Poll: Have your own BoS?

[Illusion153]

So I got to wondering about this, but who has thier own BoS? Or do you share one with your coven? Also, what do you think of those that are/claim to be Wiccan (of any flavor) that do not have a BoS of thier own.

Just wondering.

[Illusion153]

And of course, I will be the first to answer/reply to my poll.

I am putting together my own, so (tenatively) I have my own. I am not in a coven so I am using the book "A Witches' Bible" by Janet and Stewart Farrar, copy-right 1981, 1984 and printed by Robert Hale LTD.

I am using that for the base text (i.e. the preface, and the 13 other parts listed there taken from the BoS written/compiled by Gerald Gardner/Doreen Valiente) and some of the rituals. It is my beleif that they were very good about making it a book based on facts of the Religion and practices rather than a brochure for how to be Alexandrian. So it is basicaly one of the texts that I consider to be good for anyone to read due to the nature of it, and how it is written.

I'll be adding in other things of course, that goes without saying, but I figured that I should put out where I am getting the basis for mine.

Now, onto the second part of this. How do I feel about Wiccans that own no BoS (be it themselves, i.e. coven owned/shared, or if they do not have one at all)? I guess you can say that I do not condemn them for it. I have gone a few years myself without it, for various reasons. If you like I'll go into those reasons at a later date. I do not think that they are not Wiccans, but I do not think that they are as firm, in some ways, as others. I dunno, kinda hard to explain. I had my reasons, and I stand by them. I am sure that many of them have thier own.

[SageofThyme]

Well I am a non wiccan witch who dosn't own a BOS. I did have a kind of one about 7 yrs ago (possible longer than that)

Why don't I have one now - it just dosn't fit in with my beliefs or my practises. Hard to explain in a few words

I don't have a problem with those who own one -we are each on our own path. Some of the people I have taught/mentored have started BOS's of their own (Most have adopted the non BOS style later.....though I've never told them to make or not make one)

[Rae ShadowWolf]

I have a Grimoire, which is similar I suppose. I don't call it a BoS as I am not Wiccan.

[StormVixen]

i keep a BoW(isdom), because i dont follow a particular path, just my path, so i cant buy books about it... thats why i keep my book.

[instinct]

ah. it seriously took me a whole 5 minutes to work out what the hell a BoS was :lol:

but then i'm not even remotely wiccan.. so i have an excuse (that and the drugs :2G: :hehehehe: )

[SageofThyme]

ah. it seriously took me a whole 5 minutes to work out what the hell a BoS was :lol:

but then i'm not even remotely wiccan.. so i have an excuse (that and the drugs :2G: :hehehehe: )

:lol: well BOS does tend to more a wiccan thing -other paths call it different things so I think you can be forgiven

[Faeawyn]

Well...I have a BOS and I call it a BOS but I'm not Wiccan. But then again, for me, BOS stands for Book of Spells....and that's what it is :lol:

[PoisonIvy]

Yes, I have a BOS but I'm not Wiccan.

[Phoenix Element]

I have a BoS, but I have no coven and I'm not Wiccan, per se. I love collecting knowledge and taking notes, so the prarctice of keeping a book really appealed to me.

I'm waiting for my life to quiet down just a tad before I take time out and really personalize the book. I'm planning on creating and illustrating each section divider, as well as a cover. I have rough ideas for now, and I'm looking forward to making them a reality. I'll probably post the section dividers in the Art section as I complete them :D

[argento_occhi]

Well, OK, so I have a BOS type thing that has all the myriad stuff I collected when I was Wiccan. Then I have another BOS type thing that has all the myriad information I collected (and still collect) now that I veered off the Wiccan path and onto the Kemetic path. So yeah. Why do I have them? Why not? Besides, it's everything in one place. It's just easy for me to have it there.

Argent

[Astara Seague]

I have one and our coven has one:wave:

[Ravyn Sylverwyng]

I have one, but I'm going to be handcrafting another shortly. I have been doing a lot of research into it so that I can craft it the way that I want it. And, since I want a huge old looking tomb, then it will have to be made by someone. And, I may as well be the one to craft it.

[Catiana]

I have one, I'm a solitary Wiccan, so no coven.

[StarEyes]

I have one as well. And as I am a solitary Wiccan there is no coven one for me to use.

[StarEyes]

I have one as well. And as I am a solitary Wiccan there is no coven one for me to use.

[LyraDragonStar]

I have one. I like it. I have it for a few years now. I love it.

[TuathaSidhe]

I dont really consider what I have a BoS. I have a journel. I write down my thoughts, feelings and expressions in it. Along with my poems, any information i think i might need for quick reference and a list of my supplies.

Which isnt very much, a few rocks, 2 kinds of incence, 3 candals and 2 kinds of oils.

