Basil is a small, leafy herb that many people grow easily in their own gardens or indoors in containers.
Other names
Latin: Ocimum basilicum among others
Common names: common basil, sweet basil
Using basil in rituals
As with many other herbs we've looked at so far, there are many different species of basil and they are usually interchangeable when it comes to doing magick. It's a popular herb for cooking and can be found in any grocery store, sometimes even in fresh form.
The primary correspondence for basil is prosperity and wealth. Other uses include protection spells and using basil to eliminate negative spirits in your home. Fresh basil leaves can be used in spells to mend tensions between 2 people.
Basil is particulary sacred in Hinduism, and is connected to Krishna and Vishnu. Many Hindus are buried with a leaf of basil and you will find basil plants in many Hindu temples.
Another folklore gem says that a bruised basil leaf will grow into a scorpion. Some even went so far as to say that smelling basil might create a scorpion in one's brain.
