A Wicca Book of Shadows is a journal that records the magical workings of a Wicca or Witch. In ancient times each Wicca coven would have their own Book of Shadows in which they noted their spells, charms, incantations and activities. A Wicca Book of Shadows was usually kept secret from others.
Each Wicca Book of Shadows was, therefore, an important record of the activities and history of a particular coven. When a new coven member was initiated they would be allowed rights to the coven’s Book of Shadows. They would copy sections of the book or the whole book and make their own personal magical book.
Modern Wiccas may use a Book of Shadows if they wish and depending on which tradition is followed some solitary Wiccas and covens do use them to record their actitvities. "Traditional" Wiccas typically use a Book of Shadows. In ancient times these books were handwritten. However modern Wiccas may use loose-leaf binders, notebooks, journals or even a computer-based Wicca Book of Shadows.
The Wicca Book of Shadows may contain spells, incantations, recipes and journal-type entries but are basically used to keep records of the activities of a Wicca as well as their personal and spiritual journey in The Craft. If you want to create your own Book of Shadows there are various resources available on the Internet to get you started.
There are also several "popular" published books that can guide you, however these are not suitable for those who are practicing traditional Wicca or practice in a coven. However if you are a solitary Wicca or eclectic Wicca or just learning about the Craft they might be useful as you create your Wicca Book of Shadows.
1) “Book of Shadows: A Modern Woman's Journey into the Wisdom of Witchcraft and the Magic of the Goddess” by Phyllis Curott – The author is a High Priestess with the Circle of Ara and The Minoan Fellowship. The book gives an introduction to the basic practices of Wicca as well as spells and charms. She also explains the history of major gods and goddesses, totem animals and zodiac connections. She includes personal anecdotes that may help you in crafting your own Wicca Book of Shadows.
2) “Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation” by
Silver Ravenwolf. The author is a practicing witch. This book is aimed at teens and contains the basics of magical work and young people. The book breaks the material down into five categories: 1) Shadows of Religion and Mystery, 2) Shadows of Objects, 3) Shadows of Expertise and Proficiency, 4) Shadows of Magick and Enchantment, and 5) Shadows of Daily Life. It may be useful to youngsters who want to make a Wicca Book of Shadows.
3) “An Egyptian Book of Shadows” by Jocelyn Almond and Keith Seddon. This is a Book of Shadows, focused on the Egyptian pantheon. It is a combination of Wicca and Egyptian spirituality. There are rituals for the eight Wiccan Sabbats, geared for specific Egyptian deities and may be a useful inclusion in your Wicca Book of Shadows.
