Most Pagans have a Book of Shadows (BOS), or a book that contains rituals, traditions, beliefs, etc. These books are often used in circles to guide rituals. Even if you hate writing, consider making a BOS. They are valuable for recording your rituals, spells and ideas, and keeping track of what you did when.

The actual book can come in many shapes and sizes. Some folks prefer bound blank paged books. I suggest using a three ringed binder...you will be adding and subtracting stuff over the years and being able to shuffle pages helps. I suggest you hand write at least one copy of your BOS.

Computers are great, but a "Disk of shadows" looses some of the mystique of having something in your own hand. Besides a BOS can be fun to make, esp., if you are creative, decorating pages with drawings like the Celtic knot work, etc. (suggestion: use clear plastic 3 ringed binder sheet protectors to protect the pages from wax droppings during a ritual). Below is a sample "table of contents" for a BOS. You can change or modify it at will:

1.Book Blessing (invocation asking for the God/dess to
bless/protect)
2.Statement of tradition (name of practice, brief explanation of
sect/tradition,deities.)
3.Rules/goals (as above)
4.General beliefs (reincarnation, threefold law, etc)
5.Altar layout, tools used and what for, ritual dress, etc.
6.Rituals
ie:
Circle casting procedure
Sabbats/Moons
Prayers, invocations, songs
Etc. (handfastings, initiations, tool consecrations, etc)
7.Spellworking Rituals - color/element/stone correspondences
"spells" recipes,incenses, ritual foods, etc.
8.Meditations guidelines and steps
9.Days, Months and Phases of the Moon

One big thing is missing. I prefer to keep diaries, meditation and dream journals in a separate book. Why? Because I see the BOS as a relatively "permanent" book.

Much of the links here come from years of Pagan faith and practice. It is a combination of teachings given me by my teacher and those I have found elsewhere. As the length of time that has gone by is great, there are various spells and such that I really have no idea exactly where I got them. I apologize now for any use and oversight on my part in thanking those who have aided me through word and deed over the years.

I now forward thanks in general to all those I mentioned above. Those that remain faceless to me and that time has rendered forgotten in name, not in spirit.

Enjoy the links below and feel free to copy and make any changes according to your individual traditions. If you have any questions regarding anything in my BOS, please feel free to e-mail me with your questions and I will do my best to assist you.

To begin and before the links, here is a small BOS Blessing:

BOOK BLESSING

Hearken as the Pagan's word
Calls the Lady and the Lord
Moon above and earth below
Sky's cool blue and sun's hot glow,
In this right and ready hour,
Fill these pages with thy power.
May no unprepared eye to see
The secrets which entrusted be.
To I who walk the hidden road
To find the hearthstone's calm abode.
Guardians from the four directions,
Hear me and lend Thy protection:
May these truths of Earth and Skies
Shielded be from prying eyes.
But to the Pagan whose map this be
May the way be plain to see;
And through all the coming ages,
May we find home in these pages.

Blessing of the Home
Blessing of the Dead
Invocations and Charges
Esbat Rituals
Spellwork
Colors, Stones & Gems
Handfasting/Naming/Dedications
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© 1997 Silver Phoenix

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