| The Spellbook or Book of Shadows |
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| In this, you must write all your magical recipes, spells, and rituals before you use them, using a good clear hand which will be legible by candlelight. Our old friend the tradition-minded witch will insist on making her own workbook out parchment, sewing it herself, and sticking a cover on it. However, if this seems over complicated to you, buy a thick book of good quality drawing paper, about the size of a large exercise book. Then, when the moon is waxing, cover the book and binding of this book with a material of your own choice. Many practitioners favor velvet or moire silk. Others prefer a leather or skin, often reptile. The choice of color ranges from black to white to red and green, even an occasional silver or gold! You should then exorcise the book with water and fire. Then, with a pen and ink specially bought for this purpose, draw in a pentacle and its runes on the front side of the first page and the reverse of the last. As you draw in each rune, chant the following words: "Book of word book of deeds, blessed be thou book of art!" The "art" referred to is the magical art, needless to say. Finally, write you own witch name in the center of the pentacles, charging each letter as you do so in the usual way, and sealing again with the words "So mote it be!" This book, along with the Athame, will be your most treasured magical possession and should only be shown to other witches and coven members. Now put your Book of Shadows away until you are ready to write in it. |
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