This week’s magical herb is basil. Basil is fragrant, bright, pungent and slightly peppery in flavor. Basil is one of the flavorings used in Chartreuse. Basil is also what makes up the ever-popular pesto.

Latin Name: Ocimum basilicum

Other Names: Sweet Basil, Thai Basil, St. Joseph’s Wort

Gender: Masculine

Element: Fire

Planet: Mars

Sign: Aries, Scorpio

Day: Tuesday

Deities and Beings: Aine, Aradia, Ares, Ezrulie, Freya, Jupiter, Krishna,

Loki, Mars, Obatala, Ogoun, Seth, St. Joseph, Vishnu

Parts Used: Leaf, stem

Magical Uses: Anti-sorcery, exorcise negativity (burn), fidelity (placed on heart), flying, good luck, love, mend lovers’ quarrels, money, prosperity, protection (sprinkle in corners of home), protection in crowds, purification, success, sympathy (worn), uncrossing

If you’re interested in more magickal herbs, check out the full Magical Herb of the Week series.

Want to know even more about magical herbs? Check out The Herbal Magic Correspondences Guide for information on nearly 600 herbs and plants.

Briana Blair

Briana Blair is an author and artisan. She has published more then 30 books and thousands of articles across multiple sites. After practicing Paganism and witchcraft for 25 years, she's now on a journey as an atheist and skeptic. She's eclectic, unpredictable, and always evolving. Facebook - Twitter