Make Your Book of Shadows
Monday November 17, 2008
This time of year is a time of new beginnings for many of us, so why not start up something new? If you've never created your own Book of Shadows, now is a good time to start one. The BOS is where you keep all your important information -- rituals, workings, correspondences, etc. In some trads, there may be a coven Book of Shadows which is shared with initiates, but usually each individual members maintains their own BOS as well.
Because there are so many different branches of Wicca, and no central governing body, there's no one singular Book of Shadows. Be skeptical of anyone who claimes, "I have the ORIGINAL Super Secret Mystery Book of Shadows!!!" There's just no such animal.
A Book of Shadows is a great way to keep all your information at your fingertips. If you don't have one yet, you can put one together with a few basic supplies and a small investment of your time. It's worth it, if it means that you can find what you need later on without having to dig through piles of books.
Make Your Book of Shadows
It's not hard to stay organized once you get started. Remember to always cite your sources, so that if you need to backtrack later and find out where exactly you read something, you can find it easily. Even if your source is another person rather than a book or website, you can just include a footnote that says, "This section from Lady Ravenfire" or something similar. Keep in mind that your BOS is a magical tool, and should be treated accordingly.
Because there are so many different branches of Wicca, and no central governing body, there's no one singular Book of Shadows. Be skeptical of anyone who claimes, "I have the ORIGINAL Super Secret Mystery Book of Shadows!!!" There's just no such animal.
A Book of Shadows is a great way to keep all your information at your fingertips. If you don't have one yet, you can put one together with a few basic supplies and a small investment of your time. It's worth it, if it means that you can find what you need later on without having to dig through piles of books.
It's not hard to stay organized once you get started. Remember to always cite your sources, so that if you need to backtrack later and find out where exactly you read something, you can find it easily. Even if your source is another person rather than a book or website, you can just include a footnote that says, "This section from Lady Ravenfire" or something similar. Keep in mind that your BOS is a magical tool, and should be treated accordingly.
Comments
I’m working on my BOS right now, and I’m using a post-bound scrapbook album. Not only am I able to make the pages unique and fit my personality, but the style of scrapbook makes it very easy to move things around and add pages. I love it!
I have a journal-style book that I use only for rituals, but everything else I keep in a giant blue Trapper Keeper, in plastic sleeves. It’s organized, and I can move stuff around as much as I need to. My biggest problem is that after all this time, I really need a second Trapper Keeper.
patti
If you do use a post-bound album or a binder, using paper of varied color makes organization incredibly easy. For instance, use green for herbal information, red for spell records, yellow or gold for notes about God and silver or white for the Goddess. With all the scrapbooking paper available now, the choices are almost limitless, and your BOS will be lovely.
this is a great help im only a teen and new to wicca so any info i can get is great you blogs are a great help to me
I am old but new at this and I am at a lost for paganism. I have been one for over 4 years now but do none of the rituals or the many other things. I need assistance with them I am going with the Greek/Egyptian goddess’s but I haven’t figured much else out. If any one can help me please email me at [email deleted]
Nearaz, I’m deleting your email addy out of your post for safety reasons. Rather than just posting on the blog and asking for general help, why not put together a list of specific questions, and stop by the discussion forums?
patti
i am new at this but i decided to make my book of shadows in a diary form as i go along with my everyday life…in the event that i will completely fill up the bounded book then i will write a second volume…one reason i did not organize my book is to help me memorize the spells and materials of the book or books…is this ok?