| Keeping one's own spell book, more commonly | | | | don't have to dig out a number of different books |
| known as a Book of Shadows, is a common | | | | to gain access to the spells you need at any |
| practice in Wicca. It is not hard to see why, as it | | | | given time. |
| can be very helpful to keep a Book of Shadows. | | | | Some of the spell books I like are Aoumiel's |
| It is a way to keep all of your spells, rituals, and | | | | Green Witchcraft, The Mysteries of Isis by |
| magical experiences together in one place, which | | | | DeTraci Regula, and The Druid Animal Oracle. |
| makes for efficient and therefore effective spell | | | | These books are appropriate for the beginning |
| casting. | | | | witch as well as the witch who has been |
| Keeping a Book of Shadows is an opportunity to | | | | practicing for a while. |
| let your creative side come out, as well. Illustrate | | | | Aoumiel's Green Witchcraft focuses on nature and |
| the pages, use different colored inks, and include | | | | herb magic, and can give you some ideas for |
| pictures. Write the whole thing in calligraphy if you | | | | starting an herb garden. She also explains how she |
| like, or use black paper with silver ink! Remember, | | | | found her Craft Name, which is a very important |
| your Book of Shadows is your personal, private | | | | part of anyone's initial "step" into the world of |
| habitat, so don't let anything stop you from | | | | Magick. She is a witch that comes from a family |
| transforming it in the way that feels best to you. | | | | tradition, and brings that experience to her |
| A Book of Shadows is all well and good, but | | | | discussions of nature magic. Her book is also |
| where does the new witch begin learning spells | | | | written for the solitary practioner, but a witch |
| and ritual? Well, there are plenty of spell books | | | | that practices as part of a group can still glean |
| out there to purchase. I recommend reading | | | | some useful wisdom from Amiouel's writings. |
| everything you can get your grubby paws on, | | | | So, as you can see, there are so many different |
| and then writing down the spells and rituals that | | | | kinds of spell books that you can use to get new |
| work best for you in your own Book of Shadows. | | | | spells, and record the results of successfull spells |
| Also write down the spells and rituals you've | | | | that you cast. There are many uses for spell |
| modified, and the results of those modifications. | | | | books, and I'd recommend even writing one of |
| This way you have everything you need close to | | | | your own based on your experiences in the craft. |
| hand and in one book, which makes it so you | | | | |