example book of shadows

7/27/2019 Example Book of Shadows

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Book of Shadows

My personal version

Anabell Moonbem

Tools

Broom

Ash Staff, Birch Twigs, & Willow Binding, Round Preferred

Wand

Any wood including dowels, as long as fairly straight, Can carve & decorate as wanted

Censer

Incense burner, Required for inside rites

Cauldron

Iron, stands on 3 legs, and the opening is smaller than the widest part, Can be any size overall

Magic Knife (athame)

Dull, double edged with black or dark handle

White- Handled

Actual Knife used for cutting Has a white handle

Only used for magic, not in the kitchen or anything else.

Crystal Sphere

Quartz Crystal, Any Size

Cup

Cauldron on a stem, Any Substance

Pentacle

Brass, gold, silver, wood, wax, or clay

Book of Shadows


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3 ring binder with dividers

Rituals, spells, innovations & magical info

Bell

Any bell is ok, as long as the sound is appealing

Robs

For rites & spells only need at least one

Yellow those involved with divination

Purple pure divine power deep spiritual awareness

Blue Healers & psychic awareness goddess in oceanic aspect

Green Empowers herbalists & magical ecologists

Brown attune with animals or spells for them

White purification & pure spirituality. Dedication, cleaning rites, full moon or to attune withgoddess

Orange/Red to sabbats, protective rites attune with god in the fiery solar aspect.

Black Most popular, NOT EVIL, is absence of color protective, symbolizes night, universe,lack of falsehood. Is like donning the blackness of outer space, symbolically the ultimatesource of divine energy

IF no robe, clean clothes of natural fibers (cotton)

Exercise & Techniques

RitualsStripping & Preparing a Tool

Clean the tool physically using appropriate method

1. Bury It in earth or bowlful of sand or salt usually for a few days

2. Plunge tool into water (Sea, river, lake, or own bath after purifying the water with a few pinchesof salt. leave submerged for a few hours

After time frame is up, dry/wipe clean. Tool is now ready for use.

A tool needs to be cleaned/ purified if is old or used. Need to be cleaned of old/other energies.

Daily Exercises & Magical Techniques

The Mir ror Boo k

A personal dairy of magical record of progress in Wicca. NO ONEelse reads or sees


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Thoughts and feelings about Wicca

Results from readings

Magical successes & failures

Doubts and fears

Significant dreams

Even mundane concerns

Date and Astrological info good too; Book is used for self-awareness and ability to see patterns and fix issues.

Breathing

Deep breathing requires full use of lungs & diaphragm.Get into a comfortable positionRelax body slightlyInhale through the nose to slow count of 3, 4, or 5. Allow air to fill lungs & diaphragm, and retain itExhale to the same slow countRepeat Several times gradually slowing your breathing rate.

Should be a controlled, calm, free of tension event; in with love, health, tranquility, perhaps visualizing positiveenergies as golden-flecked air your breathing in. Out with hate, disease, anger visualizing black smoke beingreleased from your lungs.

Practice daily, gradually increasing capacity, if able preform outside. Allows you to get closer to the God andGoddess, and is more relaxing.

Meditat ion

Sitting is the ideal position with straight backed chair, chin level with the floor, eyes closed, hands resting onyour knees palms up, fingers relaxed. This should be a comfortable and relaxed, spine straight and torso erect.Poor posture means this might take a while before it will become comfortable.

Breathe deeply for several minutes. Relax, forget, and visualize the tensions and worries from the day exitingyour body. Relax into the chair, open consciousness allow it to be open and alert.

Time and place should be choosing with care. Light should be subdued, (white or blue) candle light is excellentincense are fine too, but be careful, to much smoke makes deep breathing hard.

After mediation record all images, thoughts & sensations in mirror book.

Visual izat ion

Exercise 1:

Sit comfortable, eyes shut, relax; breathe deeply, still your mind. Pictures will continue to pop into your mind.Choose one and stick with it.Let no other images intrude, keep all thoughts revolving around this imageKeep it as long as you can and let go of this image to end the exerciseWhen able to do this successfully for 3+ minutes move on.

