Book of Shadows

Book of Shadows, Grimoire, Magic journal

-what is it, how do you use it, why do you need one?

A book of shadows is a physical collection of your magical journey. A representation of you and your craft, an evolving document of everything that you have learned. It is also a very powerful magical tool. As such it is a highly personal thing and can take any form or shape. It does not have to be a notebook, although for me it always has been. I have two books, and by two I mean several (although 2 is all you really need).

The first one is the most transformative and creative, it’s full of quotes, pressed leaves, scribblings and quick random thoughts. This is the one I bring with me always, where I jot down things I want to remember, thoughts I want to delve into later, books I want to read. It is my Magick Journal, and I see the journaling process as a form of magic in itself.

The second one is my main book. This is were I put in the most effort, I see it as a art journal of sorts, and I hope to fill it with lots and lots of useful information. Correspondences, recipes, ideas I’m interested in, moon rituals and poetry. Not to many spells though, which is interesting. I know a lot of witches write down their spells and reuse them. I’m not sure magick works that way for me. I have tried different forms for this book, and have landed in a six ring binder for now. This allows me to rearrange, add new things to sections, change my mind and it just feels less restricted. It also is easier for me to be creative, since I know that if I mess things up I can just take the whole page out without messing up the book (virgo rising. Ha!).

How to start a Book Of Shadows

To start your very own Book of Shadows, take a moment to think about what you really love. Try to define what you are interested in and then envision how you can create something physical that reflects that. Make your Grimoire a work of passion. It is of no use to you if it is not truly a reflection of you, of what makes your heart sing.

Ideas for an unconventional Grimoire

-Maybe you love photography? Make a commitment to yourself that you are going to start printing your photos. Make that your Book of Shadows.

-Your Grimoire can be a collection of recipes, inherited and invented, things you have learned while cooking, mistakes to avoid.

-Make your Book of Shadows a digital one. Collect things that inspire you, create an Instagram and share what you find? Or just keep a folder in your phone that is just for you.

-Learn to code and speak the language of the computers, center your magic on the web.

Press flowers, paint with watercolors, write poetry. Your “book” is yours, the braver you are and the more you are willing to step out of the box, the more it will truly help transform you.