This week’s magical herb is bay. Bay has a mild flavor that’s hard to describe. Typically it is used on long-cooking dishes to enhance the flavor of other herbs. Bay is an important part of “bouquet garni.”

Latin Name: Laurus nobilis

Other Names: Bay Laurel, Sweet Bay

Gender: Masculine

Element: Fire

Planet: Sun, Jupiter

Sign: Leo

Day: Sunday

Deities and Beings: Adonis, Aesculapius, Apollo, Apolon, Ceres, Cerridwen,

Cupid, Daphne, Delphi, Eros, Faunus, Helios, Ra, Sol, Vishnu

Parts Used: Berry, leaf

Magical Uses: Avoiding hexes (carry), clairvoyance, creative words, defense, divination, energy, exorcism, healing (burned as incense), inspiration, love, meditation, power, prophetic trance (burned as incense), protection, purification, strength, visions (under pillow), ward off illness (carry or place in home), wisdom, wishes

If you’re interested in more magickal herbs, check out the full Magical Herb of the Week series.

Want to know even more about magical herbs? Check out The Herbal Magic Correspondences Guide for information on nearly 600 herbs and plants.