I get a lot of asks about how I started my notebook whenever I post pictures of it! I do have a background in scrapbooking/collage/art, which is reflected in my witchy notebook. I’ve been a self-identified practicing witch for about a year now, but many of the practices in my craft have been in my life for years.
Some people call them Book of Shadows, grimoire, or simply just a “witchy notebook.” Here are some tips that helped me when I was beginning my notebook. Lengthy post with pictures!
Notebook? Binder? E-grimoire?
There are lots of ways to keep all your witchy information together. You can keep your grimoire on the notes of your phone, documents on your laptop, Canva/other graphic design website, loose leaf papers or in a binder, or a regular bound notebook. Don’t place too much pressure on yourself! Whatever feels right is right.
Start with what you like (but stay open to what you don’t know!)
Your notebook won’t have the same authentic magic if you fill it with things that you don’t actually care about! While my first notebook contains some aspects of witchcraft that I don’t practice now, they were still important to me at the time. Your notebook is a visual representation of your journey, so don’t be afraid to fill it with your current obsession with crystals or a one specific tarot card.
These are some really great tags for exploring topics when you don’t know where to start!
a collage page of your witch aesthetic (or ideal aesthetic)
a wish list
your favorite crystals
a simple moon calendar (full/new moons of the year, month, or just information about the phases)
your favorite colors, seasons, places in nature etc
record information about the chakras/energy points in the body
list of your favorite witchy movies and tv shows
draw teacups and fill them with drawings of your favorite blends
drawings of your ideal familiars (animal companions)
A couple witchy things that you may not have heard about but are super cool to incorporate into your craft:
sigils (visual symbols charged with an intent)
incantations (short spells that sometimes rhyme)
Don’t knock Pinterest.
I personally like to have very organized and planned out pages. I’ve resorted to Pinterest *many* times to get graphic ideas for lunar calendars, zodiac wheels and other witchy things that require a lot of information in a condensed graphic. Pinterest has great inspiration for those special, planed out spreads.
Separate or keep it altogether.
Some people like to keep everything in one notebook/binder, others like to separate their topics or layouts into different notebooks. I started a bullet journal for more planned out pages, but my general notebook is a leuchtturm1917 with dotted grids where I have reference pages and personal entries.
Here are some pages of my notebook that I’m especially proud of.
Ultimately, your notebook is a reflection of YOU. It doesn’t have to be super witchy, covered in cobwebs with etched pentagrams. It can be a simple composition notebook or a super frilly lace journal. Be true to yourself and your notebook will never lead you astray. Best of luck and feel free to message me!
may the bridges I burn light the way 