Lesson Five - Ravenna's Book of Shadows

Monday January 12, 2004

Reading Materials:

Lesson Overview: For this lesson, you are to consecrate a book of shadows. Whether this means creating one from scratch or not is up to you. You may begin with a blank book or your existing book of shadows. This lesson is the dedication and the blessing of a book. We will return to this book in later lessons. One of the Reasons we covered the idea of understanding your relationship with divinity was so that you could have it in mind when you dedicated your book.

Begin by doing what is needed to do the following ritual. Collect your book and writing implement, decide how you intend to dedicate your book and what you will put on the first few pages in the ceremony. Sometimes, it is best to have rough drafts prepared in advance.

Using your knowledge of a basic consecration, "cleanse" the book in a cast circle by passing it through smoke and sprinkling it with salt or salt water. Do a prayer or ritual for clarity. Now, that being done, open to the first page and write your name and the date.

I know this seems silly, but a book of shadows is something that one keeps, and one only destroys a book of shadows rarely. (One ritual that I have done involves burning your old book of shadows to disassociate yourself from those you shared it with. All the Information, of course, was preserved in the new one.) this letter to yourself should tell about your goals right now, and what you want to get from life, if anything. Just make it a paragraph or so.

If you feel you are ready to begin your book of shadows at this time, it is often good to being with a brief discussion of how the universe works and how you relate to deity. If you believe that the universe exists on the back of a turtle, then begin your book of shadows with "The Universe exists on the back of a turtle." One of the neat things about a book of shadows/light is that you don't have to write "I believe" or "I think", Just write what you believe and think.

A book of light is the same thing, only whether or not it is hidden or shared is a more personal decision. For some, a Book of Light is a collection of public rituals, and a Book of Shadows is a collection of private rituals. As for me, I don't name my books, and because of that, I use both titles and sometimes neither.... Usually I refer to the book as "the Book." Once you have created the initial consecration of the book, spend the next several days adding your most basic information to it.

I'm not afraid to admit that I've had many a Book of Shadows over the years.  One was burned by my Uncle at my Grandmother's orders.  I was 17, and they were pissed that I had turned from a "good" Christian girl into a Satan worshipper.  I made another Book.  I've had probably 6 different Books of Shadows over the years, and right now my current one is mostly a journal of my life and my experiences.  It works for me.  I also have handouts, chants, incantations, a few rituals and various things that I've collected over the last year during my offline classes at my local metaphysical store.  Lots of great information there.  I've also realized that this website, and my sister site can technically be called my "Online Books of Light".  Wow.

Right now, my Book of Shadows is a Notebook, just a plain, boring looking notebook, where I write my lessons, take notes and various other things.  Lately, I've been eye-balling this beautiful black book with the Goddess Artemis holding Her bow and arrow embossed in gold on the front of the book.  The pages are blank, and it is just beautiful.  There's a smaller, much simpler book with a golden pentagram embossed on the front cover which I like as well.  I'm tempted to buy one of them, but I know it's not necessary in order for me to have a "proper" Book of Shadows.

So my "actual" Book dedication is this:

This is my Book of Shadows and Light.  Within these pages marks the journey of one woman on a quest to find herself, to find answers to her most basic of questions. 

I've found some of my answers, I hope the journey never ends.  The Goddess and God have blessed me this year.  I've made wonderful friends, I've learned so much more than I ever have before.  I'm thankful.

May the words within this book remain ever true, may the love of life that I hold and my joy in the simplest things never fade.  By my Will, so Mote it Be!

~ Ravenna Angelline - January 1, 2004

Dear Ravenna,

    Hello, this is a letter from yourself.  Hopefully you will read this many times in the coming months and years, and always remember what it was like to be you then.  Things have changed many times over the months.  Heartbreak, loss, and so many things.  But from the ashes, we have risen.  We have grown - changed.  It has always been so with us.  It's a gift - one that I hope will always be there for us to draw on when times get rough.

    Many people have come and gone from our lives.  Not always through death, but mostly through circumstances.  We've met and made many friends, don't forget them! They are always there to lend a hand when you need help.  Don't forget that.

    We've had to face our fears, and speak them aloud.  Remember that the God is the light, and that the shadows of our fears fade away when we illuminate them.  Stand strong and face your fears, for you are the master of your Self.  Remember also, that while books are useful tools, the Goddess is willing to teach as well.  Books only have the opinions of the authors that write them.  If you really wish find the answers, look within.

    I am special, you are special - we are one and the same.  Walk tall and proud, whatever path you choose to walk in the future.  Be a good mother to your children.  Remember patience is the key.

    Walk in peace and love, Blessed Be.

~ Ravenna Angelline
Monday, May 24, 2004

So that's it.  Nothing spectacular.  But it works for me, and that is all that matters in the end.

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