Every witch needs a place to hold their magic, their memories, and their mysteries. For some, it’s a leather-bound grimoire, filled with neat calligraphy and pressed herbs. For others, it’s a messy binder with scribbled notes, coffee stains, and doodles in the margins. And for many of us, especially those just beginning, it’s simply a notebook and a pen.
This is your Book of Shadows (often called a BoS). It doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t even have to be pretty. It just has to be yours.
My Book of Shadows is in a simple grid notebook. I’ve kept it very minimal at first, no stickers, no fancy pages, because I didn’t want to overwhelm myself. As I grow into it, I plan to add more creative touches, but starting simple makes it manageable and less intimidating
What is a Book of Shadows?
A Book of Shadows is your personal record of your magical journey. It’s where you gather your spells, rituals, reflections, and wisdom. Think of it as equal parts:
- journal (your thoughts, dreams, experiences),
- notebook (your research, correspondences, spells), and
- mirror (a reflection of your unique magical path).
Some witches keep a separate grimoire for polished information, while their BoS is more personal and evolving. You don’t have to decide right away—your book will grow with you.
Why Keep One?
- To track your growth: you’ll see how your practice deepens over time.
- To organize your magic: herbs, crystals, tarot spreads, moon phases—all in one place.
- To record experiences: dreams, signs, spiritual messages, spell results.
- To create a magical heirloom: a book you could pass down, or simply keep as your own treasure.
What to Include
Your Book of Shadows is deeply personal, but here are ideas to get you started:
- Your path, beliefs, and values
- Moon phases and rituals
- Tarot spreads, readings, and reflections
- Herbal and crystal correspondences
- Spells, charms, and rituals
- Protection and cleansing methods
- Dreams, signs, and synchronicities
- Favorite quotes, affirmations, or prayers
Tip: leave blank space for future notes – you’ll revisit and expand pages as you learn.
How to Start Your Own
- Choose your format → notebook, binder, digital file (like GoodNotes or Notion, they all have their perks).
- Bless or cleanse it → hold it under moonlight, pass it through incense smoke, or say a simple prayer.
- Start with 3 pages:
- Why you’re drawn to witchcraft,
- A daily practice or ritual you’d like to try,
- One spell or meditation that feels cozy and doable.
- Make it yours → add doodles, pressed flowers, stickers, washi tape, or just messy handwriting, it all carries your magic.
Making it Magical
Your BoS isn’t just a notebook—it’s a sacred object.
- Light a candle or incense when you write in it.
- Play soft music, sip tea, and treat it as a ritual.
- Add protective sigils to the first page or the cover.
- Whisper your intentions into it: “This book is my companion, my teacher, and my reflection.”
Final Thoughts
Your Book of Shadows doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be yours. Whether it’s neat and artistic or messy and practical, it holds the story of your magical journey.
So grab that notebook (or open that app) and begin. Write one page. Then another. Over time, you’ll see your own path written in ink, symbols, and whispers of the divine.
Tell me in the comments: Have you started your own Book of Shadows yet? What do you keep inside it?
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