The Book of Shadows is a magical diary in which mages write down their spells, rituals and knowledge of magic. They describe precisely not only how a spell is done, but also the date and the phase of the moon in which they perform it. Each spell should have enough space left for notes, so that the mage can later evaluate it and improve it if needed. With the book, the mage creates their own magical story.
The book in classic and modern form
The Book of Shadows has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. It used to be handwritten. Mages took special care of the book, since it was an important part of their lives: a beautiful leather or cloth binding, the right choice of colours and so on. Its form was not fixed – it was up to each mage how to keep it. But all books had one thing in common: each contained a protective symbol chosen by the mage. It could be a dragon, or anything else the mage felt close to.
Today's mages don't have to keep the book only in written form – they can be modern and write it on a computer. Just create a folder called “Book of Shadows” and put your documents in it. In that case we recommend backing up your data so you don't lose the book.
Choose a magical name
You should write your magical name in the book. You don't need to have just one – mages often used several and chose them according to the situation. The name may come to you in a dream or a vision. A magical name serves ritual practice and the magical community. The names by which you present yourself to the gods (often Norse, but also Celtic) are pagan. Create a combination that suits your needs.
Get to know the Magi's Alphabet
The Magi's Alphabet was compiled in the 16th century by the great alchemist Paracelsus of Hohenheim. It is based on Hebrew script, is written from right to left and has no lower or upper case. Paracelsus used its characters to engrave the names of angels on talismans used for protection or for healing the sick. You can write the whole book in this alphabet, or just selected parts. It is up to you how much you include it in your notes, but we recommend learning it.
A tip for a simple ritual
If you have just started your book and would like to have a first ritual in it, you can write down the “Ritual of the Present”. Today, with countries closed, many of us find it hard to focus on the present, as the situation forces us to look to the future. Record the course of the ritual in your book and don't forget to leave enough space to evaluate it. The ritual is very simple:
- Create a ritual altar – it should contain things representing the four elements (for example a glass of water, a feather, a candle and a stone). Choose the colour of the candles according to your mood. We recommend turquoise (a symbol of change and creation), but a white candle will do. Draw the altar in your Book of Shadows so you know whether to keep it the same next time or adjust it for another spell.
- Invite your gods or angels to the ritual – if you feel emotionally out of the present, Archangel Michaelwill help you. If you are focused on travelling, invite Archangel Raphael.
- When everything is ready, say: “I call you, Angels (gods) of the present moment, please come among us. Let us recognise what is essential for us here and now. May neither our deeds in the past nor the future influence our present. Thank you for your help in discerning what is important for us in our present.”
- After the ritual, stay attuned for a while (say 10 minutes) so that visions and feelings can come to you. Then write everything down in your Book of Shadows, and the next day notice whether anything has changed or what has grown stronger that might pull you away from the present.
You can write in your Book of Shadows everything that is magical and sacred to you. Once you start writing a book, draw or glue a picture of a magic shield on the last page, which will act as the book's lock. Coloured covers and the symbol you choose, one that resonates with you, also protect the book. We believe the book will be a good companion on your magical journey.
