====== Basil ======
---- dataentry herbs----
latin_names: Ocimum basilicum
folk_names: Albahaca, American Dittany, "Our Herb," St. Joseph's Wort, Sweet Basil, Witches Herb, Njilika, Balanoi, Feslien
gender_tags: Masculine
planet_tags: Mars
element_tags: Fire
deity_tags: Vishnu, Erzulie
effect_tags: Love, Exorcism, Wealth, Flying, Protection, Happiness, Peace, Money, Conscious mind
part_tags: fresh leaves, dried leaves
aroma_hidden: 1
----
===== Magical Uses =====
The scent of fresh basil causes sympathy between two people, and this is why it is used to sooth tempers between lovers. It is added to love incenses and sachets, and the fresh leaves are rubbed against the skin as a kind of natural love perfume. In Eastern Europe it was once thought that a young man would love any woman from whose hand he accepted a sprig of basil.
Basil is also used in love divinations. Place two fresh basil leaves upon a live coal. If they lie where you put them and burn quickly to ashes, the marriage (or relationship) will be harmonious. If there is a certain amount of crackling the life of the pair will be disturbed by quarrels. If the leaves fly apart with fierce crackling the projected relationship is undesirable.
Do you want to know if someone is chaste or promiscuous? Simply lay a sprig of fresh basil on their hand. It will immediately wither if that person is "light of love."
Basil brings wealth to those who carry it in their pockets, and is used to attract customers to a place of business by placing some in the cash register or on the doorsill.
The basil is also used to ensure that one's mate remains true. Sprinkle basil powder over your body thoroughly while he or she is asleep, especially over the heart, and fidelity will bless your relationship.
Basil is strewn onto floors, because where it is, no evil can live. It is also used in exorcism incenses and in purification baths. Small amounts are sometimes placed in each room of the house to bring protection.
Basil is also used to keep goats away from your property, to attract scorpions, and to prevent inebriation.
Witches were said to drink about 1/2 cup of basil juice before flying off into the air.
Basil can also be used to diet, but only by a second party's help, and without the dieter's knowledge. According to an ancient spell, a woman (or a man, presumably) will not be able to eat a bite from any dish if basil has been secretly placed beneath it.
Basil given as a gift brings good luck to a new home.
===== Aromatherapy =====
==== Lore ====
Those of us who know this herb in the familiar form of pesto sauce may be surprised at the rich history behind basil. In India in past times, the deceased were buried under the floors of houses. A pot of basil was placed on a window sill and carefully tended in the name of the deceased. The spicy odor which rose from the leaves naturally perfumed the air.
Basil was regarded with suspicion upon its introduction to Europe. The story arose (which was reported by Culpeper-see Bibliography) that a man smelled basil so often that it bred a scorpion in his head. Perhaps this was actually a headache caused by an overdose of the strong scent.
In the West Indies, basil is soaked in water and the scented liquid is sprinkled around stores to attract buyers and good luck.
==== Ritual Uses ====
Basil is used in either fresh or dried forms. The fresh leaves are fine and the plant is fun to grow. Use the dried herb if nothing else is available.
Basil has a rich, spicy scent. Most contemporary aromatherapists agree that it stimulates the conscious mind, refreshing it and reducing mental fatigue.
Because spicy scents are used to smooth decision-making, basil, with its mind-clearing properties, is ideal for this purpose. Simply crush a leaf and sniff while clearing your mind. The correct path will reveal itself.
The scent of basil is also ideal for elevating your spirits. Simply inhaling its fragrance makes it virtually impossible to remain upset or nervous. As long ago as the 16th century John Gerard wrote that “the smell of Basil...taketh away sorrowfulness...and maketh a man merry and glad.” When you’re next hit with the blues, call upon the energy of basil.
Basil has long been associated with money in folk magic. To attract increased money, inhale the odor and visualize your pockets bulging, your bank account accumulating a higher balance, or any other image which you associate with money.
This scent is also said to relieve headache (though it didn’t for that guy with a scorpion in his brain) and stimulates the appetite.
Do not use basil essential oil internally. Recent studies indicate that basil essential oil is hazardous and potentially toxic.