What's the difference between a Grimoire and a Book of Shadows? What is a Book of Names? A Manifestation Journal? Shadow Work Journal?
Don't worry. I've got you covered. Here's all you need to know.
I am an avid lover of hardcover books. I love the way they look, feel, and even smell. So it's no wonder that I have a journal for everything. But you may not feel the same way that I do and that's okay, especially if you're still in the closet and don't feel safe having a hard copy of your spellwork. It's perfectly fine to have all of these books in the digital space. (Heck, tech witches prefer it that way!) As always, do what feels right for you.
Grimoire
The term Grimoire originates from the French word ‘Grammaire’ meaning a book that’s written in Latin. However, in the 18th century the term Grimoire started to be used to refer to historical books of magic. A grimoire is a book full of recipes, incantations, and spells, similar to a textbook. This is where a witch keeps all their magical information and knowledge to share with others.
Book of Shadows
The term Book of Shadows was coined by Gerald Gardener of the Wiccan faith around 1949. It is a cross between a grimoire and a diary. Within a BoS, a witch compiles all of their spells as well as a journal of their experiments, personal growth, and dreams. It is very private and you may not wish to share it with others.
Book of Names
This is a book often placed upon an ancestor's altar. It is full of names and dates of your family line, as well as any fond memories or stories related to each entry. It is a way to bond with your ancestral line while insuring they are never forgotten. Some families pass this book down from generation to generation.
Manifestation Journal
A manifestation journal is just what it sounds like. It's a journal where you can write down what you are currently manifesting and how you are working on making those dreams a reality. This is often a very private journal. I tend to keep mine in my bedside drawer so I can work on it as soon as I wake up each morning. My day always starts off on the right foot when I have my dreams in the forefront of my mind.
Shadow Work Journal
This, in my opinion, is the most private of all the magical books but is the most important. Your shadow self is the darkest side of yourself, but still a part of you. It is your fears, your vices, your shame. Only by recognizing and embracing our shadow side can we grow and become whole. A shadow work journal is where you ask yourself deep and often painful questions to get to know yourself. This journal is even deeper than an average diary and should be treated with great care and privacy.
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