Exercise 2:

Decide on an image, possibly real physical object you have studied. Close your eyes see this same object inyour mind. When you can hold this image perfectly for 5 minutes, move on.


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Exercise 3:

Visualize something never seen before, allow mind to move, turn, and rotate this object.Make out and see the fine detailswhen able to do this for 5+ minutes move on.

Exercise 4:

Hold a self-created image in your mind with eyes open. Look at a wall, street, sky and see this image there.Make it look so real you can almost touch it, allow for this image to interact with the landscape and background.

Energy Play

Calm self with deep breathing, Relax, rub palms together for 20 seconds. Start slowly & rub faster & faster feelmuscles tense, feel palms grow warm. Suddenly stop, pull hands apart about 2 inches. Feel tingling? If yes,this is the manifestation of power. If no, try to do this again. Spend more time deep breathing and calmingyourself.

After doing this a few times, use visualization to see the energy going from right (projective) to left (receptive).

Then see it swirling clockwise between your hands. Form it into a ball of magical energy. Feel the force & heatin your palms. Cup your hands around the ball, and make it grow or shrink. Finally push this ball into yourstomach to re-absorb back into system.

Sit or stand before any plant (in bloom helps), Breathe deeply, clear thoughts, hold left palm a few inches fromthe plant. Pinpoint consciousness to your palm. Feel a dull throbbing, hum, wave of heat or shift in energieswithin the palm? This is the magical energies from the plant. Try with stones & crystals too.

Once feeling the energies, visualize moving it around without rubbing your palms. Concentrate; tightenmuscles, to build the energies. Once bursting with power hold out right hand visualize from it going from thebody down the arm and out the fingers. Really feel and see the energies.

Practice building power then directing it into each room, filling all the voids, nooks and crannies. Visualize theenergies forming a protective barrier which no negativity or intruder can cross.

Magical Circle & Altar

Magical Circle

Circle usually 9 feet in diameter, but any size will work

Markings often placed on the floor cord, chalk circle, or objects situated to show outline

Objects such as flowers (Spring & Summer), Pine Boughs (winter Festivals) Stone, shells, quartz crystals, eventarot cards.

Cardinal Points are often marked with lit candles or ritual tools.

North: Pentacle, bowl of salt or earth

East: Smoldering incense, fresh flowers can substitute

South: Candle or oil lamp or lava rock


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West: cup/bowl of water

Can be placed at cardinal points or on alter.

Altar

Altar with tools stands in the center of the circle, and wood (oak or willow) is preferred.

Symbolic divine areas of the altar

Alar set in center facing north - Middle often holds flowers in a small vase or cauldron, censer, and pentacle

Goddess (left) God (right)

Cup, pentacle, bell, crystal, cauldron, Image ofgoddess possible, Broom laid on the side

Candle (red, yellow, gold) or figure, censer, wand,athame, white-handled knife

Dont forget to have matches near for the lighting of candles & incense. And a place to discard- its not polite todo so in the cauldron & censer

Goddess symbol / candle Censer God

Bowl of water Red Candle Bowl of Salt

Cup Pentacle Incense

Crystal Cauldron or spell Material Knife & Wand

Bell Bolline

Days of Power

There are 4 nights determined by solstices & equinoxes (circa March 21, June 21, September 21, December21) There are 4 sabbats, which have been observed for the longest time and are associated with agriculture,bearing cycles of animals, and are solar rituals (Imbolc February 2, Beltane April 30, Lunghnasadh August 1,Samhain October 31). Sabbats usually have Celtic names. Esbats are full moon celebrations, and occur every28 days.

Wiccan Calendar
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Yule (Circa December 21)

Yule is the winter solstice, where the Goddess gives birth to a son God. Winter Solstice = Divine BirthYule = greatest darkness & shortest day of yearUsually Celebrate Yule just before dawn & Watch the sunrise as a fitting finally to their effortsGod = sun = sun is rebornlight candles to welcome suns returning light.

