Bay Leaf Wishes & Sacred Resin: A New Year Manifestation Ritual

As the old year fades and the new one beckons, there's a powerful ancient ritual that combines the magic of written intention with the sacred smoke of burning resin—the bay leaf wish ceremony. This simple yet profound practice has been used for centuries to release the past and manifest desires for the year ahead.

The Magic of Bay Leaves

Bay leaves have long been revered in spiritual practice for their properties of protection, purification, and manifestation. In ancient Greece and Rome, bay laurel was sacred to Apollo, god of prophecy and truth. When we write our wishes upon bay leaves and offer them to flame, we're participating in a tradition that spans millennia—transforming our intentions into smoke that carries our desires to the universe.

The Power of Sacred Resin

Burning resin incense elevates this ritual to something truly transcendent. Unlike stick incense, resin releases pure, concentrated fragrance when heated on charcoal, creating an atmosphere of deep reverence and spiritual connection. Each resin carries its own sacred properties:

Frankincense - The king of resins, frankincense purifies space, elevates consciousness, and connects us to the divine. Perfect for New Year intentions focused on spiritual growth and clarity.

Myrrh - Ancient and grounding, myrrh supports meditation, healing, and protection. Use it when your wishes involve emotional healing or releasing old wounds.

Benzoin - Sweet and comforting, benzoin attracts prosperity and purifies negative energy. Ideal for manifestations around abundance and success.

Amber - Warm and magnetic, amber resin enhances manifestation work and draws positive energy. Burn it when setting intentions for love, creativity, or personal power.

Three Kings - A sacred blend of frankincense, myrrh, and benzoin, this traditional mixture is perfect for honouring the threshold between old and new.

How to Perform the Bay Leaf Wish Ritual

What You'll Need:

• Dried bay leaves (one for each wish or intention)
• Sacred resin incense (frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, or your choice)
• Charcoal disc and resin burner or cauldron
• Pen or marker
• Matches or lighter
• Fireproof dish or cauldron
• Optional: candles, crystals, or other altar items

The Ritual:

1. Prepare Your Sacred Space
Light your charcoal disc and place it in your resin burner or cauldron. Once it's glowing, add a small amount of your chosen resin. As the fragrant smoke begins to rise, take a moment to centre yourself. Breathe deeply and set the intention that this is sacred time.

2. Write Your Wishes
On each bay leaf, write a single wish, intention, or goal for the new year. Be specific and write in the present tense, as if it's already manifesting. Examples: "I am financially abundant," "My business thrives," "I attract loving relationships," "I release fear and embrace courage."

3. Charge Your Intentions
Hold each bay leaf in your hands. Close your eyes and visualise your wish already fulfilled. Feel the emotions of having achieved this desire. Pour your energy and belief into the leaf.

4. Offer to the Flame
One by one, place your bay leaves onto the burning resin in your cauldron or burner. As each leaf catches fire and curls, watch the smoke rise and carry your intention to the universe. Speak your wish aloud or silently as it burns: "I release this wish to manifest in perfect timing for my highest good."

5. Witness and Release
Sit with the smoke and flame. Don't rush. This is a moment of transformation—your written words becoming ethereal smoke, your earthly desires meeting spiritual fire. Trust that your intentions have been heard.

6. Close the Ritual
When all your bay leaves have burned, add a final pinch of resin as an offering of gratitude. Sit in meditation for a few moments, then extinguish your charcoal safely. Your ritual is complete.

Timing Your Ritual

While New Year's Eve is a powerful time for this practice, you can perform it any time during the threshold period between Winter Solstice and Imbolc (21 December - 1 February). The new moon is also particularly potent for manifestation work. Trust your intuition about when feels right.

After the Ritual

Release attachment to the outcome. Your wishes have been planted like seeds in fertile soil—now they need time, trust, and tending. Take inspired action when opportunities arise, but don't obsess over results. The universe works in mysterious and perfect ways.

Gather Your Ritual Supplies

Ready to perform this powerful New Year manifestation ritual? We offer premium quality sacred resins to elevate your practice:

• 50gm Frankincense Resin - For spiritual elevation and divine connection
• 50gm Myrrh Resin - For healing and protection
• 50gm Benzoin Resin - For prosperity and purification
• 50gm Amber Resin - For manifestation and personal power
• 50gm Three Kings Resin - Sacred traditional blend

You'll also need a proper resin burner to safely burn your incense and bay leaves. Explore our collection of resin incense warmers designed specifically for this sacred practice.

May your wishes take flight on sacred smoke. May the new year bring all that you desire and more. May your intentions manifest in perfect timing for your highest good.

Blessed be.