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Episode 210: The Magical Properties of Plants pt. 9
531 Plays7 days ago
Welcome back, Witches! This week we're continuing our Magical Properties of Plants series with Part 9, where we're diving into the enchanting world of Basil and Star Anise. From protection, prosperity, and love workings to psychic enhancement, spiritual cleansing, and manifestation, these two powerful botanicals have earned their place in magical traditions around the world. We'll explore their folklore, correspondences, and practical magical uses, along with ways to incorporate them into your own practice. So get in, Loser, because this week we're heading to the herb cupboard and uncovering the magic of Basil and Star Anise.
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Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio- The Witch
Resources
- Renae Colbert (2024). The Magic of Star Anise: A Journey Through History, Uses, and Benefits. Herbal Connection.
- Professor Eldrin Nightshade. (2026). The Herbarium: Star Anise- The Eight Pointed Star of Chinese Medicine. The Seventh Atelier.
- The Season of Anya (2026). Star Anise Magickal Properties: Witchcraft for Beginners. The Season of Anya.
- 1st Chinese Herbs (n.d.). Ba Jiao Hui Xiang: TCMs Go To Herb for Cold Hands, Poor Digestion and low Qi. 1st Chinese Herbs.
- Mars, Brigitte. The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine. Basic Health Publications Inc. Chapter 3.
- Beyer, Rebecca. The Complete Folk Herbal. (2025)
- Haynes, Rebecca. The Mundane and Magickal Uses of Basil. (2023) Curious Cauldron.
- Using Basil in Witchcraft: A Magical Herb for Love, Prosperity, and Protection. (2024). Witchy Hour.
Recommended
Transcript
Introduction to Witchcraft and Magical Plants
00:00:00
Speaker
Do you feel drawn to learn more about witchcraft and the occult, but feel lost on where to start? Then welcome to Get In Loser, We're Doing Witchcraft, a podcast all about what it means to be a witch and where to get started on your journey.
00:00:12
Speaker
Join us as we navigate through various witchy topics and share what we've learned about the craft. So get in witches for part nine of our magical properties of plants series. This time we're taking a closer look at star anise and basil.
Experiencing Ghent's Unique Atmosphere
00:00:37
Speaker
i went to the cutest little bar in ghent cute without realizing it was a michelin bar
00:00:51
Speaker
when two the cutest little bar again without realizing it was a michelin bar Oh.
00:01:02
Speaker
It was so good. Yeah. Was it like super expensive or anything or was it like pretty recently priced? So we knew going into it that it was set up kind of like a speakeasy, like it's hidden in a hotel.
00:01:14
Speaker
so I assumed drinks would already be expensive. So that was not the shocker. Like 20 euro a drink, that's kind of on par for a speakeasy in the States, you know? It's not that bad. Yeah. So the the price wasn't the shocker, but we got there and it had the Michelin star on the building. And I was like,
00:01:32
Speaker
What? They were some of the best cocktails we have had in our lives, like ever. Anthony's first one, it was like a, um it was a whiskey drink. I don't remember, like it wasn't like an old fashioned, but it was like this fancy, what is this what is it called? Like when it's theirs, Signature.
00:01:50
Speaker
i was like i was i don't know It was a signature whiskey drink and it came out with an edible spoon that had these like seasoned pieces of popcorn on them. And you would eat the popcorn and then take a drink of the drink and it changed the whole flavor of it.
00:02:05
Speaker
And then mine had like a little raspberry cracker thing that they made that you did the same thing and it was phenomenal. That sounds so cute. It was super cute.
00:02:16
Speaker
it Like the atmosphere was so nice, like the vibes in there. All of the bartenders were so knowledgeable because we were like, oh, you know, these are what we like. And then they'd be like, okay. And then we'd come back with this like crazy drink that was like on par. Yeah. So it was a really cool little place.
