What is a Book of Shadows? (An Introduction to this Section)

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The picture above suggests the usual look of a Wiccan's room. It has a shelf filled with books used for research regarding a new spell to be done. It has a symbol of the coven the Wiccan belongs to, also some tools used in doing a spell. Of course, the room can't miss out on the Book of Shadows, where all the witch's thoughts, spells, divination, etc (practically a diary) are in.

So what is a Book of Shadows and what will this section be all about? You may scroll down and read away.


WHAT IS A BOOK OF SHADOWS? 

A Book of Shadows (BOS) is a book containing spiritual texts and instructions such as spiritual information, such as spells, incantations, potions and so on found within Wicca or Paganism. It is a is a Witch's Greatest tool. It also keeps track of a witch's personal notes such as dreams, interpretations, aspirations and affirmations. thoughts, experiences, spiritual or magical experiences.

Initially, there is only one copy of the Book of Shadows for each coven (gathering of witches), kept by the high priest or priestess (leader of the coven). However, nowadays it is required that all witches have their own copies. Many Pagans and Wiccans feel that a BOS should be handwritten but in today's modern times, some use a computer instead to store all their information.

HISTORY OF THE BOOK OF SHADOWS

   

Gerald Gardner, the "father of Wicca", introduced the Book of Shadows to his self-founded Bricket Wood coven in the 1950s. He encouraged everyone to adapt this personal cookbook of spells; that they could copy it as it is and add or remove something that they see fit. He said that this practice of documenting everything in a book is ancient and has been practiced by witches and the occult throughout history. The books is burned after a person dies, so that no one will discover that he or she has been a witch.

Contemporary Paganism, Modern Paganism, or Neopaganism is a general term referring to a variety of contemporary religious movements, particularly those influenced by or claiming to be derived from the various historical pagan beliefs of pre-modern Europe. Although Thelema, Wicca and Adonism, among others share  some commonalities, contemporary Pagan religious movements are diverse and there are no set of beliefs, practices, or texts are observed or practiced by all of them. Wicca is a modern pagan religion that is rooted on a diverse set of ancient pagan motifs for its theological structure and ritual practice. The religion usually incorporates the practice of witchcraft. Contemporary Witchcraft is a subset of Paganism. Its practice involves diverse degrees of magic, shamanism, folk medicine, spiritual healing, calling on elementals and spirits, veneration of ancient deities and archetypes, and attunement with the forces of nature.

MAKE YOUR OWN BOOK OF SHADOWS

Nowadays, you do not need to be Wiccan to be able to make your own Book of Shadows. Just get any book or notebook that you want to write all your thoughts on. You can also choose to do something crafty and design your own book. Book of Shadows has far been taken out from its magical context. As of now, it is commonly used like a diary but unlike a diary, one examines himself well and all aspects of his person are written in a BOS. This aspect has been carried on until this day as the aim of keeping a BOS is to be attuned with oneself. After all, it is your personal book of shadows. It should reflect your own person, just as a shadow would reflect you in the dark. A well-composed book of shadows shall guide a person back to the right path during trying times.

THE DSC BOOK OF SHADOWS

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SOURCES:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Shadows
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neopaganism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witchcraft_(contemporary)
http://darkbooks.org/pp.php?v=1352057146
http://enchanted-gaia.tumblr.com/post/25442597101
http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccaandpaganismbasics/ht/BOS.htm
http://www.freebookofshadows.com/bos.asp
http://www.paganspath.com/magik/shadows.htm
http://www.carolinadean.com/thebookofshadows.htm#584034426