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Wicca Books
Wicca Book of Shadows: A Beginner’s Guide to Keeping Your Own Book of Shadows and the History of Grimoires
Everything You Need to Know to Create Your Own Wiccan Book of Shadows Wicca is a unique religion in so many ways, not least of which is the absence of a central holy text or scripture to follow. There are guidelines, such as the Threefold Law and the importance of respecting other people’s free will, but there are no detailed rules about how to live one’s life as there are in other faiths. There’s no single “divine source” commanding its followers, nor is there a hierarchy of religious leaders who all adhere to the same doctrine. In short, Wicca doesn’t tell you exactly what you must think, believe, or do. Nonetheless, there is an endless wealth of information that is integral to the practice of Wicca and Witchcraft—traditional myths, ritual protocols, incantations, magical lore, spells, correspondences, divination systems, and much more. And while the explosion of books and other resources related to Wicca has certainly made much of this information available, there’s still no one book that could ever contain all there is to know. So it falls upon practitioners themselves to discover and collect information as they see fit. This is where the Book of Shadows comes in. The Book of Shadows is where the real “hands-on” quality of Wicca can really blossom, as practitioners navigate their own paths to learning and growing spiritually. It’s both a record of your own personal spiritual journey and an encyclopedia unlike any other. As you build and develop it, it will have everything you need to perform rituals, cast spells, engage in divination, work for healing, use herbs and crystals properly, etc. In fact, a Book of Shadows is probably the most key piece of reference material a Wiccan can possess! What’s more, the Book of Shadows serves as a log of all of your activities, where you can record new spiritual and magical discoveries, noting ideas that resonate with you and magical techniques that have been particularly helpful. It’s also a place to express your artistic side through any creative writing or illustrations that you wish to include in its charmed pages. Most importantly, it is your very own holy text, reflecting your beliefs, inspirations, and anything else you feel is important to reinforce for yourself as you deepen your Wiccan practice. The DIY Approach to Spiritual Discovery Many who are new to Wicca shy away from the process of creating their own personal grimoire (a centuries-old term for what we know in the Wiccan tradition as a Book of Shadows). It can be easy to feel that you don’t yet know enough to be taking on such a giant project. But, as you will learn in best-selling author Lisa Chamberlain’s Wicca Book of Shadows, the point is simply to begin with what you know, and add to it as you go! Doing so will add a magical dimension to your practice that no spell or ritual ever could. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about creating and keeping your own Book of Shadows, which will grow with you as you progress along your spiritual The evolution of the Wiccan Book of Shadows—a modern twist on the ancient tradition of magical grimoires Practical uses for a personal Book of Shadows and typical content found within it Advice and inspiration for creating your own Book of Shadows, with tips for choosing your materials, organizing your information, and putting your creative touches on every page How to keep your Book of Shadows hidden away from prying eyes Options for the 21st
74 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2015
398 people are currently reading
550 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Chamberlain
80 books275 followersLisa dispels all the common misconceptions about this diverse religion, giving her readers the perfect foundations for taking their first steps on their Wiccan journey.
Unlike other Wicca guides, Lisa's books provide information that's found across many Wiccan traditions, rather than coming from just one person's perspective. In fact, she writes the kinds of books she wishes had been available when she was just starting out in the Craft all those years ago.
When not writing or experimenting with spellwork, Lisa loves to read, play piano, and spend time surrounded by nature.
Unlike other Wicca guides, Lisa's books provide information that's found across many Wiccan traditions, rather than coming from just one person's perspective. In fact, she writes the kinds of books she wishes had been available when she was just starting out in the Craft all those years ago.
When not writing or experimenting with spellwork, Lisa loves to read, play piano, and spend time surrounded by nature.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 14, 2016
This book eliminates the mystery of the Book of Shadows with a clear reporting of its evolution and the various reasons as to why it has been/can be shrouded in secrecy. The inclusion of a multitude of suggestions for creating one's own Book of Shadows further reduces its mystery and demonstrates why it should be made and treated with forethought and care: it is a personal diary of one (or more people's), spiritual and magical journey. At times the plethora of options seems a bit overdone, but by giving such detail, it shows that a Book of Shadows has value beyond emotional journaling, is more than a collection of recipes, prayers, or spells - it is a written history of one's own evolution and as such, deserves special attention. This beginners guide gives the novice permission to be creative and to value her/his creation.
On a more personal note...I can not help but wonder that if magic had not been denigrated many, many years ago, if a 'Book of Shadows' might be a common item in every household today.
On a more personal note...I can not help but wonder that if magic had not been denigrated many, many years ago, if a 'Book of Shadows' might be a common item in every household today.
August 6, 2017
A beautiful book, excellent information...
