Polytheists / magic enthusiasts: Books of Light ?

[Sirona]

Hi guys,

I learned that many Wiccans and magic enthusiasts have a Book of Shadows where they collect prayers or spells. However, I am not so comfortable on the "Dark side" and therefore wondered if "Books of Light" do exist as well. What would such a book look like in your opinion and what would you write down in it?

Maybe this is a dumb idea, but it's an idea nevertheless.

 

[crossfire]

Hi guys,

I learned that many Wiccans and magic enthusiasts have a Book of Shadows where they collect prayers or spells. However, I am not so comfortable on the "Dark side" and therefore wondered if "Books of Light" do exist as well. What would such a book look like in your opinion and what would you write down in it?

Maybe this is a dumb idea, but it's an idea nevertheless.

A book of light would deal with the conscious mind, rather than the unconscious mind (like a book of Shadows.) Stuff that deals with the conscious mind is often referred to as philosophy. A journal would be appropriate for this.

 

[JustGeorge]

I think its all in the wording...

Most Wiccans frown on 'dark' spells/workings. Essentially, there may be Books of Shadows out there containing mostly, if not completely 'light' materials.

I think Book of Shadows is just a traditional name. You could essentially call such a thing whatever you wanted. Honestly, my 'journal' is close to such a thing, containing more prayers, puja guidelines, mantras, and other tidbits from religious research than actual personal information. I could say its a Book of Light and Shadows.

 

[dybmh]

Let's see, a book of Light, what would it contain? Hmmmmmm...

Divine Names
A list of miracles that have been personally experienced
Similar to above, a list of syncronicities
Inspiring quotes
Locations/maps to mushroom patches and other collectable edibles
Questions for God or the divine
Wishes
Dream journaling
Vows
Lessons learned from family, friends, good and bad experiences
URLs for important internet resources

That's all could come up with

 

[The Hammer]

Hi guys,

I learned that many Wiccans and magic enthusiasts have a Book of Shadows where they collect prayers or spells. However, I am not so comfortable on the "Dark side" and therefore wondered if "Books of Light" do exist as well. What would such a book look like in your opinion and what would you write down in it?

Maybe this is a dumb idea, but it's an idea nevertheless.

The idea of a Book of Shadows, has no connection to the dark as in evil/black forces, etc. It's a book of spell work and Magick, which ultimately works with the darker (ie mental) aspects of ourselves. Our inner shadow/reflection.

 

[Quintessence]

I think Book of Shadows is just a traditional name. You could essentially call such a thing whatever you wanted.

Pretty much this.

The term was coined by Gerald Gardner as part of Wicca, and even he didn't originally refer to the book as such until a bit later in the development of the tradition. It is believed to have been inspired by a story that appeared in an occult magazine Gerald read containing a story about a diviner who foretold people's fates by measuring their shadows.

Because of the influence of Wicca on contemporary Paganism, many other Pagans refer to their book of lore as a Book of Shadows as well. For the OP's benefit, it doesn't mean the book has to do with the "dark side" of anything - it's just a religious text for that person (or group's) traditions.

 

[Quintessence]

For anyone who wants to read the original article about the Book of Shadows, it is available here: http://iapsop.com/archive/materials/occult_observer/occult_observer_v1_n3_1949.pdf

Unfortunately it is a pretty bad scan, but you can get the gist of the story. It is quite a fun read.

 

[Viker]

Hi guys,

I learned that many Wiccans and magic enthusiasts have a Book of Shadows where they collect prayers or spells. However, I am not so comfortable on the "Dark side" and therefore wondered if "Books of Light" do exist as well. What would such a book look like in your opinion and what would you write down in it?

Maybe this is a dumb idea, but it's an idea nevertheless.

Book of shadows just seems "dark" at first but it's not intended.

It takes light to make shadows.