There's been quite a number of videos on Book of Shadows, Magic, Spells, Grimoires, Picatrixes, and/or etc. but I am quite curious as to some ways others have customized their own. I'm currently just writing notes on what spells and information I find interesting and useful in terms of the Craft so when I do find a nice book to become my spell book I can pick and choose from my notes. I am also wondering how fancy people have made their own spell books. Should you separate these spellbooks into potions, crystal magic, and the like? Tips like that.
I also want to recommend a book for crafting your own book, and for those who made their own books if there's any tips for binding and the like. I am also wondering what are the pros and cons to making your own book from scratch magic wise and such.
Book Craft: Techniques for Binding, Folding, and Decorating to create books and more
By Heather Weston
Hi, Aurora Wind. I saw your post on grimoires. That is something so coveted by all. Well like you, even I keep jotting done anything I find interesting on my shawdow book or journal. I have made my grimoire but I have except for a few things not yet written down it cause even I want to have it organised in sections. For making my own, what I did was buy some papers in bundle, separate it in sections and got it bound in a binding shop. Also to make it personal I just drew a design of own and with the help of online videos of crafting you own handmade journal/ portfolio, i made its cover and tied it papers. As for sections the first and second I have divided into the basics and meaning of tools, ingredients, etc. Also it is important to get it blessed on one of the major sabbaths well that's what I did basically.So that's how I created my own and best of luck to you and hope this was helpful
In my opinion, grimoires simply aren't necessary in this day and age. It's easier to make a folder on your computer and fill it worth text documents containing your spells and experiences. They weren't even really a staple in modern magic until recently, with the exception of Iceland and the Danish countries.
That being said, I still keep one. Here's why.
Grimoires are very, very powerful symbols. There's something about holding a physical book, a compendium of your knowledge and experiences and skills, that makes you feel like if all else fails, you will be able to find the answer inside it. It's a magickal treasure chest full of all your past lessons and learning experiences and personal growth that you can flip through at any moment. Beyond the wonderful symbolism of it, a lot if practitioners also dislike having things like plastic and electronics in or near their circles. It's also more or less as organized as you might keep your computer, and people generally have less qualms about taking a book outside and setting it in the dirt or right next to a pool of spring water.
As far as making your own, I would encourage anybody considering making their own tools for the Craft to do so. It's a wonderful way to tie your own unique energy into them, and to add a special symbolism all on its own. It can be as ornate or simple as you want, but ne sure that whatever it is, it reflects you! Personally, my grimoire is nothing flashy, just a composition book I picked up at Walmart. I drew some personal symbols and sigils on the cover, and the first page lists my intent for the book and what I hope to get out of it. I don't feel the need to bond any particular energy or spirit to it, nor do I feel I should only open it in a circle or put an enchanted lock on it. I don't even keep it on an alter.
But the important part is that those are what I feel. It reflects who I am as a person and a pagan, and it ties me into my practice. Whatever you do, make sure you feel a comnection to your grimoire and tools!
