Hecate, Freya, and Cernunnos.

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