Sacred Shield (old)

The old version of Sacred Shield was a former paladin spell learned at level 80. Similar to the current version, it was used to prevent damage, and also increased the paladin's healing effectiveness on the target. It provided two buffs. One was the Sacred Shield buff which lasted 30/45/60 seconds. When the target took damage, this buff allowed for the activation of a 6/9/12 second shield which absorbed damage and increased the casting paladin's Flash of Light crit chance by 50%.

The damage absorption of Sacred Shield was relative: the shield would activate only after the target takes damage, and its protection would then last for 6/9/12 seconds. Therefore, to maximize its effect, Sacred Shield was best used on a target that often took damage.

Holy

 * Infusion of Light (changed in 4.0.1) caused your Flash of Light to heal targets with Sacred Shield for an additional 50/100% over 12 sec.

Protection

 * Stoicism (old) (removed in 4.0.1) reduced the chance that your spells was be dispelled by an additional 10/20/30%.
 * Divine Guardian (changed in 4.0.1) increased the duration of Sacred Shield by 50/100% and the amount absorbed by 10/20%. This included the increase of duration in both the main Sacred Shield buff, to 45/60 seconds, and the damage absorbing buff, to 9/12 seconds. The Sacred Shield would still be able to proc every 6 seconds.

Retribution

 * Spell frost windwalkon.png Benediction (paladin talent) (removed in 4.0.1) reduced the mana cost of instant spells by 1/2/3/4/5%.

Tips and tactics

 * Damage over time effects triggered the Shield's buff making this ability very useful in pvp combat. It was a viable tactic to intentionally suffer a less harmful DoT spell on yourself in order to have it constantly proc the Sacred Shield buff.
 * Ret Paladins should time their The Art of War (paladin ability) instant Flash of Light casts with the buff from the Sacred Shield.
 * Paired with the Illumination (paladin talent) and Beacon of Light talents, the additional 50% Flash of Light crit chance would greatly increase the mana effectiveness of Paladin's healing. Thus, the holy Paladin's main target should be protected by the Sacred Shield buff whenever possible.