Imbolc (February 2)

Marks the recovery of the Goddess after giving birth.Sabbot of purification after shut-in life of winterFestival of Light & FertilityFeast of Torches, Snow drop Festival, many othersSelf-Dedication Rituals preformed

Ostara (circa March 21)

Spring Equinox, First true day of SpringNatural energies shift from sluggy winter, to exuberant springEarth blanked in fertilityNight hours = Days hours - Light is over-taking DarknessTime of beginnings, of actions, of planning spells for future gains, and of tending ritual gardens

Beltane (April 30)

Emergence of young God into Manhood; God desires Goddess, Love, unite, pregnantCelebrate the symbol of her fertilityMay Day- Marked with feasts & RitualsMarks return of vitality, passion & hopes consummated

MidSummer (circa June 21)

Summer (Litha) Solstice returns when natures powers reach high pointClassic time for magic of all kindin past bonfires for fertility, purification, health & lovelongest daylight hours.

Lughnasadh (August 1)

First harvest, Nights grow longer days grow shorterRemember warmth & Bounty in foodReminded that nothing in the universe is constant

Mabon (circa September 21)

Autumn equinox, Completion of harvest Days & nights are equal, Nature declines

Samhain (October 31)

Farwell to the god, Time of reflection coming to terms with one phenonmoanomremember their ancestors & all those who have gone before


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Self Teaching

Great challenge, several things can be done to make this happen:

Study

Thought

Prayer

Experimentation

Study: Read many books by many authors, each can be thought of as a teacher. Take all of it in, but use whatfeels right. Mark in pencil important messages, or use bookmarks. Combine books information, make notes andformulate your own personal view. Question everything and make Reading an active process, and rememberharm none.

Thought: Books start the lesson, thinking and questioning further the learning and lesson. Determinequestions (if necessary), study has uncovered. Knowledge, Determine your feelings concerning thisknowledge. Rely on your intuition and determine what info is applicable to your practice.

Prayer: Communicating with goddess & god; asking for help, thanking them, asking for guidance. Lightcandle or walk in nature, petting a cat, starting into fire, standing in the shower, sinking into a tub, or doing apopular diviation (tarot cards, pendulum, rune stones). ONLY FOLLOW PRAYER: message comes in manyforms: Dreams, clouds, cards & stones, sudden discovery of needed info

Experimentation: Putting what you have learned into practice, Try and put into practice new things seewhat feels right.

Secrecy: Use to be the norm to save own skin. Now its ok to tell who you feel comfortable with. Talking aboutyour magic and rites will not hurt the outcome but increase energy to it. Believing such things can be limitationsand will allow you to be further limited and restricted.

Magic while sick? You need you use your best judgment. If you are ill and lack energy, mediate or do moreof a mental magic, or just skip it. Dont over exerts yourself. Put your energies to healing and getting well.

Magical Names: Numerology & Symbolism

Self Initiation: Not always required When you feel you have gained enough experienced in wicca. ReadingDOES NOT mean experience. You must have actual hands on

Process

Self Purification (shower or bath)

Set up altar (usual tools) Cast circle (not required but does improve it)

Opening invocation to goddess & god

Symbolic Death of old self (non-wiccan)

Pray anew to the goddess & god dedicating self

Relax, watch candle flame, eat snack/ drink sharing with goddess & god

Close circle after thanking for attendance.


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Everyday Wicca: bringing tools learned to dailylife

Harm None

Remembering this code allows you to rise above anger, jealousy, and hatred and may eventransform such potentially destructive emotions into positive energies

Helps reduce stress

Reincarnation

More than 1 chance at life

Karma

Right action brings positive energies wrong brings negative energies

Three fold rule - what you put out comes back 3 fold (both positive and negative)

Magic

We have control over our life can change them with positive ritual, also teaches patience

Thought

Are things - generate and release energies and if repeated with intent can be powerful sourceor energies

Earth Stewardship

Caring for the planet

Recycle, ruse, planting/garden work, not using harmful chemicals, donating to eco causes,supporting endangered animals

