jaybear

Anyone Know WHY It's Called That?---BOS

Posted on 02/27/09, 04:30 am

Anyone know the etymology and/or symbolism of the title, "Book of Shadows"? I'm curious about how and why it got to be called that, and what it relates to.

Also, does anyone know if there is an actual significance to the black and white striped stockings thing? I never really gave it much thought until my wife mentioned it tonight. I mean, you mostly see 'em in cartoons and Beetlejuice, but why? Why is it such a prevalent symbol?

While I'm asking questions.......how do you pronounce, "besom"? Just thought I would see if anyone knew. Thanks for reading. Blessed be.

• Reply #1 03/07/09  10:50pm
  
  inwonderland
  Hmmm, I have absolutly no clue. Sorry I couldn't be more help!
• Reply #2 03/19/09  3:55pm
  
  turnermommy05
  Why is it called a Book of Shadows?
  
  Answer:
  During the time known as the Burning Times or Witch Trials, witches were persecuted and killed just for being a witch and practicing magick. If someone was suspected of being a witch, they were tortured, put in jail and/or killed. In order to keep the tradition of Witchcraft alive, witches would only practice underground. That means they would only practice in secret, so that no one would know they were witches. They wrote down their history, their rituals, their thoughts and anything else that might be helpful for future generations of witches to keep the tradition alive. For over 300 years, witches practiced in secret. That's why it is called a Book of Shadows. Because what it contained was a secret.
  
  HOWEVER, considering most of those who died during this time weren't actually witches, we are not sure if this is true.
• Reply #3 03/19/09  3:57pm
  
  turnermommy05
  Pronounce the word: besom
  Pronounce by syllable: BEE- zÉ?m
  
  Word origin and comments: Middle-English from Old-English "besema"from Old German "besamo", from Old Teutonic "besmon" likely from Hebrew "sweeper" (see Isiah 14:23)
• Reply #4 03/19/09  3:58pm
  
  turnermommy05
  sorry that last part is ZAM

not many people are into wicca. so this is a place for people who are into it.