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Book of Shadows (B.O.S.)

Basic Beliefs

It is not an easy task to explain Wicca. There is a saying "Ask 10 Wiccians what Wicca is and you will get 10 different answers".  There is not a governing body, "Bible" or set guidelines. With this said, there are BASIC PRINCIPLES...

  • Nature should be honored and respected.

  • Wiccan Rede ~ "An it harm none, do what thou wilt." We believe in the concept that no harm should intentionally be done.

  • Karma is absolute. The Law of Three states what ever you do will come back to you three-fold, good or bad.

  • There is an Afterlife.

  • The Divine has polarity -- both male and female, both a God and Goddess are honored and are equal.

  • The Divine is present in everything.

  • Our ancestors should be spoken of with honor.

  • Holidays are based on the turning of the earth and the cycle of the seasons.

    • In Wicca, eight major Sabbats are celebrated, as well as monthly Esbats.

  • Everyone is responsible for their own actions.

  • Respect the beliefs of others.

 

Another "foggy" area is the difference between Pagan, Wiccan and Witch. I will attempt to explain...

  • Pagan is an umbrella term used to describe Earth-based faiths.

  • Wicca is a Earth-based faith.

  • Witch is someone who practices Magick (Witchcraft).

    • Think of it this way, Christian (Pagan) > Lutheran (Wiccan) or Methodist (Celtic)

    • One can be Pagan and not be a Witch because they do not practice Magick.

 

I consider myself an Ecletic Witch. I follow a blended path of Traditons, mainly Celtic So... I am Pagan (my faith is Earth-based), I am a Witch (I practice Magick or Witchcraft). I am also a Solitary Wiccan, meaning I practice alone and not in a group (Coven). I have friends who also follow a Pagan path who I may study with or enjoy a Estbat but most of what I do is alone or with my family. I believe my "church" is the world, I attend every day, every hour and be the best I can be. I think you should never stop learning. Studying opens new doors all the time and this is necessary for Spiritual growth.

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Wiccan Rede

Bide ye Wiccan laws ye must,

in perfect love and perfect trust.
Live and let live, fairly take and fairly give.
Form the circle thrice about, to keep all evil spirits out.
To bind ye spell every time, let ye spell be spake in rhyme.
Soft of eye, light of touch, speak ye little, listen much.
Deosil go by the waxing moon, singing out ye Witches’ Rune.
Widdershins go by the waning moon, chanting out ye Baneful Rune.
When the Lady’s moon is new, kiss your hand to her times two.
When the moon rides at her peak, then ye heart’s desire seek.
Heed the North wind’s mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.
When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss thee on the mouth.
When the wind blows from the West, departed souls may have no rest.
When the wind blows from the East, except the new and set the feast.
Nine woods in ye cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.
Elder be ye Lady’s tree, burn it not or cursed ye’ll be.
When the wheel begins to turn, soon ye Beltaine fire’ll burn.
When the wheel hath turned to Yule, light the log the Horned One rules.
Heed ye flower, bush and tree, by the Lady blessed be.
Where the rippling waters flow, cast a stone and truth ye’ll know.
When ye have and hold a need, harken not to others greed.
With a fool no season spend, nor be counted as his friend.
Merry meet and merry part, bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind ye threefold law ye should, three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is anow, wear the blue star upon thy brow.
True in love ye must ever be, lest thy love be false to thee.
In these eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill,
‘An ye harm none, do what ye will. 

The Threefold Law

The Pagan Threefold Law is a belief held by some Wiccan and other Pagan traditions that states that whatever energy a person puts out into the world, whether positive or negative, will be returned to them three times over. This belief is based on the idea that everything is connected and that all actions have consequences, both in this life and beyond.

According to this law, if a person engages in positive actions and intentions, they will receive positive energy and blessings in return. Conversely, if they engage in negative actions or intentions, they will receive negative energy and consequences.

The Threefold Law is often interpreted as a warning to practitioners to be mindful of their actions and intentions, as they will directly impact their lives and the world around them. It is also sometimes viewed as a form of karma, or a spiritual balance that must be maintained through right action and positive energy.

While the Threefold Law is not universally accepted within Paganism, it remains a popular belief among many practitioners and serves as a reminder of the importance of mindfulness and intention in spiritual practice.

The 13 Principles of Wiccan Belief

The 13 Principles of Wiccan Belief were first created in 1974 by a group of Wiccans known as the American Council of Witches. These principles are not considered dogmatic or binding in Wicca, but rather serve as a general guide for understanding the basic beliefs and practices of the religion.

The 13 Principles of Wiccan Belief are:

  1. We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the Moon and the seasonal Quarters and Cross Quarters.

  2. We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment. We seek to live in harmony with Nature, in ecological balance offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.

  3. We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than that is apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary it is sometimes called supernatural, but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.

  4. We conceive of the Creative Power in the universe as manifesting through polarity - as masculine and feminine - and that this same Creative Power lies in all people and functions through the interaction of the masculine and the feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive of the other. We value sex as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magical practice and religious worship.

  5. We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological, worlds sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconsciousness, the Inner Planes, etc. - and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magical exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.

