(Laurus nobilis) G
Folk Names: Baie, Bay Laurel, Bay Tree,
Daphne, Grecian Laurel, Laurel, Laurier
d’Apollon, Laurier Sauce, Lorbeer, Noble
Laurel, Roman Laurel, Sweet Bay
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Deities: Aesculapius, Apollo, Ceres, Faunus,
Eros
Powers: Protection, Psychic Powers, Healing,
Purification, Strength
Ritual Uses: The ancient priestesses of
Apollo chewed bay leaves to induce a prophetic
state, and also inhaled their fumes.
Bay leaves are used as decorations at Yule.
Magical Uses: Bay is used in clairvoyance
and wisdom brews, although its taste is
strong. Bay leaves are placed beneath the
pillow to induce prophetic dreams, and are
also burned to cause visions.
It is a protection and purification herb
par excellence and is worn as an amulet
to ward off negativity and evil, burned or
scattered during exorcism rituals, placed
in the windows to protect against lightning,
and hung up to prevent poltergeists
from working any mischief in the house. A
sprig of bay is used to sprinkle water during
purification ceremonies, and the tree
planted near the home protects its inhabitants
against sickness. Bay leaves mixed
with sandalwood can be burned to remove
curses and evil spells.
To ensure that a love will stay, the couple
should break off a twig from the tree, then
break this in two, each keeping a half.
Bay leaves give strength to those
engaged in wrestling and athletic sports if
worn at the time of competition.
Wishes are written on bay leaves which
are then burned to make them come true,
and a bay leaf held in the mouth wards off
bad luck.