00:02:33
Speaker
10 out of 10 recommend if you ever go to Ghent in Belgium, go to The Cobbler. even the name. I know. and even like the bartenders wore like a uniform. So they had like these vests with like button up shirts underneath and like little blue pants. Yeah. Yeah.
00:02:51
Speaker
And our waiter had like a crazy handlebar mustache with like little curled hair at the end. It was just like a whole vibe. Yeah. That sounds so cute. Yeah, I liked it a lot.
00:03:03
Speaker
It was definitely a cute little bar. i When we were younger and we lived in Germany, we used to go to Brussels a lot, which is a huge party city, but it was also like a vibe and we would have so much fun. And we've gone a couple times with friends since we've been back and it's just like not really our scene anymore. Like we still love Belgium, but like we just weren't really like vibing with the party vibe anymore being older.
00:03:28
Speaker
And when we found Ghent and started going out there, it's just a completely different vibe, I guess. Like nobody is out there just trying to get trashed and party and like drink. Everybody's just there to enjoy the experience. And everything's just a little bit like more elevated. i love it so much. Yeah, that's nice. Yeah. Yeah.
00:03:46
Speaker
It's like one of the few actual like big cities that I like. So I'm not like a city girl. i love it. I love a big city. I love exploring big cities. He wants to live in a big city. And I was like, fine, if you want to live in a big city, we can live in Gansk.
00:04:02
Speaker
and He's like, okay, like don't threaten me with a good time. He started looking at how do you expat to Ghent. I mean, retirement is just around the corner. so Right, yeah. So it could be a possibility. Yeah. I mean, we're looking at not coming back to the States right now like with the climate and just – yeah. So I don't know. We've been looking at Spain. We've been looking at now Ghent.
00:04:25
Speaker
And then obviously we have a house here in Germany. It's just harder. there Yeah, certain trade-offs. But then, yeah, it's – there's pros and cons with both. Yeah, yeah. We've just really been looking at a lot of that stuff now with with that being so close and around the corner, which is terrifying.
00:04:42
Speaker
is Yeah, it is. Yeah. But we're not talking about where Tiffany is going to be living in the future. no we're not. What are we talking about today?
The Magical and Medicinal Properties of Star Anise
00:04:54
Speaker
We are talking about the magical properties of star anise and basil. Yes, which while and I were talking about this, I was like, what plant do I want to cover? And we keep a little list of the plants we've covered and basil wasn't on there. So if we have covered Basil in the past and we're just missing it at some, like somewhere, sorry, i guess. Maybe we'll get new information. Yeah, i we haven't. Because i even searched in, um like, our drive just to see, like, just Basil and there was not a dedicated episode. Which also just seems insane to me that we would not have covered Basil. Yeah.
00:05:35
Speaker
I think we've just like covered it here and there, like but not like- Minimally, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So yeah. And the same with star anise. I was surprised that we hadn't covered star anise yet either, but here we are. Both amazing little herbs, plants, and however you want to use them that we both use very often in our own practices. So this was a fun little episode to research.
00:06:02
Speaker
So I guess I will kick it off. I'm going to cover Star Anise. And Anise is also known as, and I apologize if I screw up this pronunciation because it is Chinese, but it's Ba Ziao Hui Xiong, or the Chinese Star Anise, the Eight-Pointed Spice, the Star of China, Sacred Star, Witch's Star, or Dragon Spice.
00:06:27
Speaker
It's scientifically known as Elysium verum, and it originated in Southeast Asia, particularly in China and Vietnam, and is deeply rooted in Chinese medicine.
00:06:38
Speaker
Star anise comes from an evergreen tree that is more closely related to a magnolia than like a conifer or a pine type evergreen tree. And the tree itself usually grows to be about 15 to 30 feet tall with glossy lance shaped leaves and pale yellow to pinkish flowers.
00:06:57
Speaker
The spice itself is the dried fruit pod that grows on the tree. And the star anise fruit is harvested while it's still green and unripe, and as it matures and dries, the fruit forms the recognizable star shape that we all know as star anise.
