The 'Gardnerian' Book of Shadows

   It is important to point out that there is no 'official' Book of Shadows. Typically each coven has a hand-written copy of a Book of Shadows, sometimes in cypher or code, which reflects its own practices and knowledge. This particular text is derived from a file posted on the Internet in the early 90s, and quotes previously published material which was known to be in use by Gardner and his group.

   Gardner claimed to have been initiated into an ancient, clandestine witch cult. However, modern researchers have concluded that 'The Book of Shadows' was composed by Gardner and there is no evidence that he was ever initiated into any coven but his own. The text shows influences from English and Celtic Folklore, John Dee, Thelema, the Golden Dawn, Stregaria, Tantric Yoga, and even the Bible. This version was compiled by Aidan A. Kelly and was originally posted on the Internet in the mid-90s as part of the Internet Book of Shadows material. Because the Book of Shadows was never formally copyrighted or even attributed to an author, its copyright status is dubious. It is provided here for background information and as a basis for a beginning discussion of Wicce.