How to start your own Book of Shadows

Raye gardens organically, collects rainwater, strives to eat locally and honors the gods of her Pacific Northwest home.

What is a Book of Shadows?

A book of shadows is the name given to journals storing records of magical works. Historically, individual covens kept their own and kept them secret from outsiders. This Secret Knowledge pertaining to the history and practice of a particular group, and hence the name. As part of a group’s initiation, new members were given access to this document and were asked to copy either part or all of the original book to create their own book.

In the modern neopagan movement there are many solitary and eclectic practitioners along with broader traditions that currently exist. If you study Gardnerian Wicca, or the Traditionally, you receive information that has been carefully recorded and passed down through several generations. For those who find themselves outside of established traditions or have chosen an eclectic path, it is up to you to forge your own Book of Shadows.

Choosing the right book for you

Traditionally, a Book of Shadows was an entirely handwritten document. Even after the invention of the printing press, these special collections of knowledge and history were still produced by hand. Only in the 20th century did the tradition of mass market availability of magical know-how begin.

There are many blank books that are beautifully bound and would make good shadow books. Whether the cover is fabric, paper or leather and whether there is decoration is your choice. You can also get a plain looking blank book and then create a cover or decorate it yourself with any design or image you see fit. A modern pagan might prefer to have a loose-leaf binder or eBook of Shadows on their computer. Part notebook, part recipe/spell book, part journal, part magic journal, these compilations allow you to record information and track your own spiritual growth and journey.

For those who are not part of a coven or established tradition but would like to copy a Book of Shadows to get started for themselves, the world of modern publishing has made a multitude of Shadow Books available. If you don’t have a strong tradition that you follow, you may want to read a few of these before deciding which one you will primarily work with, so that you can find the one that best suits your own way of working.

Make your own Book of Shadows

A Book Of Shadows is more than a simple diary. It becomes a personal encyclopedia filled with all the information you collect and organize. This can include journal entries, ritual sketches, recipes, gardening notes, herb lists, planetary and gemstone correspondences, song lyrics, pressed flowers and dried herb sprigs, photos, artwork and much more.

You may need pages to write or draw, pages to stick on, pockets to add other papers and materials, or pages to sew together. Plan for something that can become a bit more adaptable over time as your information collection grows. There are almost no too many pages for a journal like this! If you really want to plan for the long term, make sure you use paper and ink that archive. This means they’re acid-free so they won’t interact or react with items you’ve added, they should last longer, and shouldn’t discolour with age.

Using magic alphabets

There have been a number of “magic alphabets” throughout history. Some are just older forms of writing, like the Druidic Ogham or the Runic alphabet. Others were designed to work like a secret code, hiding written knowledge from those who couldn’t read it. And then there are some like the Elvish alphabet that author JRR Tolkien created for his Middle-earth books, which happens to be very beautiful and functional.

In your own Book of Shadows, not only can using magical writing keep certain sections private, but using just a few headings (for spell writing or poetry) can add some beautiful calligraphic and elaborate sections to break up the main text. You will want to practice writing whatever alphabet you choose until it becomes more natural to you. This will make writing the alphabet much easier. You may also want to do your calligraphy on separate sheets and then glue them on or copy them back into your book so you don’t have to worry about erasing mistakes. This way you can use fancy pens or metallic inks and not worry about messing up the pages in the bound book.

How to start your Book of Shadows

When you are ready to begin your Book of Shadows, you may want to dedicate or dedicate your book. This is a ritual way of stating your intentions and showing that this book is special and different from any other regular journal or notebook you might keep.

If your book’s cover is blank, you can decorate it as part of the dedication. Some people like to compose a special blessing or inscription and then write it on the front page or on the inside front cover. You can use special ink or fancy font. Some people like to make the inscription using a magic alphabet to keep their prayers secret from casual eyes.

