The Book of Light
January 6th, 2010
This is what I’ve decided to construct. Not a Book of Shadows. I know that the name of that book is part of the witches tradition, but that is the beauty of being a Solitary and making your own traditions in my humble opinion.
I thought about constructing a Book of Shadows and was giving thought to what I’d want to include and the more I thought about it, the more I thought of things I would include. Then the more things I listed to include, the more the similarity of the nature of those things seemed.
The nature of all of the things I would include in my Book of Shadows are things related to energy and healing and life and creation and joy and love. Those are not things of shadow. Those are things of light.
I also believe that working around some of the seemingly darker aspects of “witchcraft” will help me to reach a broader audience and be more readily accepted if not understood. And it’s not that I’m seeking anyone’s acceptance, but more that I believe that if I can bridge the gap between myself and someone else simply by altering my language, why shouldn’t I?
Besides, I find the idea of a Book of Light so much more appealing.
I know witches are said to/to have kept information regarding their magic in their Book of Shadows, but I see it like this.
My LIFE is my magic! Everything in my life, I have created… manifested. Everything I am interested in and am pursuing is under my spell and part of my magic. And my LIFE and my interests and pursuits center specifically around my home and family and health and Spiritual growth.
Maybe it’s… non-traditional, but I went and got myself a 3 ring binder. If I read something online I want to include in my personal book, I print it, punch it and include it. I’m free to use my trusty highlighter and make notes in every margin to my heart’s content! I even have section separators and folders. It organized so many things for me. I had information floating all over about all kinds of things and now I have a single location for all of it!
This translates over to everyone! You don’t have to be a witch to have your own book. Especially for the homemaker or mother. There’s so much we do and are responsible for. It really is wonderful to have a place to put it and a place to find it later! I even include a journal, calendar and my own personal “Tame the House” cleaning schedule/routine that helps me to conquer the chaos of life with boys!
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BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Seriously.
I think I’mma make my own three ring binder, too.
I have my book, but it’s a very traditional leather-strap bound… and I don’t have much in it. Also, I love the idea of Book of Light. It sounds much more like what I want from my life.
:D Glad you like! Doesn’t it sound… just more conductive to growth?
El,
I like that too. Book of Light just a very nice ring to it.
Like Miss Ash, I have a more traditional leather book I keep my stuff in. But like you, I put everything in it! I figure, all of it is about my life – why not? I’ve been doing it this way for a good 12 or so years and I now have 5-6 books full of stuff. It’s fun to flip back through them all!
Be blessed,
~Annie
Very Cool!
I thought about going the old fashioned way but I’m very anal about organization. I didn’t like the idea of pages not being mobile… because sometimes I set out to write about one thing and end up writing about something completely different… and if I had to pick a section and then wrote something that didn’t belong there, I’d be annoyed by that. LOL I know, I’m a nut! I also figured having a 3 ring binder, especially as big as the one I got, will make it easy to collect things for many years before a new book is required. And even then, I think I’ll likely just split the sections into their own books to expand.
I’ve been a homemaker/stay-at-home mom for 11 years now. I have far too much time in which to over think everything. Can you tell? LOL
Hey El,
I totally like the Book of Light. That sounds so much better to me then a Book of Shadows for all the reasons you mentioned. Book of Light rings very true with me.
Thanks,
Amanda
Welcome Amanda!
And thank you! I seem to have struck something in quite a few people and I’m so happy about it.
El,
You’re too funny! But what’s even funnier, is that I’m nearly as anal about organization as you.
I stopped being so uber organized, though, when my 4th baby came along. Just too many things to do in the day for that happen. I still try, though! Most days I make it and some, well . . . some days it’s just not worth the stress. ;-) And yes, it does stress me out. I’ve learned to choose my battles now as a result or I’d be totally bonkers. I mean, SOMEthing had go by the wayside in order to keep the shred of sanity I have left.
Be blessed! ~A