Do you currently have a Grimoire or Book of Shadows? Or perhaps you have been you been thinking about starting one but are overwhelmed by the task. This post is here to help!
Perhaps you are not really sure what to include or what kind of book you need or where to even get the right information to begin. There is a lot of info out there and the initial task can seem a little daunting.
But with a little research and planning you’ll be on your way to building the magickal book of your dreams in no time!
January is a wonderful time for setting new goals and beginning fresh projects. I can think of no better winter project than starting your first grimoire or even just adding to or jazzing up one that maybe you have but feel could use a little more love.
So where do we begin? How about this.
What is a Grimoire?
A grimoire, put very simply, is a special book used to house all of your magickal workings. Your grimoire will be unique to your practice and there is really no right or wrong way to create one.
In this book you can write your spells and rituals, magickal recipes, information on herbs, crystals and oils, journal all of you witchy thoughts, record your dreams and card readings, etc.
The possibilities are only limited by your imagination and the topics you utilize in your craft.
Include everything that is relevant to you and your practice. This makes every witches grimoire beautifully distinctive and special.
What is the difference between a Grimoire and a Book of Shadows?
The terms grimoire and book of shadows are often just used interchangeably these days which is fine in my opinion.
More technically though, a Grimoire is the older name for this book while the term Book of Shadows was popularized by the Wiccan movement in more modern times. Some believe the term Book of Shadows should be reserved for those that follow the Wiccan path.
Some also believe that a Book of Shadows is more private in nature and is meant just for you and that a Grimoire is to be shared and passed down.
Whatever you decide to call it and how private you keep it is entirely your decision and you should feel free to do what suits you.
For me, my book is private except certain spells and recipes which I do share here on the blog like this one HERE. I also stick with the term Grimoire. I like old traditions and the way the word rolls off the tongue. It’s just nice to say lol.
Choose a term that resonates; call it a grimoire, book of shadows, magickal journal, or anything else that strikes your fancy. And you can keep it under lock and key or publish your entries publicly.
Do what feels right for you. This is nobody’s book but your own.
What kind of book will you use?
A pretty journal, a binder, a digital book, or perhaps a book you have actually bound yourself? Don’t worry if you don’t want to do that last one, I have never bound my own book either!
There are many beautiful books that are crafted to be grimoires on places like ETSY if you are okay spending a bit more, or perhaps you have a beautiful journal already that has just been waiting for the right purpose?
And maybe you just grab a plain Hilroy notebook that you are comfortable carting all around town with you. ALL of these are valid. There is really no right or wrong book to have. You choose whatever works for you.
I personally use a binder. I like the ability to insert new pages, take out old ones, and be able to rearrange things with ease.
Have a think on it. Only you know which type of book will work best for you.
How will you organize your Grimoire?
Or will you organize it at all? Some like to just go day by day, journal style. While others will create tabs and sections for different topics.
I am definitely an organized type of person with title pages and dividers so that I can easily flip through and find what I am look for.
You can have just a few different sections or many depending on your practice and organizational style.
Here is a basic starter list of things I like to include:
Sabbats/Wheel of the Year – information on all eight pagan holidays so that I may easily plan my festivities and rituals from one year to the next.
Kitchen Witchery – this is a large part of my practice. You can include magickal recipes, culinary herbs and spices, kitchen witch tools, and best practices.
Herbs – lists of herbs, what they are used for, their magickal and sometimes medicinal properties.
Oils – oils that you use in practice, their magickal and practical uses.
Crystals – information on crystals and their properties.
Witchy Journal Prompts – writings and thoughts you have related to your practice.
Spells & Rituals – a section to house your spells, rituals, and incantations.
Deities – Information on gods and goddesses that interest you and you may want to try working with.
Other topics: divination, familiars, meditations, witchy quotes, info on certain types of magickal intentions like cleansings and protection, astrology, moon magick, dreams, and so much more!
Grimoire Extras & Mediums
Will you adorn your grimoire with any fancy extras such as photos, pressed herbs or flowers, stickers, stencils, stamps, calligraphy, or drawings and embellishments you have done yourself? Or perhaps you are thinking to keep a more practical book with no unnecessary extras.
Which tools will you craft your grimoire with? Simple pen or pencil, or perhaps you will add some colour with pencil crayons, markers, or paints. Or if doing a digital book your tools would be your computer and perhaps a design program.
Every Grimoire is Unique
Again, there are no right or wrong answers here. Use your imagination and creativity when putting your grimoire together. This should be a joy inducing project to be sure. One that feeds your soul, brings you joy, and enhances your magickal practice.
My grimoire consists of printed pages, handwritten spells, notes, and coloured images. I am not gifted when it comes to painting or drawing and my handwriting is pretty messy lol. So I use printable pages like the ones in my SITE SHOP and ETSY STORE, images that can be coloured, stickers and the like to add special touches to my pages.
Whatever you do just make the book your own and it will serve you well.
Happy creating my magickal friends!
Your thoughts!
Do you already have a grimoire or will you be starting one for the first time?
As always, I love to hear from you! Please feel free to leave a comment or connect with me on socials.
And remember, if you enjoyed this post, you can check out my SHOP PAGE for some grimoire inspiration and printable pages to help get you started on your journey.
You can also SUBSCRIBE to The Wholesome Witch Mailing List to receive a 20% OFF discount code for my website shop of digital witchy offerings, as well as some special freebies as a thank you and welcome gift!
Sending many Blessings for a beautiful January and year to come.
Yours in health and magick,
Krystle xo
