About Bay Laurel
Bay laurel crowned the victors of ancient Greece and was sacred to Apollo. In modern folk magic it is the classic wish leaf: write a wish on it, then burn or keep it.
Write a wish on a bay leaf and burn it safely to release it; classic "leaf spell" herb.
History & folklore
In Greek myth, the nymph Daphne became a laurel tree to escape Apollo, and he made its leaves his sacred plant. The priestess at Delphi was said to chew bay leaves before prophesying. Roman generals wore laurel wreaths in triumph — which is where 'resting on your laurels' comes from. A bay tree by the house was said to protect against lightning.
Correspondences
- Traditional uses
- Wishes, success, protection
- Latin name
- Laurus nobilis
- Element
- Fire
- Planet
- Sun
- Best day
- Sunday
- Moon phase
- Waxing moon — for drawing things toward you
- Intentions
- Success, Protection
Ways to work with it
- Write a short wish on a dry bay leaf and burn it safely in a fireproof dish.
- Keep a bay leaf in your wallet or purse for success.
- Place bay leaves in the corners of a room for protection.
Growing & gathering
Bay laurel grows as a shrub or small tree in mild climates and does well in a large pot that can come indoors in cold winters. Pick leaves any time and dry them flat. Supermarket bay leaves are the same plant and ideal for wish spells.
Remove whole bay leaves from food before eating — they don't soften and are a choking hazard. Always burn over a fireproof dish.
Spells to try
Pairs well with
CinnamonAbundance, passion, success
BasilProtection, prosperity, love
MugwortDivination, dreams, protection
Sage (Garden)Cleansing, wisdom, protectionCorrespondences are traditional associations gathered from folk practice and modern craft books. They vary between sources, and they are not medical advice. Read our editorial approach.