Carolina Dean

The Book of Shadows

Hearth Tradition Book of Shadows Outline

Your Magickal Journal  

The Devil's Diary  

The Book of Shadows (BOS) is a very personal tool. It represents the whole of a witch's knowledge of the craft and chronicles the witch's journey as he or she walks their chosen path. Some Books of Shadows record progress of not only one witch, but several generations of witches, having been passed down over time through a coven or a family of witches. Sometimes, the BOS takes the form of a series of journals.

Some of the things that you will find in a typical Book of Shadows include: rites and rituals, spells, methods of divination, chants, information on herbs, magickal correspondences, Esbat and Sabbat information, healing techniques, initiation and dedication information, talismans, amulets, dreams, signs and symbols, in addition you may find personal information about those who kept the book at one time or another.

The Book's ominous name comes from the Burning Times, a time in history from about 1550 ACE to roughly the early 1900's when witches were persecuted, often to a point of death, because of their beliefs. During such a time when the utmost secrecy was paramount for survival, those persons wishing to adhere to their beliefs and practices had to keep them to themselves. Therefore, the witches practiced their craft in secret, surrounded by the shadows of the night, often writing their experiences in their special book, which became known as the Book of Shadows.

Another more recent theroy regarding the origin of the term Book of Shadows, suggest that Gerald Gardner 'borrowed' the term from the title of a sanskrit book entitled "The Book of Shadows" which instructed the reader how to forcast their destiny my measuring their own shadow.

History of the Book of Shadows

Very little is known about hte practice of traditional witchcraft prior to its modern revival in the mid 1950's , let alone the BOS itself. Even before the time of the persecutions, folk magick and lore were handed down orally through the generations. It has been stated by many Hereditary Witches that their ancestors recorded their magickal knowledge and experiences in books, but they called it a Black Book.

Among the information found in the Gardenarian Book of Shadows, one of the first prototypical books of it's kind, can be found the Ordains. The Ordains are a set of laws supposedly passed down from witch to witch since, at least, the Burning Times. Among these laws the witch is advised, if he chooses to keep a 'Black Book,' to keep it in his own handwriting. In addition, he is instructed to let other witches co py from it what they will, but never to allow anyone to borrow his book, nor is he to keep the book belonging to another witch (for security reasons).

The Ordains go on to instruct the witch to be responsible for keeping his own writing from being discovered. The Witch is adjured to go so far as to burn his book if ever a credible threat of him being discovered arises, and by way of association or torture, the entire coven is found or identified. You can see how important it was for the witch to learn as much of his craft by heart, rather than depending on his BOS. Even Books of Shadows that were discovered were burned after being used as evidence to prove the witches guild. It is thought by many that this is the reason that so much of our ancient knowledge was lost to us.

There is no standard BOS for withcraft in general, as there are in other religions. There is no Witch's Bible (however, there has been a book on the market by a similiar name.) Nonetheless, each tradition may have a standard BOS, which be adapted by other covens and/or solitairies, as had happened numerous times since the revival of modern witchcraft. In addition to the coven's standard BOS, individual witches will may add their own material to their personal copies. During the persectutions, a witch's BOS was traditionally burned upon his or her death; again, this was done for security reasons. However, there were instances where a BOS was passed down through a family line. Today modern witches often bequeath their BOS to a favorite studen, family member, or a member of the witch's coven.

A BOS is a book that you will never finish! You can study and learn for a lifetime, however, you will never learn all there is to know. Since your BOS is a record of your journey it should never be complete. Traditionally, the BOS is to be kept secret, but some have gone public with their over the years. Two cuch books were Diary of a Witch (1968) by Sybil Leek, and The Book of Shadows (1971) by Lady Sheba.

When Leek's book was published, during the Vietnam War, it won wide acclaim and sparked the interest of many disillusioned people to seek out and explore the craft. When Lady Sheba's book was published, it had much the same effect; however, many traditional witches were angry with her, beliieving that she had published secret information, and that she had plagiarized it's entire content. For the most part, history has vindicated her and few deny her contribution to the craft.

Today, times have changed and anyone seeking information about the craft can find it as close as the nearest library or computer. There is no denying that there is still a great deal of persecution of witches as well as a great deal of misinformation about our religion. The serious student with continued study and application can separate the wheat from the chaff and begin the process of creating his or her own special book.

