Grimoire, book of shadows, all the same thing basically, just diff name. If your a wizard(like ur name says) then you'll most likely call it a grimoire. But its basically a book of info on magical stuff.
Magick and the Christian Satan have nothing to do with eachother.
As far as God frowning upon either of them....that's up to interpretation in my opinion. We have many Christians on this site who work magick and as far as I know, God hasn't struck them down yet.
As far as the hard core fundie beliefs, God frowns upon anything that goes against what's written in the bible. As to whether or not that's true it up for debate. I don't buy it, but that's just me.
Personally, I think a lot of religions have gone a bit corrupt, at least from what they once were. Sometimes today's 'beliefs' are more like peoples personal political agendas then true faith.
For example, how many religions have tried force, torture, persausion, and other methods to gain someone to convert to their religion? How many wars have been faught because of 'religious sovernty', when in reality it was just to gain power, land, and wealth.
In my opinion, the only true religion is that which you find yourself, that feels totally perfect for you, that does not bash, hinder, or look down upon anyone or their religious views. And above all, is not dipicted by some book, that has gone through MULTIPLE copies, translations, and other 'tweeks' so it can suit humans. Shouldn't a holy book be, well holy, if its truely the word of god, then how could people go changing it just so it suits them(no this doesn't count lanugae translations, since yes thats bond to happen with just a diverse population).
Further food for though, as I think Silver pointed out in another thread, ask any priest about the pentagram and see what they say. For a symbol that now seems to be the image of satan, wicca/witchcraft and everything occult/magickal, what made it change in the views of Christians from what it used to stand for in the church with it representing Jesus's five wounds.
All in all, I think it really comes down to the individual and their own beliefs. If you can be a Christian and feel ok with working with energy, spirits, and working towards a better you in the world, then I don't see why one can't work magick and be a Christain. Don't let scare tactics from long ago to get people to convert or be killed(witch trials) keep you from doing what feels right to you.
The way I see it, doing spells/rituals is not that diff from praying. And if you can believe in miracles, angels, and god, then why not making miracles(working with energy), spirits, and deities?
One last tidbit, personally I can't see how one can read a book, said to be written by god, and follow it blindly without questioning why. I know I might be generalizing and what not. But from my experience people don't question what is written, but rather just take it for what it is and take it to be real. If thats the case, then whats the diff from that and someone reading, oh I don't know, HP, Twilight, Heir Cronicles, and all the other books out there to be real?(I mean some people do, this site is full of them, lol)
Anyways, thats it for my piece, I think its been a long time coming. As one can clearly tell, I'm personally not too thrilled with most religions. I am tolerant of them and allow people to worship as they like, but get into a debate on religion or the history of most relgions, and well you'll prob end up regretting it, lol.
1) Grimoire, a book holding magical secrets. AKS "Book of Shadows", and in the old days "Receipt Book".
2) Ancient Magic. The magic we practice these days is NOT ancient in any way, shape or form. I would presume "Ancient Magic" to be the Shamanic Magic used by Neanderthals.
3) The Bible has been often translated "suffer not a witch to live". Though it's been thought (and proven) that it did not originally say that in its original Sumerian texts, most Christians (including Catholics) take that to heart. Strangely, many of my customers are Catholic.
I would consider a grimoire to be like a book of shadows, but more or less relates to and holds rites and results of ceremonial/high magic and details involving occult. Kinda like a textbook. If you date it back, centuries to the past, it was used by Magicians ^-^ So, it's like an old school BoS, lol.
If you don't know what Ceremonial/High Magick is, I'm sure you can find something about it in a thread somewhere, or just ask :D
Ancient Magic would probably refer to an old style approach to magic, probably includes traditional beliefs, etc. The ancient Magic you're interested in would depend on the culture it came from, as in ancient magic started in a lot of different places.
Christians/Catholics who frown upon Witchcraft are stereotyping their own beliefs, and Witchcraft in general. (in an openly negative opinion that is) It's usually how they are raised, or how they practice. I've argued with some people until I have turned blue, but they're opinions stay the same. But I assure you, not all Christians and Catholics frown upon Witchcraft. You don't have to dislike anyone you don't want to, nor do you have to like anyone you don't want to. How you act is up to you.
I think Magic is seen as taboo, because people see it as you are tapping into a power that only a God should have. A Christian or Catholic may rely on their God for miracles, but miracles ARE magic. Their life is magic, I believe. But they may not believe that, that's up to them ;) I think the Witches learn to work and control their magic, and are frowned upon for thinking outside of the box. The box being that only Gods are capable of great things, and Humans aren't :D
Humans are capable of great things, we should learn to work together. And I think that is the will of any greater force out there, no matter what it is perceived as, or who believes its there or not :D
