Q&A for How to Create a Book of Shadows

Basically, this is about all the stories in that you have experienced involving magic or magical stories, that you feel are important enough to go into your BoS. As for the artworks, if you were to do a magical sketch or drawing/art that you created or were given involving magic or even pictures of magical things that you believe are appropriate to be in your BoS (Wicca/Magick). Those would be the kind of things to put in your BoS. The most important thing is to have fun with your learning so there is no need to be expert at either drawing or writing.

Spell casting is a subtle and sweet art, and humiliation via friends will not help your energy. Perhaps you should practice alone or with more supportive people.

No. BoS are very personal. If you want to, then sure, but there's really no need, and you'd hurt yourself in the process.

Many parents feel that practicing wicca or witchcraft is potentially dangerous or against their religious beliefs. Sit them down and explain your beliefs, and why those beliefs aren't dangerous or harmful. If that doesn't work, remember that you don't always need special tools or items to work. At the end of the day, it's about how you practice and your beliefs.

It records your thoughts, spells, rituals and anything else you may need. Also, it may be passed along to future generations, is that's what you desire. Blessed be!

There are really no specific rules to what should be in a BoS, so you absolutely can! This article lists some things that 'should definitely be in your BoS', but you should put whatever you want in it.

You need to experiment with spells. Some work, some don't, and it's different for everyone. For example, one spell may work for you, but not for me.

Possibly. You could always write your own, though, if you can't find one -- that's what I do it when I can't find a spell I like.

You keep learning and practicing your craft. Most witches start a new BoS and write down the things they learn after the last BoS they wrote. Many more experienced witches have a lot of different Books.

This is a summary of the beliefs that you hold, the things that you consider to be part of your belief system. For example, you might state that you believe in a universal consciousness or you believe that spirits that have unfinished business can cause problems for the living, etc.

In Wicca, you don't get any 'Power' and 'becoming a witch' isn't really a thing either. Anyone can cast a simple spell if they use the right intentions. Casting spells and using magick has no limit; however, many Wiccans do believe in things like Karma and the Rule of Three, meaning if you do any harm to someone/something, it will come back to you (often in threefold).

After the event happens, relive the events leading up to that event and determine what caused it. Keep doing this until you get good at determining what events cause the events you see before they happen.

You will find out over time. Read about the beliefs of others to see what vibes with you.

Whatever ink you feel happy using. It's your BoS, and there is no right or wrong. If you like colors, use felt-tip markers, colored pens, colored pencils or colored markers. If you like things to be less colorful, prefer blacks, grays and browns. If you're using calligraphy paper, use calligraphy tools.

That notebook might be a bit small, depending on what you want to put in it. I think you should first label every page with a sticky note and see if you have enough space. Many more experienced witches have a lot of different Books of Shadows, so more books is fine. Besides, when you've finished your first Book you don't stop learning, right? So where do you put all that new knowledge? In a new Book of Shadows.

Yes, you should feel free to choose your own path and start your own tradition.

It is best to write your own BoS, only because you might have different experiences and beliefs from your friend. A BoS is where you write down your thoughts, spells you have cast, and more, therefore it is not fit for two people to share one.

As long as the two deities aren't conflicting, and as long as you know it doesn't provoke them in any way, then yes; it is called eclecticism.

There really is no knowing unless you notice it worked.

Christian Wicca is a thing, but it is a topic of controversy in the Pagan community.

It doesn't run in one's blood. Anyone has the can become a witch.

A Book of Shadows is supposed to be for yourself. If you are a kid, you can show your Book of Shadows to your parents.

It depends on how you use it. If you practice it in such a way that it's the most important thing in your life, it's a religion. If you practice it sporadically, connecting and communing with nature for example, it's just a way of life.

You should have spells and rituals corresponding with moon phases and astronomical occurrences since NYX is the very personification of night. As for your spirit animal, some of your spells and rituals should revolve around what your spirit animal means to you.

Absolutely! Like the article stated, you don't have to be a specific religion to practice witchcraft.

You need to use the spells that feel right. You can use Wiccan spells, but you should only use them if they feel right to you. The whole point of having a personal BoS is to have a basis for your own unique practice. We're all eclectic. Making your own spells can be a very fulfilling experience, and basing them off older ones helps a lot. Find the right mix!

No, you do not have to.

At your altar, outside, or in nature is often best, but you may cast your spells in a place that feels best to you.

Yes! I suggest that you dedicate some time every day to researching witchcraft. Don't jump into it blindly, magic is very powerful and you don't want to mess with it if you don't know what you're doing.

Our beliefs and values come from every part of our life. There is no problem including parts of other philosophies in your BoS. You are certainly not the only one. On the other hand, you can easily understand how lots of Christian beliefs clash with Paganism. If you use a contradictory set of values, your magic will be affected.