The first step is to choose what type of book you want to serve as your BOS, Bound blank books are now widely available, but a three ring binder would be much more ideal, especially in the beginning. The binder allows for easier addition, deletion, and rearranging of material.

It is traditional to write a Book Blessing on the inside cover of your BOS for the purpose of protection and dedication of all that you will write inside. Before you begin writing your BOS, you may want to take some time to think abut how you will want to word your book blessing. Write it a few times on a separate sheet of paper to make certain that you have it just how you want it, then when you are ready, transcribe it into the inside cover of your BOS, or alternatively on it's first page.

Hearth Tradition Book of Shadows

I.   Title Page (Book of Shadows)

      1. Book Blessing

      2. About the Author/Tradition

          A. Your autobiography

          B. History of your Tradition

II. Introduction

     1. What is Witchcraft

         A. Formulation of Beliefs in Ancient Times

         B. The Mother Goddess

         C. The Horned God

     2. The Persecution

         A. Christianity introduced to Europe

         B. Attempts to convert Pagans

      C. Publication of the Malleus Malificarium, (1486) by Heinrich Kramer and Jacob

           Sprenger.                                           

         D. The tortures and killings

         E. The witches go into hiding (c. 1500 ACE)

3.      The Birth of Modern Witchcraft

          A. Publication of The Witch-Cult in Western Europe by Dr. Margaret Mc Murray (1921)

          B. Last laws in England against witchcraft repealed (1951)

          C. Gerald Gardner publicly declares himself a witch.

          D. Publication of Witchcraft Today by Gerald Gardner (1954)

          E. Ray Buckland introduces Wicca to mainstream America (c.1970)

          F. Some Wiccan Traditions

               a. Gardenerian

               b. Alexandrian

               c. Dianic

               d. Cabot

               e. Fairy

               f. Radical Faery

               g. Black Forest

               h. Hereditary (various)

         G. Introduction of Solitary forms of Wicca to Mainstream America

              a. Most believed only a witch can make a witch

              b. Publication of Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham (1988)

