what should i include in my book of shadows?

[licorice whip]

im starting to put a working book of shadows together, and would like to divide things into sections, so its nice and organized.

which sections do you recommend? the sections ive tentatively decided on are:

1. symbols, glossary, basic info
2. techniques --> what i mean by that is specific techniques, like annointing candles, or grounding
3. divination
4. cooking/crafty --> like how to make bath salts, etc.
5. spells & rituals
6. wheel of the year, sabbats, esbats
7. correspondences/catalysts
8. books/websites/resources

any other stuff you suggest?

[Flar's Freyja]

Do you plan to include a section where you can document the spells or rituals you actually work and their results?

I'll bump up the thread on BOS's in the Magick and Ritual forum so you can get information in addition to what you get here. I bought a lot of books my first year or two, and generally leave the spells, rituals and how-to's in them and refer to them for reference. I'm not organized enough to be moving stuff around :) My personal BOS includes only the spells and rituals that I have written or used myself and their results. I also make oils and record my recipes in my BOS. I do have a section in the front that includes the Rede, the Thirteen Goals of a Witch and the Charges of the Goddess and God. I add other chants and prayers that I may come across and really like. I also include a book blessing inside the front cover.

I think you've got a pretty comprehensive list there.

[Pan]

Yes, nice list! Yes.. visit M&R! Great stuff there!

Good luck!

*high on espresso.. a full carafe of it*

[st0rm]

herb section.... Thats one of the most important ones :D

[Witchy Cowgirl]

Originally posted by Freyja
I do have a section in the front that includes the Rede, the Thirteen Goals of a Witch and the Charges of the Goddess and God. I add other chants and prayers that I may come across and really like. I also include a book blessing inside the front cover.

Freyja, I've got those in the front of mine too! That's in the "general" section. I need to work on my BOS some. Since I've been learning Tarot I havent' had much time to spend on my BOS. I started a seperate journal for Tarot.

Licorice Whip you've got a pretty good list going there. Like Storm said I have herb section as well. And a section on stones. You'll find more sections you'll wanna add as you go along.

Blessings to You!

[McKennaRain]

Here's the list of my sections

Theory
Definitions
Letter, Numbers & Cards
Colours & Candles
Herbs
Herbal Remedies & Recipes
Love & Beauty
Elements
Dreams & Astral
Mystical Creatures
Divination
Chakras
Protection & Purification
Meditation
Anger & Depression
Invokations & Prayers
Runes
Healing
Oil & Incense
Stones & Crystals
Wheel of the Year & Sabbats
Animals
Dieties
Luck & Money
Black Magick (I don't have much and I don't practice it....but it's always good to know a little)

Hope this gives you some ideas
Michelle