Basil

Basil is also known as Sweet Basil, Common Basil and Saint Joseph’s Wort, with the the botanical name of Ocimum basilicum. Basil has many varieties that are often annuals, with the occasional perennial variety. In magical use, burning it rids of negativity from the home, and its scent is of protective power.
　
Ocimum basilicum is specifically an annual that is easily grown within full sun or partial shade. Plenty of moisture and drained soil is needed, with times of drought not being of favoured by this plant. Basil can be grown in pots and its leaves to be harvested when young. The pH of the soil is loved at 6.0 by Basil.
　
Butterflies and insects are attracted by Basil into the garden, while white flies are repelled. The seeds of Basil should be sown into the ground in spring or early summer. Frost and the overall cold isn’t enjoyed by this plant, and shouldn’t be grown next to rue (Ruta family).

Magical Properties

I did mention in my last post that I should check up the magical properties of the plants I am attempting to grow. And what I have found for marigold is that it is associated with the element of fire and the sun. It is also said that a fresh marigold flower worn to court for a favourable outcome of a trial and if you place marigold in your mattress you will have prophetic dreams while if you place marigold under your mattress it will make you dream come true. One could also string marigold around the outside of doors to stop evil from entering the house.

Zinnia is said to have friendship encouraging powers and that is sadly the only data found. Snapdragons, however, I find interesting as it is said to have protective powers. A vase with fresh snapdragons on an alter is suggested while performing protective rituals, while a mirror behind said snapdragons is to send negativity from hexes and curses back to the sender. Snapdragons are great for use in protection spells.

Lemon balms, spell wise, is for love, success and healing. It is sometimes worn to hopefully bring a lover in one’s life and a tea made of the leaves of a lemon balm is said to bring calmness. Lemon balm is also associated with the moon and water. Sweet bail is another herb used in spell work for love, but also for wealth, protection, purification and even used for exorcism. Putting leaves of sweet basil in all corners of the house is for protection.  Carrying leaves is for luck in gambling while sprinkling crushed basil in storefronts is to create a flourishing of business.
Sweet basil is used in potions, too, for love, money, health and protection.  Basil is a masculine plant with the element of fire while with oregano it is with Venus and the element of air. Planting oregano around the house is to bring protection while scattering it around the house is to protect the house. Not only does oregano serve for protection but also for happiness, tranquillity, good luck and health. I say protection is a good thing and the fact that two herbs I am to grow is used for such a thing is fantastic to know.

Seeds, Seeds And More Seeds

Been a bit of time since I have updated, but I have finally gotten around to it. I have been busy planting seeds, too, so I have much to expect for seedlings popping up. In an earlier blog post I mentioned that I would be planting some chilli seeds, I have done that. Soon after planting those chilli seeds I actually planted some watermelon seeds which was followed by seeds for several kinds of flowers, namely zinnia and annual honestly for a first attempt. I also love marigolds, so me being me, I have planted some marigold seeds to see if I can grow them from seed once again. I also have a slight interest in growing herbs and I just happen to have had some lemon balm, sweet basil and oregano seeds lying around so I have planted those.

Snapdragon

Even though it is recommended that one should plant corn seeds in summer on the seed packet, I thought I would attempt to grow it in early spring. I thought I might as well see how that goes and I might just get lucky growing it.

And for a first attempt growing snapdragons I have gone great with it. I have had no problems with pests or anything of the like while growing the plant which is fantastic. Recently some of the snapdragons have flowered and I do have to admit, I do adore the flowers.

I should also check up on the magical properties of the plants I am trying to grow and do some research on it as I could easily learn something new by doing this and I would say it is a good thing to learn. It does help to know what magical properties a plant has after all.