00:07:13
Speaker
And each star is a collection of eight seed pods called carpels, and in the inside point of the star is a little brown seed. In traditional Chinese medicine, star anise is considered a warming spice that that is associated with moving cold and supporting circulation and digestion.
00:07:29
Speaker
Star anise was introduced throughout Europe in the 16th century when Sir Thomas Cavendish brought it from the Philippines along the Silk Road trade route. And once it was brought into Europe, it became a very popular...
00:07:41
Speaker
little spice in both cooking and in perfumes. And like many other imported spices during the time, star anise was considered a luxury item associated with trade, prosperity, and status. Star anise has a very distinct licorice flavor and is used in both savory and sweet dishes. So you'll find it in things like the Chinese five spice powder, Vietnamese pho, garam masala, eggnog, chai lattes, as well as in marinades, liqueurs, and liquor,
00:08:11
Speaker
potpourri, baked goods, and other desserts. Looking at the folklore and history surrounded, er Looking at the folklore and history for Star Anise, there aren't any surviving myths or folklore stories that I found while doing my research on Star Anise. However, most of what I found when looking at the folklore and history ties Star Anise to specific folkloric themes. Star Anise historically has been tied to warmth, hospitality, health, and protection in everyday folk traditions, especially in China and other parts of Asia where it originates.
00:08:42
Speaker
The eight-pointed shape of the star anise was symbolically important because the number eight is associated with luck, prosperity, and abundance. Because of this, anise was often incorporated into New Year's foods, prosperity cooking, and household protection practices.
00:08:58
Speaker
In traditional folk remedies, anise was commonly used to aid in digestion, to warm the body during the cold months, and to help with coughs and other respiratory illnesses, and to flavor medicinal teas and tonics.
00:09:10
Speaker
It was associated with comfort and recovery and is connected to preserving the well-being within the home. Sailors in southern China and South Asia would also carry stardines on long voyages and they would either chew it whole or brew it in teas as a form of Dramamine for motion sickness and to keep the stomach grounded. This practice was passed down through generations of merchants and sailors.
00:09:33
Speaker
It was also traditionally added to fatty dishes like pork belly, duck, and oxtail, not because of the flavor per se, but because it was said to prevent food stagnation and help break down rich or heavy meals.
00:09:46
Speaker
In Taoist folk traditions, star anise was also burned as a way to push out cold demons from the home and the body. And during epidemic outbreaks, local healers would include star anise to open the chest and prevent seasonal illnesses.
00:10:01
Speaker
Over time, star anise began to be known as a symbol of wealth and prosperity, and it began to symbolize hospitality, good fortune, abundance, and a well-provided household. The natural star shape of the star anise is also tied into folklore as well and symbolized guidance, fate,
00:10:17
Speaker
heaven, and protection during travel. In Christianity and some European traditions, star anise became associated with Christmas due to its star shape being reminiscent of the Star of Bethlehem and because of its flavor appearing in mulled wines, seasonal decor, and baking.
00:10:32
Speaker
Looking at the herbalism and medicinal uses of star anise, in traditional Chinese medicine, it has been used for centuries as the go-to herb for warming the middle jiao. And this is to ease gas, promote healthy breathing, and to ward off unwanted microbes.
00:10:49
Speaker
In traditional Chinese medicine, its category is for herbs to warm the interior and expel cold. And the meridians entered are the stomach, the spleen, and kidneys.
00:10:59
Speaker
It is commonly combined in traditional Chinese medicine with fresh ginger or tangerine peels for digestive discomfort. And as for the dosage, in traditional Chinese medicine, it is usually three to six grams in a decoction or 1-2 grams in powdered form.
00:11:16
Speaker
Looking at herbalism as a whole outside of traditional Chinese medicine, star anise has a plethora of health benefits and herbal uses. In terms of immune support, shikimic acid naturally occurs in star anise and is used in the production of some antiviral medications.
