About this blog
A Book of Shadows is a book kept by a witch that documents his/her religious practice. It may contain descriptions of rituals, spells, incantations or recipes related to his/her practice as a witch, and the results, emotions or insights derived from the practice. It may read like a cookbook, or more like a journal. There is often some element of secrecy, and a prudent witch never writes down a complete description of her rituals that could be followed by idle readers.
(Please note: The gender-inclusive language is getting a bit cumbersome. I am going to switch to "her". No offense is meant to male practitioners of The Craft. English needs a new pronoun.)
I have always wanted one, but have found I am not good at keeping such a journal up to date. I am hoping I will have better luck in this format.
As with all religions, there are various traditions and sects within Wicca. There are some basic tenets held by all Wiccans, but there are also many diverse practices. Unlike some other religions, a witch is allowed -- even encouraged -- to pick and choose the specific beliefs and practices that work for her. Some witches recognize only a Goddess, while others see the world hung in balance between a Goddess and a God. Some add elements of Eastern philosophy or Native American spirituality to their practice. Some carefully choose dates on which to work their magick while others do it when the need arises. Some talk to the God and Goddess using only one name each, others pick and choose names that reflect the aspect of the deity being evoked. Some practice as part of covens, or attend gatherings while others, like me, work alone.
I practice a nature-based worship. The Goddess and the God are my representations of the Great Power that perfuses all things, and which is strongest in those we define as alive. I live my beliefs every day, but like many pagans I celebrate them formally about 21 times a year -- on the 13 full moons, the solstices and equinoxes and the cross-quarter days. Right now, I am living in a house undergoing extreme renovations and have no indoor ritual space, and our urban Canadian winter precludes outdoor rituals with bonfires or candles so I rarely get to draw proper circles, but I always celebrate my "ritual days" in some way, even if it is only by going for a walk for personal reflection or by special lovemaking with one of my partners. I am much more centred and "comfortable in my own skin" when I take the time to formally practice my beliefs.
In my practice I use spells and incantations that I write myself. I use the power of herbs and teas, candles and simple ritual objects. On the day of a ritual, I make sure not to impede my spiritual faculties by eating to excess or drinking, and I always begin by having a bath. When circumstances allow I work naked.
A word about my name: many pagans take a new magickal name when they are initiated into The Craft. This name symbolizes their rebirth as a spiritual being, and is similar to the Catholic practice of taking a new name at confirmation. I took the name Thriceraven 5 years ago when I intiated myself into The Craft. I have always considered ravens to be my "totem" animal. The "thrice" comes from the Triple-Aspect Goddess. It is very important to me that I include all three aspects of the Goddess in my daily life. (More on this in another post.) A ritual name also allows a certain amount of anonimity, which is useful for both magickal and practical reasons.
This blog exists primarily for me -- to put into words the things above that I have only known emotionally, and to journal my rituals, the results and my emotions concerning them. However, please feel free to post comments. I am a solitary witch and have never practiced with other pagans, and although I read books and other people's webpages it would be neat to have a discussion of sorts with other practitioners.
Wow, that was really long. I will post again on or near the full moon.
(Please note: The gender-inclusive language is getting a bit cumbersome. I am going to switch to "her". No offense is meant to male practitioners of The Craft. English needs a new pronoun.)
I have always wanted one, but have found I am not good at keeping such a journal up to date. I am hoping I will have better luck in this format.
As with all religions, there are various traditions and sects within Wicca. There are some basic tenets held by all Wiccans, but there are also many diverse practices. Unlike some other religions, a witch is allowed -- even encouraged -- to pick and choose the specific beliefs and practices that work for her. Some witches recognize only a Goddess, while others see the world hung in balance between a Goddess and a God. Some add elements of Eastern philosophy or Native American spirituality to their practice. Some carefully choose dates on which to work their magick while others do it when the need arises. Some talk to the God and Goddess using only one name each, others pick and choose names that reflect the aspect of the deity being evoked. Some practice as part of covens, or attend gatherings while others, like me, work alone.
I practice a nature-based worship. The Goddess and the God are my representations of the Great Power that perfuses all things, and which is strongest in those we define as alive. I live my beliefs every day, but like many pagans I celebrate them formally about 21 times a year -- on the 13 full moons, the solstices and equinoxes and the cross-quarter days. Right now, I am living in a house undergoing extreme renovations and have no indoor ritual space, and our urban Canadian winter precludes outdoor rituals with bonfires or candles so I rarely get to draw proper circles, but I always celebrate my "ritual days" in some way, even if it is only by going for a walk for personal reflection or by special lovemaking with one of my partners. I am much more centred and "comfortable in my own skin" when I take the time to formally practice my beliefs.
In my practice I use spells and incantations that I write myself. I use the power of herbs and teas, candles and simple ritual objects. On the day of a ritual, I make sure not to impede my spiritual faculties by eating to excess or drinking, and I always begin by having a bath. When circumstances allow I work naked.
A word about my name: many pagans take a new magickal name when they are initiated into The Craft. This name symbolizes their rebirth as a spiritual being, and is similar to the Catholic practice of taking a new name at confirmation. I took the name Thriceraven 5 years ago when I intiated myself into The Craft. I have always considered ravens to be my "totem" animal. The "thrice" comes from the Triple-Aspect Goddess. It is very important to me that I include all three aspects of the Goddess in my daily life. (More on this in another post.) A ritual name also allows a certain amount of anonimity, which is useful for both magickal and practical reasons.
This blog exists primarily for me -- to put into words the things above that I have only known emotionally, and to journal my rituals, the results and my emotions concerning them. However, please feel free to post comments. I am a solitary witch and have never practiced with other pagans, and although I read books and other people's webpages it would be neat to have a discussion of sorts with other practitioners.
Wow, that was really long. I will post again on or near the full moon.
posted by --- at 8:40 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home