Ms. Lisa Chamberlain gives her readers lots of excellent information along with plenty of choices and options for writing ones own Book of Shadows. This is a great book for a new practitioners, and she also gives ideas that many of us advanced practitioners could possibly find interesting and informative. Especially the section on "21st century Book of Shadows." I highly recommended this book and author to all Wiccans and Pagans whether if you are a beginner or advanced practitioners solitary or coven.This will either teach you how to begin or give you possibly some great new ideas. Happy writing everyone. Blessed BE 🌛🌝🌜
Ms. Lisa Chamberlain gives her readers lots of excellent information along with plenty of choices and options for writing ones own Book of Shadows. This is a great book for a new practitioners, and she also gives ideas that many of us advanced practitioners could possibly find interesting and informative. Especially the section on "21st century Book of Shadows." I highly recommended this book and author to all Wiccans and Pagans whether if you are a beginner or advanced practitioners solitary or coven.This will either teach you how to begin or give you possibly some great new ideas. Happy writing everyone. Blessed BE 🌛🌝🌜
February 10, 2016
Great Little Guide
This is a great quick place to start learning about Grimoires/Book of Shadows. If you are interested in creating your own from scratch I recommend Creative Your Own Grimoire. It's also a very enlightening read and takes you through the book making process in more detail. If you want to design your own but have someone put it together for you to write in there are some good websites, but be warned it can get expensive to design these!
This is a great quick place to start learning about Grimoires/Book of Shadows. If you are interested in creating your own from scratch I recommend Creative Your Own Grimoire. It's also a very enlightening read and takes you through the book making process in more detail. If you want to design your own but have someone put it together for you to write in there are some good websites, but be warned it can get expensive to design these!
October 16, 2019
It was good but I actually expected more information...perhaps traditional sections, intros, etc. I read the entire book in about an hour. I liked how easy it was to read but was left wanting.q
May 21, 2019
I think that Lisa Chamberlin beginner's guides are excellent resources for people new to the craft who are looking for information. As a experienced practitioner I often read books like this so I can know what to recommended when asked.
The main things I liked about this book was it gave a lot of examples on how to keep a Book of Shadows without going into the over the top mysticism that often accompanies these kind of books. Back in the days when I was beginner and was learning there was as many books and we had to depend a lot on word of mouth. I remember being taught that a Book of Shadows had to be written on a specific kind of parchment, with special ink and a quill pen and bound in leather. I never did one back then because I could not afford that and I have terrible handwriting.
Now a days as Lisa Chamberlin points out you can make your Book of Shadows out of anything that works for you even a digital one.
So I do recommend this book for anyone interested in learning about Book of Shadows.
The main things I liked about this book was it gave a lot of examples on how to keep a Book of Shadows without going into the over the top mysticism that often accompanies these kind of books. Back in the days when I was beginner and was learning there was as many books and we had to depend a lot on word of mouth. I remember being taught that a Book of Shadows had to be written on a specific kind of parchment, with special ink and a quill pen and bound in leather. I never did one back then because I could not afford that and I have terrible handwriting.
Now a days as Lisa Chamberlin points out you can make your Book of Shadows out of anything that works for you even a digital one.
So I do recommend this book for anyone interested in learning about Book of Shadows.
August 24, 2019
It was a good basic overview
This book gives you a good overview of what it is and what it's for. It's nice that the author talks about different methods of keeping a book of Shadows. The little bit of history was interesting. However, I took off a star for the condescending tone over people who use computers instead of writing it by hand. She failed to take into consideration this is not necessarily a decision some people want, but have no choice due to health issues. I had carpal tunnel syndrome at a young age and arthritis by thirty. It's excruciating to write much these days. If I'm going to keep one, I have to use my computer. For others, computers and other electronic devices are the only way to hide it. Not everyone gets the luxury of being out of the broom closet. While the craft might be constitutionally protected in the United States, it doesn't mean people are open minded. Even the most so called open minded people look at you funny or step back if you say you're a witch.
This book gives you a good overview of what it is and what it's for. It's nice that the author talks about different methods of keeping a book of Shadows. The little bit of history was interesting. However, I took off a star for the condescending tone over people who use computers instead of writing it by hand. She failed to take into consideration this is not necessarily a decision some people want, but have no choice due to health issues. I had carpal tunnel syndrome at a young age and arthritis by thirty. It's excruciating to write much these days. If I'm going to keep one, I have to use my computer. For others, computers and other electronic devices are the only way to hide it. Not everyone gets the luxury of being out of the broom closet. While the craft might be constitutionally protected in the United States, it doesn't mean people are open minded. Even the most so called open minded people look at you funny or step back if you say you're a witch.
January 14, 2023
Book of Shadows review
The setup and layout of the book is good in a sense it makes it easy for a beginner to follow along and get an idea of what a Book of Shadows is and why we use them. I enjoyed the different ways she outlined in her book of making a Book of Shadows, there isn't much depth to the topics but she touches the surface of the many different ideas one could implement.
The setup and layout of the book is good in a sense it makes it easy for a beginner to follow along and get an idea of what a Book of Shadows is and why we use them. I enjoyed the different ways she outlined in her book of making a Book of Shadows, there isn't much depth to the topics but she touches the surface of the many different ideas one could implement.
August 2, 2020
Insightful
As an aspiring Wiccan path follower, I found this book very insightful. Lisa's books are inspiring most of my work currently, and I've read several. Her books are definitely a useful reference for just about anything you want to know. If the specific thing isn't in the books, I still feel like the author points the reader in the right direction to find the answers.
