BOS or Grimoire of Magick
The most valuable and essential tool to the witch is a BOS (Book of Shadows). This is a collection of all your memories, rituals, etc. in one place. Most modern Wiccans use a three-ring binder to make it easy to arrange documents and add in other papers. This can, of course, be hand-written or printed from a computer.
What You Will Need
1 Three Ring Binder or Noteboo
All purpose Glue or A Glue
Parchment Paper
Card Stock (For your different dividers)
1 picture frame - you can get it at the dollar store)
decorations that represent who you are and if you want that represent the elements
A Picture to Fit the Frame - On it will be the title at the top and your sacred name at the bottom
If you dont have the software to do this you can take any picture and have it done at Staples. I can also help you with that. Remember this is an ongoing project and how you decorate it reflects who you are. Pleas email me at tasbelder1@ yahoo.com so I can send you a picture of the 1st one I made.
Here is a list of what you should have inside your BOS:
The Wiccan Rede
Include a copy of the rede. You may also want to have an evaluation of the rede- that is, "dissect" the rede and consider each statement, and write about its meaning and value to your practices. Our copy of the rede can be found here.
The Sabbats
Have a copy of the eight major sabbats and include information on the importance of each one.
Calendar
A calendar of the moon phases, progressions, and the astrological signs they are in each day. Mark new moons and full moons. Also include major events, holidays, and sabbats.
Magickal Correspondences
A list of what each god and goddess represents, and a list of the meanings of herbs in magick, and the symbolism of different candle colors. Maybe include a list of the significance of different scented incences.
Rituals and Spells
Have a section of rituals and spells you find practical and useful, or you may need for future occasions.
Chants and Poems
Chants or prayers you find especially nice are good for your BoS collection. Also, personal poetry and your own hand-written chants would be a great addition to your book.
Daily Journal/ Dream Journal
A journal of daily events and occurences is always a good idea. A dream journal is also an excellent suggestion- recording and analyzing dreams can help you to become more in touch with your "third eye", or psychic awareness.
Insights
Your path to learning can help you more in the future if you are able to look back on it. Ask yourself questions, and write your responses in a section of personal insights. As opposed to a daily journal, this will not record actual events, but instead, will help you to reflect on theories and thoughts. Think about how you began on this path, reconsider your ways of life, think about the wonders of reality, write a little on what Wicca means to you and how it's changed your outlook on life. Anything goes. And you can always return to a previous insight, and add what new views you've stumbled upon! Don't forget to write the time/date on each entry!
Remember, don't just stick a bunch of stuff into your BoS. Only include what you consider to be of value, and always make your own alterations. If you put a ritual in their, write side-notes on what you decided to change for your purpose. If you put an inspirational article in there, add your own thoughts and ideas in the margins. But remember on thing this is your BOOK OF SHADOWS...
Short List:
A dedication
A protection spell for the book
A blessing
Table of Contents
Glossary of terms
Traditions in Wicca
Magickal Ethics-Wiccan Rede, Laws of Return, etc.
Beliefs & Doctrine
Paranormal studies
Herbalism
Recipes
Ritual and holiday foods
Bath Salts
Oils
Incense
Meade and other drink
Correspondences
Amulets
Planetary hours
Color magick
Crystal, gemstones and minerals
Elements
Herbs, Plants and Trees
Wheel of the Year
Moon Phases
Charkas
Animal Totems
Oils
Incenses
Days of the week
Planets
Months of the Year
Dream interpretation
Magickal Symbolism and Alphabets
Crafts
Listing of Books and Sacred Texts
Divination studies
Dowsing
Egg
Smoke, Flame, Fire
Astrology
Runes
Scrying
Pendulum
Phallomancy
Palmistry
Tarot
Tealeaves
Numerology
I-ching
Face Reading
Pedomancy
Gastromancy
Kumalak
Playing Cards
Ouiji
Tyromancy
Phyllorhodomancy
Onychomancy
Omphalomancy
Uromancy
Medicine Cards
Shamanism
Wheel of the Year-traditions
Rituals & Spells-actual rituals and spells along with outcomes for hose performed
Circle Casting
Cleansing and Consecration
Blessings
Quarter calls
Meditations
Prayers
Candle magick
Ritual Construction
Rites of Passage
Invocations
Music/Chants
Tools
Web-weaving-a list of contacts and web addresses
Dragon Lore
Fairy Lore
Humor
Index
Remember once you have your dividers then you can make an index with subtitles within each section. Once you have your materials let me know and I will post the instructions.