00:11:32
Speaker
Traditionally, star anise was also used to help relieve bloating, indigestion, gas, and nausea, particularly in warming teas and digestive tonics. So basically like the herbal Pepto-Bismol. Do you remember that song?
00:11:45
Speaker
like I was singing it to Mike and Emily the other day and they're like, how do you know that song? Where it's like nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea. You're like, why do you know? like did you did you It was just on the TV all the time. What do you mean? yeah like why did you Why do you know all of the ways you can use Pepto-Bismol? And I'm like, there was a song... they had a little ditty.
00:12:09
Speaker
So basically you can look at star anise as that. I don't know helps with diarrhea, but it's supposed to help with like other discomfort. Star anise has Star anise also has antioxidant properties and contains flavonoids and polyphenols, which helps to combat oxidative stress within the body.
00:12:29
Speaker
Traditionally, star anise has been used to fight infections because it has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, and it's also believed to have phytoestrogenic properties that can help balance hormones.
00:12:41
Speaker
Star anise also contains anethyl, which is the compound responsible for its licorice flavor and smell. Anithal is also found in the aniseed and fennel and contributes to many of the spices' traditional digestive and soothing uses. There's an important note here. There is an herb that is very similar in species called the Japanese star anise, scientifically known as Elysium aniseatum. However, this herb is actually toxic and shouldn't be consumed.
00:13:08
Speaker
Japanese star anise looks similar, but the shape is more irregular and the aroma is also different and smells more like cardboard than licorice. And it tastes bitter. So if you're eating something that you think is star anise and it's not sweet, it's bitter, and you're probably going to die.
00:13:23
Speaker
Yeah. I don't know. it It might be dramatic, but it's toxic. And there are also cautions for using star anise if you are pregnant or are taking an antiviral prescription. So as we say with everything, do your own research there. But there is a lot of modern scientific research that supports the benefits of using star anise. A study in 2020 details its antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and gastroprotective properties. Another study in 2022 found that star anise has anti-obesity and cholesterol-lowering effects in rats who are on high-fat and high-sugar diets.
00:14:00
Speaker
And 2021 study shows how star anise extract can be used to help stop certain dangerous bacteria like MRSA from becoming harder to kill. And there's still a lot more research that needs to be done on that.
00:14:12
Speaker
Particularly, like it's not going and you can't use star anise to treat MRSA, but it can help stop MRSA from being as deadly as... it currently is, if that makes sense. But there's some more research going on with that.
00:14:25
Speaker
This is something that as herbalists, we struggle to make people understand is that like, while all of these herbs can help prevent things, can help, you know, with all kinds of ailments, you should never turn to just herbs when you have an actual illness.
00:14:43
Speaker
They should be used in conjunction with modern medicine. There's a reason we have modern medicine. So you should use them hand in hand together. ah Yes. And say if you're wanting to use it hand in hand with modern medicine and you're wanting to use star anise in a tea or infusion, it's best to use one to two whole stars or two to three individual points per two cups of water.
00:15:06
Speaker
And you can gently break the stars to release the essential oils, add it to water and boil for 10 to 15 minutes. And you can sip this tea after meals for digestive support and it's naturally caffeine free. So you can have it in the evening as well as to help you relax.
00:15:21
Speaker
Then looking at some magical uses for the star anise. In modern witchcraft, star anise is associated with protection, psychic awareness, luck, and spiritual clarity. For magical correspondences, the element that is associated with are air or fire, depending on the tradition. The planet associated with star anise is Jupiter and the sun.
00:15:43
Speaker
Energies associated with star anise are protective, uplifting, and clarifying energies. The chakras associated with star anise are the third eye and the solar plexus. And for as far as gender associations, sometimes star anise is considered masculine in older correspondence systems, but that's kind of all I found about that. So, I mean, I don't know.
00:16:05
Speaker
In modern magical folklore surrounding Star Anise, it often sees the pod itself as a symbol of the crossroads and cosmic balance. And because the spice naturally forms a star shape without any sort of human interference, there are some who view Star Anise as a magical...
