Basil (extended)

Common Basil

General Info:

There are multiple varieties of Basil in the world; some speculate that there are up to 150 different types. This post will discuss what is the most known, and used variety as of late, Common Basil. Common Basil has also often gone by the names of Sweet Basil, St. Josephs Wart, American Dittany, and the Witches Herb. Scientifically however, it is known as Ocimum Basilicum. Basil is most commonly thought to have originated in India. Though there are some individuals who think it may have originated as far east as China. From there it has continues to spread all over the world.

Identify:
When identifying plants in the wild, a person needs to take care, and should never use something they are not one hundred percent sure about. Common Basil is identified in several ways. The easiest way would be by scent. It has a very distinct scent; simply rubbing the leaf between two fingers is the best way to smell it, as this releases the oils. Please note though, dried basil and fresh basil do not smell the same. If a person is unfamiliar with basils scent, it can also be identifies using sight. Common Basil has smooth green leaves. The edges of the leaves are not jagged, and have so serrations. They are fat looking leaves that slightly curl underneath at the edges, and can be as wide as an inch and a half at the center when fully grown. The leaves are shaped almost like an oval, but come to a point near the stem at the bottom of the leaf. If allowed to bloom, without being pruned or cut back, small white flowers will bloom. Basil, like most herbs does not have bark, or wood on it. So if the plant has a wooden stem, do not use it. The veins on a Basil leaf are easily seen. They are a light green color.

Growing:
Basil is a fairly easy plant to grow. It can be found in countries all over the world. When planting however keep in mind basil is best grown in warm, dry climates. Therefore, full sun would be best. Basil can be kept in a pot indoors, but it will not flourish as well as an outdoor plant would. In cooler climates, like New England, where frost and snow are going to occur Basil should be treated as an annual. However, if grown in warmer climates, where frost stays away, it can be treated as a perennial that will reseed itself, year after year.

Medical:
Medically, Basil is fantastic, and can be used to treat a variety of health problems. If boiled with Cardamom, in two quarts of water, then mixed with sugar and milk it can be taken as a fever reducer. This method is especially effective for young children. Basil is a natural anti-inflammatory, so it can be taken to help reduce swelling in the body. Also, as it comes from the mint family, basil has digestive aids in it. It is often used, like mints to help with cramping, vomiting, and constipation. More often than not, Basil is put into liquid form, such as teas, to aid with the above mentioned ailments. However, it can also be finely ground and put into capsules for convenience. Just chewing the leaf itself is good for oral health. It can reduce halitosis, as well as cure the mouth of any infections. To treat infections of the mouth, chew a few leaves twice daily.

Food:
Basil is perhaps most famous for its use in the world of foods! Common basil is mainly used in Mediterranean dishes. Though there are certainly enough varieties of basil to use in almost any dish. Basil is best used fresh, though dried will certainly be acceptable. When working with fresh basil, you should always tear, as opposed to cutting because it releases the juices better and is more potent. When adding basil to hot dishes, such as sauces, and soups, Basil should be added at the very end for maximum potency. Adding a handful of fresh uncut basil leaves to any salad, or chopped tomatoes can never go wrong. They are a delight and add that little extra something to put the salad over the top. Fresh basil should only be kept in the fridge for a day or two, after that it loses its potency and is no good. However, to keep it fresh longer, it can be blanched and then stored in the freezer.

Magick:
Just as Basil has an abundance of use in the kitchen, and quite a few ways to help keep a person healthy, it has just as many ways to be used magickally. To start off with it is quite popular in love magick. It can be used to test fidelity, keep a person faithful, and to help end lovers quarrels. One common way basil is used for love magick, is by sprinkling a bit of crushed basil in the bed, to keep a lovers heart true. Basil is used in magick involving money and luck as well. Often time’s individuals will keep a bit of Basil in their pockets when they go out gambling. It is also put in the corners of businesses to help attract customers. And last, but not least, it is used often for protection. Sprinkling Basil around a home can help in keeping the home safe. It is best to remember when using basil in magick that it is a fire element. It falls under the planet of Mars, and is also male in gender. While these seem like small details, when it comes to spell crafting, they can be important.

In closing, Basil is an herb most should carry in their home. Be it for magick, cooking, or healing. Possibly even for all three. 

FACEBOOK PAGE

So, I have decided to make a page, relating to the subject of green witchcraft on facebook. :)

You can find it here, and it would be so awesome if you guys could check it out! (keep in mind I just started it!)

Yule and Christmas

Yule and Christmas, one of the biggest controversies in the community this time of year.

Yes, I understand the whole "Christians stole december, yada yada... boo hoo." I also understand, that as a pagan, maybe this should upset me a bit more, but it doesn't.

We try to pretend that most Christians don't know the reason Christmas is celebrated in December, and thats just not true anymore. Most of them understand that Jesus wasn't born in december. What it really comes down to now, is TRADITION. Traditionally, for hundreds of years, that is when and how, and the way they have celebrated it, and you are probably not going to change that. Why would you want to? It doesn't bother me. Honestly, it just makes the world extra pretty for me to look at, with everyone putting up their sparkly decorations.

No, I don't appreciate pagan bashing and I will say Happy Holidays, instead of Blessed Yule, to avoid some conflict. I am not ashamed.  (though, Happy Holidays can sometimes get you in just as much trouble!)

