How to Create a Book of Shadows

Last Updated: February 20, 2023 Approved

A Book of Shadows is a personal record of spells and beliefs, typical to Witchcraft and Wiccan traditions. Each one is individual, and most often very private. You might think that creating a book of shadows will be too much work, but it will become your own resource in the study of magick. You can look back to see your spiritual journey. Alright, now let's begin!

Steps

1
Decide how you are going to keep your Book of Shadows. You can keep it on your computer, in a spiral notebook, in a binder, or in a journal. Many people use binders because of the ability to shuffle pages around and create sections. Whatever option you pick, make sure there are enough pages.
2
Lay down a statement of your beliefs. What do you believe in? Who are your patron gods/goddesses, if any? Do you follow the Wiccan Rede or the Threefold Law? Do you believe in spell casting, or only in ritualistic worship? These questions and more can help you get a better sense of your beliefs and put them on paper. (you do not have to do this if you don't want to.) You can also choose to bless the book before writing in it.

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3
Write down any rituals or spells you have created, step by step. Date all your entries for future reference. You want to include the steps involved, items used, and who created the original spell.
4
Write down any rituals or spells you perform as well as influences such as moon phases etc, and what the results are. You can look back on these later and see how you are progressing, or what you may be able to do differently. You also might want to include correspondences. Correspondences are the magickal and spiritual associations that certain objects or ideas possess.For example, mint corresponds with luck, and the color gold corresponds with prosperity. This helps you in future spellwork, and you can reference past correspondences you used.
5
Include chants, poetry, stories, artwork, etc, whether created by yourself or others. As long as it inspires you, or honors the God/Goddess, it is fair game.
6
All Book Of Shadows need to have correspondence pages. At least the basics such as the moon phases and their meanings, basic color charts.
7
It may be a good idea to keep a table of contents so that you can find things easily in your BOS. It makes finding the correct Ritual, Spell, charm, Etc. much faster and can help make the ritual, spell, charm, etc. run more smoothly. Another option is to bookmark important pages you reference frequently
8
Some other additions to your Book of Shadows are
- Records of dreams
- Prayers
- A running list of books you’ve read about Wicca and witchcraft
- Goals for your spiritual practice
- Important symbols
- Anything you feel should be included in your Book of Shadows. But be careful. Your Book of Shadows is not a place for doodling or Black Magick.
9
Protect your Book of Shadows. If it's private, don't let other's look at it or find out you are a witch. Don't eat food or spill water or other fluids on it. Take care of it.

Community Q&A

Question

What does it mean when it suggests adding artworks or stories? I am not very good at drawing or writing tales.

Community Answer

Basically, this is about all the stories in that you have experienced involving magic or magical stories, that you feel are important enough to go into your BoS. As for the artworks, if you were to do a magical sketch or drawing/art that you created or were given involving magic or even pictures of magical things that you believe are appropriate to be in your BoS (Wicca/Magick). Those would be the kind of things to put in your BoS. The most important thing is to have fun with your learning so there is no need to be expert at either drawing or writing.
Question

What can I do if I'm a beginner in spell casting, but my friends humiliate me when it doesn't work?

Community Answer

Spell casting is a subtle and sweet art, and humiliation via friends will not help your energy. Perhaps you should practice alone or with more supportive people.
Question

Do I need to sign my name in the BoS with blood?

Community Answer

No. BoS are very personal. If you want to, then sure, but there's really no need, and you'd hurt yourself in the process.

Things You'll Need

A notebook, binder, dividers, etc.
Pens and pencils
Colored pencils and glue or other crafty kit for any decorations
A computer
If you have created one, a list/outline of things you want to put in your Book of Shadows