Bay

by Tammy Cooper

Laurus Nobilis
Common names; Laurel, Bay Laurel, Bay Tree, Sweet Bay,
Indian Bay, Grecian Laurel, Roman Laurel, True Laurel.
PLEASE NOTE: All laurels except Sweet Bay are POISONOUS!

Derived from the Latin word laurus, meaning "laurel"
and nobilis meaning "renowned". Crowns of Bay were
used for centuries to honor heroes, victors and scholars.
Laureate means "crowned with laurel", a most prestigious
standing and honor. (Poet Laureate, Baccalaureate)<WBR>. The old
saying "Neither witch nor devil, nor thunder nor lightening will hurt a man
in a place where a Bay Tree is"

-- Culpepper gives further clues of the properties of this wonderful
herb.The Romans believed this to be a symbol of wisdom and glory.The Bay
Tree was sacred to Apollo, the Greek God of Prophesy, Poetry and Healing.
(Any more clues?) And a wreath of Bay became the symbol of excellence for
Poets and Athletes. His Priestess's
at Delphi ate a Bay Leaf before relating the oracles, his roof was made
entirely of Bay for protection and he dedicated this wondrous herb to his
son Aesculapius, the Greek God of Medicine for its medicinal properties used
for many centuries.

Besides the glory and renown this herb symbolizes, it is also one of the
best types for sculpting! With strong limbs and leaves, a potted Bay in the
home can be used for topiaries and is very decorative.

The Evergreen tree itself can grow up to 30 feet tall but it does well as a
potted plant indoors, however, it may not flower. It loves full sun for its
glossy dark leaves but please protect it from the harsh winter winds. The
dried leaves should be used within a few days as the pungency decreases
hastily. The massage oil can be rubbed into
stiff and aching limbs and joints. A decoction made into a paste can be used
for colds and chest troubles.

The Bays' fragrant leaves can be picked at any time and are often used in
potpourri and wreath making. Placed in the flour bin, it will repel weevils
as well as repelling fleas, lice and moths. Placed in a bath, it will aid in
reducing sore limbs. Used in digestive as appetite stimulants.

It's magickal uses are legendary as you can see from the sacredness applied
to this herb. The first of which is protection. Used with others it is
effective as an anti-lightening charm. Together with protection, Bay can
also be used for purification intents with the Waning Moon. Casting
out the negative influences and furthering the protection vibrations.

As the Priestess's at Delphi knew, this is a grand herb for clairvoyancy.
Inhaling the aroma aids in heightening psychic abilities. Used too in
dream/sleep pillows for psychic dreams. Also an excellent herb for
meditation.

Mixed with other appropriate herbs, it can be used for attracting the
opposite sex. (Works best however for a woman attracting a man, instead of
the other way around).
And finally, used in many Healing recipes. It's strong medicinal background
further enhances the magickal vibrations of this herb.

The Bay should never be eaten as reputed by the Delphic Priestesses. Other
stories relate placing it between their lips, which to me, makes more sense.

Other than Sweet Bay, this is a POISONOUS plant and should never be taken
internally. Besides which, the pointy ends of the leaf will probably cause
untold digestive problems instead of aiding them!

Used in incense, dream/sleep pillows, charms, amulets, candle anointing,
dried scatterings, it's uses are many and an important ingredient in most
magickal workings.

As with any use of herbs, please learn all you can about a particular one
BEFORE you attempt anything with it. This herb is a respected and revered
herb for your magickal intents and should be treated as such. Now, at the
time of year for laying a solid foundation for the dreams to nourish and
grow, this herb will be in your cupboard sooner and longer than you think!
Have fun!