Herb of the Season: Bay Laurel by Dawn "Belladonna" Thomas

Botanical:
The bay laurel tree is a small tree that grows to a height of 25 feet but in warmer climates has been known to grow to 60 feet.  The smooth bark may be green or have a reddish blue hue.  The evergreen leaves are alternate with short stalks about three to four inches in length.  The leaves are thick, smooth and shiny and are used in cooking.  The flowers are small, yellow and grow in small clusters.  It grows well in the shade of other trees.

Folklore and History:
Bay was used by the Delphic Priestesses.  These priestesses were intensely trained and initiated after years of studying and discipline.  They also had extensive dietary and spiritual preparation before they would chew on the leaves during the rituals.  This was thought to enhance the prophetic abilities and for invoking the Oracle at Delphi.  It is not recommended to try this practice.  It is considered to be dangerous. 

Bay has an ancient history as an herb used for weaving wreaths and crowns.  These were worn during celebrations to honor those who had achieved success in society, in athletics as well as scholarly pursuits.  It is thought that wreaths of bay laurel were used to crown the winners at the first Olympics.

Daphne was known for her virtue.  Apollo became entranced by her and pursued her. She tried to escape Apollo’s pursuit by changing herself into a bay laurel tree.  He declared the tree sacred and used leaves from the tree to form a wreath that he wore in her honor.

The Romans dedicated the bay laurel tree to Fides.  She is a goddess who provided them with honor and fidelity through her intercession.

Herbal uses:
The leaf and berry are used in salves for itching, sprains, bruises, skin irritations, and rheumatic pain.  The fruit and leaf are simmered until soft and made into a poultice with honey for chest colds.  Bay leaf and berry tea make a bath additive that helps the bladder, bowel, and female reproductive organs. 

Magical uses:
The incense and the leaf are said to induce a prophetic trance.  An herb of the sun, the bay brings light of summer into the darkest time of the year.  It is believed that bay laurel promotes divinatory powers.  It is thought that anyone studying the tarot can use bay to better understand the Sun card or the Strength card.  A leaf placed on a blank page may stimulate poetic inspiration.  Wishes can be written on bay leaves and then burned to make them come true.

It is a protection and purification herb and is worn as an amulet to ward off negativity and evil.  It can be hung to prevent ghosts from being mischievous.  A sprig can be used to sprinkle water during a purification ceremony.  Bay leaves mixed with sandalwood can be burned to remove curses and evil spells.  Carry a leaf or place it in the home to ward off illness­ and hexes.  A potted bay is said to protect a home during thunderstorms.  A tree planted near a home can protect the family from sickness.

Bay laurel is used to attract romance and love.  There are a number of ways one can approach this process.  The leaves of this herb may be offered in a fire as a sacrifice or the oil can be used to dress a candle which is then burned while meditating. 

Sources:
Beyerl, Paul. A Compendium of Herbal Magick. Custer, WA. Phoenix Publishing, Inc. 1998.

Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. St. Paul, MN. Llewellyn Publications. 2000.

Grieves, M. A Modern Herbal. New York, NY. Dover Publications, Inc. 1971.
Hopman, Ellen Evert. A Druid’s Herbal for the Sacred Earth Year. Rochester, VT. Destiny Books.1995.