Apothecary
Basil.
Ocimum basilicum
Also known as Witches' Herb, St Joseph's Wort
Called the Witches' Herb in old Italian kitchens, basil holds within its bright leaves a fierce protectiveness that masquerades as warmth. It draws love and prosperity to wherever it is placed — but cross the household it guards and you will find every door barred against you.
Correspondences
Element
Fire
Planet
Mars
Zodiac
Scorpio
Chakra
Heart
Parts Used
Leaves, flowers
Harvest
Summer
Practice
Magical Properties
Love, wealth, protection, exorcism, fidelity
Carry fresh basil to attract love and good fortune. Place in the cash register of a business to attract money. Burn to cleanse a space after conflict. Scatter leaves to drive away evil.
Mundane
Mundane Uses
Antimicrobial properties. Used in Ayurvedic medicine as an adaptogen (Tulsi variety).
Devotion
Deity Associations
Vishnu, Erzulie, Mars
History
Folklore & History
In India, Tulsi basil is considered sacred to Vishnu and kept in every home. Italian tradition says a pot of basil on the windowsill signals a woman is ready to receive a lover.
Safety
Safety Notes
Generally safe. Holy Basil (Tulsi) may interact with blood thinners.
This information is provided for educational and magical reference only. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using herbs medicinally.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Basil used for in witchcraft?
Basil is traditionally used in workings for love, wealth, protection, exorcism, fidelity. Carry fresh basil to attract love and good fortune.
What element is Basil associated with?
Basil is associated with the Fire element and the sign of Scorpio, and resonates with the Heart chakra.
What planet rules Basil?
Basil is ruled by Mars. In the classical planetary system, this gives the herb its characteristic energetic signature and indicates which workings it most readily amplifies and which planetary hours best suit it.
Is Basil safe to use?
Some care is required when working with Basil. Generally safe. Holy Basil (Tulsi) may interact with blood thinners. The information here is provided for educational and magical reference only — always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb medicinally.
In Your Practice
Track your work with Basil.
Record spells, rituals, and observations in your private digital grimoire.
Related
More Fire Herbs
Angelica
Sun
Tall and stately as the angel for whom it is named, angelica stands at the threshold between the mortal and the divine. …
Bay Laurel
Sun
The leaf the Pythia chewed before she spoke at Delphi still holds the breath of prophecy. Write a wish upon a bay leaf a…
Betony (Wood)
Jupiter
An unassuming purple-flowered cousin of the mints, betony was once the most feared and respected protective herb in medi…
Be among the first
Grimoire is now available on Android. Join the waitlist to be notified when iOS launches.