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5 Things You Must Know About Book Of Shadows

The modern practice of witchcraft is very often misunderstood and the media is apt to sensationalize it but there are many people who quietly pursue their religion all over the world. The Wicca branch of witchcraft is a neopagan religion that gained a following firstly in the UK in the mid-1950s and was promoted by Gerald Gardner. He claims that Wicca is a revival of beliefs going back to pre-Christian times in Europe. The Book of Shadows is the traditional book that followers look to for guidance.

Wicca is surrounded in mystery with secret initiations for members and rituals. The Book of Shadows describes these rituals and many other practices and guidelines. The book is handwritten and made to look antiquated and is passed down from one High Priest or Priestess to the next. Mr. Gardner advises that the book can be personalized with favorite spells and text can be removed if so wished. Even in these modern times, the text includes advice for witches who find themselves being tortured or put on trial! Gardner gave the book its name from a Sanskrit book on divination.

There are different factions of the Wicca movement, apart from what is referred to as Gardenian Wicca, and this can affect the Book of Shadows and its content. Some Wiccans keep their own version of the book in tandem with the book itself and there are groups who have relinquished the handwritten tradition and publish the book electronically and post it on the Internet. There are purists who believe that the traditional book should be kept for its original purpose only, of listing spells etc. and Wiccans should record personal things in a separate book known as the Book of Mirrors. Some versions of the traditional book are printed in a code.

The Wicca covens are a popular subject for storylines in TV shows and movies, although Wicca members say that they depict the movement in an inaccurate way. The Book of Shadows is mentioned in the popular vampire show, Buffy and the Vampire Slayer and in its spin off, Angel. It also features in the series, Charmed and in the movie, The Craft.

There are spells contained in the book to cover various situations and times of year. Some relate to the desire for a good harvest and others concern the Winter Solstice. A spell at New Year is practiced to bring good luck throughout the year. There are anti-disease spells and a spell to promote fertility. Some spells give tribute as in honoring the Mother Goddess.