Online Book of Shadows

Gardnerian Book of Shadows Index
The Gardnerian Book of Shadows, at sacred-texts.com The text shows influences from English and Celtic folklore, the Enochian system of John Dee, Thelema, the Golden Dawn, Stregaria, Tantric Yoga, the KJV Bible and even Kipling. This version organizes Magdalene’s Book of Shadows
This online book of shadows (some call it a “disc of shadows”) is a collection of interesting tidbits from around the web, as well as some stuff I’ve written myself.

Emma on 07.02.2020:

I have a question. Can I use a self-made alphabet in my BoS?

Sylvia on January 28, 2020:

My parents were Neo-Pagan and I want to start practicing Wicca, but I don’t know how. Everything I read confuses me more and more. I think I just need a mentor or someone to guide me on my path. I’m only 13 after all. I bought a very nice notebook today to start my BoS but I tried to decorate it and now it’s hideous. I also wasn’t aware that there are rituals that need to be performed prior to making the book.

Claire on 04/28/2019:

I don’t know yet if I want to become a Wiccan, but I know now that my ancestors were witches and the tradition was carried on and my mother and father decided not to join it. I will start a Book of Shadows to do more research and later I will decide if I want to become a Wiccan.

Raye (Author) from Seattle, WA on July 22, 2015:

I have a BoS consisting of all the notes made during workshops and presentations at pagan conventions. This is a regular notebook that I decorated after it was filled.

Michael from the Czech Republic on July 22, 2015:

Thank you very much for this great article. A Book of Shadows is on my list. Right now I’ve been in a collection mode for 3-4 years. I still haven’t found or crafted my Book of Shadows, and your awesome node only increases my excitement for it.

Thank you for the great hub and helpful tips.

Melissa Reese Etheridge from Tennessee, USA on 07/01/2015:

This article is wonderful and so informative. I had no idea such a thing existed.

Mrs JB from Southern California on February 15, 2011:

I really liked your hub.

Ur Anaite from The Land of the Dead on January 19, 2011:

The Book of Shadows is a witch’s most important tool.

sink on December 12, 2010:

I already have a book of shadows that is almost full and this page will help me to find good ideas for a new book of shadows. Great.

Kaida Leigh on November 26, 2010:

This was very helpful…I haven’t found a journal suitable for my BOS but I’ll have to keep looking…what with the upcoming holidays could I get one!

amaranth on November 22, 2010:

I actually have 3 books of shadows. My first BOS started with a leather-bound 300pg blank journal, but knowing it would be impossible to organize I decided to use it for pure spells that I write by hand. My current BOS is a 2″ black 3 ring zip binder with a built in file where I store recipes for food, drinks, oils and incense. I type and print everything in this one and I use page protectors to protect the pages from candle wax and oil contamination.

My third BOS is just a black notebook exclusively for tarot.

Vargtorna from Melbourne, AU on November 04, 2010:

Thank you very much, very helpful!

Ireno Alcala from Bicol, Philippines on September 20, 2009:

Great hub! Some misconceptions about witchcraft should be addressed by readers like me.

tiffany.cross from Oklahoma on August 28, 2009:

I had no idea that a Book of Shadows could also be a recipe book or journal as well as a spell and ritual book. I had always read – and assumed – that they were perfect for your spells and rituals, and while your own spells and rituals make it personal, journaling and your particular recipes make it so much better! Now that I’m interested in studying witchcraft again, I’ve found this very helpful. But I talked. This was a very interesting and informative hub. Great videos too!

kellyfilmgirl on March 14, 2008:

I almost bought one at a witch shop about two years ago. I ended up taking vinyl that looked like leather, sewed a case for a three ring binder, and then stuffed it with parchment paper. Admittedly, I’d still like one of those really cool $300 deals. But of course I would never want to write there. And now that I’ve chatted endlessly, I’ll conclude with: great hub! 🙂

Whitney from Georgia on 12/01/2007:

Very interesting! I used to be interested in witchcraft and stuff, but it was a phase. However, this will be for…