Book of Shadows. A term that denotes mystery,
secrecy, darkness. Most modern practitioners believe that the
name originates from people hiding "in the shadows" any
of their lore and ritual information from the prying eyes of
persecution. It is also felt it is a fairly modern term--many of
our historic counterparts, for example priestesses, druids,
kahunas, etc. committed all knowledge to memory that was passed
down orally from the lips of the elder to the ears of the
apprentice.
Book of Shadows. Today we live in an age where paper
is available to the masses. Also, everyone reading this page has
access to a computer.
Therefore, a book of shadows may be as ornate as
hand-made paper with rituals written with a crow quill pen, that
is hand bound in leather. Or simpler, like mine, which is a
series of large purple 3 ring binders.
A Book of Shadows, or BOS, is basically what ever a
working Witch wants it to be. Some, none, or all of the following
may be in a book of shadows...
What is in a
Book of Shadows?
Typically, you will find at least SOME of the
following in a book of shadows...
Spells usually hand written if you are a
traditionalist. (I am!)
Correspondences - These are tables of
information needed by the Witch in order to gather the correct
materials for a spell. These include:
- Astrological,
(phases of the moon, days of the week, hours of the day)
- Colors What
color is best used for the ritual, for example red for
passion.
- Candles,
(color, scent, type)
- Deities
- Elementals
- Herbs (for healing rituals)
- Incense (what type to burn for a particular
ritual)
- Stones & crystals (best type for a spell, or
to put in a medicine bag, etc.)
- Tools -
Information of a tools use, when it was consecrated, etc.
References for rituals such as cleansing the
space, quarter calls, drawing the circle, blessing the altar,
performing the work, dismissing the quarters, releasing the
circle, cakes and ale.
A glossary
of common terms that you can refer to for words particular to Wiccan and
Paganism that you are not familiar with.
Journals - Personal Journal of Magickal
workings, (before AND after) Dream Journals, etc.
Tradition Information - If a person belongs to
a Coven, this may be the beliefs of that group, or if they are a
solitary their statement of their beliefs, and research or
information about them.
Recipes - For food or drinks during
rituals.
Healing
Chants- I am currently studying Pow Wow, and there are
many short healing chants for everything from stopping blood to
reducing inflammation. So far, the one's I've used have worked!
????? I'm sure I've left out a LOT!
As I complete Web Pages that include the above
information, I will include links to those pages. Stay tuned!
This page was created by Spyrit Dancer, and last updated on
9/22/00. If you find any errors, broken links, or have
suggestions for changes, please e-mail me! Love, Spyrit Dancer.
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