Well a book of shadows... or BOS as its referred to to some... is a term used for a diary that witches, pagans and other practitioners keep their notes in. Originally ( to my knowledge) the term comes from having to keep their book in the shadows and out of sight- for fear of execution for witchcraft. Though many naive individuals believe it's a book of demons or black magic- There are some grimoires like this. Like the "Grand Grimoire" Which can be tracked back as early to 1521... and the Necronomicon ( Book of the dead) which is a fictional creation by the author H.P Lovecraft.. Before the Term BOS, many just saw them as books , notes, journals and grimoires. You could argue the Christian Bible and the Qur'an are BOS... but you probably would get into trouble with those that follow those religions.
note: Remember to remain respectful to others when discussing any sort of religion. It is ok to not follow the same path and to do things differently.
Picking a BOS
A book of shadows doesn't need to be a book, it can be written or made in any format. My first was a tiny notebook of spells, my second a scrapbook; And i keep a notebook spare and use a binder folder just in case. Don't feel obligated to have a big leather bound book, or even an aesthetically witchy style book. If you want a rainbow unicorn notebook with glitter- go for it. Or if you don't want to bother with hand writing everything- why not type it up? Like this blog is doing!
How do you start your own BOS?
The best way to start a BOS is to start researching first. The more research you do, the more knowledge you can add. Whether you start reading, watching or listening- there are plenty of resources out there for you. Starting with the 'What' a practice is as opposed to ' How' will also give you a better understanding early on. Just remember to keep some draft notes for you to add to your BOS- if you want to call it that of course.
Do i have to have a BOS?
Not really; but it does help to keep record of things from time to time. There's only so much the brain can remember from time to time.
Is a BOS exclusive ? e.g for Pagan's and witches only?
Absolutely not. As i said you could consider many religious texts to be a BOS... I have a friend exploring shamanism, and she too has a BOS- though hers stands for Book of shamanism. There's a lot to learn in any spiritual/ non spiritual practice- so having a journal of notes in anything is valuable to you. That's like saying can only those studying English have a notebook compared to history students.
Not really; but it does help to keep record of things from time to time. There's only so much the brain can remember from time to time.
Is a BOS exclusive ? e.g for Pagan's and witches only?
Absolutely not. As i said you could consider many religious texts to be a BOS... I have a friend exploring shamanism, and she too has a BOS- though hers stands for Book of shamanism. There's a lot to learn in any spiritual/ non spiritual practice- so having a journal of notes in anything is valuable to you. That's like saying can only those studying English have a notebook compared to history students.
Tips?
Here is one- keep a draft notebook for any work in progress spells, incomplete information and quick notes you need to write down without worrying about presentation- you can then transfer these into another and lay it out all pretty- as you like.
Here is one- keep a draft notebook for any work in progress spells, incomplete information and quick notes you need to write down without worrying about presentation- you can then transfer these into another and lay it out all pretty- as you like.
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