Creating Your Own Book of Shadows: The Easy Guide to Making a Magical Journal

People often question what a book of shadows is. A book of shadows is a personal journal, or diary, that contains all the magical information about your world and yourself. It is a place to keep notes on spells you've tried, rituals you've performed, and any other spiritual information you find. It can also be used as a way to record important events from your life.

What Is a Book of Shadows?

A book of shadows contains every single magical thought that you've ever had about yourself, your life, and your loved ones. It holds intimate information on almost every aspect of your life. This way, you can look at it anytime and remember. It's also a fantastic way to share information with others in the magical community, without cluttering your personal diary with unnecessary details. Creating your very own Book of Shadows can be as easy or as difficult as you make it. You can write in any form you choose, pick a journal or handmake it with simple items like a lined paper notebook/binder, a pen, and a pencil or even put it online. There are some pretty cool google drive Book of Shadows.

How to Create Your First Book of Shadows

Before you create your own book of shadows, there are a few important things you need to take into consideration. The most important thing is that it has to be yours. You can't just copy someone else's information, or someone else's spell. If you decide to incorporate someone else's spell formula, that is fine, give credit where credit is due. There is something to be said about a personal spell creation but you also have to start somewhere. If you are performing spells and rituals a Book of Shadows is important for tracking important details such as ingredients and steps performed during the spellcasting or ritual. This definitely comes in handy if you want to repeat a spell or undo one. You'll also want to use your own observations, thoughts, and memories to make a great personal journal. How did you feel before and after casting the spell? Did you notice results? When?

Here is a list of additional items to consider putting in your Book of Shadows:

• Chants

• Correspondences for herbs, crystals, etc.

• Quotes

• Recipes

After you've decided what you want to write in your book of shadows, you'll want to put it together. Remember this book can be as organized as you want or no structure at all. We all aspire to have that beautiful amazing BOS but more than likely you are going to spill something on it or potentially (accidentally) catch it on fire. Try not to stress about it being ascetically pleasing. A lot of witches have multiple BOSs for this reason. They have their oh ah pretty with then they have the self destructive one that has endured many seasons.

Writing in Your Book of Shadows

After you have established how you want to make your BOS (offline, online, DIY notebook, pretty journal from etsy, etc) and you have basic structure (or no structure) you are ready to write it. The first thing I write in my BOS is a book blessing and protection spell with a clear purpose and/or intention. Members of the 13 Moons coven are performing a book blessing for their year and a day self dedication to crossroad magick. Check that out here. Its important to document your journey and a great opportunity to self reflect on individual growth. Your BOS can provide that to you.

The key is to start small, and make it easy on yourself. Pick one night a week and decide to write something in your book, whether it's an affirmation, a list, or whatever comes to mind. If you're more of a visual person, find a picture or drawing that really speaks to you and tape inside your BOS> When writing in your Book of Shadows, you should be free to express yourself freely. Don't hold back, or write in a way that you think will impress someone else.

Keeping Your Book Safe

Creating your own personal book of shadows can be tricky. It needs to be safe to keep in your possession and at least somewhat hidden in case you ever need to get a better look at it. Because it is a powerful item, it is recommended that you only keep it with you for the length of time necessary for the spell to be completed. These days there are many places you can purchase a book of shadows for yourself or as a gift. Some of the most popular places to look for a gift, though, are amazon, for instance, or at the local book store. When it comes to the actual items themselves, I have used all of the basic types available: paper books, those with leather covers, or books with pocket pages. You can even find different covers, like leather or gold.

Conclusion

There are many reasons for adding books of shadows to your ritual journal. In order to become a more spiritual person, it is important that you are able to manifest the powers within yourself. Additionally, books of shadows serve as a place where you can store information about all the magical spells you know. They serve as a way to research future rituals that you can add to your ritual journal. Books of shadows allow you to record and store information that you would otherwise only remember in fragments. They can also help to expand on the magical spells you have mastered. If you have something that you want to write in the book of shadows, take a moment to think about what it is. Consider all the positive and negative energies surrounding it and allow the book to grow with you.

Did you know? House of Witchcraft has an online community!

Check out 13 Moons to Crossroad Magick, a global coven. Featuring an online community and resources to completing your year and a day journey as a dedicate in Crossroad Witchcraft.

Share your thoughts!

Do you have a book of shadows? What is your favorite thing about your book?