Herbs for
Lughnasadh by Unity
As we are
heading towards Lughnasadh, I thought I'd have a look at the magical properties
of a few herbs and plants that are not only growing at this time of year, but
that are associated with this, the first harvest festival of the year. I'll
also give you a few ideas on how to use these plants in your Lughnasadh
celebrations
Basil -
Ocimum basilicum
Planetary
ruler: Mars
Element:
Fire
Gender: Male
Magical
properties: Wealth, money, prosperity, exorcism, protection, happiness, peace
There are
several different varieties of basil including: Bush, Greek, sweet, Thai,
cinnamon, purple, lemon and mint. Grow indoors in Britain on a sunny windowsill
where it will also deter flies. It can be grown outside during the summer, but won’t
survive British winters.
Basil has
many connections with love. Rubbing the leaves on your skin is said to attract
love, it will also help to repel mosquitos.
Giving a
gift of basil is said to bring good luck and happiness to a new home.
Wear or
carry a sprig of basil to attract love or wealth. Keep a basil leaf in your
purse to attract money or if you own a business keep one in the till. An
infusion of basil can be used to wash your front door and floors to bring
protection, happiness and prosperity to your home.
Another name
for basil is Witch's herb, it was said that witches drank basil juice before
flying on their broomsticks. The dried leaves can be added to incense to aid in
astral projection, protection, happiness, peace and purification.
Basil is a
herb of death and immortality. It brings courage to those facing death,
particularly the symbolic death of initiation. This also makes it a good herb
for a Lughnasadh celebration when the Lord in his prime, prepares for his
sacrifice.
Lughnasadh
incense
2 parts
Frankincense
1 part basil
1 part rose
petals
1 part
mugwort
Sources:
A KitchenWitch's World of Magical Herbs and Plants - Rachel Patterson
Herbcraft -
Anna Franklin & Susan Lavender
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