Im wanting to expand, but not really sure on how, or what to get. Im still, learning, and not really sure what a I would need. Im still trying to learn excatly what I am! lol

[Illusion153]

This is a bit different from what I expected to get for answers, but it is interesting, and something of a learning expeirence for me. Thank you all for your replies!

[Philosophia]

I have a journal, not a BOS

Edited: To make it a little clearer, my journal is my BOS. Inside I keep everything I need and more.

[SparkleWytch]

I have a BoS as does our Coven. Not everyone is oging to have one. Record keeping isn't for everyone the same iwth journaling. Some pople can remember things, some people draw instead of write etc. I'd like to know what different traditions call their BoS's.

[Tabbykitty]

I have something which can be considered a BoS, but I don't call it that cos I'm not a wiccan and I don't think its quite the same thing.

[wooleybob]

I have a BOS.Was handed down through the family.I am Wiccan.

[Sionnach le Fey]

I don't have a BoS, but I would love to start one. I am not Wiccan.

[SilverClaw]

I have several actually and yes I used it when I was part of a coven.


Also, what do you think of those that are/claim to be Wiccan (of any flavor) that do not have a BoS of thier own.
No law says you have to have a bos so I do not think it has any bearing on you being wiccan or not. To each thier own.

[Fire's Shadow]

I have a book of shadows to record all sorts of spiritual views and experiences. I also record certain data that I find relevant to my path. I would encourage ALL pagans to keep a similar type of tool. I am definately not a Wiccan. It is great tool for the development of each person's path.

[Tahlea]

I have a BoS :) I have it on my computer, it's easier to edit. I also have another book which is part of my BoS which (although I've yet to write in it, only bought it a day or two ago) I will use for recording dreams, tarot and rune readings, etc.

[Lady Khaibit]

I have one on disk and one that I have been constructing for about 7 years now. I'm a solitary practioner, but my daughters will inherit this as their birth right.

[RakliDipity]

I don't have one, but I would like one, the only problem is, I have a very nosy little sister who likes to pop into my room at radom intervals and search through my things...
:strike:

[Zebi]

I don't have a BOS, as I'm not Wiccan. I do keep a folder on my computer for any material related to Kemetic spirituality, and that includes rituals, prayers, and other information.

[Brandon Bee]

Nope, I don't have a BoS since I'm not Wiccan. I plan on making my own grimoire when I'm ready.

[2steps]

I have been recording things generally in a journal type book for several years but never had a specific bos. I am currently planning to start one but unsure how

[MoonBear GreenOak]

I have several, but only because I keep filling them up with stuff. I also make them, only because I saw places online that are charging almost $800 for some! I'll post a picture if ya like.

[Misteria]

I have my own BOS, however i haven't been writing in it much lately

[Against The Tide]

I am putting together my own, so (tenatively) I have my own. I am not in a coven so I am using the book "A Witches' Bible" by Janet and Stewart Farrar, copy-right 1981, 1984 and printed by Robert Hale LTD.

I am using that for the base text (i.e. the preface, and the 13 other parts listed there taken from the BoS written/compiled by Gerald Gardner/Doreen Valiente) and some of the rituals. It is my beleif that they were very good about making it a book based on facts of the Religion and practices rather than a brochure for how to be Alexandrian. So it is basicaly one of the texts that I consider to be good for anyone to read due to the nature of it, and how it is written.

I'll be adding in other things of course, that goes without saying, but I figured that I should put out where I am getting the basis for mine.


I am quoteing because you've summed up my own BoS up very well (Janet and Stewart Farrar's work is excellent). The only additions I have to make is that I use mine as a magical diary of sorts - I record my magical workings, how I thought it went, how it turned out and stuff like that.

My opinions on other choosing not to have a BoS... Well as they say: An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will. Its just harder to compare idears, spells and rituals if they haven't written it down.

[NgaioBC]

I have one that I'm just putting together. As such most of my sections are empty so far. I'm only really working on a few sections currently. It's a 3-ring 3 inch binder. I don't use it as a journal. I have a separate book for that. :)

[NgaioBC]

I have been recording things generally in a journal type book for several years but never had a specific bos. I am currently planning to start one but unsure how


Try searching this site using the key words "book of shadows". You should see a thread under the Circle of teaching that starts with "lesson 3". Go there and it will give you an idea for setting one up if you want it. :) Hope it helps.

[Illusion153]

Once I get done adding in the parts from the book, then I am going to start recording other things that I beleive should be in there. Just a little side note.

[Willow Rosette]

I do have one and plan on making a new and impoved one but I have not used it in years I dont think. Im more of the type that steps out my front door in the morning and oh its a full moon and stand there and give thanks. Im just not that fancy.