Recording and Reflecting on Experiences
Why Do We Record Everything?
A VERY important thing in our craft is to keep a record of what we do, what we learn and what we experience. It should be of high priority - especially if you're a solitary. Some people refer to this as a Book of Shadows. Others call it a Grimoire. (We'll discuss the difference between the two later). There are also terms such as Book of Light, Book of Wisdom, Spell Book - still others don't have a name for it at all. What you call it isn't that important. That you have at least one (many witches maintain several different books) - that's what's important.
So why is this important? It’s crucial to understand the why’s to this to help you remember to record these things:
💠 First, and foremost, let’s look at this realistically. Unless you are a savant with a photographic memory, you will not be able to recall every single spell you’ve done, every Tarot spread you’ve ever learned about, or every ritual you’ve been wanting to perform. At the very least, this will give you a running record of these things.
💠 By writing down what you’ve personal done, what’s worked, what did you have to tweak – you’re documenting your journey in the Craft and you’re helping yourself to not make the same mistakes. You’ll be able to keep track of your progress, remind yourself of what didn’t work and look back on how far you’ve come.
💠 On a practical note, writing these things down helps with improving memory as you recall a particular event or action. It can give you helpful insights into your own psyche at the time. That same self-discovery that you’re experiencing can then be shared with a future child, if you so choose.
💠 As mentioned, these notes and records also let you look back to see where you might have gone wrong. You can look back and perhaps see where the problem may lie and what you can do to change the outcome.
What Should I Record My Information In?
This is where the fun begins. Some people use binders because they like the ability to keep things in sections, making them easier to locate. Others may just use good old spiral notebooks like what we use for school or work. Still others like buying new specially designed books or antique journals – going for more of a witchy vibe. Still even others will actually make a book from scratch. Then there are those who maintain everything online – in files or on the cloud. What should you do? It’s ENTIRELY your choice. Make this your own. Spend as much or as little money as you’d like or are able to. This is YOUR book and only yours.
My two cents? Don’t get caught up in the “Keeping up with the Jones” mentality. This isn’t a contest. If you can’t afford that witchy book on Etsy, don’t worry. That’s not what this is about. Keep your focus on what’s going INSIDE and less on what it looks like on the outside and how others will view it.
Some feel everything should be handwritten and drawn – especially when copying a spell – as it not only transfers energy to the person writing it, but it also helps to become more familiar with the contents. Others will use print outs of information and images. Some do both and then there’s those that keep everything electronic. Don’t let anyone tell you there’s only one way to make your book. Do what works for you!
What Am I Supposed to Be Keeping in My Books?
Ah, now this is one of the first questions those new to the craft want to know. For many, a DEDICATION in the front of the book is a nice way to start. This could be a personal dedication to your spiritual path or craft, a dedication to a deity, a book blessing or, if you’re part of a coven or formal tradition, you can include your initiation ceremony.
Other things highly recommended to include:
🌟Correspondence Tables: When it comes to spellcasting, correspondence tables will probably be one of your most used tools. These are things such as the different meanings and focuses of the various phases of the moon, or the meanings and purposes of herbs, stones, crystals, and colors.
🌟 Sabbats, Esbats, and other rituals
🌟 How to cast circle or lay a compass
🌟 Divination techniques and results
🌟 Magical Recipes such as for spell oils, incense, herb blends, potions, tinctures, etc.
🌟 Spells you’ve done – what did you do, what did you use, when did you do it, what was the outcome
🌟 Spells you’ve learned
The following is a list of suggestions for additional prompts to help you think of what else you can put in your book(s):
- Definitions
- Divinity (deities or other entities)
- Spirit guides and spirit animals
- Ancestral Veneration
- Drawing down the moon
- Astral Projection
- Astrological Correspondences
- Common Magickal Techniques (Candle Magick, Herb Magick, Moon Magick, Crystal Magick, Earth Magick)
- Chakras
- Elementals and other mystical creatures
- Crystals/Gems
- Spirit Work/Necromancy
- Symbols and Sigils
- Laws of your coven/tradition
How Do I Keep Track of It All?
Many like to keep everything in one large book or electronic file. Some maintain a number of different books for ease of organization. Regardless, organization and labeling of subjects will become increasingly appreciated as your repository of information grows. So if you're going to keep just one large book or one large electronic file, strongly consider how you plan to organize it, and realize you may change it up several times before you find a method that works best for you. Would it be easier if it were organized by subject (e.g. a section for all things to do with herbs - correspondences, herb magick, herbal tea blends, herbal incense blends, etc.) or perhaps organized by spell type (e.g. all healing spells together, all protection spells together, and so on).
If you’re interested in establishing several different books (whether hard copy or electronic) then you can consider the following types of books and their purposes (A quick disclaimer – you may find varying definitions of these types of books. These are the definitions I personally go by.):
🌟Book of Shadows:
Most define a BoS as a witch’s book of all magickal workings personally written and/or done by you. These would be such things as spellwork, rituals, and divination. These can be passed down from generation to generation. Covens may maintain a BoS for their Coven workings and teachings.
🌟Grimoire:
This is similar to a BoS, but not as personal. This is where you can put information about rituals, spells, potions, how to prepare magical tools, etc., that you’ve gathered from other sources. This is where you may want to maintain your lists of correspondences and magical properties of herbs, gemstones, food, colors, etc. In a nutshell, the Grimoire contains all your magickal research, but does not contain personal information or records of your own magickal workings.
If you are using a hard copy book or notebook, consider using something with removable pages so you can add, remove and move around pages as needed. This is where electronic record keeping can also make it much easier to maintain, organize and reorganize your research.
🌟Book of Mirrors:
A Book of Mirrors is essentially your magickal diary. If you journal or keep a diary already, then this one may be a no-brainer for you. This is a book solely dedicated to your feelings, emotions, growth, setbacks, lessons learned, etc., as it pertains to your magickal journey. This is an ideal place to journal through your shadow work. Some people also like to put their personal divination readings and interpretations in their BoM as opposed to their BoS.
🌟Dream Journal:
For those especially that are trying to work on remembering dreams, interpreting dreams or learning to lucid dream, having a separate journal devoted to just dreaming can be of use.
Bear in mind, there is nothing that says that you have to have every single type of book. Many of us have combinations of these books, some have established even more books and some stick with just one giant book.
Things to Remember
Keep in mind, these books are your sacred tools. These are items of power so you should consider consecrating them as you do with all of your other magical tools. Honor it by giving it its own special place where others will not be tempted to mess with it. Bless it and protect it. It should really only be for you and whoever you might allow to see it.
When recording a rite, spell or piece of information that’s not your own, don’t forget to also note the source. Chances are, you may want to refer back to that source for clarification or more information.
Regardless of what you choose to do, remember at the end of the day these are YOUR books. Be true to yourself and make them as you see fit. Protect them. Cherish them. Learn from them.