Sunday 13 April 2008 Shadows

The Book of Shadows The Craft was originally oral in basis. However, with teh start ofthe persucutions, Witches and covens were forced to go into hiding. Thiscreated a problem, the covens started to loose touch with each other. A solution was that Covens started to write rituals down, not all ritualswere written, just the basic ones. Since the covens had to meet in secretor - "in the shadows ". This book of rites was known as The Book of Shadows.In the start of this, there was usually only one book of rituals per coven.Individual Witches were known to keep books or diaries of notes on theirspecialty (e.g. Astrology;herballore;etc). But the Book of Shadows was theonly book of rituals kept for there coven. This book was kept in safety bythe priest or Priestess. This insured that it did not fall into the handsof those who were antagonstic to the Craft. In recent years it has become common practice for Witches to keep theirown Book of Shadows. These books can contain everything from the basicbeliefs and practices to all of the rituals. It is possible to buy alreadybound, hard cover books with blank pages at most statonary or book stores.However, you may want to consider making your own Book of Shadows. Thiscan be done by taking pages of parchment, leather thong or cord for binding,and wood that may be burned or carved for teh cover. If you have a tallentfor this sort of thing, you will find this to be a very rewarding project. I advise you to keep your book of shadows in a secure place. All materialsshould be blessed and cleansed prior to assembly. You may construct or buy your book as you wish. I have seen some veryelaborately decorated pages, including illuminated lettering. Of course ifyou prefer simplicity that is alright too. Your book should reflect YOU.One point worth bearing in mind-the book is to be used; the rituals to beread in the circle. Do not make the writing so elaborate, that, in theflickering candlelight, you can't read what is written!

Reference: mysteryvoodoo.blogspot.com