Book of Shadows

[Velvet_Angel]

Hey, I'm currently starting to compile by Bos. And was wonderiing if you kind people would be able to tell me what you have included in yours?
*Blessed Be!*

[Sovaan]

Good question. I'd like to get some answers to that question, myself.

Here are some basics:
--how to prepare for magic (cleansing, donning ritual garb)
--how to cast the circle and call the elements
--opening prayer for ritual
--invocation(s) to the Goddess and God
--an Esbat ritual
--Sabbat rituals
--the Wiccan Rede, the Charge of the Goddess, and similar liturgy
--spells
--prayers

Since I'm constantly adding to my collection of prayers and spells, I actually prefer to keep them in a separate book from my BOS. I try to limit my BOS to basic information that I don't expect to add to or revise very much.

I think one of the most basic and important things you can include in your BOS is a list of magical correspondences: trees, herbs, flowers, crystals & gems, planets, colors, elements, times & places to do magic, etc.

You might also want to include a description of the basic techniques for using each of these primary tools in magic. For example:

Herbs: tea or brew, tincture, burned as incense, kept in a satchet, added to a bath
Crytals: worn as jewelry, kept in a "medicine bag", placed next to a charged and burning candle, kept in a box with a spell written on parchment, buried, placed in a brew or infusion

You may also want to organize magical techniques by their associated element:

Air magic: words/incantations, singing, visualizations, mirrors
Fire magic: candle, a small burner, a woodstove or fireplace, a bonfire
Water magic: sea or ocean, river or stream, pond or lake, well, bathroom, or kitchen
Earth magic: burying, camping, sculpting stone or working with clay

Some people may disagree with some of my associations, so don't take what I say as gospel. I'd love to see some more suggestions.

--Sovaan

[Flar's Freyja]

:wave: Merry Meet and Welcome! Those are some great ideas, and we've been having an ongoing discussion in the Magick and Rituals forum. Some of the members have had some really unique ideas for their BOS. Come on over and check it out when you have time:

http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16673&highlight=Books+of+Shadows

[Old Witch]

I don't think you actually should ever "finish" your BOS......After all these years, I learn something new every day.......especially from people on this board..............:D

[Sovaan]

You're right, one's BOS is never finished. Unfortunately, as a result of continually adding to it, it's completely disorganized. I'd love to get a BOS that I could add pages to, like the one in the attached picture.

--Sovaan

[Kaylara]

http://www.omphalos.net/files/wicca/

There is some very good info here, plus some downloadable copies of the Riders of the Crystal Winds BOS and the public version of the Alexandrian BOS. These could give you a good idea on what to include.

[Sovaan]

I forgot to add the picture. Here it is.

[Old Witch]

Originally posted by Sovaan
You're right, one's BOS is never finished. Unfortunately, as a result of continually adding to it, it's completely disorganized. I'd love to get a BOS that I could add pages to, like the one in the attached picture.

--Sovaan

Funny, I was looking at new journals the other day and wondering just how much time and effort it would be to organise and re copy......decided to get another binder......I'm up to 3 books now.....

[Sid]

I may not be too helpful here but I was given a BoS from a friend, and since im a druid, i use it for herb recipes, teas, tinctures and the what not. I also write my dreams in it, and the occasionalentry when i dont sleep for several days. not much else i could use it for, im not even sure i should call it a BoS.

[Witchy Cowgirl]

Sid that sounds like a wonderful BOS.

A BOS should be filled with things that have meaning for you. No matter what that might be. Poems, prayers, blessings, spells, thoughts for the day/words of wisdom, note on stones, herbs, a journal, mudane things, pictures and the list could go on and on.

[punkymister]

I would say just let your spirit roam free. Put in whatever makes you content.