"And one day she discovered that she was fierce and strong, and full of fire and that not even she could hold herself back because her passion burned brighter than her fears."
~Mark Anthony, Kindred Spirits
Solitary Witch
Book of Shadows
A Wiccan’s Book of Shadows is the personal journal of your Wiccan journey. It can be a record of your spells and rituals; it may be an encyclopedia of all you’ve learned; it can include symbols and correspondences. It’s your grimoire, so you can keep whatever you feel is helpful for your practicing of the craft.
Most witches have a Book of Shadows, traditionally they have been handwritten, although today plenty of them are digital or printed. The important thing is to keep a record of the information you want to preserve. If you are a member of a coven, there is probably a Book for you to use as the basis of your own. These books of witchcraft where often spelled as well as encoded against prying eyes.
Decisions, decisions...
Jump right in
A Book of Shadows will grow with you. My first one was a plain lined journal. When it was filled, I stuffed scraps of paper between pages until the covers were deformed. Making a new one and moving the information I wanted to keep into it was an exciting learning experience. It also brought me into touch with the basics of the craft again, and gave me a chance to learn about things I had started but abandoned along the path.
What is included – or not – is your choice; there is no right or wrong – only a few common items that have become somewhat traditional. For example, a blessing or bewitchment that keeps out prying eyes, and a dedication of oneself to the face(s) of the Deity you honor.
A Book of Shadows
It can be a little overwhelming when you start, deciding what stays, what goes. A popular first choice is a three ring binder, which allows for adding and rearranging pages and sections as you go. Don’t sweat the details, it will grow with you.
Below, find some of the information that offers a starting point. Terms, holidays, rituals and spells that you can use to create the foundational pages of your grimoire. Once you’ve learned and practiced a little, you’ll start to gain some insight into what information you find most useful for yourself.
A Roadmap For A Wiccan Journey
Rituals, Rites and Spells
Bide the Wiccan Rede ye must, in perfect love and perfect trust.
Eight words, the Rede, thou must fulfill: An’ it harm none, do as ye will.
What ye send forth returns to thee, so ever mind the rule of three.
Follow this with mind and heart, and merry ye meet and merry ye part
Groundwork
Terms, tools and trappings, this is the place to start. Discover more about the basics of witchcraft here.
Sabbats
The solar cycle marks the eight sabbats, or holidays for Wiccans. Discover the Wheel of the Year.
Esbats
The lunar rituals for the 12 or 13 lunar cycles each year. Use the moon to help power your spells.
Correspondences
Incense, crystals, herbs, colors - all have meanings. Learn which will help you manifest your goals.
Divination
Tarot cards, runes, pendulums, scrying, and more.
Recipes
Food has power; find the recipe for your ritual meal here.
