BASIL: Protection, Love Revered as a religious herbe, sacred to deities of the Hindu faith and interwoven in the everyday life as a funereal herbe. Areas of Europe, even though removed from knowledge of each other, all found basil as a symbol of love. Basil is used today as a Magickal herbe associated with the rites of initiation; with the need for courage in times of great difficulty, and in aiding the soul on its journey to the next place of being. It is of value in bringing compassion to those who share a meal, and is a herb which can bring kitchen magick to the cook. Basil has strong associations with the dragonlike Basilisk, which accounts for its contemporary association with salamanders and dragons. It is used today to invoke the presence of these astral and mythological creatures. It may be burnt as an incense to invoke them, or may be taken as a ritual drink to commune with these spirits. Basil is used widely today by those who desire further courage when preparing to experience Initiation. It provides the novice with the strength to pursue positive expansion to the most desirable limit. There is no specific means of use, but any approach will put you in touch with its energy. Basil has been planted on graves, and used in Rituals of the Dead as an incense. It must have been with serious thought that Solomon chose it when making his ritual tool to aspurge his temple. Basil is also a fertility herbe. It may be used to invoke Krishna and Vishnu, and releases us from the fears of having a psychic vision. Basil protects against the unknown, and from fears associated with spiritual growth. Astrological: Mars, Pluto, Scorpio Element: Water