Merry Meet all,
Most practitioners of Witch Craft have what is called a 'Book of Shadows'. In modern times this book normally has a black cover and is written in the owners hand. The practise of keeping such a book shoots deep into the shadows of human develpment, when the written word took form.
Egypt, the land of mystery and enchantment is thought to be the cradle of much of the written occult knowledge shared through centuries.
Three thousand years ago, clement of Alexandria made reports that the egyptianshad 42 secret books of wisdom, written by Hermes. (also known as THOTH, the Egyptian God of Wisdom).
Through the centuries, most books of shadows or magickal books appear to be a mixed collection of all sorts of stuff jumbled together with little or no order. They are after all magickal notes, and therefore do not read like the textbook system that you're used to, and more often than not they reflect the personality of the author.
In studying the history of witchcraft, it is sometimes difficult to ascertain what is fact and what is fiction. Some of the terminology we use today comes directly from the persecution era-such words or ideas may not have been used before the persecutions ('Sabbat' for example)
Tinkering with words (something people love to do) causes a lot of confusion all around. As you enter the study of witchcraft you'll begin to see what a mess people have made of words and what they stand for, which is why when you are learning a particular type of magick you need to learn all about the culture that produced that magick. Relying on modern interpertations will only confuse issues. Finally, you'll discover that 'living it' brings understanding and helps you navigate through all those definitions and this, like all things of serious study , takes time.
The wording 'book of shadows' in regard to wiccan is attributed to Gerald Gardner, who is considered to be the founder of modern witchcraft. It is believed that the idea of the 'Book of Shadows' first came into being in 1949, when Gerald Gardner thought of calling a witche's book of rituals and magickal information a 'Book of Shadows' to replace the traditional and fictional 'Grimoire'.
In the past many magick books used symbols to let the reader know where a specific format, or a certain set of words, should be included. If you dont know the code, then the book would be fairly useless, for example easy ones would be:
SMIB or BB
So mote it be
Blessed be
BOS= Book of Shadows
COTG= Charge of the Goddess
It is very important to write your own ' Book of Shadows' in your own hand writing. You will completely know why codes are important. This book is your own magickal journey and for no one else to research.
If anyone here has a 'Book of Shadows' or is planning to write one please let me know.
You will need to know the ceremony of empowerment for your own personal'Book of Shadows'
I will help you do this.
Love and Light
Lou xxxx
