Most witches since the middle ages have lived in fear of being tortured and murdered by overzealous Catholic priests or fearful neighbours who were in awe of a woman possessing any type of wisdom at all. For this reason her "Book of Shadows" was always kept in her own handwriting. If she was arrested on charges of heresy the identities of her fellow witches could not be found out by reading her book.
Though there is little chance of torture and murder these days, women - including contemporary witches - carry on this tradition. We learn from our mothers, grandmothers, aunts and friends. We pass along favorite recipes and share wisdom on everything from gardening to child-rearing. And in most cases we write these things down to pass along to our daughters and grand-daughters.
So here online I have begun a communal "Book of Shadows". Over time I hope it becomes quite an extensive source of information for us. Please both contribute and take what you like.
