In today’s world, witchcraft has evolved into a mindful practice woven into everyday life. From your morning rituals to the intentions you whisper before sleep, modern witchcraft centers around one’s thoughts, actions, and the external forces that impact them. One of the most empowering tools for a witch to embrace is the timeless tradition of journaling. Keeping a sacred documentation of your daily existence, learnings, and the energies that surround you can be a powerful way to strengthen your inner power and manifest your intentions.
Your journal may not resemble the imposing spellbooks referenced in pop-culture (or perhaps it will?) But by drawing upon shared witchcraft traditions passed down through, maintaining these four types of journals can maintain order and clarity throughout your journey.
1. Book of Shadows (BoS)
Your personal magical diary
A Book of Shadows is the most well-known type of witch’s journal. Historically, a Book of Shadows has been passed down through coven lines, helping to preserve and build upon the knowledge of generations. Consider yourself blessed if you’re part of a coven that continues this tradition!
In today’s witchcraft world, it is more common for witches create their own Book of Shadows as a deeply personal record of their practice. It’s where spells are documented, rituals are reflected upon, and magical mishaps are turned into lessons for the future. If you are looking to start your own Book of Shadows, here are some ideas on what you might want to include within.
- Spell recipes (what worked, what didn’t). Be precise about ingredients, process, and intentions to help improve future iterations.
- Notes from rituals or Sabbats
- Dream logs – consider keeping your BoS close to your bedside to document powerful dreams as soon as you wake.
- Personal chants or invocations for preservation.
- Notes on people, places, or objects which had a profound impact on your energy (both positive and negative).
A Book of Shadows is not about perfection. It is a living documentation of your truth that evolves and grows over time. It’s your magical fingerprint to keep close to your heart or consider passing down to future generations.
2. Grimoire
Your magical reference manual
While a Book of Shadows is more like a personal journal, a Grimoire is structured, neat, and meant to be referenced. Think of it as your magical encyclopedia. While separate from your Book of Shadows, your Grimoire is meant to organize many of the specific learnings that may come from your Book of Shadows. In that regard, a Grimoire and Book of Shadows work hand in hand to power your magical journey.
What to include:
- Crystal, herb, and color correspondences
- Planetary hour guides
- Protection symbols and sigils
- Standardized rituals (for full moons, cleansings, etc.)
- Divination systems or spreads
This is the one should you definitely consider passing down. It preserves the magical knowledge without getting too personal.
3. Moon Journal
Embrace the rhythm of the moon
Witchcraft and the moon are long-time lovers, and a moon journal is a beautiful way to tune into lunar cycles. Moon phases in witchcraft have long been associated with energies that can work for or against your magical endeavors. The moon’s energy can also have a significant impact on your mind – tuning your thoughts and feelings towards certain actions. Whether you’re tracking emotional patterns or setting intentions, aligning with the moon can bring surprising clarity.
What to include:
- New moon intentions
- Full moon release lists
- Mood tracking by moon phase
- Astrological transits and how they affect you
- Reflections on how each cycle felt
It’s ideal for witches who love rhythm, pattern, and introspection.
4. Herbal or Crafting Journal
For potion-makers, kitchen witches, and green thumbs
If you find yourself talking to your basil plant or measuring cinnamon with your intuition, this one’s for you. A crafting or herbal journal helps witches document the earthy, hands-on aspects of magic.
What to include:
- Recipes for teas, tinctures, oils, and brews
- Notes on herbal properties (physical and magical)
- Foraging notes
- Candle and incense making instructions
- Gardening logs for magical herbs
It’s both practical and mystical—a place where your inner alchemist shines. However, you may decide to incorporate this information into your Grimoire for reference instead of keeping a separate journal. Consider it your personal preference!
Closing Thoughts
You don’t have to keep all four journals (though we wouldn’t blame you if you did). Some witches prefer to combine everything into one big tome, while others love the clarity of keeping separate volumes. However you approach it, journaling is one of the most powerful ways to honor your magical growth, leaving a breadcrumb trail to the witch your becoming and to future generations of witches.
