by Lynn Smythe

Created on: January 09, 2008

One of the most important books that should be in every pagan's, witch's or Wiccan's library is their own personal magical workbook. A workbook is used as a place for you to store your accumulated knowledge, success stories and ideas for future research.

Some pagan traditions call their workbook a book of shadows, grimoire, or book of illumination. Use whatever term is most pleasing to you. Book of Shadows are often written in a secret language, in the event the book should fall into enemy hands, they would not be able to decode and interpret the contents of the magical book.

"And I composed a certain work wherein I rehearsed the secret of secrets, in which I have preserved them hidden, and I have also therein concealed all secrets whatsoever of magical arts of any masters."
-S. L. MacGregor Mathers, The Key of Solomon the King

CHOOSING YOUR BOOK OF SHADOWS:
A variety of items can be used to make your own workbook. For example you can find journals available for sale at most book stores and office supply stores. These journals are available in a variety of sizes and materials. You can choose lined or unlined paper depending upon your personal preference. For my more personal writings, reflections and thoughts I keep a hand written leather bound journal with lined paper. I don't share this journal with anyone as it is more of a personal diary than a guide to magic.

I have even found small, decorative journals at my local dollar store. The one I'm using at the moment has a cover which is wrapped with green, handmade paper with a decorative silk flower attached to the front. This journal contains 100 pages of lined paper. The small size of this journal is perfect for using in the field as it can conveniently fit into your purse or backpack. I use this book to record my gardening successes, failures, thoughts and tips.

CREATING YOUR BOOK OF SHADOWS:
Use loose-leaf paper which you can add to a 3-ring binder. This method is convenient as it allows you to rearrange the contents of your book anytime you like. You may also want to add subject dividers so that you can quickly flip to the section of your workbook that you need while performing magic rituals and other ceremonies.

I like to add the individual pages of my workbook to a clear, plastic protector sheet. You can fit two pages per protector sheet. The sheets have 3-holes which allows them to be placed into a 3-ring binder. Storing your workbook pages in this manner is especially beneficial to a workbook that will be

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>