Have you ever burned your book of shadows?

Question

I was instructed many years ago that there does come a time when it may become necessary to burn your book. I have don this 2 times since then.

Answer 1

I would never burn my BOS. I can't imagine any of the other witches I know wanting to burn theirs for any reason either.

Answer 2

I've never burned mine and I don't believe i ever will. Even if i would want to move on, i'd still want to remember my former self and experiences. I would never want to destroy them. That's how you grow :)

Answer 3

I've put in a lot of time in my Book of Shadows.  I see no reason why I would want to destroy it in any way.

Answer 4

I would never even think of burning it. It is the journal, workbook, and history of my life in the Craft. I will pass it down to my children. If it becomes necessary to amend certain sections, I am sure to destroy what is no longer applicable, but that is done with love and respect.

Answer 5

I burnt my little black book a couple of times too ... it's a bummer.

Answer 6

Personally, I would never even entertain the thought of burning my BOS.  It is a very special and sacred book.  I honor my BOS by putting it in a special place.  It contains information about my magickal workings.  

Now if you belong to a coven and you die, then the HP-High Priest and High Priestess would decide what would happen to your BOS.  

Other times a Witch will leave her BOS to another Witch with whom she is close.  Others have them burned or have their books buried with them.  And if a Witch has taught others she will leave it to her/his first student whom they are fond of. In addition, it can be left with familiy members as well.  But, I have never heard of someone just burning it for the reasons you have given.  For me I never have felt it necessary to burn my book, nor should you.

Answer 7

If you are young and live with your parents you may have to. I remember everything, I cannot afford to get caught with something like that in a Christian home.

Answer 8

My BOS is never going to be destroyed. In fact it is for sale to a publisher right now. I spent the last 35+ years putting material that I've learned in it and, in this day and age, that material can save a LOT of new witches a lot of trouble by not having to repeat my mistakes over and over again. My BOS is 17 volumes long, it seems that each volume takes about two years to fill completely, and I could never find it in me to just toss everything into a bonfire. What purpose would that serve? My daughter gets the entire collection upon my death, along with ALL of my tools and everything else Witchy.

In earlier times, when persecution was endemic and to be a Witch could have ended in the death of the practioner I could see its necesity but in todays age of Religious legality, it makes absolutely no sense to force Witches to have to re-invent the wheel every time a new Witch becomes initiated.

Brightest Blessings,

Raji the Green Witch

Answer 9

Is it a book where you write down thoughts?

Answer 10

I wouldn't even dream of burning mine.  Eventually I hope to pass it on to my kids.

Answer 11

I suspect that when a witch no longer wants to practice, then it should be burned. When a witch dies, it can be burned, or passed on. I have many books of shadows, I have never thought of burning any of my books. Each one (however imperfect I may find them), is special to me.

Answer 12

No...I don't think I could ever bring myself to do that. At most, I would bury it or drop it in the ocean but I would never be able to burn it.

I am curious, what's the reasoning behind burning it?

*edit*

The only reason I could see for destroying my BOS would be because...well, I can't really think of a reason, I would like to have it forever.

*edit*

Oh okay, after reading your additional info, I can certainly see the validity of burning it.

Answer 13

A book of shadows should be handed down through the family to your children, you should never burn it or tarot cards etc.

Answer 14

what is "book of shadows?"

Answer 15

honestly i have not one clue what u r talking about.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?...

Answer 16

That sounds like some old "burning times" style fear.  I wouldn't burn mine ever.  I don't know how it could be used against me, I'm completely out of the broom closet and active in my local pagan community.  I don't do anything illegal or anything like that.  I can't think of any reason to burn your BOS.  I cherish mine and hope to pass it on to my daughter one day.  We also have a family BOS.

Answer 17

I would NEVER burn my Book of Shadows!  It is a part of me.  My journey.  But it is to be burned on my death and the ashes to be blown in the wind.

bb.