        H. Your Tradition

              a. Origin of your Tradition

              b. History of your tradition

              c. Other

III. Glossary

IV. Symbols and their Meaning

      1. The Pentacle

          A. Up-right vs. reversed

          B. Invoking vs. banishing

          C. Pentagram vs. pentacle

     2. The Spirals

         A. Clockwise

         B. Counter-clockwise

     3. The Solar-Cross

     4. Astrological Symbols

        A. The Signs

        B. The Planets

     5. The Symbology of Colors

     6. The Symbology of Numbers

V. Code of Conduct

     1. The Wiccan Rede

     2. The Three-Fold Law of Return

     3. What the Wiccan Rede Means to Me.

VI. Deities

      1. The Charge of the Goddess, or other central sacred story of your tradition

      2. Your Pantheon

          A. Maiden

          B. Mother

          C. Crone

          D. Father

          E. Son

          F. Sage

          G. Other

VII. Tools, Clothing, Names

       1. Your Magickal Name

           A. Definition and Purpose

           B. Method(s) of finding

           C. What your name means to you.

      2. The Book of Shadows

      3. The Altar

      4. Wiccan Tools

          A. Wand

          B. Cup

          C. Athame

          D. Pentacle

      5. Miscellaneous Tools

          A. Brazier

          B. Bolline

          C. Broom (Besom)

          D. Cauldron

          E. Element bowls

          F. Robe

          G. Other

     6. Empowering Tools

         A. Cleansing

         B. Consecrating

         C. Charging

    7. Storing Tools and Accessories

VIII. Components of Ritual

       1. Cleansing of Self

       2. Creating Sacred Space

       3. Casting the Circle

       4. Calling the Quarters

       5. Invoking Divinity

       6. Working/Honoring

       7. Energy Raising/Releasing

       8. Thanksgiving

       9. Releasing the Quarters

     10. Opening the Circle

     11. Clean-up

IX. Initiation and Dedication

     1. Self-Dedication Ritual

     2. Self-Initiation Ritual

X. Meditation

    1. Definition and uses.

    2. Instructions on how to meditate

    3. Meditative Aids

    4. Other

XI. Visualization

     1. Definition and uses.

     2. Visualization exercises

     3. Other

XII. Energy

      1. Definition and Uses

      2. Energy Exercises

      3. Other

      4. Astral Projection

          A. Bi-location

          B. The watcher

          C. Overlooking

      5. Artificial Elementals and Thought Forms

          A. What is a Thought Form?

          B. Timed Elementals

          C. Un-timed Elemental

XIII. Devotions

       1. Definition and Uses

       2. Devotion Rituals

           A. Morning Devotion

           B. Mid-day Devotion

           C. Evening Devotion

           D. Meal Devotion

           E. Other

XIV. Esbats

        1. The New Moon Esbat

        2. The Full Moon Esbat

XV. Sabbats

       1. Samhain

       2. Yule

       3. Imbolc

       4. Ostara

       5. Beltane

       6. Midsummer

       7. Lughnasadh

       8. Mabon

XVI. Birth, Death, and Marriage

       1. Handfasting

       2. Wiccaning

       3. The Wiccan View of Death

            A. The Summerland

            B. Reincarnation

            C. Rite of Passing (requiem)

            D. Accessing Past Lives

XVII. Ghosts and Spirits.

         1. Types and classifications of Ghosts

              A. The Nurturer

              B. The Trickster

              C. The Abuser

              D. The Echo

         2. Dealing with Ghosts

          A. House Banishing

          B. House Blessing

          C. Other

 3. Working with the Dead

      A. In the Graveyard

      B. The Ancestors

      C. Other

XVIII. Divination

          1. Definition and uses

          2. Types of Divination

              A. Tarot

                   a. The Major Arcana

                   b. The Minor Arcana

                   c. Tarot Spreads

             B. Runes

                 a. Feoh's Aett

                 b. Haegl's Aett

                 c. Tyr's Aett

                 d. Rune Spreads

             C. Astrology

                  a. The Houses

                  b. The Signs

                  c. The Planets

                  d. Other

            D. Pendulum

            E. Palmistry

            F. Numerology

           G. Graphology

XVIII Spell-craft

         1. How Magick Works

         2. How to Devise a Spiritual Plan

         3. Composing the Spell

         4. The Working Ritual

XIX. Magickal Applications

        1. Minor Magickal Applications

            A. Amulets

            B. Candle Magick

            C. Cord Magick

            D. Element Magick

            E. Gem and Crystal Magick

            F. Petition Magick

     2. Major Magickal Applications

          A. Herb Magick

               a. Planting and care of Herbs

               b. Harvesting Herbs

               c. Herbal Preparations

               d. Selected Herbs and their properties.

          B. Magickal Alphabets

               a. Runes

               b. Theban

               c. Greek

               d. Egyptian

               e. Other

          C. Potions

          D. Ritual Magick

          E. Sympathetic Magick

               a. Homeopathy and Contagious Magick

               b. Doctrine of Signatures

               c. Pattern for a Poppet

               d. Other methods of making a Doll

               e. The Naming Ceremony

          F. Talismans

               a. The Kameas or Magick Squares

               b. Making a talisman using the magick squares.

               c. Consecrating the Talisman

               d. Care and storage of your talisman

          G. The Mojo Bag

                a. Making a Mojo Bag

                b. Consecrating the Mojo Bag

                c. Care and storage of your Mojo Bag.

                d. Repairing a damaged Mojo Bag.

           H. Tarot Magick

XX. Astrological Correspondences

       1. Phases of the Moon

            A. New

            B. Waxing

            C. Full

            D. Waning

            E. Dark

       2. Days of the Week

          A. Sunday

          B. Monday

          C. Tuesday

          D. Wednesday

          E. Thursday

          F. Friday

          G. Saturday

3. Planetary Hours

    A. Calculation of the hours

         a. For the Day

         b. For the Night

 4. Other methods of timing your spells

A.     Hands on the Clock

B.     Tides

XXI. Index of Spells by Subject A-Z

XXII. Bibliography of Works Cited

 How to Create a Magickal Journal

I'd like to preface this article by stating that the title above is a bit misleading, it should probably read How I Create a Magickal Journal, as I would never want to limit anyone's creativity. Therefore, I will be describing here how and why I go about preparing a bound notebook to act as my magickal journal.

What is a Magickal Journal?

To begin, a magickal journal is a book used to write entries in a chronological order to record information, report events, and store various information. Some people have also been known to draw in their journals. Like a diary, a magickal journal can be used to note one's goals, weather conditions, daily personal events, dreams, insights and musings about various topics, people, places, and things, including information about the self in the form of an inner exploration of one's spirit, thoughts, and ideas.

