Carry On and Plant Association.
So maybe I’m in too deep here, but at least hear me out.
I’m fascinated by the world of plants. I love reading about them and their associations with culture, myth, and etc.
I also love the use of symbolism in a good story as well.
So… naturally when I get into something, I like to dig deep and analyze until I see and make connections that aren’t typically there in the beginning. It’s good stuff.
Well, I might have stumbled across something for the Carry On fandom to think about.
Every plant has an element and a planet that is associated with it from a metaphysical standpoint.
Example: Lavender is associated with the element of Air and is ruled by the planet Mercury.
Okay, you are probably wondering to yourself ‘What is she getting at here with this and Carry On?’.
Well, I am glad you asked because I am about to drop some apothecary notes on you.
Now would be the time to put on the aluminum foil hat.
Take a look at Baz. In the book, he is known to smell like Cedar and Bergamot.
Both of these herbs fall under the element of Fire and their ruling planet of the Sun.
Cedar has been listed as an herb for connecting and grounding, but more importantly- for self control.
Bergamot is often associated with trying to de-stress and to invite sleep, however it is considered phototoxic- which means that the wearer is suspectable to being more prone to sunburns when exposed to the sun. Maybe even developing a rash.
So that left me wondering two things.
1. Don’t burn yourself, pal. Sure hope that’s a cologne you are working with here or that a fragrance oil that’s made in the place of the essential oil itself. Or maybe it’s a modified oil that’s been striped of it’s phototoxic properties (it’s a real thing).
2. What does this mean for Baz? More importantly, his name.
Basilton. Basil.
Let’s check out the herb associated with the name.
In the olden times, Basil was spelled with a Z rather than with an S.
Bazil.
It’s associations are once again with the element of Fire, but the planet it’s ruled under is of Mars.
The culture with this herb is quite interesting as it is split on it’s meaning (All of which are taken from Julia Lawless’ book, “Aromatherapy and the Mind: The Psychological and Emotional Effects of Essential Oils”)-
To the Greeks, the word ‘Basil’ or ‘Basileus’ meant two things. 1. ‘Royal’. 2. A mythological creature called a ‘Basilisk’, known for their fatal glance and breath.
To the Ancient Egyptians, wreaths have been found and adorned in burial chambers. In Egypt today, the leaves are placed by graves.
In India, it was a custom to place the herb’s leaves on their dead out of protection for their soul.
In Crete, it was known to represent death and evil ( you can almost hear Simon scream 'pLOTTING’ off into the distance).
To the Romans, Basil was considered as a symbol of strength.
It is known for to it’s ability restore the effects of Poison.
Huh. I think that says a whole lot in how Baz is described/perceived by surrounding characters in the book, is it not by the herbs associated with him?
Take it for a grain of salt here.
So… Maybe it’s all such a stretch and maybe a lot of this is coincidental. However, I will tell you one thing: It makes me want to dig deeper for more stuff to analyze.
And to reread Carry On again.
