| The Gardnerian Book of Shadows |
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This is the text of the Gardnerian Book of Shadows. In one sense, this is the central sacred text of the Wicca religion. However, it is important to point out that there is no 'official' Book of Shadows. Typically each coven has a hand-written copy of a Book of Shadows, sometimes in cypher or code, which reflects its own practices and knowledge. This particular text is derived from a file posted on the Internet in the early 90s, and quotes previously published material which was known to be in use by Gardner and his group.
The Book of Shadows was attributed by Gardner to an ancient, clandestine witch cult, which he claimed to have been initiated into. However, modern researchers have concluded that it was composed by Gardner. The text shows influences from English and Celtic Folk-lore, the Enochian system of John Dee, Thelema, the Golden Dawn, Stregaria, Tantric Yoga, the KJV Bible and even Kipling. This version organizes the material in chronological order and has estimated dates for each section, ranging from 1949 to 1961.
Because the Book of Shadows was never formally copyrighted or even attributed to an author, its copyright status is dubious. This version was compiled by Aidan A. Kelly and was originally posted on the Internet in the mid-90s as part of the Internet Book of Shadows material. Text in square brackets is Kelly's commentary.
Casting the CircleDrawing Down the MoonThe ChargeInitiation: First DegreeInitiation: Second DegreeInitiation: Third DegreeCakes and WineThe Sabbat Rituals: November EveThe Sabbat Rituals: February EveThe Sabbat Rituals: May EveThe Sabbat Rituals: August EveOn ChantsTo Help the SickThe Scourge and the KissThe Priestess and the SwordThe WarningOf the Ordeal of the Art MagicalThe Eightfold WayTo Gain the SightPowerProperly PreparedThe Meeting DanceTo Leave the BodyThe Working ToolsSkycladA Revision of the Casting ProcedureThe Prose ChargeCakes and WineThe Sabbat Rituals: Spring EquinoxThe Sabbat Rituals: Summer SolsticeThe Sabbat Rituals: Autumn Equinox The Sabbat Rituals: Winter SolsticeThe Eightfold Path or WaysThe First-Degree InitiationThe Second-Degree InitiationThe Third-Degree InitiationThe Witches' Chant or RuneConsecrating ToolsThe Old LawsThe Verse ChargeCasting and ChargingForming the Circle