It has the recognisable Rose and Thorn design on the front cover, and a Pentacle on its rear. It is crafted from designer resin to give the appearance of carved slate. The pages are bound with leather. It is 8.5" by 6.5" A very attractive book
The idea of the Book of Shadows is that the Witch writes down all rituals performed. A list of Spells casts, and includes a list of ingredients that she may have used for blending herbs or incense.
It is rather like a very personal diary, but much more.
Gerald Gardner, the "father of Wicca", first introduced the Book of Shadows to people that he had initiated into the craft through his coven in the 1950s. He later went on to rename his Book of Shadows as Grimoire, hence the name used by Nemesis Now
He claimed that it was like a personal cookbook of spells that have worked for the owner. He told them that they could copy from his own book and add or remove material as they saw fit. He said that the practice of Witches keeping such a book was ancient, and had been practiced by witches throughout history. According to tradition, Gardner claimed, the book was burned after a person died, so that it would not be discovered that they had been a witch.
It is very unlikely that this was the case. Most information was passed down in families by hands on learning. If anything had been written, then it was possible that others not of the Craft could have access to these recipes, this was more than likely the reason for burning it, if it did indeed exist.
However it is a very good idea to write down recipes and to keep a record of spells done etc. There is something very satisfying in writing records in a book, and having all your information in one place. If you do not actually enjoy writing then this book is perfect too for placing in pages that you have printed off from the internet etc.
There is no right or wrong way of using the book, and I hope that your Grimoire becomes a much treasured possesion.
