This is a large leather-bound journal suitable for use as a Pagan/Wicca Book of Shadows. The cover is hand-embossed with the sacred Pentagram symbol.
The journal is handmade from vintage buffalo hide and is coloured with an organic and very dark BRONZE dye. It
contains 100 pages (200 usable sides) of ivory cartridge paper. It is
closed with a traditional medieval-style tie-strap of goatskin thong The
cover measures 10 x 7 inches (25x17.5 cm). The 'chapters' of paper are
stitched into the leather cover with a traditional 'Italian' stitch - a
style of binding that guarantees a long life.
In popular culture the Pentagram is often mistakenly associated with Satanism and devil worship. This is because it was hijacked by a number of sinister occult cults in the 19th century. In fact the Pentagram has a far older history that is rooted in the Western mystic tradition, and it was also an important symbol in medieval Christianity.
The Pentagram has suffered a similar fate to the Swastika, which is an ancient spiritual symbol in Hinduism. The Swastika was hijacked by the Nazis. To those ignorant of its true history the Swastika has come to symbolise the very opposite of its true meaning.
The Pentagram is a symbol of a star encased in a circle, always five points and with one
pointing upward. The upward point of the star is representative of the spirit. Each of the other four points represents one of the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. All these things contribute to life and are a part of each of us, and the Pentagram symbolises the fact that we are part of the natural world as well as dwelling in the spirit realm.
Five were the virtues of the medieval knight - generosity, courtesy, chastity, chivalry and
piety as symbolised in the pentagram device of Sir Gawain.
The Wiccan Kiss is Fivefold - feet, knees, womb, breasts, lips - Blessed be.
I love working with leather, but for ethical reasons I only use vintage leather for my books- ie leather from working animals that have come to the end of their lives.