Book of Shadows

As a book of shadows (from the English Book of Shadows commonly abbreviated as BOS ) is defined as a book that contains liturgical texts and rituals of the Wiccan religion. It is usually viewed as a framework that extends the initiator traditionally handwritten copies of the Book of Shadows of him initiating priestess or priest of him initiating and according to personal needs.

Some modern witches and eclectic Wicca consider the Book of Shadows as a kind of workbook. For example, descriptions of herbs, spells and rituals will gather him. A Book of Shadows also includes diary-like entries about experiences with and results of rituals, concoctions, spells, meditations, visions, sometimes even the entire career as a witch, including the first exercises. This is a modern book of shadows from a traditional grimoire is different.

Etymology

The term was coined by Gerald Brousseau Gardner and believed to be due to an article I Doreen Valiente According to Bashir, which was entitled The Book of Shadows and dealt with a Sanskrit document about Divination.

Development

There are different Gerald Brousseau Gardner authored texts. As the oldest version applies Ye Bok of Ye Art Magical (commonly abbreviated as BAM ), followed by text A, text C, BOS 1953, BOS 1957. The last two versions have been significantly revised by Doreen Valiente, who acted as Gardner's High Priestess in 1953 and several texts newly written or revised. In particular, they removed many zeremonialmagische passages.

Content

The exact content of the Book of Shadows in the Wiccan religion is secret and is only revealed other initiates. Common contents of a book of shadows modern witches or of eclectic Wiccans are:

  • Contents
  • Glossary of terms (a kind of witch - Lexicon )
  • Various magical correspondences
  • Future forecast possibilities Tarot
  • Runes
  • Astrology
  • Lexicon
  • Growing and Caring
  • Processing ( recipes )
  • Operation

Characteristics of the different traditions

  • In Gardnerian Wicca there is a single Book of Shadows, which is written in English language.
  • The Book of Shadows in the Alexandrian Wicca is also divided into two parts, one of the individual, one that is created and maintained by Covens - circle.
  • In Algard Wicca, the book is written in German and divided into three parts, which the initiators are handed depending on the degree

Trivia

  • To a wider audience, the term has been the television series Charmed. So you can now order a Book of Shadows as merchandising items by mail order.
  • The sequel to the Blair Witch Project in 2000 was called in the U.S. original title Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2, although a Book of Shadows appeared in it anywhere.
  • It is customary to parts or the entire book in a secret writing (usually noted in the Theban alphabet is used ) prepare.
Gerald Gardner (Wiccan) Employment record book
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