The Book of Shadows is a secret diary of magickal spells and potion recipes kept by an individual Witch or a coven. In certain Wiccan traditions, a Witch's Book of Shadows must be burned in the event of his or her death in order to protect the secrets of the Craft.
Most Wiccans treasure their Book of Shadows. Such books are rarely published or even shown to others. A Book of Shadows can include instructions for circle casting, religious rituals, laws, the use of tools, spells, prayers (chants), recipes (for incense, oils, cakes, etc.), poems, runes....A wide variety.
Ones Book of Shadows can be a simple wire notebook or binder. Some people type out their pages and some even keep their Book of Shadows on Computer Disk.
This is a basic outline of what a BOS should contain. Some are links to other pages and include things from my very own BOS.
Title page. Usually just says "Book of Shadows" It can be more complex and be your name written in runes or just a simple pentagram. Or it can be left blank
LAWS. These could also be termed 'Rules', 'codes' or 'Codes of conduct'
Invocations of the Goddess and God may appear next, or before the laws. One or two invocations often appear early in the book to 'bless' it.
Circle casting and dispersing instructions.
Rituals, Sabbats, Full Moon Rite, tool consecrations, Cakes and Wine.
Prayers, chants and invocations.
Magickal rites and information, including herbal lore, incense, and recipes as well as Wiccan Spells. Also symbols and signs of used in magical shorthand. Runes.
A Book of Shadows is a personal tool. You can add whatever you wish to it.
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