Christian Witch Book of Shadows

From the Beginner Witch to the Elder of the Community people like to have a place to put down the information they gather through their practice as a witch. With the on-vent of things like the Grimoires of the Middles Ages, and Clay tablets found in places like Ugarit and Sumeria, people have been writing down their spells, ingredients, lore, and much more to keep on the record. Lets take a look at what a Christian Witch Book of Shadows can incorporate.

The Medium

The easiest and most manageable BOS I have found is a 3 Ring-Binder. You can type out papers should you want, add page covers, add more information without having to completely redo a book. However, the decision resides with you. Other options can be a journal book, loose leaf, computer document, scrapbook, scroll, and many others.

Introduction Page

This can be an inspirational quote or picture. Anything that has meaning to you in regards to your path.

Table of Contents

If your books gets large enough, it makes life easier. Smaller books don't necessarily need this as things are easier to find. Dont make this unable to be edited though. This section can be a never ending process as you learn more and more.

What is your path?

Describe your path in its current state. Leave room for additions as it may change over time (mine changed over 8 times before I was 25). What is your religion?

Tools

Boline, Bells, and Baubles. What tools do you use, or have come across? What is their purpose? Use a page (or more if you are a history buff) for each tool. To explain their properties, elements, and whatever else you want to be reminded of.

Elements, Angels, Directions, Zodiac, etc.

This is a good point to place these things as an easy work off base. You can create a chart, or however is the easiest flow of knowledge for you. I would however write out each elements descriptions, the corresponding angels, directions, and zodiacs.

Saints

Along with Angels, elements, and directions, you may choose to work with Saints. They should be separated out from the Angels just for organizations sake. Little descriptions on who they are, their history, and what to call on them for should be placed on each page. Since each Saint has their own day, placing a small calendar in either the front or the back of this section will allow easier access.

Candles

Give a run down on the colors, smells, etc works for what.

Symbols

Do you use specific symbols like Runes, or Christian imagery like Chi-Rho (hint-hint lol)? This is where you would place those symbols and their meaning, and when to use them.

Herbs

While I personally make a separate book for herbs and the knowledge becomes vast, if you keep your herb knowledge in the same book, this is where I would place it. Under herbs you can create sub tabs if you want to group them according to their zodiac sign for instance; Or for their uses, or elements, or guarding angels, or species identification. Makes sure you not only place what the herb is used for, but any warnings (like allergies, overdose, psychotropic, poisonous, etc ), preparations, and side notes that need to be addressed before handling. If you grow your own, make notes on timings for plants, harvesting, how to harvest, and how to prep for usage.

Gemstones

Some work with them, some don’t. Regardless of that have it in your book “Just in case”. What are their properties? Where do you find them? If you have gemstones already give your history on meeting them. Sometimes it is the smallest of stories that have the biggest of impacts in our lives.

Oils

This is where you would put how to make your oils, either for spell work or for bathing use, or whatever. What oils mean what, when to use them, your recipes.

Powders

In many spells you can create an herbal powder mix ahead of time. Hot Foot powder being a common example. This is where you will write your recipes, and the details of their use.

Ink

There are different inks that can be used in spell work, and even in the writing of your BOS. If you make your own, write your recipes. Also write down what each ink is, and what it is to be used for. Dove ink is good for love spells.

Commonly Used Scripture

Are there any particular scriptures that are used in your magicks? Do you blood stop with Ezekiel? Or Lay of hands with the Lords Prayer? Write it here.

Invocation/Evocation

When you are wanting to work with spirits, and have specific words and rituals, that you want to keep track of. Invocation is bringing a spirit into yourself, evocation is bringing the spirit into the physical world. Never Invoke what you can not Evoke.

Banishing

The opposite work of Invocation/Evocation. When you are wanting to say good bye to spirit you invoked, and have them leave. Write out you specific rituals here.

Dedication

Dedications are like Baptisms. You agree to serve a specific Deity, Deities, Daemons (not to be confused with Demons), etc. Now in Christians this can be Baptisms, or you can create your own dedication ceremony. Write your details or the ceremony or the story of your dedication here if done before making this book.

Spell work

Now I do recommend sub tabbing these. Some examples can be foot track magic, curses, blessings, money spells, love spells, spirit workings. Herbs, stones, tools, etc are necessary. Add in your beliefs, side notes, whatever you feel is important. Draw, do what you think will help you.

Pre-made Ceremonial Circles

Think of the symbols that you see in the Key of Solomon. You can premake these (and perhaps other premade papers?? -Nudge-) and put them away for a rainy day.

Calendar of Festivals

If you celebrate religious holidays, make your list and place them here. You can also make a yearly removable moon and sun calendar to place here. Some also place the zodiac and planetary positions for the year.

Definitions

As you go along your path, there will be many definitions that you will come across. Some you may never use, others might become important on a daily basis. However it is good to have them all written down in case you ever need it. Write down specific words found in your BOS. While you don’t have to go into the detail like what your main pages would be, a rundown is just as effective. For example- what is invocation, evocation, and dedication?

Diary

Whenever you do a spell, whenever something of spiritual importance happens write it down. Keep notes of what you did, what the effects were (even if they happen several days later). This is the practical aspect. It is also good for mental clarity.

Inspiration

This is a place to put anything that inspires your work. It can be from the shape of a leaf, to a poem, food, whatever.

This list is not something you must follow. Allow it to inspire you in the creation of your own work. Take what works for you and leave the rest.

Blessings of Yahweh and his Asherah