what does a wiccan book of shadows contain?

Answer 1

"Book of Shadows" means different things to different people.

For some Wiccan groups, it's a set of liturgies--the scripts or outlines for rituals for the holy days, initiation rites, other rites-of-passage, and so on. At the most basic, that's what a BoS is. In oathbound traditions, this is the part that cannot be shared with outsiders. Some groups call this part (the liturgies) a "Book of Shadows," and keep it secret--open only to coven members--and have another book, a "Book of Light," that can be shared.

Many people add inspirational texts--poems, stories, song lyrics--which are appropriate to use in rituals.

Some add spells. Some add correspondence lists & other information--astrological info, herbal lists, color correspondences & traditional meanings in various cultures, runic alphabets, and so on.

Some add practical info that relates to them--robe patterns, recipes, how-to-make [candles, soap, bath salts, an altar, a mirror, etc.]

Some add a magickal/religious journal, keeping track of their spiritual progress.

All of these could be combined into a single book, or split into several volumes with different purposes. Often, a spells-and-correspondences only book is called a "Grimoire;" this is especially common for ceremonial groups. It's become common among the book-taught Wiccans to call any personal magickal book a "Book of Shadows," even if the tradition using it prefers a different term; this can annoy the hell out of non-Wiccans.

The form of the book (handwritten, typed in a binder, on disk, carved on stone slabs, whatever) is important to some groups, but not all of them. If you're working with a group, you should ask the elders what form is prefered or required. If you're solitary, anything goes. Three-ring binders are common, with little tabs separating the different sections.

Answer 2

Traditionally in Wicca the book of shadows is a collection of liturgy, rituals, teachings, techniques and knowledge passed down from teacher to student. Traditionally it is kept in one's own hand unless there is a good cause otherwise. Items in Wicca are not as important as knowledge.

Answer 3

Below is a sight that has all of the info my own BOS has in it. I think more important than a BOS is a Book of Mirrors which is your journal and prayers to the God and Goddess. I also keep my observation on nature in this book as well.

Answer 4

This is a book made by the witch that keeps a record of her spells, curses etc.It should be written in witches gliphs from left to right. The cover of the book should be black.
The witches alphabet can be found in any good book on witchcraft.
Keep a good record of any spell that works.

Answer 5

Whatever you put into it. Essentially it is a blank book that you write in yourself. It can have everything from rituals to recipes to experiences. So, it's very personal - whatever you make it. You can use any blank book to do this.

Answer 6

Charges, Rituals, sabbats, poetry, dreams, anything you want! :)