Content Warning: This post talks about transforming religious trauma into Art/Witchcraft.
It may seem odd that a ChristoPagan is suggesting burning the Bible, but I figured it would be appropriate to start this series with a little cathartic ritual.
You will need:
-A Bible or page photocopies/prints.
-A way to make fire.
-(optional) A way to gather ashes.
-(optional) Art supplies to decorate pages.
1. Pick a page. I find it more impactful to use one with verses/passages that were used to hurt me; but the important part is the transformation of the paper, not so much its source. The Bible I’ve been using for this is a version that’s the NIV with a workbook. The page I chose has a story on it that brought up some rough feelings about kindness used as a conversion tactic. Coerced conformity sold as benevolence.
2. Transform the page into safely flammable art. I folded mine into a lily because I want to make a bouquet to burn. Focus on how the page is changing with your power, vent into it, chant a goal you want to direct the emotional energy to, have a cry—I’ve been surprised at what comes up.
3. Burn it. I am going to use the ashes from the bouquet to make ink but they can be scattered to the wind, mixed with other spell components, etc.
The Bible is an anthology that has been and is still being heavily edited. It is not only the word of God, it is the words of a lot of different people navigating centuries of changing religious and political landscapes. Using the pages like this is just another way for it to reflect someone’s experiences with God. I have found it empowering to engage with the text on my own terms.
Notes:
-A Bible can be made into a sketchbook/grimoire or a literal Burn Book that you vent into and then burn.
-Page-flowers make great altar additions.
-I put Ansuz and Laguz runes on the table while doing this because sometimes deconstruction feels like lancing and cleaning a boil or cauterizing a wound.
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