Continuous presence of Goddess & God

If on Earth were with Them. Never spate form Them unless you believe so. Part of our makeup & all of the world around us

Enhancing Everyday Spirituality

Make an offering to Them

Set aside 5 mins each day for Sacred Time

Morning/ evening meditation

Art/Craft with wiccan theme

Pagan music Gardening/Tending plants

Mediation with stones

Experimenting with new divination

Visiting gardens & Parks

Reading pagan fairy Tales (only kind there is)

Volunteering


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Recycling

Writing about wiccan involment

Corresponding with other wiccans

Wirting rituals

Collecing magic herbs

Connecting with animals

Effective Prayer

Process of attuning & communicating with goddess & god

Start by adopting a prayerful attitude (from within)

O Goddess withinO God within

Shift consciousness to the warm, peacefulness of prior contact

O Goddess of the moon, water, and EarthO God of the forest and mountains

Speak then to Them in specifics (Reason for the prayer)

I pray to thee

Types of p rayers

ThanksO Goddess withinO God within;

O Goddess of the moon, water, and EarthO God of the forest and mountains;I give thanks for _____________________

HelpO Goddess withinO God within ;O Goddess of the moon, water, and EarthO God of the forest and mountains;Help me _____________________

CelebrationO Goddess withinO God within ;O Goddess of the moon, water, and EarthO God of the forest and mountains;(even you are celebrating)

Daily Prayers


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Before MealsFrom forest and streamFrom mountain and fieldFrom the fertile earthsNourishing yieldI now partake ofDivine EnergyMay it lend HealthStrength and love to meBlessed Be

Before MealsO Goddess withinO God withinI now partake of theFertility of the EarthBless this food with your love

MorningBless this day, sun of fiery light.

Bless this day; prepare me for the night.

SunriseFire growing,Sun is glowing;Glowing, flowingDown on me.

EveningThe moon illuminates the earthWith wondrous silver rays;Illuminate me through the nightAnd through the sun-lit days

A Prayer before sleep

O Gracious Goddess;O Gracious God,I now enter the realm of dreamsWeave now, if You will, a web of protective light around meGuard both my sleeping from and my spiritWatch over meUntil the sun once againRules the EarthO Gracious GoddessO Gracious GodBe with me through the night

Invocation Before sleepLady of the moon

Lord of the sunProtect me and mineNow day is done

New Moon ChantSilver flowingDianas GrowingGrowing, showingLove for meShort Chant for HelpDivine mother


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Mother DivineShow me the wayGive me a sign

Prayers/Rites of Thanks & Offerings

Daily OfferingPlace offering in a bowl or groundWhat I take I freely giveAccept this offering, Goddess & GodI give you this symbol of my devotionMay it strengthen my bonds with you

Rites of ThanksThanks for an Answered Prayer (after prayer place offering)GoddessWhat no human ear could hear, you heardWhat no human eye could see, you sawWhat no human heart could bear, you transformedWhat no human hand could do, you didWhat no human power could change, you changedGoddess of love, Goddess omnipotentYou through Whom all power flowsSource of allQueen of the CosmosCreatrix of the UniverseAccept this humble token of thanksWho has spokenand who has been heard

Solitary Ritual of ThanksSupplies:Large white bowl,, white candle, water, small fresh flowers (white), and one piece ofwhite cotton clothPlace bowl on the altar, affix white candle to the center of the bowl, with warmed beeswax or with

drippings form another white candle. Pour water into the bowl, float the fresh flowers on thesurface of the water. Light the candleWhile visualizing the reason for the ritualLady of the Moon, of the stars and the earthLord of the sun, of the forests, and the hillsI perform a ritual of thanks.My love shines like the flamesMy love floats like the petalsUpon youLady of the watersLord of the Air, of horns and of fireI perform a ritual of thanksMy love shines like the flameMy love floats like a petals

Upon YouLady of the Caves, of cats, and snakesLord of the Plains, of falcons and stagsI perform a ritual of thanksMy love shines like the flameMy love floats like the petalsUpon You.

example book of shadows

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