How To Make Your Own Book of Shadows
By Joy J. Fine
A Book of Shadows, also referred to as a BoS, is a homemade reference book for witches to keep track of their personal knowledge of witchcraft. It is recommended that all witches have one. This special book can be kept in several ways including on your computer, but it is suggested that using a notebook or a binder is easier to use as it can be directly referenced when you are working on spells. This can be more difficult if everything is on your computer. But, if you choose to use your computer as the keeper of your references then make certain that you regularly back up your records. There is nothing worse than keeping years of precise notes on witchcraft to help you with all aspects of the craft and then see your computer crash because of a virus. You could lose it all.
You can set up your book any way you want to but most people divide it into sections, each one on a particular subject. One might be spells while another is on herbs. Depending on your interests, or specialties, you might have a section on reading tarot cards, interpreting dreams or astrology. Each section can combine different information that you deem important to remember; that you think helps you to practice your craft better. Often herbal recipes get their own section because they are such an important part of spell making. It is essential that you know which herbs are for what purpose, what form they should be in and if they are consumable. One of the most important sections in your Book of Shadows is the one on spells. These pages might be best put in sheet protectors when they are placed in your binder since you will use these during your rituals. You do not want the pages covered in herbal mixtures or candle wax. Some people make a Grimoire for their spells. This is similar to your BoS but is only for spells not any other references. This is personal preference; there is nothing wrong with having all your reference materials in one place.
How you prepare your book is also of personal preference though there are some recommendations. Some people feel that they should keep everything in their books secret and that the information inside should be readable only by themselves. They write their entire book in some type of code to protect what they know. This is great until you need to use it. If you are preparing a ritual it will only run smoothly if you are proficient in the code and can read it quickly. That is why it is suggested that you write your BoS in your native language. Remember your Book of Shadows is a magical object and should be treated with respect. Make a title page that has your name on it, put rules you follow in the first section or any things connected to your coven, if you belong to one, you might want to add into your book. It is also suggested that you hand write all your notes in the book. This empowers your words and therefore your spells. Another suggestion is to never buy a BoS, it will not be your words or your work and who wants to claim the work of others as their own? It will never empower your spells properly if you do.
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