My Book of Shadows

The Book of Shadows (BOS) is a very personal tool. It represents the whole of a witch's knowledge of the craft and chronicles the witch's journey as he or she walks their chosen path. Some Books of Shadows record progress of not only one witch, but several generations of witches, having been passed down over time through a coven or a family of witches. Sometimes, the BOS takes the form of a series of journals.

Some of the things that you will find in a typical Book of Shadows include: rites and rituals, spells, methods of divination, chants, information on herbs, magickal correspondences, Esbat and Sabbat information, healing techniques, initiation and dedication information, talismans, amulets, dreams, signs and symbols, in addition you may find personal information about those who kept the book at one time or another.

The Book's ominous name comes from the Burning Times, a time in history from about 1550 ACE to roughly the early 1900's when witches were persecuted, often to a point of death, because of their beliefs. During such a time when the utmost secrecy was paramount for survival, those persons wishing to adhere to their beliefs and practices had to keep them to themselves. Therefore, the witches practiced their craft in secret, surrounded by the shadows of the night, often writing their experiences in their special book, which became known as the Book of Shadows.

Another more recent theory regarding the origin of the term Book of Shadows, suggest that Gerald Gardner 'borrowed' the term from the title of a sanskrit book entitled "The Book of Shadows" which instructed the reader how to forcast their destiny my measuring their own shadow.

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[feeorahathore]

that are a lot of pages! ....i also have a BOS but i buyd it to early and it's ugly so i start over. And very original that you used pictures from Angel and Buffy for the God and Goddess

[arisenhard]

@feeorahathore That wasn't Buffy and Angel, just a couple of large photos I found in a magazine of some models.

[MaggotWolfify]

It's really cool that you've made your own BOS. Though did you have to use any magical infusion or purification spells on it before putting it to use?

[arisenhard]

@MaggotWolfify I performed a blessing on the book and every page is filled to the rim with divine energy!

[agentofchaos9090]

I love the way your Book of Shadow looks. Very beautiful.

[arisenhard]

@agentofchaos9090 thank you.

[MrKiller870]

mine is tiny..a section with the basics of aura magick...and thats it :'(

[KathrineCraven]

I like the way you covered the outside of your book. Nicely done, and thankyou for sharing!

[LeOmNomNom]

My Book of Shadows is hardly even started, but i have a pretty good idea of what it looks like. I cant get the stuff to make it yet though, so im hoping i can get them soon :)

[feeorahathore]

@arisenhard ew lol! it really looked like :P

[elizaandmoon]

pretty book of shadows :) i cant wait till i finish mine

[Jessiasplace]

my book of shadows is hand made real leather with the pentagram dyed in and the pages are hand made. i sealed it with salt and blessed it to. I love your book it is so big!