Yes, I was actually thinking about that. I have a small plant stand with only a single 4-foot long 2-tube florescent light fixture. With seven potted plants under there it could get crowded and I was already wondering if the plants might have an affect on each other if grown close together like that. Especially if they are highly aromatic plants. I'm thinking too, that if they are physically touching they might tend to become synchronous in vibration. I've read about this sort of thing before, and I do believe that there is a lot of truth to it.

I read about this many years ago in an herb book. I don't recall the details. But I once had this really great book, specifically focused on aromatic herbs. And that was an issue that came up. They suggested planning aromatic herbs in among less aromatic plants, or even non-herb house plants. The aromatic herbs will actually have a positive affect on most house plants, and won't suffer from the reverse (unless a particular house plant is also highly aromatic).

That book also spoke in terms of the plant's 'auras' saying that aromatic plants actually have expanded auras as well. So when planted close to other plants they can indeed make a strong 'psychic' connection with the other plants in a sense.

In fact, this is why some plants do much better when planted in groups rather than as a single plant. Their collective auras merge into a single stronger "aura field" that helps all the plants grow better almost as a single entity (or highly social entity).

Yes, plants can be quite interesting. I've always loved gardening in many different forms.

I do have a second space underneath of a 55 gallon aquarium where I have room to set up a second 4-foot shop light. I used grow-light bulbs in them. So maybe I can set that up too and break them up a bit. I don't have many south facing windows unfortunately so I'm pretty much stuck with using indoor grow lights.

I will be using these charka plants for mediations and ceremonies though, so they will be getting moved around a lot. I can mix them up and put them back in different spots from time to time. Kind of keep them on their toes so they don't get stagnant.

I don't know if plants like to be moved around a lot. But, like I say, I do plan on using these for meditations and rituals a lot. 2010 is going to be my 'chakra year'.

Aye, they can definitely affect each other. Plants generally get along, but there might be some harmony upsets. Not as bad as if you did a desert cactus and tropical plant together, but similar.

And plants can and will absorb or grow into each other. Mint is extremely aggressive on a goodday and even mine being in pots don't limit it. In this case it grew down and through the pot, into the soil and came up again 2 ft away into the basil. Then they started merging together.

In a garden, aromatic herbs can be planted in between vegetables and such and help to keep away bugs. There's lists that you can find by google, that tell you what herbs can be planted next to what veggies so you won't "taint" the taste of the veggie by the taste of the herb.

Have you thought about a small greenhouse or a greenhouse lean-to along the best sunny side of your house? Give you some good protection, yet growth in winter. Heck, I'm in Texas, and short of needing to expand the greenhouse, mine go in in the winter.

My plants have never had issues being moved, short of some tempermental ones like the benjamin ficus. I've found the biggest thing to do is to talk to them, and tell them what you're going to do. And remond them a few days out. Don't go drastic on them, but detail out the move and your plans.

SWEET BASIL

My new basil plant

Description

Basil is a highly fragrant plant whose leaves are used as a seasoning herb for many different types of foods. Basil has become one of the most recognizable herbs ever since pesto, the mixture of basil, pine nuts and parmesan cheese, has become popular.

Basil has round leaves that are oftentimes pointed. They are green in color, although some varieties feature hints of red or purple. Basil looks a little like peppermint, which is not surprising since they belong to the same plant family.

There are more than 60 varieties of basil, all of which differ somewhat in appearance and taste. While the taste of sweet basil is bright and pungent, other varieties also offer unique tastes: lemon basil, anise basil and cinnamon basil all have flavors that subtly reflect their name. The scientific name for basil is Ocimum basilicum.

History

Basil now grows in many regions throughout the world, but it was first native to India, Asia and Africa. It is prominently featured in varied cuisines throughout the world including Italian, Thai, Vietnamese and Laotian.

The name "basil" is derived from the old Greek word basilikohn, which means "royal," reflecting that ancient culture's attitudes towards an herb that they held to be very noble and sacred. The tradition of reverence of basil has continued in other cultures. In India, basil was cherished as an icon of hospitality, while in Italy, it was a symbol of love.

