A Witch's Grimoire: Create Your Own Book of Shadows

by Judy Ann Nock

Creating and keeping of a book of shadows is an instrumental step in the study of magick and witchcraft. A Witch's Grimoire helps serious practitioners explore their love of the Craft, deepen their study of magick and walk their personal pathway to the Divine. It is part workbook, part guidebook—an essential reference as well as a personal recording of original spells. The book A Witch's Grimoire encourages readers to create unique personalized journals that will last for generations to come.

Genres: Witchcraft, Wicca, Magic, Paganism, Magick, Witches

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2005

Reviews

[GEIST · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good book for the novice as well as a great reference guide for those that have been on the Wiccan path for a years.

'A Witch's Grimoire: Create Your Own Book of Shadows'
was one of my earliest books I picked up when I was first introduced to Witchcraft.
I have read but found to be more my cup of tea.
While both titles will tell you the basic of Witchcraft there seems to be a bit more detail in this book as well as things that, I felt, were left out in the 'Solitary Practitioner'

This title indeed wanted me to make my own book of shadows but I found if fruitless when all I was doing was copying everything directly from this book.
I still have my other books of magical use. Those that I use for spells, dreams and as well as tarot readings.

In short.
If I were to compact everything into my own single book of shadows I would be carrying around a book that weighs 8 pounds and is 5 inches thick (this of the book from Charm).

This book just really saved me the trouble of just copying everything into my own work.

Thank you, Judy

- GHOST

[Plateresca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a kind of a collection of concise articles on the main aspects of the craft. Most of this information is basic, but still, I've found enough interesting material which was new to me. I think it's a nice reference book to have.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would recommend this to the beginning solitary witch who’s not sure if a coven is for her and hasn’t started his or her’s first grimoire. Interestingly, or sort of not, my friend introduced me to the art of writing in books. My Virgo Venus at first was very afraid to write in the margins of books, how could I?! But I’ve really enjoyed writing and highlighting. If I ever re-read or lend out, I actually enjoy my commentary more than I thought I would. Anyway, this book’s worksheets amplified my love of ✨writing in books✨

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, a thank you to the author/publisher for making this a part of the Kindle Unlimited program! So good to see Pagan titles offered.
This is another decent offering from Ms. Nock. The information is solid, but it's all Wicca 101. I can appreciate her serious DIY skills. There is a chapter in here that will give you a tutorial on making your own book from scratch; cover, paper, binding, the works.
If you're a newcomer, I could recommend this, along with some other supplementary texts. At the very least she covers just about everything, though not in great depth! The journal prompts and meditation/contemplation exercises are a nice touch, and I like any approach that encourages readers to actually put the book down and practice, then reflect on the experience afterward. Plenty of ideas for practitioners.

[Rakia · Rating 5 out of 5]

im not quite done with this book yet, but im anxious to share my fellings about it.so far i have learned so much. this book has helped me awaken the inner witch ive been searching for my whole life but didnt quite know was there. judy really dose a great job of getting in depth with explaining the practice of withch craft and many other additional preactices relating.if all this is new to you, i highly recomend you to read this book and keep up with the journaling as it will imensly help you create your own grimoire :)

[Ely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for people new to the path but also for any who is looking to start a grimoire/BOS. My favorite thing about this book is that the author really encourages you to make everything your own. This book gives great general guidelines on how to start a book and more importantly how to make your craft and your work your own. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone seriously looking for a good book on how to get your grimoire and your own spirtitual practice off the ground.

[Aria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somewhat misleading title, as this is not necessarily for witch's per say, but is specifically directed toward new Wiccan's. If you don't know the difference it's as good a place to start as any, I suppose.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very specifically for those who practice Wicca.

[Tiffany Spencer]

A Witch’s Grimoire
This wasn’t what I thought it would be. I hoped that it would inspire and motivate me to write in my own grimoire more (which I’ve severely neglected due to just not wanting to write any more physically because of vision problems over the years. My sight isn’t what it used to be), I’ve had my grimoire for a while now. Mine is brown leather It has a Celtic-looking interwoven pattern around the edges of the cover Then there’s a square. Inside the square around the corners are what looks floral (best I can describe it). Also inside the square is a huge circle. Around the circle’s edges is a Greek-looking design. Outside this there are eight, gold, raised balls. The center is also gold and raised and has another kind of design on the inside of the big, gold, circle in the middle. I wish I could show you a picture. I’ve seen people put images in these reviews. I’ll have to see if I can figure out how.