00:16:20
Speaker
as magical on its own and a powerful tool in manifestation or spirit communication. And looking at some common magical uses, it's used in protection a lot, in warding sachets, protection jars, in cleansing spells, and home protection workings. And if you're wanting to use star anise in a protective working, you can use it in conjunction with a charcoal disc. And so what you will do is you'll place your charcoal disc in a mini cauldron or some other fire safe incense burner Light the charcoal disc and allow it to fully heat, then place one or two star anise pods on the charcoal disc to release smoke to cleanse your space.
00:16:55
Speaker
It can be used for psychic and spiritual work, and star anise is often used in divination tea blends, meditation incense, or in ancestor or a spirit communication.
00:17:05
Speaker
For luck and prosperity, which is how I've often used star anise, it's used in money bowls, prosperity spells, and any other business workings. And because of its smell, star anise is very popular in purification rituals, in smoke cleansing, simmer pots, and ritual washes. And then in kitchen witchcraft, star anise is a very popular in kitchen witchcraft for infusing intentions into food and drink during seasonal winter magic specifically, in hearth-focused rituals, and any sort of comfort or abundance workings.
00:17:36
Speaker
And that is star anise. I love that we picked these two herbs for this episode because both of these are such accessible herbs to everybody.
Exploring Basil's Historical and Magical Significance
00:17:47
Speaker
And again, this is not something that we did on purpose. Nope, it's not. We just tend to do that. So on to basil. Basil is one of those plants that seems extremely basic at first, but once you start digging into the history and the folklore, it becomes clear that people have considered it sacred, protective, and even royal for thousands of years. Basil goes by a lot of names depending on the culture and the tradition. So you might hear it called Basilicum, St. Joseph's Wort, Basilinkraut, Krishnamaila, or Talasi, which is connected to the sacred holy basil that's used heavily in Hindu traditions.
00:18:25
Speaker
Its botanical name is Osamum Basilicum, and it belongs to the Lameciae family, which is the mint family. If you've ever grown mint, rosemary, lavender, or sage, basil is part of that same aromatic family line. The word osamom comes from the ancient Greek word akamon, meaning to smell, which makes sense because basil is incredibly fragrant. And basilicum comes from the Greek basilicon, meaning kingly, royal, or a valiant herb. So basil has literally been associated with royalty for centuries.
00:19:00
Speaker
Basil is native to parts of Africa and Asia, though today it's grown basically everywhere in home gardens and kitchens around the world. Physically, basil is a fast-growing annual herb that usually reaches about two feet tall. It has rich green oval-shaped leaves that grow opposite of each other along the stem. And if you look closely, the stems are square, which is a classic trait for plants of the mint family.
00:19:26
Speaker
Basil also grows small white flowers that bloom in little spikes towards the top of the plant. And if you've ever thought about growing basil yourself, it's actually one of the easiest herbs to start with. It's super beginner friendly. Basil loves full sun, well-draining soil, and moderate watering.
00:19:43
Speaker
It grows quickly and abundantly, especially during warmer months. Plus, basil does more than just taste good. It's also a natural insect repellent, and it's an amazing companion for tomato plants. Gardeners swear by planting basil near tomatoes because it helps deter pests while also improving the flavor of the tomatoes themselves.
00:20:02
Speaker
So looking at the folklore and history, basil has an incredibly rich history in folklore and spiritual traditions across the world. In ancient India, basil, especially holy basil or tulsi, was considered sacred to the god Vishnu and his incarnation Krishna.
00:20:19
Speaker
It was treated with immense reverence and devotion. and Tulsi was sometimes sworn upon in court, which I thought was really cute, and basil-infused water was even used in funeral rites and to bathe the dead.
00:20:33
Speaker
The plant was considered so holy that people believed you should never pick a basil leaf carelessly. Traditionally, you were supposed to offer a prayer or ask for forgiveness before harvesting it.
