Bay Laurel

Botanical Name
Laurus nobilis
 
Usual Origin(s)
Turkey
 
Description
True bay leaf, not to be confused with California bay leaf (which is more mentholated). Commonly used in European and North American cuisine for soups, stews, meats, seafood, and vegetable dishes. Also used in Indian cuisine for biryani and many salads. Generally not recommended for stringing projects, as leaves are somewhat brittle and some leaves may be discolored or broken.
 
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 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 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 mischeif in the house. A sprig of bay is used to 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 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. 
 
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