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The GardnerianBook of Shadows
Contents Start Reading  This is the text of the Gardnerian Book of Shadows. In one sense, this is the central sacred textof the Wicca religion. However, it is important to point out that there is no 'official' Book ofShadows. Typically each coven has a hand-written copy of
a 
Book of Shadows, sometimes incypher or code, which reflects its own practices and knowledge. This particular text is derivedfrom a file posted on the Internet in the early 90s, and quotes previously published materialwhich was known to be in use by Gardner and his group.The Book of Shadows was attributed by Gardner to an ancient, clandestine witch cult, which heclaimed to have been initiated into. However, modern researchers have concluded that it wascomposed by Gardner. The text shows influences from English and Celtic Folk-lore, theEnochian system of John Dee, Thelema, the Golden Dawn, Stregaria, Tantric Yoga, the KJVBible and even Kipling. This version organizes the material in chronological order and hasestimated dates for each section, ranging from 1949 to 1961.
Because the Book of Shadows was never formally copyrighted or even attributed to an author, its copyrightstatus is dubious. This version was compiled by Aidan A. Kelly and was originally posted on the Internet in themid-90s as part of theInternet Book of Shadowsmaterial. Text in square brackets is Kelly's commentary.
Casting the CircleDrawing Down the MoonThe ChargeInitiation: First DegreeInitiation: Second DegreeInitiation: Third DegreeCakes and Wine
 
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Casting the Circle
(1949)It is most convenient to mark the circle with chalk, paint or otherwise, to show where it is; but marks onthe carpet may be utilized. Furniture may be placed to indicate the bounds. The only circle that matters isthe one drawn before every ceremony with either a duly consecrated Magic Sword or an Athame. Thecircle is usually nine feet in diameter, unless made for some very special purpose. There are two outercircles, each six inches apart, so the third circle has a diameter of eleven feet.[1] Having chosen a place proper, take the sickle or scimitar of Art or a Witch's Athame, if thou mayestobtain it, and stick it into the center, then take a cord, and 'twere well to use the Cable Tow for this, andloop it over the Instrument, four and one half feet, and so trace out the circumference of the circle, whichmust be traced either with the Sword, or the knife with the black hilt, or it be of little avail, but ever leaveopen a door towards the North. Make in all 3 circles, one within the other , and write names of powerbetween these.[2] First draw circle with Magic Sword or Athame.[3] Consecrate Salt and Water: Touch water with Athame, saying, "I exorcise thee, O creature of Water,that thou cast out from Thee all the impurities and uncleannesses of the Spirits of the World of Phantasm,so they may harm me not, in the names of Aradia and Cernunnos."[4] Touching Salt with Athame, say, "The Blessings of Aradia and Cernunnos be upon this creature of Salt, and let all malignity and hindrance be cast forth hencefrom, and let all good enter herein, forwithout Thee man cannot live, wherefore I bless thee and invoke thee, that thou mayest aid me."[5] Then put the Salt into the water.[6] Sprinkle with exorcised water.[7] Light candles; say, "I exorcise thee, O Creature of Fire, that every kind of Phantasm may retire fromthee, and be unable to harm or deceive in any way, in the names of Aradia and Cernunnos."[8] Caution initiate (if any); warn companions; enter circle and close doors with 3 pentagrams.[9] Proclaim object of working
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