  6. We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given of themselves in leadership.

  7. We see religion, magic, and wisdom in living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it - a worldview and philosophy of life which we identify as Witchcraft or the Wiccan Way.

  8. Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch - but neither does hereditary itself, nor the collecting of titles, degrees, and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within her/himself that make life possible in order to live wisely and without harm to others and in harmony with nature.

  9. We believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness, that gives meaning to the Universe we know, and our personal role within it.

  10. Our only animosity towards Christianity, or toward any other religion or philosophy-of-life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be 'the one true right and only way' and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practice and belief.

  11. As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present and our future.

  12. We do not accept the concept of absolute evil, nor do we worship any entity known as Satan or the Devil, as defined by Christian tradition. We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor do we accept that personal benefit can be derived only by denial to another.

  13. We believe that we should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well-being.

  14.  

Tools of the Craft

Witchcraft tools are used in the practice of magic and spirituality to help the practitioner focus their energy, connect with the elements and the universe, and enhance the effectiveness of their spells and rituals.

For example, an athame or a wand can be used to direct the practitioner's energy and intention during a ritual or spell. The use of a chalice or a cauldron can help create a sacred space and hold offerings or ingredients for spells and rituals. Crystals can be used to enhance energy and provide a connection to higher realms. Candles can be used to represent the element of fire and provide illumination and focus.

In essence, witchcraft tools are used to help the practitioner align their physical and spiritual energies, and to create a tangible connection between the practitioner and the elements, spirits, and energies they are working with.

However, it's important to remember that the tools themselves do not hold any inherent power or magic. The power comes from the intention and energy that the practitioner puts into their practice, and the tools are simply a way to help facilitate and enhance that energy. Ultimately, the most important aspect of witchcraft is the practitioner's intention, energy, and connection to the spiritual realm.

  • Book of Shadows: A personal journal or grimoire that contains information on rituals, spells, correspondences, and personal reflections.

  • Cauldron: A metal or ceramic container with a rounded bottom and a large opening at the top. It is often used in witchcraft as a tool for brewing potions, burning incense, and performing rituals.

  • Athame: A ritual knife that is used to direct energy and cut through energetic barriers.

  • Wand: A wooden or metal rod that is used to direct energy and focus intentions.

  • Chalice: A cup or goblet that is used to hold sacred water or wine during rituals and spells.

  • Pentacle: A disk or plate with a five-pointed star or pentagram that is used to represent the elements and the universe.

  • Candles: Used to represent the element of fire, candles are often used in rituals and spells to provide illumination and focus.

  • Incense & Censer: Used to represent the element of air, incense is often used in rituals and spells to purify the space and create a sacred atmosphere.

  • Crystals: Used to represent the earth element, crystals are often used in rituals and spells to enhance energy, balance chakras, and connect with higher realms.

  • Besom: A broomstick or besom that is used to sweep negative energy and clear the space before rituals and spells.

  • Herbs: Used in spells, potions, and rituals, herbs can be dried or fresh and are often associated with different correspondences and energies.

  • Tarot or oracle cards: Used for divination, tarot or oracle cards can provide insight, guidance, and messages from the universe.

  • Runes: Used for divination, runes are a set of ancient symbols that can be interpreted to provide guidance and insights.

  • Bell: Used to clear negative energy and signify the beginning or end of a ritual or spell.

  • Cords or rope: Used for binding spells or knot magic, a cord or rope can be used to represent the binding of energy or intentions.

  • Sigils: A symbol created with a specific intention in mind, sigils can be used in spells and rituals to enhance the manifestation of intentions.

  • Oils: Used to anoint candles, tools, and the practitioner's body, oils can be infused with different herbs and energies to enhance their magical properties.

  • Mortar & pestle: Used to grind herbs and other materials, a mortar and pestle can be used to create powders, oils, and other magical concoctions.

  • Scrying mirror: A black mirror used for divination, scrying mirrors can help the practitioner connect with higher realms and receive messages from the universe.

  • Pendulum: A weighted object suspended on a string or chain, a pendulum can be used for divination or to communicate with spirits.

  • Spirit board: Also known as a Ouija board, a spirit board can be used to communicate with spirits and receive messages from the other side.

  • Boline: This ritual knife used in witchcraft, typically with a curved blade and a white handle. It is primarily used for practical purposes, such as cutting herbs, carving candles, or inscribing sigils on objects.

  • Journals: You may want to keep journals along with your Book of Shadows. This will allow you to put more derail into your writing and makes handling your BOS easier. Some suggestions are Dream, Meditation, Tarot, Rune and Nature

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Some tools are given correspondences to a particular element:

  • Earth - Pentacle

  • Fire - Wand

  • Air - Sword

  • Water - Chalice

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Holidays

Sabbats

The word "Sabbat" comes from the Greek word "sabatu" which means "to rest". Sabbats are a day of rest and traditionally no magick are performed on these eight days.They are celebrated in honor of the God and Goddess. Over the last 12,000 years the eight Sabbats have become a combination of many Pagan traditions and paths. Our Sabbats were derived from Norse, Celtic, Teutonic, Roman Greek and other paths. The original festivals marked the seasons of the year for planting, tending and harvesting then as our lives moved from hunting and harvesting and more towards the heavens, Sabbats became religious holidays. The eight Sabbats mark the turning of the Wheel of the Year, and each turn honors a stage in the eternal life cycle of the Goddess and the God. The God goes through the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth while the Goddess goes through the cycle of life from Maiden to Mother to Crone.

