How to make a book of shadows

The Book of Shadows, or BOS, is used to store the information you need in your magical lore, whatever it is. Many pagans believe that a BOS should be written by hand, but as technology advances, some use their computer to store information as well. Don't let anyone tell you there's only one way to make your BOS, because you should use what works best for you.

Remember that a BOS is considered a sacred tool, which means it is an object of power that should be consecrated with all your other magical tools. In many traditions, it is believed that you should manually copy spells and rituals into your BOS; this not only transfers energy to the writer, but also helps to store content. Make sure you write legibly enough that you can read your notes during a ritual.

Organize your BOS
To create your Book of Shadows, start with a blank notebook. One popular method is to use a three-ring binder so items can be added and rearranged as needed. If you use this style of BOS, you can also use sheet protectors, which is great for preventing wax candles and other ritual drips from getting onto the pages. Whatever you choose, the title page should include your name. Make it elegant or simple, depending on your preference, but remember that BOS is a magical item and should be treated accordingly. Many witches simply write “[your name ]'s Book of Shadows” on the front page.

Which format should you use? Some witches are known to create elaborate Books of Shadows in secret magical alphabets. Unless you're fluent enough in one of these systems to be able to read it without having to check notes or a chart, stick with your native language. While a spell looks great written in a fluent elven script or in Klingon script, the fact is that it's hard to read unless you're an elf or a Klingon.

The biggest dilemma with any Book of Shadows is how to keep it organized. You can use tabbed dividers, create an index on the back or, if you're really super organized, a table of contents in the front. As you study and learn more, you will have more information to include, which is why the three-ring binder is such a practical idea. Some people choose to use a simple bound notebook instead and add it to the back as they discover new items.

If you find a ritual, spell, or piece of information somewhere else, be sure to note the source. It will help keep things straight in the future and you will begin to recognize patterns in the authors' works. You may also want to add a section that includes books you've read, as well as what you've thought of them. That way, when you get a chance to share information with others, you'll remember what you've read.

Keep in mind that as our technology is constantly evolving, so does the way we use it. There are many people who keep their fully digital BOS on a flash drive, laptop, or even virtually archived to access it from their favorite mobile device. A BOS pulled on a smartphone is no less valid than one copied by hand in ink on parchment.

You may want to use a notepad for information copied from books or downloaded from the Internet and another for original creations. Regardless, find the method that works best for you and take care of your Book of Shadows. After all, it is a sacred object and should be treated accordingly.

What to include in your book of shadows
When it comes to the content of your personal BOS, there are some sections that are almost universally included.

Read about your coven or tradition: believe it or not, magic has rules. Although they may vary from group to group, it is a good idea to keep them on top of your BOS as a reminder of what constitutes acceptable behavior and what is not. If you're part of an eclectic tradition that doesn't have written rules, or if you're a lone witch, this is a good place to write what you think are acceptable rules of magic. After all, if you don't set yourself some guidelines, how will you know when you cross them? This may include a variation on the Wiccan Rede or a similar concept.
A dedication: If you have been initiated into a coven, you may want to include a copy of your initiation ceremony here. However, many Wiccans devote themselves to a God or Goddess long before they become part of a coven. This is a good place to write who you are dedicating to and why. This can be a long essay, or it can be as simple as saying, "I, Willow, dedicate myself to the Goddess today, June 21, 2007."

Gods and Goddesses: Depending on the pantheon or tradition you follow, you may have only one God and one Goddess, or a number of them. Your BOS is a good place to store legends, myths, and even artwork regarding your divinity. If your practice is an eclectic blend of different spiritual paths, it's a good idea to include it here.
Match Tables: When it comes to spellcasting, match tables are some of your most important tools. Moon phases, herbs, stones and crystals, colors - all have different meanings and purposes. Keeping a table of some kind in your BOS ensures that this information will be ready when you really need it. If you have access to a good almanac, it's not a bad idea to record a moon phase year by date in your BOS. Also, put together a section in your BOS for herbs and their uses. Ask any Pagan or Wiccan expert on a specific herb and the odds are good that they will explain not only the magical uses of the plant but also the healing properties and history of use. Herbalism is often considered the core of the spell because plants are an ingredient that people have been using for literally thousands of years. Remember, many herbs shouldn't be ingested, so it's important to research thoroughly before taking anything internally.

Sabbats, Esbats, and Other Rituals: The Wheel of the Year includes eight holidays for most Wiccans and Pagans, though some traditions don't celebrate them all. Your BOS can include rituals for each of the Sabbats. For example, for Samhain, you might want to create a rite that honors your ancestors and celebrates the end of the harvest, while for Yule, you might want to write a winter solstice celebration. A Sabbat celebration can be as simple or as complex as you wish. If you will celebrate every full moon, you will want to include an Esbat ritual in your BOS. You can use one every month or create several different ones based on the time of year. You may also want to include sections on how to cast a circle and Drawing Down the Moon, a ritual that celebrates the invocation of the Goddess at the time of the full moon. If you will be performing rites of healing, prosperity, protection, or other purposes, be sure to include them here.
Divination: If you are learning about Tarot, scrying, astrology or any other form of divination, keep the information here. As you experiment with new methods of divination, keep a record of what you do and the results you see in your Book of Shadows.
Holy Texts: While it's fun to have lots of shiny new books on Wicca and Paganism, sometimes it's just as good to have a little more established information. If there is a certain text you like, such as The Charge of the Goddess, an old prayer in an archaic language, or a particular song that moves you, include it in your Book of Shadows.
Magic recipes: There is a lot to be said about “kitchen witchcraft”, because for many people the kitchen is the center of the hearth and the home. As you collect recipes for oils, incense, or herbal blends, keep them in your BOS. You may also want to include a food recipe section for Sabbat celebrations.
Spellcasting: Some people prefer to keep spells in a separate book called a library, but you can also keep them in your Book of Shadows. It is easier to organize spells if you divide them by purpose: prosperity, protection, healing, etc. With every spell you include, especially if you write your own rather than using someone else's ideas, be sure to also leave room for information when the job was done and what the result was.
The Digital BOS
We're almost always on the go and if you're someone who prefers to have your BOS instantly accessible and editable at any time, you might want to consider a digital BOS. If you choose to go this route, there are several apps you can use to make organization easier. If you have access to a tablet, laptop, or phone, you can absolutely create a digital Book of Shadows.

Use apps like Microsoft OneNote or Google Drive to organize and create simple text documents and folders; you can even share documents with friends and coven members. If you want to make your BOS a bit more like a journal or diary, check out apps like Diaro. If you're graphically inclined and artistic, Publisher works well too.

Do you want to share your BOS with others? Consider putting together a Pinterest board with all your favorite content.