The Bay Leaf is a fragrance leaf that has been used as an herb and been cherished by Witches and ancient cultures. The Laurel tree of Bay Laurel tree is native to the Mediterranean regions. The leaves are very fragrant and almost sweet when you use them in cooking. Some of you may also be familiar with another type of edible Bay Leaf that comes from California. These aren’t bay laurel leaves and come from a different type of tree, but they are quite similar. They tend to be more bitter than the Bay Laurel leaves from the Mediterranean. While there are many types of Bay leaves out there if you ever decide to use them in your cooking you must be sure that it’s the Bay Laurel leaf that you are using. Many other varieties of Bay Leaf can be incredibly toxic and in some cases poisonous, so it’s important that you are sure what type of Bay leaf you have.
In the kitchen we can use it to season stews, soups and sauces. It adds a bit of fragrance to what you are cooking and a slightly bitter woodsy taste. The leaves are actually stronger to use for flavor when they are dried than when they are fresh. It’s also important that you remove the Bay Leaf from whatever you are serving before you give it to someone as they can cause incredibly indigestion. I vaguely remember them being used in sauces when I was growing up. I remember my Grandmother adding the Bay Leaf for additional flavor. She was Italian. In Italy they sometimes refer to Bay Leaves as Alloro. I’ve heard they are quite common there and used incredibly frequently in cooking.
The Bay Laurel leaf is associated with the element of fire and is appropriate to use in any ritual involving the Sun. It’s also associated with the God Apollo, God of Sun, Arts, Sports, Healing, Music and Prophecies. He is also a Patron God of magic making this a great herb to work with to enhance your magickal work.
It’s powerful energy is also perfect to use for protection magick and healing work. It’s a wonderful addition to medicine bags that you may be making or hanging around you home for added protection. Bay laurel wreaths are amazing to hang around your home. You can write a protection charm on a large bay leaf and tuck it into the wreath.
A simple spell for you to work with is to write your wish on a bay leaf. When you are ready you can burn the Bay Leaf to make your wish come true.
Have a magickal day!
Much Love and Many Blessings,
Jasmeine Moonsong