Creating A Book Of Shadows

Some may ask what is a book of shadows? It is simply a journal of sorts that a Wiccan/Pagan creates to place their spiritual journey in. It is their form of recording their information including spells, correspondences, their dreams, even results from their spells. Basically anything about their path can be placed in a book of shadows.

Some people title their book of shadows a different name. Some choose to call it Book of Light or Book of Reflections. When you create your own book you may choose whatever feels right to you.

There are some basic things that nearly everyone includes in their book of shadows then there are some things that people decide to add to it themselves. It is a private space. You may include whatever you choose to add to it. These are merely some suggestions.

You can have an opening dedication to your God/Goddess at the beginning of your book. You can even have the Wiccan Rede of you are Wiccan. I, myself have a creed in the beginning of mine.

A table of contents can be included. I currently do not have this but this once again is a personal choice. You can do what you will.

Wicca studies or Pagan studies. This is a place where you can place any kind of information you have discovered while on your journey.

You may want to include a page explaining why you decided to come to Wicca or Paganism. I did and it seems to actually comfort me from time to time.

Spells. This is a place to put spells. You can include spells that you get offline, however it's always good to create your own spells.

Logs of your works and results of them. What spells did you do? Did they work?

Recipes. You can have recipes of herbal teas, of breads and foods that may be used on your alter.

Meditations. This is a place to put different kinds of meditations that will help you with different things. Whether it be psychic abilities, dreams, relaxation, health matters. Anything along those lines.

The common war between handwriting and typing out the book of shadows. Some believe that handwriting the book of shadows creates a certain bond with your book. Not only that but helps you remember things as well. Not only this but you may also be able to place in your own art work with handwriting your book while keeping your book of shadows on computer you cannot.

Typing it can have its advantages as well. It's easier on the hands. I type my book of shadows out and print it. I find that it's easier to organize and that it looks neater. I can still include my art work in it if I choose. This is yet another decision that is entirely up to you.

When you do a spell and you'd like to record it in your book of shadows you I feel that it is important to always state what kind of spell you did. For example if the spell was a money spell then write it down like this

Purpose of Spell: Increase Money

Or something along those lines.

Did you use any tools to help you? I think it is also important to take note of this. Again, for example if you did a spell of money and you used a pyrite then take note of that. It may help you realize how helpful that was to you.

How were you feeling at the time you performed the spell? This includes your emotional and physical feelings. This can effect the result of your spell. If your mental state wasn't strong your spell may not have worked out.

Those are just some things I feel are important. You may want to add some other things. Like the moon phase, astrological correspondences and things along those lines.

Creating a book of shadows is an experience that will last forever. Like keeping a journal you will keep on adding to it. You'll be amazed the information you can learn through out the years.

I am aware you can find books of shadows on the shelves and even online. Some are fine with sharing their information. From time to time I am as well. But there are some information that I refuse to share. Like what spells I preform and when I do them. That is my private information. I feel that stuff like that should remain quiet. I guess that is something that is once again up to the person and yet another decision you must make.