How to Write a Book of Shadows

Despite its romantic name, a Book of Shadows is simply a record of Wicca beliefs and practices. Covens may have their own books outlining how they worship, which they usually don't share with people outside the coven. A solitary witch, however, has the freedom to create her own. Even members of a coven may want to create some parts to fill in gaps or expand on their practices and beliefs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Begin with the Wiccan Rede and other laws of conduct. Reflect on what ethics means in Wicca. Your Book of Shadows should outline how you intend to carry on Wiccan principles, including harming none and helping others and the environment.
2. Outline each ritual you intend to perform. Start with your initiation ritual, which doesn't have to occur before you've written your Book of Shadows. Read about each festival and outline a rite that appeals to you. The details will likely change in time, so simply tear out pages and substitute others until you've come up with procedures that feel right.
3. Write prayers and invocations to the goddess and god. You may wish to designate specific deities if a certain tradition appeals to you, Celtic or Norse for instance. Doing this forces you to reflect on the core of Wicca, the divinity of nature and your place in it.
4. Designate a portion of your Book of Shadows for spells. Use it to generate creative ideas. Write down herbal and color correspondences that you can use when creating a spell for a specific need. Read Scott Cunningham's "Encyclopedia of Wicca in the Kitchen" for ideas about using food in your spells.
5. Start a journal as soon as you decide the Wiccan way speaks to you. Keep this at the back of your Book of Shadows and update it regularly. Reflect on the rituals you perform and the spells you try. Your emotional journey in Wicca is just as important as your practical one.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a loose-leaf binder in the beginning until you're sure about how you want to practice Wicca. You can copy the information over later into a more attractive book if you like.
• Make the writing of your Book of Shadows a physical experience by handwriting it. You'll find you connect to your subconscious more easily.
• Use online Books of Shadows only to generate ideas. In Wicca you must ultimately follow the path that speaks to you.