====== Bay ======
---- dataentry herbs----
latin_names: Laurus nobilis
folk_names: Baie, Bay Laurel, Bay Tree, Daphne, Grecian Laurel, Laurel, Laurier d'Apollon, Laurier Sauce, Lorbeer, Noble Laurel, Roman Laurel, Sweet Bay
gender_tags: Masculine
planet_tags: Sun
element_tags: Fire
deity_tags: Aesculapius, Apollo, Ceres, Faunus, Eros
effect_tags: Protection, Psychic Powers, Healing, Purification, Strength
part_tags: essential oil, fresh leaves, dried leaves
aroma_hidden: 1
----
===== 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 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 a 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 mischief in the house. A sprig of bay is used 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 curses 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.
===== Aromatherapy =====
The leaves of this European native were long used by the Greeks to crown victors, but most of us know them as a potherb. I remember finding a bay leaf in one of my mother’s stews as a boy and wondering if it had blown in through the window.
The scent of bay is sharp and crisp. To promote psychic awareness in general, or as needed, crumple a fresh leaf, crush a dried leaf or put a few drops of the essential oil onto a cotton ball. Sit comfortably in a chair or on the ground. Relax your body and conscious mind. Inhale the fragrance-the same scent that the Delphic Oracle in Greece smelled. Visualize your conscious mind freeing its grip on your psychic mind. Allow the odor to permeate your being, calling forth psychic consciousness.
When you’ve made the connection between the two halves of your mind, discover what you need to know.
**An alternate use of bay**: inhale the aroma when you feel psychically dirty or simply wish to bring some positive changes to your life. Visualize its odor sweeping you clean. This is a powerful purification.