The words journal and diary have been used interchangeably, but others feel that there are specific differences which separate the two. For example, traditionalist state that a diary should be dated and written in daily, while a journal may be more sporadic and it's focus can be either inward or outward. In addition, the word 'journaling' has entered our collective vocabulary to describe the practice of writing as a hobby, similar to 'scrap-booking.'

What Kind of Things Will I Find in a Magickal Journal?

When it comes to deciding what to keep in my magickal journal, I live by one rule, which is "if you don't want anyone to know it, don't write it down." With that said, you can put anything into your magickal journal that you wish. Most of the entries in my magickal journal can be categorized in the following manner:

• Magick, Spells, and Rituals
• Correspondences
• Newspaper & Magazine Articles
• Workshops and Various Research
• Art and Photographs
• Quotes and Poetry
• Personal Insights and Musings
• Dreams and Divination
• Memorabilia (movie tickets, play bills, pamphlets)
• Magick & the Occult in Popular Culture

What's the Difference between a Magickal Journal & a Book of Shadows?

Essentially there is no difference between a magickal journal and a BOS, as both virtually contains the same information. For me, the difference between the two lies in the arrangement and presentation of the information. Being a Virgo, my BOS is highly organized, it contains an index, chapters marked by tabs dividing the information into various categories for easy reference, and a bibliography, among other features; whereas my magickal journal is more sporadic, with various information regarding one subject spread out among not only one but several books. Although I have attempted to cross-reference related information, the more my collection of journals grow, the harder it becomes to do so. In addition, my BOS is completely typed using a word processor, which makes it easier to read and offers many more choices in the presentation of the information it contains; however, my magickal journal contains both hand written as well as typed entries (these are printed out from the computer and glued into the book itself.)

Why Should I Keep a Magickal Journal?

As stated earlier, journaling has become a hobby for many people. More than a past time, however, journaling acts as a focus for one's creativity, a means to listen to one's spirit, a form of meditation, and dealing with daily stress; in addition your journal will become a valuable resource in the recording of information that you will often refer back to in your studies of the Craft. Maintaining a magickal journal often gives the writer a strong sense of comfort in that he or she has an 'audience' for their thoughts, feelings, and emotions; even if no one else reads the journal. In addition psychology teaches that writing about our problems and issues helps us to deal with them.

On a personal note, when I begun my first magickal journal, I never thought I would be able to complete it; however, when I did I felt an amazing sense of accomplishment which motivated me to continue the practice. That being said, it is your own personal choice whether or not you should keep a magickal journal, however I would highly recommend the practice.

How do I start?

I usually purchase the bound mead composition notebooks that contain 100 sheets, or 200 pages, of lined paper. The first thing that I do is personalize the notebook by pasting a picture to the cover and laminating it to protect the picture from any damage. The picture is usually something protective in nature, such as a symbol; but not always, sometimes it is just an interesting picture that I can relate to in some way, or which speaks to me on a deep, spiritual level.

The next thing I do is cut and glue a piece of colored construction paper to the inside of both the front and back covers. On the inside front cover of the notebook I usually put a calendar of the moon phases for the current year, under which I write the date I started the journal; on the back inside cover I put a chart showing the transit of the Moon through the zodiac, writing the date of the last entry under this chart. Finally, I number each of the pages.

A personal practice of mine at the end of the day is to think of one event or thing that occurred that day and write about it in a magickal way. For example, since I work in customer service and often find myself in the position of having to deal with difficult customers, it sparked me to write a protection spell for that specific situation. In addition, I also collected psychological research that would augment my spell and further assist me in handling these situations. In other instances, I will inadvertently come across information which sparks my interests and motivates me to do further research. 

As of this writing I have seven in a series of journals (the other three are dedicated to specific subjects) and currently have 1153 pages of information. It is from these journals that I compiled and organized my Book of Shadows; and which I often refer to when writing articles and entries for this blog.

Conclusion

As we have seen the practice of maintaining a magickal journal is a process which takes some effort, but which is highly rewarding and beneficial in aiding the growth of the individual in his spiritual evolution. Although it is not a prerequisite for being or becoming a Witch/Wiccan/Pagan, I highly recommend the practice in that it is an excellent tool for the novice as well as the seasoned witch.

Shadowmane

Write it Down, Make it Happen

Devil's Diary is a Canadian horror film made for television directed by Farhad Mann and starring Alexz Johnson, Magda Apanowicz, Deanna Casaluce, and Miriam McDonald. The film was released as the movie of the week (MOW) during the Fall 2007 on Lifetime in the United States.

