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 pro• phetic 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 light• ning, and hung up to prevent poltergeists from working any mischief in the house. A sprig of bay is used to sprinkle water dur• ing purification ceremonies, and the tree planted near the home protects its inhab• itants against sickness. Bay leaves mixed with sandalwood can be burned to remove curses and evil spells.
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.
