Book of Shadows

Merry Meet! So, it's been awhile since my last blog, I've just been so busy with exams and other odd and end thing's! Not to mention my computer was acting up and wouldn't let me on my blog without cutting off and restarting itself (It does that a lot, and it is annoying!!!).
But anyways, I'm back! :)
And on this blog (it's probably going to be a bit lengthy) I'm going to cover a bit about the witches Book of Shadows (also known as BOS).

What exactly IS a BOS???
It's a book that's typical to the Wiccan practice. It's a place for a practitioner to keep their practical info like correspondences, myths, rituals, invocations, etc. It's also a place to document the personal/spiritual journey, which may include thing's such as: poems, songs, dreams, emotions, etc.
The BOS is used to store info you may need in your specific magickal tradition. Many Pagans and Wiccans feel as though a BOS should be handwritten, but there are those that use a computer to store information in as well (I do this at the moment, until I'm able to find the perfect book for my BOS, I'm just keeping all of my info on documents for the time being. But, when I need to use something {ritual/invocation/chants/etc.} I write it out on a piece of notebook paper and use that!). However, a BOS is considered a sacred tool, which means it is an item that should be consecrated with all other magickal tools. So, to copy spells and rituals will not only transfer energy to the writer, but also can help you to memorize the contents (which means you'll want to write legibly enough in order to be able to read your writing!).
Whether you call it your "Book of Shadows", "Magickal Grimoire", or "Book of Magick"; it is important for every witch/Wiccan to create a book of records. They're your personal notes, a diary of your spiritual/magickal experiences; a book to record your dreams, interpretations, aspirations, and affirmations. In a BOS, you can also record spells, symbols, herb uses (aka: "a witches cookbook"). You can also write of your God(s) and/or Goddess(es), and (as stated before) dreams, and even history of some sort. And since each Wiccan is just a little bit different, a BOS shows their own way of doing things, as well as their findings.

Types of books you can use for your BOS
(And their Pros and Cons)
There are so many different types of books or thing's you can use for your BOS!!!! Whether it be electronic, a 3-ring binder, store bought, hand-made, folders, a plain notebook, or even can be put on a website if you want it to be public!
Bear in mind that their are Pros and Cons to each of these!
~Electronic- Pros: easily organized and easy to read. Cons: controversial because some see it as less personal or magickal; and the fact that it can be lost if it's not backed up (to prevent this, you could use an external hard drive, floppy disk, usb drive, etc.)
~3-Ring Binder- Pros: organized better because it's re-arrangeable and you can add/take out pages (to protect the pages from candle wax or something else, you can use page protectors!). Cons: It's still sometimes seen as less magickal/personal.
~Store bought- Pros: Being handwritten can make it seem more personal/magickal. Cons: Hard to organize!!!
~Hand-made Book- Pros: typically, they're beautiful and abundant with energy. Cons (yes, there ARE cons!!): hard to organize, and very time consuming!
~Folders- Pros: simple and easy to move papers (and inexpensive!). Cons: paper can easily fall out, and it's not that personal.
~Plain Notebook- Pros: can be bought anywhere, decorated, and no papers would fall out. Cons: hard to organize.
~Website- Pros: you can get feedback on it. Cons: it's public, and therefore not that sacred nor personal.

Starting Your Own BOS
First, decide whatkind of book you want to use (spiral notebook, three-ring binder, purchased hard-cover stationary books, etc.). Which ever one you happen to choose, label it and set it's purpose and energy from the start; you can also record the title on the outside or inside on the page after the cover. After the title, "date" the book (some witches even creat a new book at the beginning of each magickal year during Samhain {for those that may not know, Samhain- Halloween- is the Witches New Year!}; others may use the same book over a period of time until it's full, then start a new volume. It's your own personal choice which way you date your book, but you should enter a date and if possible a volume reference (this will keep your books organized over the years!).
Next, take some time and think about a type of personal blessing to record on the first page (or after the title page, depending on whether or not you wrote the title on the inside or outside). A book blessing is done as a sort of dedication to your spiritual growth, your path of learning and protection for the info you gain and record withing your book. You may write out the blessing on a scrap of paper until you get it just right and are content with it; then transfer the blessing to your BOS.
If you happen to find the book you've chosen loses it's personal appeal or is inadequate for your needs, no need to hesitate! Just find a new one! Remember, you should feel comfortable and attached to your book, this gives the book energy and meaning in your spiritual life.

Other Types of Books
~Grimoire: A book of instructions and practical appilaction that's not necessarily Wiccan, most may argue that thing's like dreams, meditations, poems, or other personal musings have no place in a grimoire (but that's also your personal opinion!)
~Dream Journal: Used to record and interprat dreams!
~Book of Light: Some prefer to call their BOS a "Book of Light", others consider it their spell book.
~Book of Reflections (Mirrors): Some have this as a part of their BOS, in order to document their spiritual journey. It's more of a journal or diary than a recipe book, you could also use it to record divination results!


Okay!! That just about covers it, I may blog later about the history of the BOS, but who knows for sure?! :)
I find the BOS so interesting!! I love learning and absorbing information about them, they're so intriguing!!!! Don't you agree? :)
If I missed anything about the BOS blog, or you have other questions about something I didn't cover in my BOS, feel free to ask em'! I'll answer if I can :)

Oh, and next Sabbat: Imbolc! WHOO! :)

Until next time...
Love and light, blessed be...

)O( Amorel )O(