How To Write a Book of Shadows

Witchcraft is a religion built and founded in secrecy. In the centuries before us, a witch's knowledge was committed to memory for fear of being found out and persecuted. Not until the modern era has a witch been able to practice freely and pass her knowledge and love onto others.

A Book of Shadows is a handmade book. It is filled with spells, divinations and other related materials for the practicing Wiccan. Now since Wicca varies so greatly, so does the making of a Book of Shadows. Here are some things to keep in mind when putting together your personal tome.

1. Gather your necessary items. A Book of Shadows is different for everyone. It can be as plain as a spiral notebook and a ballpoint pen. Or your Book of Shadows can be as ornate as a leather-bound book and a quill and dragon's blood ink. Some now prefer a three-ring binder because it can easily be expanded and tabbed. Or in this modern age, you have the option of typing it out and keeping it on a disc.
2. Chapters to include: Animal connections and familiars, astrology information, chants, study notes, workshops attended, deity information, divination records, dreams and interpretations, festivals attended, healing techniques, history of Wicca, Internet information, invocations, poetry, stories, political work (pagan oriented), prayers, principles and ethics of Wicca, psychic abilities (occurrences or exercises), recipes, rites and rituals, songs, spells and their outcomes, stone magic, candle magic, herb magic, thoughts, feelings, questions about Wicca, tool lists and altar diagrams, trance work and gardening information. Pretty much anything that you feel needs to be in your book.
3. Your work is never done. A Book of Shadows is never complete. It is an ongoing labor of love. So feel free to keep adding and adding.
4. Enjoy the task. Putting together a Book of Shadows shouldn't be a task to be loathed. Enjoy what you are creating. Remember this is your "Bible" of sorts. Make it what you want it to be. It should fit you and your soul like a well-tailored suit.
5. Hide it or share it. You can either share your Book of Shadows with fellow witches or you can keep it for your eyes only. Whatever you feel the power to do.

Wicca is an ongoing process of learning and growing. You will never be a "know-it-all." So as you grow and learn, so will your beloved Book of Shadows. Blessed Be.....