 

There are the four Greater Sabbats and the four Lesser Sabbats. The Greater Sabbats are:

  • Samhain

  • Imbolg

  • Beltane

  • Lammas

The four Lesser Sabbats (which mark the seasons) are:

  • Yule

  • Ostara

  • Litha

  • Mabon

Each Sabbat's opposite festival falls directly across from it on the wheel (six months apart). For example, Yule begins the waxing year and across from it, Litha begins the waning year. Both Ostara and Mabon are days of balance, but one moves toward darkness while the other moves toward light.

 

Esbats

Esbats are the celebration of the 13 full moons that occur every year.

The Esbats are lunar and represent the Goddess at her height of power.

These are the times when magick is more potent than on any other day of the month. The Moon has cycles or phases.

Each phase of the Moon has its own energy,  its own Power and the more you can align with the flow, the more powerful your spells will be. So the phases of the Moon become crucial information to a magickal Witch. Full moon names change depending on someone's tradition, here is a list of the most common names. The Moon names we use are in bold.

  • January: Wolf/Ice/Cold Moon

  • February: Storm/Snow/Quickening Moon

  • March: Chaste/Death/Storm Moon

  • April: Seed/Awakening/Wind Moon

  • May: Hare/Grass/Mother's/Milk/Corn Planting/Flower Moon

  • June: Dyan/Planting/Strong Sun Moon

  • July: Corn/Rose/Blessing Moon

  • August: Barley/Lightening/Corn Moon

  • September: Blood/Harvest Moon

  • October: Snow/Blood Moon

  • November: Oak/Tree/Mourning Moon

  • December: Cold/Long Nights Moon

 

Goddesses and Gods (some of the more popular)

Hekate

She is the Goddess of The Three Paths, Goddess of the Crossroads, both physical and spiritual. As a Triple Goddess, Hekate rules the realms of Earth, Sea and Sky; the conjunction of past, present and future; as well as the Moon, Earth, and Underworld.

Hekate is considered by many as the protectress of the oppressed, the marginalized, and Witches. As the Goddess of the in-between, the liminal spaces, the boundaries, and the transitional times of life including birth and death, she carries a torch for illumination. This illumination is not just of the dark, but of our personal pathways, especially our shadow side, guiding us through our choices at the crossroads and the path we eventually choose.

Hekate is depicted in various ways depending on the era and culture. In classical Greek art, she is often shown as a triple-bodied Goddess with three faces or three heads, sometimes with wings or serpents entwined around her. Her three faces or heads are usually interpreted as representing her roles as a Goddess of the heavens, earth, and underworld. In other depictions, she is shown holding torches, keys, or serpents, which are all symbols associated with her. In modern times, Hekate is often depicted as a powerful, mysterious figure with long hair and flowing robes. She may be shown holding a torch or a key, or surrounded by her animal companions, such as dogs, horses, or serpents. Some modern depictions also incorporate symbols associated with her role as a Goddess of Witchcraft and Magick, such as cauldrons, herbs, or crystals. Overall, Hekate is typically depicted as a powerful and transformative force, associated with both the darkness and the light.

Hecate's origins are not entirely clear. Some scholars believe that she may have originated as a Thracian Goddess, while others suggest that she was originally a Goddess of the Moon in pre-Greek times. The earliest mention of Hecate in Greek literature is in Hesiod's Theogony, a poem from the 8th century BCE. In this poem, Hecate is described as a powerful Goddess who presides over the crossroads and the entrance to the underworld. Hesiod also mentions her association with magick and spells.

Hecate's cult was widespread throughout the Greek world, and her worship was particularly popular among women. She was often invoked for protection, particularly during childbirth, and her image was believed to ward off evil spirits.

Hecate's correspondences include:

  • Symbols: keys, torches, serpents, dogs, and the moon

  • Animals: dogs and horses

  • Colors: black, silver, and white

  • Plants: yew, willow, garlic, and mandrake

  • Gemstones: moonstone, black tourmaline, and obsidian

Hecate is often associated with the Dark Moon and is sometimes referred to as the "Queen of the Night." Her association with the Moon also links her to feminine energy and intuition. As a Goddess of magick and Witchcraft, she is often invoked in rituals for protection, divination, and spell-casting.

Hekate’s time is that of the Dark Moon, the time of release and renewal.

She is also honored on the 30th of each month, at the Dark Moon, and at the beginning of sunset on November 16th (and until sunset the next day) each year, known as The Night of Hekate.

In modern times, Hecate has become an important figure in the neo-pagan movement, particularly among Wiccans and other practitioners of witchcraft. Many modern pagans see Hecate as a powerful and wise goddess who can guide them on their spiritual journeys and help them connect with their own inner power.

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