The Story of Bay
Bay
Botanical Herb
Laurus nobilis
Bay has been revered since ancient times as a botanical of purification, protection, wisdom, and manifestation. Sacred to Apollo in Ancient Greece, its evergreen leaves became symbols of victory, prosperity, and divine inspiration, woven into laurel crowns worn by poets, scholars, and champions.
Spiritually, bay is believed to clear unwanted energy while strengthening intention and purpose. It has long been used in rituals of manifestation, helping to bridge the space between human intention and the unseen world. A traditional practice is to write a wish or intention on a bay leaf before burning it, releasing that intention with the rising smoke. Bay is also associated with abundance, with leaves often placed in wallets, cash boxes, or around the home to invite prosperity and good fortune.
Bay has also been treasured as a botanical of wisdom and insight. Placed beneath a pillow, it is said to encourage peaceful sleep, deepen intuition, and invite prophetic dreams while bringing clarity and inner peace.
Within the Apothecary
Bay is one of the guiding botanicals of the Close to Earth Apothecary. Valued for its ability to unite intention with action, it appears throughout our creations wherever courage, wisdom, abundance, and purposeful new beginnings are being honoured.
"Plant the intention. Trust the unfolding. Walk your path with wisdom."