The basic premise of the movie is that a teenage girl finds a mysterious blank book in a graveyard one night. She decides to use the book as her diary and find that whatever evil thing she writes in the book later comes to pass. She begins using the power of the book to hurt and kill those who have bullied and taunted her over the years. Ultimately, the book is stolen from her and its power turned on her resulting in her death as well. It falls on her best friend to find those who stole the book and recover it before more people die.

This premise reminded me that I had read an article some time before about how writing down one's goals makes it more likely that you will achieve them. According to this article, writing down one's goals activates the Reticular Activating System (RAS) in the brain. The RAC is responsible for monitoring our senses for the purpose of sorting and evaluating incoming data. The RAC then sends urgent information to the active part of our brain and the non-urgent information to our subconsciousness. This makes us more aware of our desires and sends a message to the universe that you are ready to make positive changes in your life. By becoming more aware of your goals, you then become more open to the opportunities that will help us achieve those goals.

In addition, writing down one's goals is thought to work in connection with the Law of Attraction. The basic tenet of the Law of Attraction can be summed up in the statement "Ask, Believe, Achieve." The Law of Attraction teaches that what you dwell on inwardly, you will manifest outwardly. Therefore if you are constantly focusing on what you don't have, you'll get more of the same and nothing will have changed.

However, by clearly defining our goals (and writing them down) we then begin to shift our focus on what we do want and by believing that we have already achieved our goals, we accomplish them. For example, rather than say I'm going to have a good day, focus your thoughts on the present and repeat to yourself I AM HAVING a good day! By saying that you are going to have a good day, it puts that desire into the future rather than the present. So the "good day" that you are focusing on my manifest tomorrow or the next day, so some time next year rather than today.

Incidentally, I like the idea of calling it a Devil's Diary--not because of the alliteration, or any connection to black magick or Satanism. In the folk magick tradition of Hoodoo, the Devil and Satan are two different entities entirely. Through a process called syncretism, the Satan of Christianity and the Cross-Roads God also known as the Opener of the Way were combined in the belief system of Hoodoo creating the new entity called the Devil. As author and writer Catherine Yronwode writes on one of her many web-pages ["The Devil] did not grant good fortune, wealth, or power, as the European-American Christian devil is believed to do. He was a teacher of manual dexterity and mental wisdom."

As American's we have been taught that there is a limited amount of abundance in the universe which is reserved for a special few. We have been taught that to consider our needs over the needs of others is selfish and therefore evil. However, there have been those who taught a philosophy of healthy selfishness. Late writer, Dr. Leo Louis Martello called his philosophy Psychoselfism, that basic tenet of which can be described as "sensible selfishness over senseless self-sacrifice."

What this means is that there is nothing wrong with being selfish at times. There is more than enough abundance in the universe for everyone, and there is nothing wrong with wanting more than you have right now. The Devil's Diary is the place for you to voice your needs, it is your direct line to the spiritual forces of the universe. To change your life now, you need only to look deep with the well of the inner self and put pen to paper.

EXERCISES

1. Write a book blessing for your journal. Add this to the front of your journal. If your journal is a three ring binder, this will be easy; if your journal is a blank book you may have to glue the blessing to the inside front cover.

2. Write and perform a ritual to bless your Journal and record this in your journal.

3. Think of a goal that you would like to achieve. Write the goal in your journal. For example, you might write My goal is to be prosperous.

4. Find a symbol, such as an astrological sign, a planetary sign, a rune, a number, etc...that represents your goal and draw that symbol below your written goal. For example you might choose the symbol for Taurus (wealth), Jupiter (expansion), Feoh (money), or even the dollar sign ($)

5. Below the symbol write three positive statements concerning your goal. Such statements may include:

• I am receiving all good things.
• I am a money magnet.
• All my needs are met and more.

6. Repeat one of your positive statements throughout the day while visualizing your chosen symbol. Continue this practice until your goal is achieved then choose a new goal.

7. Put the paper with your goal, symbol, and statement in a conspicuous place where you will often see it, such as your bathroom mirror, your refrigerator, your vision board, etc…

8. Do not rely on this method alone to achieve your goal. Determine at least three things you can do in addition to this technique that will assist you in achieving your goal. Choose at least one of these actions and do them. Such actions can include:

• Create and adhere to a budget.
• Cutting back on un-necessary spending.
• Take a second job.

9. Record your progress in your journal.