by K Robinson

Created on: October 01, 2009

The Beginning of your Book of Shadows

Out of all the things a practitioner will need, be he or she Wicca, pagan, Celt, or dianac, the Books of Shadows is the true must have. The Book of Shadows is defined as the text that contains the core and individual rituals, recipes, dreams, and thoughts of a practitioner. In most traditions, its seen as an instructional text for those who wish to practice and how to do it. Others will say that its more of a journal, since its tied to the one who makes it. This book is the one text that helps a practicing pagan hone in on his or her skills, assists in learning from mistakes, and serves as a story of the journey.

To start, you have to find a type of book that makes you the most comfortable. Many places sell book of shadows like things, but they are usually small or really thin. A recommendation is to go with a large lined book with many pages,a few hundred if possible. This could be a large three ring binder with loose leaf or thick journalist book in the color of choice. Many pagans decorate or have symbols put into the cover to show that this is their personal text. Use a special pen or writing instrument if you want and keep this with the book.

The pages can be filled with so many things. The contents differ from a coven or a solitary practitioner using it. Start with who you are, like you are introducing yourself. Get a feel for the book, perhaps write how it was you came to this path. Once that is done, it's really up to the writer. The possibilities for content can be endless. One subject that's recommended is rituals, whether they are Sabbaths or personal ones. Answer the questions that someone could ask you. What do you, in particular, say when you call the corners? What method do you use to cast the circles? Put in if there are any specific items you use to represent the elements when casting or celebrating. This could be a red candle for the fire sign or a filled shell for water.

Samhain (Halloween) is a popular one. What was happening in the world around you? Did you leave something for the spirits when they journeyed this side? What did you see? What did you feel? How exactly did you celebrate? If there is a particular ritual that's favored, a step by step instruction can be in there. A pagan can loosely recount what he or she did and leave the rest open for expansion. One can put down mistakes and positive effects so that those can be learned from and grown from. There are no wrong answers to these questions. These are simply the different way you can practice and what you can put in your tome.

Say you like to work with Herbs. A good, knowledgeable list of the herbs in the local area or where you can purchase them is good. How about the names and nicknames of those plants. More importantly, there effects both negative and positive. It's important to know what you're handling. Any recipes, tinctures, or soaps scents you come up with, whether as welcome or potential warning, put it in there. Charts of runes or tarot formations can be another. Draw pictures of you wish of your altar or things you may pick up while mediating. Write in your dreams.

Write in yourself. The book is not only for writing rituals and cards done but about feelings and experiences you may while doing so. From beginning to end, it's your own. Have fun with it and treasure it.

Learn more about this author, K Robinson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.