This post is coming off much harder than I anticipated. I have just been so flustered lately, I hesitate even going to my facebook, because I KNOW there are going to be negative posts from both sides of the Fence. My Christian friends complaining that Christmas is being destroyed by the term "Happy Holidays" And My pagan friends complaingin that our holiday was stolen, and christians are arrogant bigots. It gets old.

What a beautiful time of year it is, why can't we all just get along? Appreciate the beauty around us. Accept that no one path is the "perfect" path.

I will end this rant, before I waste to much time, but I will leave you with this...

Have a Blessed Solstice, And May your Christmas, and New Year be just as bright.
I for one, will be celebrating them both. To appease both myself, and my Christian relatives.

Bright Blessings to All,
May the God and Goddess be ever present in your lives,
Rose

I am Thankful.

Today was a pretty great Thanksgiving, one of the best I've had in years. I was nervous, because of the people we had coming over, but it turned out great. Hestia really had my back. :)

I am thankful for so many things, but today the one thing that really come to mind, is the freedom of religion we have in this country. Now, that doesn't mean we aren't still persecuted.. but legally, we are free. And that hasn't always been the case, in the past we have had to hide. Hide, and die, if we were found out. Sometimes, I feel people forget that. I feel like it gets taken for granted. But not from me.

I am Thankful for it.

And I always will be.

Thanksgiving Tribute to Hestia

So, my family is coming over for Thanksgiving. WONDERFUL! (please, note sarcasm)
We originally were supposed to be going to my brothers, which was great, because if it got to overwhelming, I could just leave. But at the last minute things changed, so it's now going to be hosted here.
Its going to include a whole mesh of people, who don't really get along. So I decided to get the jump on Mojo-ing my house with feel good vibes. Much of it includes cleaning, with specific essences and oils, smudging, and all that. But I also decided to pay tribute to Hestia, Goddess of Hearth and Home, in the hopes that she will help me maintain the peace.

This is the altar I put together in her honor, it sits above our woodstove.

Magical Housekeeping

SO I bought a new book the other night.

Magical Housekeeping
by Tess Whitehurst

 I have to be honest, I am only like 13 pages in. However, this book has already inspired me. She writes about clearing clutter out of your life, both physical and emotional. Which is what I really need right now.

When I picked this book up, I thought it was going to be something completely different. And had I taken the time to read the first page, I may have put it down and said "not for me" but I'm glad I didn't.

Their are 10 types of physical clutter, some of which include paper, furniture, food, clothes, and even car clutter.

She includes a ritual to get you started, which includes drinking some tea, and lighting a single white candle.

I highly reccommend you check this book out!

Herbs A-Z : GINGER

Ginger

Photo Credit

AKA: Ginger root, African Ginger,

Planet : Mars

Gender : Masculine

Element : Fire

Mundane Uses : Ginger is a widely popular herb. It's uses are so diverse that I believe everyone should keep some on hand at all times.

Digestive wise, ginger helps protect and heal the gut. It is often used as a digestive aid. It increases an individuals saliva and stomach secretion production, which helps ease digestion without causing further discomfort. It is also used for relieving naseau.

Ginger helps in destroying the host of a virus. It also causes a person to sweat when ingested, which in turn, protects the skin from infection. Sweating is also helpful if you come down with a cold or flu, which is where to phrase “sweat it our came from”. The tea itself, also eases the symptoms associated with colds.

Although it has yet to be confirmed, researchers have found that ginger shows hope for being a possible anticancer agent. DRINK UP!

It helps relieve heartburn

Ginger has anti inflammatory agents in it, which assists with those suffering from arthritis or other conditions causing joint pain.

And if all of that wasn't good enough, ginger stands alone as an awesome tea, and a perfect additon to many dinner and dessert recipes!

Magical Uses: Magically Ginger is used in spells and working for the following : success, power, love, money, and healing.

To attract money and wealth to you or you, you can try planting whole ginger roots in the ground. These can often be found in your local health food store, or grocery store. Some have also been known to sprinkle dried ginger in their pockets, to attract money to them throughout the day.

If trying to obtain a job, you could perhaps make a sachet that included ginger in it for both money and success. Basil and Alfalfa would also be good to add in, as they both pertain properties related to good fourtune, and money matters. Also a bit of sage for luck wouldn't hurt!

It has been thought that consuming ginger before attempting spell work will add power to your workings. Especially in regards to love magic. I would suggest perhaps, making it apart of your regual magical ritual, try drinking a cup of ginger tea while preparing and centering yourself to begin.

It is told, that long ago, people would chew up ginger and then spit it out at the base of an illness. While I find that thought... disturbing, to say the least, using ginger in healing magic is not a bad idea. Obviously, just drinking the tea will aid with certain illnesses. You might also want to try sprinkling dried ginger underneath the sheets or matress of someone who is ill, to encourage speedy recovery.

Random Information :

Native to southeast asia, but can be found on almost every continent.

Dates back over 4,000 years, and has been used medicinally for the past 2,000.

Sources:

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/medical-uses-for-ginger-ga.htm

http://pagandreams2.blogspot.com/2007/11/magickal-properties-of-herbs-part-1.html

http://www.tarnablackelm.org/herbs/ginger.html::