Bay Laurel Leaves

A friend and I were talking about cooking spices the other day, and I mentioned how much I love Bay Leaves. Bay is also known as Bay Laurel, Daphne, Grecian Laurel, and Apollo's Laurel. I love Bay not just for cooking, but as an herb to use in magick and spells. Also, I have recently begun a connection to and have started working with Apollo. Bay is important to Apollo, and he is often seen wearing a Bay Laurel crown upon his head.

Apollo was in love with the nymph Daphne, daughter of the river god Peneus. As the story goes Apollo poked fun at Cupid for using a man's weapon, the bow and arrow. In return Cupid shot Apollo with a golden arrow that caused him to fall in love with Daphne. Cupid then shot Daphne with a leaden arrow, that caused her to see and be repulsed by Apollo.

Apollo continued to chase Daphne, against her wishes. Wishing to remain a virgin and avoid Apollo's advances, Daphne begs her father for help. Peneus turns Daphne into the laurel tree. Apollo plucks a few leaves and wears them as a crown to always have Daphne near him.

The priestess of the Delphic Oracle, which was Apollo's oracle, used to burn the leaves in order to help open her communication to the other world, where she would have prophetic visons that she would relay to Apollo. So it is said that burning bay leaves can increase your psychic abilities, and help you with meditation and trance states.

Other magical uses for Bay include using the leaves in spells for protection particularly for travel and of the home. I've used bay as a protective herb in protection mojo bags. Another great use for bay is to write your wishes on the leaves during a waxing moon, then burn the leaves during the full moon to bring your wishes into fruition.

Candle Color Correspondence

I honestly don't remember where I found this, but this has been in my Book of Shadows for years. I thought I'd share it here. If anyone knows the originally source, please let me know and I'll give credit where it is due.

Proper colors for a spell
Make the work extremely well
This list will make your magick strong
So study carefully and long
The candle colors listed here
And all of your spells will bring you cheer
For lustful love and hot desire
Use a candle as red as fire
If tranquil peace you now pursue
Burn a bit of palest blue
For protection you may use the same
Likewise if you health is lame
Pink for Harmony and love
And perfect union from above
If to attract is your intent
Orange is what is heavens sent
If your hold on things go sour
Use purple to regain your power
To increase your bank account
Light green candles all about
To ground yourself and make it stick
Brown candles always do the trick
To organize use deepest blue
For stress relief a lavender hue
Use teal for balance, peach for friends
Black puts bad habits to an end
Use white if you must substitute
If contains all hues of colors suit
If you burn white instead, its true
You must concentrate on the proper hue
Use these wisely, learn them well
For each every time you spell
You weave a dream that you create
Into a realistic state
The Universe will not say no
But confusing it may cause you woe

Prosperity Ritual to Lakshmi

Well I didn't make it to the Open Circle meetup as I wanted to. Partially because I'm still too shy to venture into a spiritual place or setting with strangers, and partially because I didn't RSVP and the circle was filled.

So I decided to hold my own Prosperity Ritual to honor Lakshmi on the night of the Full Moon. Full Moon rituals are typically about taking things away, but as Friday is a sacred day for Lakshmi and the moon was not quite full, I thought it was a good time to do this.


I couldn't find any statues of Lakshmi on such short notice, so I printed out this picture and added it to this beautiful frame that was made in India.

Lakshmi is the Hindu Goddess of Abundance and Prosperity, and I honored her by thanking her for all the wonderful things she has brought into my life. I also asked to be showered with her gifts of love and abundance in the future, and spent some time meditating on what I hoped to manifest in the upcoming months as far as abundance and prosperity.

My mini Lakshmi altar all lit up! It defintely was a nice ritual, and I felt more comfortable doing this in my own home. The group I'm interested in has some upcoming events that I might join soon. I know it's time to venture out and meet others who are like minded as far as spirituality is concerned.