Does it call for certain recommendations you have to be professional wizard to make one, or can you just create one using your own spells and potion remedies.
The specific term used now a days is "Book of Shadows" which was called such because it was kept hidden, or "in the shadows". It is a witch's personal record of their magical practice , spells and how they've worked, if a spell failed it might be recorded and worked on over time then when a breakthrough is made you might write that down to keep it up to date, you might include information on herbs you commonly use , etc. Think of it is "What do you want to remember as a witch say 10 years later". They can be of various types such as physical , or how I do it: Digital, now it's important to find how you want it to be. I use digital because I like that I can edit it without needing any physical items, ie: more paper, erasers, etc. and for me I find digital to look more neat. It also ensures I'll always have access to it and won't end up misplacing it.
I'm not sure what you mean by recommendations, I did place protection and cloaking spells (my personal term) so it would always be safe, I did consecrate mine by I did make this book a long time ago then transferred it to a google doc then placed more protections and cloaking spellings, etc.
Re: Creating a spell book By: Lark Moderator / Adept
Post # 3 Jun 18, 2023
Just to clarify a bit. Although many magic users call their spell books a "Book of Shadows" that is actually a Wiccan term introduced by Gerald Gardner in the 1940's. So if you're not Wiccan you aren't bound to calling it a Book of Shadows.
Traditionally, many magic users referred to their spell books as "Grimoires". But you can call you own spell book whatever you wish as it is your personal collection.
Anyone can make up a book or a digital site in which to store their spells, rituals, etc. Many also include things such as magical correspondences, herb lore, moon phases, astrological correspondences, or whatever they want to easily reference. Again, it is your personal book, so you can put into it whatever you wish.
Dear Lark, do you know where the term Grimoire came from? My own research throughout the years told me that a Grimoire can also refer to a "pre-made" book of spells , such as the idea of a family's spell book that has been passed down could be called "the [family name] family Grimoire. But I could never find anything that matched via a cross reference about where the word came from. Could be my own fault but if you know can you please tell me?
Re: Creating a spell book By: Lark Moderator / Adept
Post # 6 Jun 18, 2023
Looks like it traces back to the 14th century as meaning a book of spells. The term is still used in Ceremonial Magic and ceremonial magicians do not in general tie into a family practice as do some traditional Witches.
https://www.etymonline.com/word/grimoire
Books, such as these, would have been considered to be grimoires
