Basil . . . .
(Oncimum basilicum) Also known as Albahaca, American Dittany, Our Herb, St. Joseph's Wort, Sweet Basil, Witches Herb. Basil is associated with rituals of initiation, and usually associated with Candlemas, which is seen as a time of renewal. Parts Used: Leaf and stem
	Magical Uses: As one of the best herbes for a person preparing for initiation, it can be used as a bathing herbe before receiving a sacrament, burned as an offering, worn as an ornament or taken as a drink prepared with food. This type of basil may be used to invoke salamanders, the elemental creatures of fire. Basil can be used for those needing courage. It will bring strength, and help you move forward in a positive manner no how perilous the danger. Basil is known for it's quality of protecting the seeker from fears as they move along the astral path.
Burn basil to exorcise negativity from the home. To do a really thorough cleansing and protection of yourself and your home, also sprinkle a little basil in each corner of each room in the house and add to your bathwater. In Eastern Europe it was believed that a man would fall in love with a woman that he accepted a sprig of basil from. For this reason it is used to mend lover's quarrel and in love spells. Add to incense and sachets or rub the fresh leaves against your skin as a natural love perfume. To divine the future of your romantic relationship, place two fresh leaves on a live coal. If they remain where you put them and turn to ash quickly, the marriage (or relationship) will be harmonious. If there is crackling, there will be quarrels. If the leaves fly apart and fierce crackling, then it is most undesirable relationship. To know if your mate is faithful place a sprig on their hand. If it immediately withers there is infidelity. To attract money carry it in your pocket or place in you cash register drawer to bring customers. Where basil is, evil is not. Use in exorcism incenses and in purification baths. Give as a gift to bring luck to the new home.
Bay Laurel . . . . .
(Laurus nobilis) Also known as Baie, Bay Laurel, Bay Tree, Greecian Laurel, Laurel, Laurier d'Apollon, Laurier Sauce, Lorbeer, Nobel Laurel, Roman Laurel, Sweet Bay. Laurus is from the Latin laus (praise), referring to the crowns of bay leaved used by the Romans in victory (Don't rest on your laurels). Parts Used: Leaf and berry
Magical Uses: Use in clairvoyance and wisdom teas. Place beneath the pillow for prophetic dreams and inhale for visions. Wear as an amulet to ward off evil and negativity, burn or scatter in exorcism rituals, and place in the windows to guard against lightning. Hang to prevent poltergeists from mischievous workings. Bay leaves mixed with sandalwood is burned to remove curses and evil spells. To ensure lasting love, a couple should break a twig off the tree, then break the twig in two and each keep a half. Wishes may be written on Bay leaves which then are burned to make them come true.
You can also use the oil to dress a candle which is then burned while meditating. The resulting energy is used to invoke changes within yourself to become more appealing to others. Branches of bay leaves can be woven into a crown and given as a gift at rituals of initiation. Bay is known as a symbol of esteem and glory, and of love and honour. A wreath of bay leaves given as a gift can be seen as a lovely gift, but also one filled with hidden magick. Other Uses: Sprinkling the crushed leaves in your cupboards will keep out cockroaches and other insect pests. Place a whole leaf in flour to keep out weevils. Bay leaves give the wearer strength if they are engaged in contact sports. Bay oil can be used in the ear for earaches, to relieve the pain of bruises, and to soothe itchy skin. Native Americans have used bay leaves in hot baths for rheumatism, and place them on their heads to cure headaches. They also place a fresh piece of leaf inside the nostril to clear the breathing passages and refresh the brain.
Beech . . . .
	(Fagus sylvatica) Also known as Bok, Boke, Buche, Buk, Buke, Faggio, Fagos, Faya, Haya, Hetre. Magickal Uses: To make a wish come true, carve it onto a Beech stick and bury it in the ground forever. Your wish will come true if it is to be. The leaves or wood may be carried to increase your creativity. The leaves, bark or powdered wood of Beech can be used in rituals to derive the protective quality for which the tree is famous for.