00:20:44
Speaker
The ancient Egyptians also used basil as part of their embalming process, connecting it with death, preservation, and the afterlife. Across many cultures, basil became known as an herb of protection, prosperity, luck, and purification. In European folklore, people would hang basil above doorways or windows to ward off evil spirits and negative energy. In Mexican folk traditions, basil was associated with money and fidelity.
00:21:11
Speaker
Carrying basil in your pocket was believed to attract wealth or help keep a lover faithful. And in Italy, basil became deeply connected with romance. There's an old tradition that says if a woman placed a pot of basil on her balcony, it would signal that she was ready to receive her lover or a suitor.
00:21:28
Speaker
So depending on where you look, basil has been seen as sacred, protective, romantic, and even funerary all at once, which honestly makes it one of the most magically versatile herbs out there.
00:21:40
Speaker
In some ancient Greek traditions, basil had a surprisingly darker reputation. So certain beliefs connected it with hatred, poverty, or misfortune. And there were even superstitions that basil would only grow properly if you shouted curses or insulted it while planting it, which I found hilarious. It's interesting how like one culture can see basil as this like sacred and like lucky plant while others viewed it with like suspicion or mean to it to get it to grow. Yeah.
00:22:12
Speaker
During the Middle Ages and parts of Europe, Basil was sometimes believed to offer protection against mythical creatures and harmful influences, including basilisks, which I know we have talked about this prior on the podcast. So if you don't know what the basilisk is, they are a legendary serpent-like creature whose name may have contributed to Basil's association with protection and power.
00:22:35
Speaker
In Haitian voodoo and some Afro-Caribbean traditions, basil has been used in cleansing and purification rituals. It's often included in spiritual baths or floor washes intended to remove negativity, attract blessings, and spiritually refresh a home or person.
00:22:54
Speaker
In Romanian folklore, basil became associated with love and destiny. Young women were said to place basil beneath their pillows on certain feast days in hopes of dreaming about their future husband. Some traditions believed basil could bring peace and happiness to a household simply by being grown near the home, which is part of why it became such a common plant in kitchen gardens and near entrances.
00:23:18
Speaker
So looking at herbalism and medicinal uses for basil, from an herbalist perspective, basil is considered energetically pungent, bitter, warming, and dry. Traditionally, basil has been used for a huge variety of medicinal purposes.
00:23:33
Speaker
Herbalists classify it as an antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, circulatory stimulant, digestive aid, expectorant, febrifuge, galactogage, a nervine, and a mild sedative. In simpler terms, basal is thought to help warm the body, stimulate circulation, calm the stomach, support the lungs, and help clear dampness or stagnation within within the body.
00:24:02
Speaker
Historically, basil has been used to support people dealing with things like colds, coughs, bronchitis, asthma, headaches, nausea, stomach aches, constipation, anxiety, exhaustion, depression, and even rheumatism.
00:24:16
Speaker
It's also been traditionally used after childbirth to help encourage the expulsion of the placenta. Topically, basil can be incredibly soothing too. Fresh basil made into a poultice has been used for insect bites, acne, and ringworm.
00:24:31
Speaker
As a gargle or mouthwash, basil tea has traditionally been used to help with thrush and mouth irritation. And when cooled and used as an eye wash, people believed it could help tired, strained eyes feel more refreshed.
00:24:45
Speaker
Basil essential oil when properly diluted in a carrier oil, which is very important if you are using essential oils, know how to dilute them so that you don't burn your skin.
00:24:55
Speaker
Basil essential oil is also commonly used to soothe sore or tense muscles, and honestly, even just throwing crushed fresh basil into a warm bath can help with this as well.
00:25:06
Speaker
Generally speaking, basil is considered fairly safe for most people when used normally in culinary or herbal amounts, and it doesn't have any major contraindications. Basil has also traditionally been used to help support mental clarity and focus.
00:25:21
Speaker
In some herbal traditions, especially those involving holy basil or tulsi, it's considered an adaptogenic herb, meaning it may help the body better cope with stress while promoting a calmer, more balanced nervous system.
