The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

Book of Shadows
The Power of Insight: Divination Systems, Tools, and Practices

ORIGINS

A book of shadows is an important text in the Neopagan religion of Wicca containing religious texts and instructions for magical rituals and spells. When books of shadows first appeared, there was only one book per coven (group of witches), kept by the high priest or priestess, but nowadays it is common for each witch to have his or her own copy. Today, a book of shadows often resembles a journal, with personal thoughts and reflections on one’s magical experiences in addition to more formal texts, recipes, and instructions.

HISTORY/LORE

The British Wiccan Gerald Gardner (1884—1964), widely regarded as the “father of Wicca,” is credited with creating the first book of shadows in the early 1950s, although Gardner himself claimed the practice of keeping a book of shadows was ancient. Gardner’s book of shadows was composed with the help of Doreen Valiente (1922—1999), a British Wiccan who assisted in bringing Wicca to the attention of the general public through her several books on the subject.

USES

Wiccans believe books of shadows are sacred tools that should only be kept and used by those active in the Wiccan religion. But even if you’re not a witch, there is wisdom to be gained from reading books of shadows that are publicly available. Many Wiccans post their books of shadows online, and you can also borrow these books from the library or buy them from various online and brick-and-mortar booksellers.