What Is a Book of Shadows? How to Start One as a Beginner Witch

What Is a Book of Shadows? How to Start One as a Beginner Witch

A Book of Shadows is one of the most personal and powerful tools in a witch’s practice. It’s not just a notebook—it’s your magical archive, your spiritual journal, and your growing collection of knowledge, spells, experiences, and insights.

If you’re a beginner witch and feeling unsure where to start, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about creating your own Book of Shadows.

What Is a Book of Shadows?

A Book of Shadows (often shortened to BOS) is a place where witches record their magical work. Traditionally, it was a handwritten book kept private and passed down, but today it can be anything—from a fancy leather journal to a digital document or binder.

There’s no single right way to create one—it’s meant to reflect your path, your energy, and your craft.

What Goes in a Book of Shadows?

Anything magical or spiritually meaningful to you can live in your Book of Shadows. Here are some popular things witches like to include:

  • Spells and rituals you’ve tried (and how they went)

  • Crystal correspondences

  • Herbal properties and uses

  • Moon phases and lunar tracking

  • Tarot spreads and interpretations

  • Rune meanings and readings

  • Sigils you’ve created

  • Dreams and intuitive downloads

  • Sabbat and seasonal celebrations

  • Personal reflections and magical insights

Think of it as a living, evolving book—something that grows with you over time.

How to Start Your Book of Shadows as a Beginner

You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin. In fact, your Book of Shadows will likely shift and change as your practice deepens. Here’s how to get started:

1. Choose Your Format
Pick something you’ll actually want to use. Options include:

  • A physical notebook or journal

  • A ring binder (great for rearranging pages)

  • A digital folder or app (especially good for photos, links, and backups)

2. Set an Intention
Before you write anything, take a moment to set an intention for your BOS. Light a candle, say a few words, or even write a short dedication on the first page.

3. Start Simple
Begin with what you’re already working with. Just learned about rosemary or did your first spell jar? Write it down. The more you record, the more personal your book becomes.

4. Make It Yours
Decorate it, draw in it, add pressed herbs or moon stickers—whatever makes it feel sacred and inviting. Your BOS should feel like a magical extension of you.

5. Use It Regularly
Don’t wait for perfection. Jot down quick spell ideas, write a few lines about your full moon ritual, or record the results of your tarot reading. The more you use it, the more powerful it becomes.

Is a Grimoire the Same as a Book of Shadows?

Not exactly. Some witches use the terms interchangeably, but traditionally, a grimoire is more of a formal reference book—clean, organized, and filled with tried-and-true correspondences and spells.

A Book of Shadows is often more personal, messy, emotional, and experiential. You can keep both, or blend them into one—it's entirely up to you.

Final Thoughts

Your Book of Shadows is a sacred space. It’s a magical reflection of your journey—where you’ve been, what you’re learning, and where you’re going. It doesn’t need to be perfect. It doesn’t need to be pretty (though it can be). All it needs is you—your energy, your magic, and your intention.

So grab a notebook, light a candle, and start writing. You’re already more magical than you think.

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