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Recently, I have been asked by many men,
what exactly is a "Book of Shadows"? The name alone, I must admit, does give it a rather esoteric feel ; yet the Book
of Shadows is really, a liturgical book, a bit like a prayer book. The Book of Shadows contains usually, laws of the Coven,
ritual instructions, liturgical rites and spells. Every Book of Shadows is, by tradition, hand written. Why call it a "Book
of Shadows"? Where does it's name come from? For that we have to go back a few hundred years, here in Wales, where Witchcraft
was against the law, and it was still a crime right up until the 1950's, until we had the Repeal Act by Parliament of Witchcraft.
How we got the name for the Book of Shadows was due to the fact that Coven members met under the cover of darkness, in secret
to avoid the law and the Coven's rituals were all written down in an esoteric language, probably only understood by a few
select members of the Coven. It was brought out of its hidden place under the cover of darkness, to be used in ritual and
hence the name "Book of Shadows" came into being, as it was a book used in the shadows of the dark.
The Book of Shadows is also a Witch's spiritual
journal, in which they record their spiritual experiences. In my Book of Shadows, written in a very mystical Nordic language-it contains many, many liturgical rites. I have below, placed a few pictures of my Book of Shadows, which
I hope you all will find of interest.
A Book of Shadows contains years of work
and carries the traditions of the Coven, to be passed onto others who are Coven members. My own Book of Shadows is not only
my work, but other people's work, handed down to me. I am in gratitude to them; they showed me the Craft and in so doing,
turned my world upside down, like that of Odin.
Blessed Be as always.
Julian Riley
High Priest of the HomoMoot
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| Julian's own Book of Shadows,as High Priest, all handmade and written by Julian |
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| The beautiful hand written new Book of Shadows, written by Julian, due to be formally consecrated |
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