Ritual

Now every single entry does not need to be accompanied by candles and incense. It is best to keep a white un-scented candle (the 7-Day candle I had you buy) for those entries that do however need a little ceremony. Sandalwood incense is also a good go to for the BoS, its simple, evocative and easy to come by.

Rituals in there simplest form are just a series of actions repeated, like saying grace over a meal.

If you can afford to you should get a book holder/stand for your Book of Shadows so that it can be held apart but for now a shelf works.

Standing on Ceremony

Prepare your work area, desk or table. It should be draped with cloth and set with your white candle. Fetch your BoS, and sit down at your work area.

Kiss the spine of the book and whisper:

(You can change this to suit your needs)
"Ancient Spirits, With your permission,
I draw from you the blessings of enlightenment.
That I may bring clarity to my decisions.
I draw from you the blessings of intuition
That I might attune better with my Gods,
the cycles of nature and the cycles of life.
I draw from you the blessings of courage
That I  face that which threatens and triumph.
I draw from you the blessing of strength;
That I have resolve to stand and survive any challenge."

Place the BoS before you and using your pen as you might a wand, draw an invoking pentagram in the air above it and light the candle. Be cautious if the candle does not stay lit, you may be, being scryed or not alone, the spirits may be telling you that this is not the time for your work. Try to light it again, if it will not stay lit, put your work away.

If it does stay lit, then finish what you started.

After you are done, close the book, and using your pen again draw a banishing pentagram in the air over it and whisper:


"I have drawn many blessing from you and leave you to rest with my offerings. So Mote it Be."

Again kiss the binding.
Snuff the Candle.
Clean up after yourself.
Make an appropriate Offering at your Altar.

If you would like to contact me personally for Q&A you can always comment or for private consult my email is listed in my business card, please note that I work at my own pace and you may see your answer in a blog post rather than a responding email.