How to Select and Store

Whenever possible, choose fresh basil over the dried form of the herb since it is superior in flavor. The leaves of fresh basil should look vibrant and be deep green in color. They should be free from darks spots or yellowing.

Even through dried herbs and spices like basil are widely available in supermarkets, you may want to explore the local spice stores in your area. Oftentimes, these stores feature an expansive selection of dried herbs and spices that are of superior quality and freshness compared to those offered in regular markets. Just like with other dried herbs, when purchasing dried basil, try to select organically grown basil since this will give you more assurance that it has not been irradiated (among other potential adverse effects, irradiating basil may lead to a significant decrease in its vitamin C and carotenoid content.)

Fresh basil should be stored in the refrigerator wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel. It may also be frozen, either whole or chopped, in airtight containers. Alternatively, you can freeze the basil in ice cube trays covered with either water or stock that can be added when preparing soups or stews. Dried basil should be kept in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place where it will keep fresh for about six months.

A Few Quick Serving Ideas:

Combine fresh chopped basil with garlic and olive oil to make a dairy-free variety of pesto that can top a variety of dishes including pasta, salmon and whole wheat brushetta.

Enjoy a taste of Italy by layering fresh basil leaves over tomato slices and mozzarella cheese to create this traditional colorful and delicious salad.

Adding basil to healthy stir-fries, especially those that include eggplant, cabbage, chili peppers, tofu and cashew nuts will give them a Thai flair.

Purée basil, olive oil and onions in a food processor or blender and add to tomato soups.

Enjoy a warm cup of invigorating basil tea by infusing chopped basil leaves in boiling water for eight minutes.

USEFUL INFORMATION:
Might you take on growing an herb garden, do not forget to plant basil it will keep the flies away as flies are also part of the group that does not care for basil.

BASIL AND LOVE:
What is also known about basil is people saw it as a royal herb which had a strong association to love. Basil had a relationship with how men of a much earlier time planned on proposing to their fair maidens. The man would bring a branch of Basil and if the woman accepted his gift she silently agreed to love him and be faithful to him for eternity.

MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
As a member of the mint family basil has many medicinal qualities as well. Most people associate anything mint with helping the digestive system and also for its anti gas properties. Herbalists use basil usually for health ailments such as vomiting, stomach cramps, anxiety, headaches and constipation. Tea is made out of basil for these purposes. There are also people claiming that a nice hot cup of basil tea can really helps to a good nights sleep. If you really do not like basil tea try to buy the basil capsules in herbal stores.

This is Holy Basil and seems to have more medicinal uses than regular sweet basil. Since there are so many varieties of basil, I am not going to cover them all. I will focus on the common Sweet Basil as that what we mostly use.

A little growing prayer for your basil I found:

Basil, from soil to seed
To strong stems and beautiful leaves.
I ask for blessings to have bestowed
As I nurture and watch you grow.
From mornings dew and sun of afternoon
To rays of the stars and midnights moon
Mother Earth watch over thee
As I my will, So Mote it Be

MAGICKAL USES:

Basil is known far and wide as a culinary herb, but it also contains some interesting magical properties. In Mediterranean countries, it is strewn on floors to purify a home. It also can bring luck to people moving into a new residence - a gift of a potted basil plant guarantees good fortune. Maud Grieve's Modern Herbal says that the name "basil" may come from the Greek basileus, a king, because 'the smell thereof is so excellent that it is fit for a king's house.' Basil plants are also said to attract scorpions, and in some cultures it was believed that smelling the plant would cause a scorpion to grow in the brain.

Magically, basil can be used in love incense and in love divination. Scott Cunningham says in his Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs that two basil leaves placed on a live coal will give you an indicator about the state of your relationship: if they burn to ash quickly, the marriage will be harmonious, but if they crackle and hiss, your marriage will be disruptive.

Basil can also be used to guarantee fidelity -- or detect the lack of it. If you suspect your lover has been stepping out, place a fresh basil leave on their hand. If it wilts right away, chances are good they've been spreading the love around. To keep your spouse or partner faithful, sprinkle powdered basil in the bed while they sleep -- especially around the heart -- and they will remain true to you.

Basil is used primarily for money/properity spells, love spells and protection. It can be sprinkled on the floor for protection (I have sprinkled some in my children's shoes before they go off for their day) and burned as an exorcism incense.

