Herb spotlight: bay properties, uses, and lore

Herb spotlight: bay properties, uses, and lore

Bay is the the leaf of the laurel tree. It is wisely used in cooking and wish magic. Bay leaves add a beautiful depth to any dish, although you should remove the whole bay leaf before serving the dish. 

Place a bay leaf under your pillow to have prophetic dreams. Burn bay leaves to cause visions. Wear a bay leaf to ward off negativity and evil. 

Plant a bay laurel tree near your home to prevent sickness within the home. Place a bay leaf on your windowsill to prevent lightning strikes. 

Use a bay leaf as a wand and sprinkle and direct water during purification ceremonies. 

 

Writing a wish on a bay leaf is one of its most well-known magical uses. Simply write your wish on a bay leaf - using marker, or oil, or whatever writing instrument you prefer - and then burn the bay leaf in a fireproof dish. 

Other names

  • Latin: Laurus nobilis
  • Folk names: bay laurel, bay tree, Grecian laurel, Roman laurel, noble laurel, sweet bay

Correspondences

  • Planet: Sun
  • Element: Fire
  • Deities: Aesculapius, Apollo, Ceres, Faunus, Eros

Magical properties: 

  • protection
  • psychic powers
  • healing
  • purification
  • strength

Magical and delicious pairings with bay:

  • many of the spices in traditional masalas, such as black pepper, cardamom, clove, fennel, ginger
  • aromatics such as garlic, onions, and shallots
  • rosemary
  • sage
  • thyme

Jen & Tonic products containing bay:

Favorite recipe using bay:

I use bay leaves in most of my soups and stews, as well as many curries and rice dishes. Hammy beans (ham and bean soup) is a wintertime favorite. Recipe coming soon.

Now, go forth and create some beautiful magic! 

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