A Book of Shadows (B.O.S.)or Grimoire is used to store magickal information, including Spells, Rituals, Poems, Redes, Recipes and Correspondences. Traditionally the B.O.S. was handwritten but in this technological age many pagans now use their PC or similar device.
It is important to remember that a B.O.S. is a sacred tool, it is an item of power and ought to be consecrated along with other magickal objects. Writing down spells and rituals by hand will help you memorise and learn the content, whilst at the same time you transfer energy and personal power into the pages.
If you prefer to make your Book of Shadows, begin with a blank notebook, nowadays there are many beautiful B.O.S.'s and Journals which can be purchased from pagan shops if preferred. The title page ought to include your name, magickal or otherwise. Decorate the cover with protective symbols to guard the works within. Many new witches start off using a ring binder for their notes - copying them into a new B.O.S. once the information has been gathered. Write clearly so that you will understand the words when reading or conducting a ritual at a later date.
The contents of a B.O.S. will usually include some, part or all of the following sections:
Book Blessing: Misplacing or losing a book can be a frustrating time, more so with a B.O.S. as this contains personal information and power. Many witches write a blessing spell into the book to help protect it from loss, theft or damage.
Correspondences: Correspondence tables are an invaluable tool to aid your magickal workings. One method employed by many pagans is to write their tables according to spell type, e.g. Love Spells, Prosperity, Protection, Friendship, Healing, Blessing, Cleansing, Banishing, Happiness, Justice, Employment, Peace, Psychic Development etc - and then include that spell's correspondences. Correspondences for each spell type include Colours, Crystals, Herbs, Moon Phases, Astrological Signs, Days, Symbols, Numbers, Planets and Elemental Rulers.
Gods and Goddesses: Depending on your chosen pantheon you may have one, or in the case of eclectic practitioners, many deities with whom you feel an affinity. Use this section to record details of their stories, correspondences, sacred days, artwork and prayers.
Herbs: Herbalism pays an important role in magick, before the advent of the Pharmaceutical industries and the Health Care System communities used to see their local wise-woman for herbal remedies. Herbs are powerful in both their medicinal, holistic and magickal properties. Include information on the various herbs that you work with, making note of their Common Names and safety information.
Recipes: Include recipes for festival food, granular incense, anointing oils, baths, washes and sachet powders.
Redes and Rules: There are hundreds of different Pagan traditions, and thousands of Solitary practitioners, like all groups each person or coven will have set rules and codes of ethics. Writing redes and codes into your B.O.S. will help you set your own standards and ethical viewpoint. Examples include The Wiccan Rede, or 13 Goals of a Witch (Scott Cunningham).
Rituals: Rituals are formalised spells, they are often performed as a rite of initiation or passage. Examples include Drawing Down the Moon, Self Initiation.
Spells: Include your favourite spells, make notes of their effectiveness and any other manifestations and end results.
Wheel of the Year: The Wheel of the Year marks eight seasonal markers which are often celebrated by Pagans, these include Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lammas and Mabon. If you wish to observe these festivals then your Book of Shadows is an excellent place to store information on the dates and meanings, associated rituals and spells, recipes for food, incense and oils, and any other important information.
Other Sections can include:
- Book Dedication
- Crystal Correspondences
- Divination
- Dreams
- Sacred Texts
