I started my first Book of Shadows when I was 15 and it was a true labour of love. I made my own paper, collaged, painted, and sketched. I used it to record my practice, the rituals I performed, and the spells I wrote.

It wasn’t close to perfect, but it was 100% me. I still have it 20 years later and treasure it.

That said, my current Book of Shadows looks very different, it’s all electronic. Modern witches are often busy witches, juggling career, family, and much more. While I’d love to have an Instagram-worthy Book of Shadows, it’s unrealistic for me. I don’t have the free time my 15 year old self did.

That doesn’t mean my Book of Shadows is any less special, it just requires a different approach. These tips will help.

1. Do What You Can

Each month is different. If one month you only add something small, so be it. You’ll add more other months. Lots of little small steps will turn into something truly magical over time.

2. Let Go Of Perfection

If you have a tendency towards perfectionism, remind yourself that done is better than perfect. You Book of Shadows is meant to show your growth. Allow it to be messy and a true reflection of the different phases of your life.

It doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to be authentic.

You can always have a working copy that allows you to record on the fly and then a more formal copy that has more care put into the presentation when you have time.

3. Make It Feel Special

Give yourself permission to unleash your Inner Crafty Witch and go nuts decorating, drawing, or doing whatever else takes your fancy. Just don’t forget the first two tips 🙂

4. Make It Part of Your Practice

Try making recording your rituals part of your practice. When done before, it can help you get focused and present before starting. When done after, it will allow you to take a moment to sink back into real life.

5. Find A Way To Organize That Works For You

Some of us are naturally born organizers (hello Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn). Even without those innate skills, I’d recommend finding a way to organize your Book of Shadows that works for you.

I personally use a contents page and do everything chronologically. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a ritual, spell, recipe, or whatever. After I’ve created it I update my contents page.

Other ways you could try are sorting by themes, using colour-coded sections, sticky tabs, or even separate books.

A good system can really help with perfection paralysis.

6. Include whatever YOU want

If you’re still not sure what to include in your Book of Shadows, ask yourself:

• What are your intentions and desires for your magical practice?
• What sort of psychic healing do you need right now?
• What new rites or rituals are you yearning to learn?
• What are the key tools you’re using?
• What’s the best way to keep track of the resources you’re using?

7. Use Cheat Sheets And Other Done-For-You Resources

You don’t have to do everything yourself. There is a wealth of amazing resources on Esty and Pinterest. You can buy beautiful pages for ready-made correspondence charts, spells, journals and much more.

One resource I’ve put together a free guide The Modern Witch’s Book of Shadows Quick Reference Guide that includes 50 ideas to help you build your own as well as 8 bonus Workbooks for celebrating the Sabbats.