I knew about, and have used it successfully, in money spells. I recently found out about the protection side of it, but this is the first I have viewed it as an herb for love spells.

This was great! I learned a LOT!

I realize that part of the point of this has become about stuff that you may have grown yourself, or that you could grow indoors yourself, but if that's an infeasibility there are some good places to get herbs. Google any of the following and it should get you to some fairly decent companies who sell bulk dried herbs:
Penn Herb company, Modern herb company, (subject) herbal remedies and herbal antiviral treatments. Most of the herbs that you need to do magick are the same ones that you would use in cooking and in homeopathic remedies. So far, Modern Herb Company seems to be the least expensive out there, but I've found that most have one or two items that the others don't carry. I apologize if this has strayed a bit from the original topic, but I hope that it helps someone anyway.

Awesome everyone! Good job Ruth;I added some of that great info to my Materia Medica card for Basil.


Who wants to go next? Pick an herb we haven't done yet from the original posted list and off we go.

This is a great idea. I am a CNHP and into all the natural stuff! I also do Reiki (energy) healing. A friend who owns a health and healing center said:

For the bird flu you need TWEETMENT and for H1N1 you need OINKMENT.

Yes, a joke, but we do not need to react to the news hype with fear and dread. Our bodies are divinely made and herbs can heal. Thank you for the ideas.

I think I will go ahead and pick this up with Wormwood Nettles. It's okay if no one else wants to participate. This sort of forces me to study the plants a little so I will go ahead with it.

Sorry the list printed odd,I was trying to not have a mile long post!

Rosemary (done)
Pumpkin
Catnip
Sage
White Pine
Mullein
Wormwood
Nettles
Garlic
Wintergreen
Elderberry
Calendula
Sunflowers
Rosehips
Frankinsense
Myrrh
Tarragon
Bay
Basil (done)


I'm going to take Catnip and Mullein next,ok?

Okay!

I'm not exactly reporting on these, but I did find some interesting information about Frankincense and Myrrh.

Both of these aromatic resins come from very large trees that grow to about 25 feet in height. They are also tropical or arid plants that grow near or in hot deserts or in an oasis. They will no tolerate any frost.

I haven't really looked into the herbal or magickal properties other than to find the following chakra association on this site:

http://www.egyptianessences.com/chakra/chakra.html

This site associates Frankincense with the Root Chakra and Myrrh with the Heart Chakra. It also gives some details associated with properties of these two aromatic resins.

Growing Frankincense and Myrrh Indoors

Though this may seem quite impractical (if not impossible) due to the fact that in the wild these trees grow to 25 feet, it's not really as unrealistic as it first appears for the following reasons:

First off, when these trees first start out they are small seedlings and will grow rather slowly as small baby trees, even in pots. So while it may not be possible to keep the tree to maturity it is still possible to maintain a young 'shrub-like' version of the tree indoors as a house plant.

Moreover, there are two things that can eb done. One is to simply keep pruning the tree into a shurb-like bush. The other is to apply Bonsai techniques to attempt to keep the tree small.

I've read up on some attempts to create Bonsai Frankincense trees and those attempts did not seem to pan out very well. However, I think those people were attempting to truly keep the trees extremely small (i.e. table-top size). If a person has the space, and is willing to allow to tree to grow quite a bit larger (i.e. person size), they may have better luck attempting to grow one indoors.

And of course, if they live in a frost-free area they could attempt to grow an actual tree outdoors.

So anyway, that's just some simply comments on Frankincense and Myrrh. I didn't really research the magickal properties of these resins in much depth. I do know that oils, incense, and potpourri can all be purchaced in Frankincense and Myrrh and used for meditations, rituals, and spells. These are very popular around Christmas time and are said to have been presented as gifts by the three wise men in the Christian mythology of the virgin birth of Jesus in the stable.

I buy my spell kits from a local store (yes I know, I'm lazy, but I do write the spell myself) and they always include frankinsence in the box. After I anoint the candles with whatever oil I'm using they have me roll the candles in the frankinsence. I always assumed frankinsence was either for protection or a good magick booster. I know they use it a lot in Catholic services when incense is used. As a purification technique, I believe.