With the exception of the mysterious elder, the Birch is the earliest of the forest trees. The Birch is used extensively in cleansing rituals. Throughout Europe, Birch twigs are used to expel evil spirits. Birch rods are also used in rustic rituals to drive out the spirits of the old year. Beech is the ideal herbe for those seeking to improve their literary skills. It is recommended for those doing research, for writers, scholars and especially those working with a book of shadows. Place a Beech leaf in a carefully chose place between the covers to increase inspiration. If you want to make your garden more attractive to devas, the wood can be dried, powdered and burned as incense as you walk along the garden path. Beech's affinity with devas makes this an ideal herbe to use at Midsummer, should you wish to move into the faerie realm. Place dried nuts on your alter to give honor to the beech spirit.
Belladonna . . . .
(Atropa belladonna) Also known as Banewort, Black Cherry, Deadly Nightshade, Death's Herb, Devil's Cherries, Divale, Dwale, Dwaleberry, Fair Lady, Great Morel, Naughty Man's Cherries, Sorcerer's Berry, Witch's Berry. **All parts of the Belladonna are extremely poisonous and aren't recommended accordingly. Belladonna is extremely toxic; even relatively small doses of it can cause coma and/or death. The ripe berries are sweet and poisonous...keep them away from children and pets. A pretty plant with purple flowers that become purple-black berries. The common name Belladonna is Italian meaning "beautiful lady". Italian ladies use to make their pupils dilate with belladonna to make themselves more beautiful.
Magickal Uses: It was traditionally used on Walpurgisnacht (May Eve), the traditional celebration of Germanic witches known as Hexen, as an ingredient of "flying ointments". These ointments are preparations of poisonous and psychedelic herbs prepared as a salve. They often included soot to enable the witch to see how much she had put on. In the past it was used to encourage astral projection and to produce visions, but safer alternatives are available today and belladonna is best avoided.
Benzoin . . . .
	(Styrax benzoin) Also known as Ben, Benjamen, Gum Benzoin, Siam Benzoin, Siamese Benzoin. Benzoin is a shrubby tree with gray bark, simple leaves, and short racemes of small, fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers. The scented yellowish resin is thought to be created in response to injury, so it is tapped by making hatchet incisions in the trunk. The resin, called benzoin or gum benjamin, is used as incense, a fixative in perfumes, and is added to cosmetics to prevent fats turning rancid. Parts Used: Resin
Magical Uses: An herb of purification, burned in incense to sanctify an area. The scent is also used to attract business when combined with basil, peony or cinnamon. Benzoin is often used as a base for incenses. It can be a substitute for storax, to which it is related. Benzoin is associated with 2 of the Wiccan Sabbats. At Imbolc, it is a superior incense and at the Autumn Equinox to help understand the mysteries behind the turning of the seasons. Benzoin can help in understanding in learning to live with the Wheel of the Year, and also in regarding the natural cycles of change. Benzoin is best used to provide focus and enhance concentration.It is a desirable herbe for those seeking a journey into the astral world. Magickally, Benzoin promotes generosity and can open a closed spirit suffering from selfishness.
Bergamot Mint . . . .
(Mentha x piperita 'citrata') This herb is sometimes confused with the Citrus of the same name. Bee Balm is also called bergamot at times. This is a bairless mint with thin smooth leaves and purple runners, it has purplish flowers. In full sun it develops a strong citrus scent and the whole plant is tinged purple. In shade the color is more coppery. Use it as an aromatic herb in potpourri or to make a honey-sweetened drink. The flavor is not so good for cooking. Also called Eau De Cologne Mint.
Parts Used: Leaf and Essential Oil Magical Uses: The leaves of bergamot mint are slipped into wallets and purses to attract money. Fresh leaves are also rubbed onto money before spending it to ensure it's return. Also used in "success" rituals and spells.
Betony . . . .
(Stachys officonalis or Stachys betonica or Betonica officionalis) Also known as Bishopwort, Lousewort, Wood Betony or Purple Betony. A Druid sacred herb. Wood Betony was an Anglo-Saxon protective charm.
	Parts Used: Leaf, flower, stem and root Magical Uses: This was a very powerful herb to the Druids as it has the power to expel evil spirits, nightmares and despair. During Midsummer festivals, it is traditional to add Wood Betony to the bonfire then jump through the smoke to purify the body of ills and evil. If troubled by nightmares fill a small cloth pillow and place it under your pillow. Betony is added to purification and protection mixtures and incenses.
Wood Betony will protect against the darkest fears and demons which arise out of one's emotions and imagination, and has the ability to protect against dark forces and negative energy. Betony grown in the garden will protect the home and can be scattered near doors and windows to form a protective wall around the property through which no evil can pass. Betony is also said to reunite quarrelling couples when added to their food.
Birch . . . .
(Betula alba) Also known as Lady of the Woods, Paper Birch or White Birch. A circular grove of birch trees is among the most magickal sites in sacred woodlands. The taking of bark from a living tree is forbidden, as it is said to anger the Lady of the Woods and invoke Thor's wrath.
Parts Used: Leaf, bark and twigs Magickal Uses: Birch is the embodiment of the Great Mother so cradles are often made of this wood for protection for the child. Russians tie a red ribbon around the stem of a birch to rid themselves of the evil eye. The traditional Witch's broom was made of birch twigs, and cradles were once made from birch so that the infant within would be protected. Use in exorcisms by gently striking the possessed with a birch twig.
Work with Birch to invoke the goddess Aino, whose blood gave birth to the waters of the world. Through her we might better understand elemental water. Burn Birch for protection and to banish negative energies. Birch trees give protection against many things, including lightning or malign influences.
Bladderwrack . . . .
	(Fucus visiculosus) Also known as Bladder Fucus, Cutweed, Kelp, Sea Spirit, Seawrack, Seetang. Magickal Uses: Seaweeds are protectorates of those at sea. Used also in spells to summon the spirits of the sea, by throwing it into the waves and calling their names. They will add power to your magick. To summon the winds, stand on the shore and hold a strand of fresh seaweed in your hand, whipping it around in the air above you in a clockwise direction and whistle. This will bring the winds.
Scrub the floors and doors of a place of business, with an infusion, to attract customers. Fill a jar with whiskey and place some kelp in it, cap tightly and place in the kitchen window to ensure a steady flow of money into the household. Carry it in a sachet to increase psychic powers and prevent derangement
Borage
(Borago officionalis) Also known as Bugloss, Burrage, Herb of Gladness. Parts Used: Flower, leaf, stem and seeds Magical Uses: Borage belongs in everyone's herbe closet. It is one of the best herbes to use when making a magickal tonic. The fresh flowers are beautiful when floated in one's bath, offering you a wonderful and marvelous experience.
The root may be dried and powdered for use as an incense.The herbe may be infused as a tea. No matter how difficult the times, Borage is known for it's ability to raise one's spirit. Carrying the fresh blossoms brings courage, and one worn in your buttonhole will protect you while walking outdoors. The tea will enhance your psychic powers. Use in money and business spells.
Broom . . . .
	(Cytisus scoparius) Also known as Scotch Broom, and Irish broom. A Druid Sacred Tree, it is a many-branched erect shrub with simple or trifoliate leaves, and golden "sweet-pea" flowers. A flowering sprig of Broom was a heraldic battle device of Henry II of England who is said to have taken the family name Plantagenet from this medieval "planta genista". Parts Used: Flowering twig and seed.
Magical Uses: Broom flowers bound with colored ribbons are carried at weddings. Couples may choose to "jump the broom" as they make their transition to a new station of life. Broom can be substituted for furze(gorse) at Spring Equinox. The Irish called it the "Physician's Power" because of its diuretic shoots. Broom is recommended for use when creating a sacred space. It makes an excellent ritual broom for sweeping any physical debris as well as unwanted energy. Hang indoors for protection and purification. Throw into the air and invoke the spirits of Air to raise the wind, or burn and bury the ashes to calm the wind. The flowers are seen to be symbols of good fortune, pick the blooms and add them to magickal workings to increase your good fortune, (but only if you have approached the plant with humility and a fair exchange made with it's diva before you begin the harvest.)
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