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ISBN: Print 978-1-64739-929-0 | Ebook 978-1-64739-930-6
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To my fellow Wiccans who are searching to grow their practice and create their own Book of Shadows
Contents
M erry meet and welcome to The Wiccan Book of Shadows , your guide to developing your own unique magical practice. Merry meet is a common Wiccan greeting, akin to saying, Hello, its nice to meet you. Wicca, often called the religion of witchcraft, is a fast-growing, Earth-centered belief system rooted in respect for nature and a reverence for the divine. Its based on pre-Christian traditions found in northern and western Europe, and has been practiced widely since the 1950s, when Gerald Gardner, the father of Wicca, wrote several popular books on the subject. Wicca doesnt have a strict set of rules, beliefs, or practices that everyone follows. Each practitioner develops their own values and ethics, and sets their own rules. We all find Wicca for our own reasons that are unique to us.
Because Wicca has no singular set of rules, maintaining a record of your own beliefs and practices is very important to most practitioners. Thats why many Wiccans today maintain a Book of Shadows, a volume that is home for their spells, rituals, recipes, and any other information important to their path. Having a Book of Shadows not only assists with the growth of your practice, it also provides a chance to discover and grow your knowledge. This sacred tool houses the core elements of the Wiccan path, and it can be as personalized as youd like. Theres no right or wrong way to make a Book of Shadows.
This book will offer you a space to personalize, reflect on, and develop your own magical practice. The first part of the book contains an in-depth study of Wiccan history, beliefs, and traditions, while the second part presents spells, rituals, and recipes with templates included for you to make your own. Youll also find write-in lines throughout for you to personalize and take notes for your own Book of Shadows. This book is intended to be accessible to practitioners at all levels, but it doesnt exhaustively cover every single element that a beginner needs to learn. If youre in that camp, I suggest potentially pairing this book with my other book, Seasons of Wicca .
Wicca has been an important part of my life since I was a teenager. I began my journey similarly to most, seeking a path of judgment-free faith and the ability to create positive changes for myself. I wasnt satisfied with traditional religions and their structured ways. Today, Im both a practicing Wiccan and witch, with 16 years dedicated to my eclectic practice. Im also the editor of Witchology Magazine , a monthly publication for modern witches, as well as the author of The Spell Book for New Witches and the aforementioned Seasons of Wicca.
My own Book of Shadows is a leather journal that was gifted to me by my partner. It contains correspondences for herbs, crystals, and deities, as well as recipes, rituals for the eight pagan Sabbats (or sun celebrations) and the 12 full moon Esbats, and the rules I live by.
Perhaps youve been practicing for as long as you can remember. Or maybe youve just recently stumbled upon the wonderful world of Wicca. Wherever you are on your journey, you picked up this book at the right time. I wish you well on your journey and hope that the ideas, lessons, and philosophies contained in this book benefit you. Lets dive into the enchanting world of Wicca beliefs and practices.
Merry part and merry meet again,
Ambrosia Hawthorn
B efore we start building your Book of Shadows, lets delve into the traditions of Wicca. Starting with the basics of Wiccan history and beliefs, and moving on to the major holidays, traditions, and symbols, well get a solid overview of how these practices developed and how theyre put into action today. These foundations are important to learn; theyll help you establish a firm base to grow from and connect you to Wiccas history.
W icca is very diverse and inviting to those who seek a path centered around nature and the divine. With Wicca, there is no governing body, and there are no renowned prophets. Instead, there are many decisions that you get to make as a Wiccan regarding the laws, beliefs, and traditions you engage with and honor. These decisions are important foundations for a successful and long-lasting practice. To make these decisions properly, its important to understand each traditions purpose and history.