As an aspiring Wiccan path follower, I found this book very insightful. Lisa's books are inspiring most of my work currently, and I've read several. Her books are definitely a useful reference for just about anything you want to know. If the specific thing isn't in the books, I still feel like the author points the reader in the right direction to find the answers.
January 15, 2021
This is a short book. I liked the information about the magical alphabets. I had never seen these mentioned. But otherwise, I feel as though most of the information in this book you can glean from a Google search. I guess if you're an absolute newbie, it might be more helpful. I'm still a beginner when it comes to my magical studies, but I didn't learn anything new from this book.
October 25, 2021
A great little book
This short book is a great source of information about starting a Book of Shadows. The information is clear, easy to read and understand and covers everything you need to know. Useful either for a complete beginner or someone going back to Wicca, I'd definitely recommend reading this at the beginning of your journey.
This short book is a great source of information about starting a Book of Shadows. The information is clear, easy to read and understand and covers everything you need to know. Useful either for a complete beginner or someone going back to Wicca, I'd definitely recommend reading this at the beginning of your journey.
July 27, 2025
A short and informative introduction how to write and design your own Book of Shadows. Several alternatives (book, digital, app) are discussed so that you can find the perfect option for what works best for you and your needs. A good read but there was nothing new in the book for me, it is as the title suggests "a beginner´s guide".
March 28, 2019
Very quick read.
Not a lot of information but a quick start guide. I believe it should have included a general list on what people may use these for or choose to include. Easy reading and good recommended reading at end.
Not a lot of information but a quick start guide. I believe it should have included a general list on what people may use these for or choose to include. Easy reading and good recommended reading at end.
August 4, 2019
This was a great guide as I'm researching Wicca for a book I'm writing. Lisa Chamberlain does an excellent job at breaking down concepts and explaining them clearly. I do wish there were specific recommendations, websites, or other resources given.
April 30, 2020
As with all of Lisa's books ice read so far, this is great for beginners. It gives advice on creating a book both on paper, and on a computer, as well as a brief history of where the Book of Shadows comes from. An enjoyable, and quite short, read.
May 1, 2020
Great book for ideas on making my BOS.
Thank you Lisa on a great book. It gave me so many ideas on creating my bos. I can’t wait to begin this long time project. I enjoyed reading your book, I just wished it was longer. Thank you again Lisa. <3
Thank you Lisa on a great book. It gave me so many ideas on creating my bos. I can’t wait to begin this long time project. I enjoyed reading your book, I just wished it was longer. Thank you again Lisa. <3
December 27, 2024
Guide you into your magic
Great beginner book that goes just over the basic of having your own BOS or Grimoire. If you want to get started and don't know where to start this is the book for you.
Great beginner book that goes just over the basic of having your own BOS or Grimoire. If you want to get started and don't know where to start this is the book for you.
December 31, 2017
Awesome
😍😍 this helped me a lot. Thank you very much for the inspiration to start my own book of shadows
😍😍 this helped me a lot. Thank you very much for the inspiration to start my own book of shadows
February 22, 2018
Thank You!
I just started getting into the Wiccan religion, after being Christian for years, and this book gave me a great understanding on what a Book of Shadows really is.
I just started getting into the Wiccan religion, after being Christian for years, and this book gave me a great understanding on what a Book of Shadows really is.
March 6, 2018
Good for a beginner
I enjoyed reading this book very much as it was very informative to me. Now to start my own book.
I enjoyed reading this book very much as it was very informative to me. Now to start my own book.
November 24, 2018
Great book
Great book on how to start and make your own book.
kudos to the author for making it simple and easy to read and make.
Great book on how to start and make your own book.
kudos to the author for making it simple and easy to read and make.
June 20, 2019
This is an exciting book ❤️
October 6, 2019
Great
Easy read not to complex and easy to understand and follow enjoyed learning about the book of shadows can't wait to read up about more
Easy read not to complex and easy to understand and follow enjoyed learning about the book of shadows can't wait to read up about more
January 27, 2020
This is a good start to learn about starting your book of shadows. Great book for beginners.
April 23, 2020
Very good book .
This book was full of a wealth of information, I found it interesting, enjoyable and inspirational. I would recommend this book to read.
This book was full of a wealth of information, I found it interesting, enjoyable and inspirational. I would recommend this book to read.
May 12, 2020
Book of Shadows
A simple easy to read book which covers the history and present day use age of the book
Look forward to reading the next one
A simple easy to read book which covers the history and present day use age of the book
Look forward to reading the next one
January 4, 2021
Love this book
January 7, 2021
Informative
Simple book to read yet i found it very informative. Great book for getting started on your very own book of shadows.
Simple book to read yet i found it very informative. Great book for getting started on your very own book of shadows.
July 31, 2021
I keep this book on hand as it has great information that is readily available
October 2, 2021
Another great fast read, one of your a beginner. You are provided with great ideas to start. Also another great book to read if you want to understand.
December 29, 2021
Very quick book introducing you to the book of shadows. You get some history and advice on starting your own. Good guide.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews