So, what is a book of shadows?
A book of shadows (BOS) is a complication of a ”witches” beliefs and practices. It’s kind of like a bible for witches, just not as judgmental. Because everyone’s BOS is different, it’s kind of difficult to actually describe what a BOS is. Sometimes it’s a detailed journal of what someone has done in their practice. Other times, it serves as a textbook of information for the practitioner. It really depends on the person writing/using the book. For me personally, mine started as a textbook type of thing. More recently, it has progressed into a more spur of the moment journal type thing. But I’ll be going further into that later in the post.
As I said before, BOSs can be very beneficial to witches/practitioners. They can be used to store ritual outlines, spells, herbs that go with the rituals and spells. Pretty much anything craft related can belong in a person’s BOS. A lot of times I see people using their books as a way or tracking how their magic is working. If you were to do a ritual, you would write about the ritual. You would note what outcome you were looking for. After a certain period of time, you could revisit that ritual. You could then write down what the potential outcome was for the magic, if any.
Obviously, books of shadows have been around for ages. It’s difficult to actually determine where they originated per-se. Gerald Gardner made the term “book of shadows” mainstream in the 40s or 50s. He did this while he was “creating” Wicca. (If you want to read more about that and other forms of Wicca, go here.) In those times though, it was not common practice to the individuals to create and use their own books. The coven usually produced the book. The High Priest or Priestess would keep it for the group.
The Book of Shadows has gained popularity with the mainstream media. Shows like Charmed have contributed to this. In the show, their book was essentially just as important as the actors were. Several “traditions” have been started in regard to the book of shadows. These include passing them down to children upon death. Others choose to burn them completely when the witch dies. No tradition is right or wrong, it simply depends on the person.
Personal, I struggle with my Book of Shadows for several reasons. Firstly, I’m definitely a child of technology. There is a running joke that I’m an electronics whore. And it’s completely true. I’d prefer most of my life electronic and automated. That being said, I also want my practice to NOT be electronical. I’d like it to be “traditional” and have a leather-bound book with handwritten information in it. I also have the issue of being a little too OCD for actually writing in a BOS. Especially because I tend to get books with no lines…
Currently, I have moved my BOS from a big ass binder. I was using it, but it never felt right. Now, I use a leather-bound journal. I threw caution to the wind and just started writing in it. I let inspiration guide how I was setting it up. Surprisingly, I love it. I’m using colorful pens. They don’t have a pattern, which would normally have bothered me. However, for this and the way I am writing it out, I’m not actually bothered by it. Granted, I haven’t written in it in a few months. Life got so turned upside down. But that’s beside the point. Lol
I want to make sure I leave my children with something of my faith. Whether they follow it or not, I want to know there is something they can look at for potential help. At the very least, they can look at it and know I was looking to keep them protected.
I personally chose to set my new one up more as a “textbook” style rather than a journal. I will never remember to verify the outcomes from the ritual or spell. But, I can sit on Pinterest or Google. There, I find different rituals, herbs, or spells. I can rework these into something personal to put into my BOS.
When it comes to a Book of Shadows, they can be completely beneficial and amazing. They are great for the witch or practitioners that use them. They aren’t that difficult to keep or update as you go. But that doesn’t mean that they are necessary in the slightest. I’ve mentioned this before. I will definitely say it again. NO tool is necessary when it comes to your craft unless YOU feel like it’s necessary. If you are in the broom closet and intend to stay there, it may not be the best idea to write out all your rituals and spells. Wait until you are completely free and safe to do so.
What do you think about having a Book of Shadows? Do you have one? Do you want to start one? Let me know in the comments! Maybe we could start a BOS ideas swap!