00:25:36
Speaker
Because of this, basil teas and tinctures are often used during periods of burnout, mental fatigue, or emotional overwhelm. Magically speaking, basil has one of the longest and most widespread histories of use in folk magic and spiritual practice.
00:25:53
Speaker
Today, basil is most commonly associated with love, prosperity, abundance, protection, purification, and success. In magical correspondences, basil is connected to the planets Mars and Jupiter. Mars gives it protective and energizing qualities while Jupiter ties it to luck, expansion, prosperity, and abundance.
00:26:14
Speaker
Its primary element is fire with a secondary connection to air, and its energetic polarity is considered yang. Spiritually, basil is often connected to the heart chakra, especially in workings focused on emotional healing, self-love,
00:26:30
Speaker
reconciliation, and attracting healthy relationships. It's also associated with deities tied to love, prosperity, fertility, and war, depending on the tradition being practiced.
00:26:42
Speaker
Basil is often viewed as a guardian herb as well, used to invite protection from ancestors, spirits, or household guardians. Flower essences made from basil are believed to help release things that no longer serve you.
00:26:54
Speaker
They're also associated with integrity, self-nurturing, emotional balance, and encouraging humanitarian or compassionate motivations. Basil is often used in purification rituals before spell work or divination because it's believed to clear stagnant or negative energy while inviting clarity and protection into a space.
00:27:15
Speaker
Many practitioners will add basil to floor washes, spiritual baths, or smoke cleansing blends for this purpose. Some folk magic traditions associate basil with success and confidence, making it a great herb to include in workings related to career growth, public speaking, motivation, or personal empowerment. Its fiery energy is thought to encourage courage and forward movement.
00:27:38
Speaker
In spell work, basil is especially popular for love magic, money drawing, prosperity work, and protection. It can be used to attract new love, strengthen loyalty, and fidelity in relationships, or encourage harmony within the home.
00:27:53
Speaker
For prosperity magic, basil is often added to wallets, cash registers, money bowls, or prosperity sachets to attract abundance and financial luck. Protectively, basil is used to ward against negativity, jealousy, gossip, and unwanted spiritual influences.
00:28:10
Speaker
It's also incredibly versatile in practice. Basil can be infused into magical oils, added into spiritual baths, burned in incense blends, carried in charm bags, or included in kitchen witchcraft recipes. You can also create protective pillows, sachets, or herb bundles with basil to place near doors, windows, or under pillows for blessings and protection.
00:28:32
Speaker
And honestly, one of the reasons basil has remained so beloved in magical traditions is because it's approachable. It's easy to grow. It's easy to work with. It smells incredible. And it carries this really warm, abundant energy that makes it feel welcoming even to beginners.
00:28:49
Speaker
Sleeping with basil under your pillow is said in some traditions to encourage prophetic dreams, attract love, or provide spiritual protection while sleeping.
Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser
00:28:59
Speaker
Basil can also be placed near entryways, windows, or cash registers, like I said before, to invite prosperity into the home while simultaneously keeping out unwanted energies and harmful intentions. But that is it.
00:29:14
Speaker
That's basil. Wow, that is basil. Precious little basil.
00:29:30
Speaker
That's a wrap on this episode of Get In Loser, We're Doing Witchcraft. We hope you had as much fun as we did. If you love this episode, we'd be eternally grateful if you left us a five-star review wherever you listen to your podcasts. It helps more witches, seekers, and magical misfits find our show.
00:29:45
Speaker
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00:29:58
Speaker
Just check the show notes for the link or search Get In Loser We're Doing Witchcraft on Supercast and Patreon. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at Get In Witches, or email us at we'redoingwitchcraft at gmail.com.
00:30:11
Speaker
Join us next week as we sit down with author Eric Arcadian to talk about his practice and his newest book on alchemical wisdom. Until then, stay magical, stay curious, and as always, blessed be witches.