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❑ Friendship

Bookmark ritual to share a book with a friend

Lending or giving a book is a very personal way of saying “I thought of you.” In this ritual you make a bookmark with your own hands, write a wish for your friend on it and slip it into a book you think they will love. Every time they open it, they will find your message. It is a simple way to care for a friendship, spark new conversations and share something that did you good.

By the Cardaluna editorial team · Updated

In short: Lending or giving a book is a very personal way of saying “I thought of you.” In this ritual you make a bookmark with your own hands, write a wish for your friend on it and slip it into a book you think they will love. You need 5 simple items and 5 steps. When: During the waxing moon or on a Wednesday, the day of Mercury, planet of communication.

When to do it

During the waxing moon or on a Wednesday, the day of Mercury, planet of communication. Also on a birthday, on World Book Day (23 April) or whenever you want to get back in touch with someone.

What you need

  • A book you enjoyed (new, second-hand or your own copy)
  • A strip of card about 5 × 18 cm
  • Felt-tip pens or coloured pencils
  • Stickers or magazine cut-outs to decorate (optional)
  • A pair of scissors

Step by step

  1. Choose the book calmly: think about what your friend enjoys, what they are going through right now and why this book did you good.
  2. Cut out the card and decorate the bookmark as you like: colours, a simple drawing or a word that represents you both. If children are around, put the scissors away when you finish.
  3. On the back, write a short wish for your friend, for example: “May this book keep you company the way you keep me company.”
  4. Hold the book and the bookmark in your hands and say: “I share with you something that did me good; may our friendship keep writing itself.”
  5. Place the bookmark at the page you liked most and give the book in person, or post it with a note explaining why you chose it.

Safety first

These rituals are symbolic. Do not ingest herbs or oils, ventilate the room when burning incense or herbs, and never perform a ritual to harm or control anyone.

To finish

Once they have read it, meet up to talk about it over a coffee or a walk: talking about books brings people closer. If you both like the idea, turn it into a swap where each of you gives the other a book. To celebrate friendship in person, pair it with the shared bread ritual.