Mine isn’t even half-filled. I have a terrible habit of getting interested in something and then something else comes along and ill *forget* that thing for a minute. My best friend use to have to encourage me and ask me “Have you written in your grimoire?” Then with the little push, I would try to write at least a little something if I was inspired that day. I think I was always jealous. My grimoire always felt so plain.

I was on Tumblr once and I saw a grimore that completely blew my mind. It was so well done and illustrated that I asked the lady whose it was would she even think of selling one. She seemed shocked that someone would even pay for it. I DEFINITELY WOULD HAVE! This grimoire was GORGOUS! It put mine to SHAME! So after that, I tried to search out grimoires that were already illustrated and to this day I haven’t found one. Oh I found some on Etsy but they cost an arm and a leg! Unfortunately, I haven’t made it yet. So until then I’m stuck with my plain little grimoire.

I won’t say this didn’t have a few things I could add to it. For example, it had the Wiccan Rede in it’s entirety. I’d never even read it in full. I only knew “If it harms none do what you will”. And the right times to pratice spells. But mostly it felt like stuff I’d already heard in so many beginner books for Wiccans. So it just felt like a guidebook. A lot of it I just couldn’t see myself writing in a personal grim.

Rating: 5 Repated information I’d read many times.

[Ithinkican2 Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

In short, I just adore this book. My affection for it is visceral and surprising. Perhaps it is because this was my first book about grimoires. However, that explanation is much too simple. In fact it is written with intelligence and strength, covering not only the bare necessities of developing your own grimoire but more importantly, why a practitioner would want to.

Judy Ann Nock beautifully explains how intent is everything in witchcraft and to obtain clear eyed focus on that intent it is important to use different methods, some which may seem archaic today, like scrying with a crystal ball. In all the years I’ve been in the Craft her section on this subject is one of the few and still the best I’ve seen.

She breaks down the book by areas such as Book of Memory, Book of Foundation, Book of Changes, Book of Visions, Book of Days, Book of Lore, Book of Transformation, Book of Light and Shadow and finally, Practical Applications. She even goes into Dream Interpretations as a means of development. The book is a delight to read and see how to use her suggestions in daily life and the interconnectedness of us all.

Strangely enough, this is a little tome, easily overlooked but packed with goodness! The cover is dark and looks old and worn , A bit cheap, perhaps because it is a paperback. The page leaves are deckled (rough cut, appearing torn) and makes it impossible to skim through by riffling the edge of the book. That, in my opinion is part of it’s charm. It naturally forces the reader to slow down and that is one of the major ways to become “present”, or intentional. Clever girl, that Judy is.

This is a little gem from which I’ve learns so much. As wierd as it sounds, this is in my top 5 books about witchcraft and one I still find myself coming back to continually over the years.

[Claudia Loureiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent for everyone just getting into the craft and slightly confused about how to begin their first Book of Shadows. Is a notebook okay? Does everything need to be made from hand? Count on this author to walk you through all the different ways of making a Book of Shadows of your very own, from the simple to the extravagant.
Even seasoned witches will enjoy the rustic look of the book and the fresh, engaging ideas it has to possibly start a new book, as many witches can go through several in their life.

[Kelley Midgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book on how to create your own book of shadows. Pretty much covers everything you will need or do. Some how-to's in each chapter and some how to write your own spells and ritual using different thing as well. Great book.

[Taylah Owens · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m sure it’s good if you firmly follow Wicca. A lot of selective information on topics that is said in often a VERY preachy tone that is so far from inclusionary it isn’t funny.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The information is very basic, but if you're feeling overwhelmed organizing or reorganizing your book it's nice to have a calm voice guide you and get you back on the path. I read the book once just before starting a new book, and when I found myself a little lost about what to work on next a reread helped me find direction again.

[Letitia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is not a how to, but rather encourages you to connect with the earth, the elements and the Goddess, to develop your own practises and traditions. must have for the solitary witch.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Had do much helpful information and have me insights and new things to study! I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in this kind of information