Every witch has a collection of spells and information, whether in a book, online, or in their minds. If you want to create your own Book of Shadows, looking into the books of other witches can serve as great inspiration. Every Book of Shadows is unique to the witch who owns it, but there is often common information that each book shares. So, follow along with us today and design your own Book of Shadows perfect for your Electic Witchcraft practice!
What is an Eclectic Witch?
The term “Eclectic Witch” is a label given to witches who take inspiration from the many paths and practices around them. An Eclectic Witch might incorporate different folk practices, religious practices, and cultural practices that fit their beliefs. Eclectic Witches may work with deities and spirits or they may choose not to. Eclectic Witches generally use whatever magickal practices they resonate with, leaving behind beliefs and practices they don’t vibe with. An Eclectic Witch is not bound by the rules or traditions of others. Instead, they choose to carve their own path through witchcraft, picking up bits and pieces as they learn and grow.
What is a Book of Shadows?
In most witchcraft practices, a Book of Shadows is a witch’s sacred book. This is where they keep a record of their spells and rituals. They may also keep any important information such as sabbat dates, moon phases, and astrological correspondences. Each witch’s Book of Shadows is unique to them and will often serve as a record of that witch’s magickal studies. If a witch is in a coven, they may also have a coven Book of Shadows that is specific to their tradition, practices, and beliefs.
Making a Book of Shadows!
There are a few things to consider when you begin to create your Book of Shadows. These include the type of book, the information you want in it, and how you will store it. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to your Book of Shadows. Choose the method that works best for you. It is your book, after all!
Physical or Digital?
Many witches believe their Book of Shadows needs to be a physical book. While that is the most common choice it is not your only option. Some witches choose to keep their Book of Shadows digitally by using their computer’s local storage, a system such as Google Drive, or even Notion. There are pros and cons to each method and it may take some experimentation before choosing one that works for you.
Types of Physical Books of Shadows
- leatherbound grimoires
- three-ring binders
- notebooks for different subjects
- commonplace journals
Types of Digital Books of Shadows
- personal computer storage
- Google Drive
- personal blogs
- Notion
What Goes In A Book of Shadows?
Now that you have your method of choice, it is time to decide what information to keep in a Book of Shadows. Remember, a Book of Shadows is often different than a Book of Mirrors. A Book of Shadows generally contains information about the witch’s beliefs, their Gods and Goddesses, other spirits they work with, their holy days and celebrations, and any spells or rituals they find important. Once again, there are no rules for what needs to go in your personal Book of Shadows. It is a collection of information that is useful to you, so feel free to add or omit information as you see fit!
An example Book of Shadows may be organized like this:
- important values to the witch such as the Seeker’s Bill of Rights and the Wiccan Rede
- a lunar calendar for tracking the moon’s phases and esbats
- an image of the Wheel of the Year for tracking sabbats
- correspondences for things such as herbs, crystals, and candles
- helpful spells for things such as protection, good luck, and abundance
Below is a collection of information and printables you may find helpful for your growing Book of Shadows. Feel free to print the pages that resonate with you and include them in your Book of Shadows!
Dividers and Cover Pages
Find Esbat and Lunar Ritual Grimoire Pages 🌙
Values and Wiccan Wisdom
The Wiccan Rede
“Rede” is a medieval English word meaning “advice”. This poem by an unknown author introduces various aspects of neopaganism and was popularized by Wiccan priestess Doreen Valiente.
The Sacred Circle
In Wicca, the circle is a high-energy space that allows Magic to flow freely between this world and the world beyond the veil. Add this page to your Book of Shadows and make a simple circle casting part of your daily routine.
Wheel of the Year
In Wicca, the beginning of each season is celebrated with holidays called Lesser Sabbats. In between each solstice and equinox, there are “Cross Quarter days” or Greater Sabbats, which are also celebrated.
The Wiccan Altar
The most important rules of your Wiccan Altar: Make it your own, know its meaning, and experiment with it.
Print Wiccan Wisdom Pages such as the Wiccan Rede here ⛤
Blessings and Spells
Moon Water Recipe
Moon water is water that has been exposed to the moonlight and charged with a Magical intention. You can use this recipe to prepare it under any lunar phase.
‘Fresh Funds’ Money Spell with Basil
A fun and powerful Kitchen Magic Money Spell to make money last longer. Sometimes our paycheck seems to disappear just after paying the bills. To get the most out of our income, let’s cast a spell using a bit of Herbal Magic.
‘Cord-Cutting’ Wiccan Ritual
An easy way to perform a cord-cutting exercise with a candle and a simple meditation to cut cords and remove all energetic bonds.
Click here to print more Spell Recipes for your Book of Shadows 🔮
Never Stop Learning
No matter how long you have been practicing witchcraft or Wicca, there is always more to learn. Be sure to leave room in your Book of Shadows for all the wonderful new information you may come across!
Find more Wicca for beginners PDF pages throughout this website! Visit the Library of Spells to get more free printable Book of Shadows pages. The #CastAlong video series will teach you how to cast spells step-by-step!
