“The story ends up being a journey of self-discovery.” –Elijah Wood
Magic, like anything in life, is a journey. When you are on a journey, much like when you are reading a good book, you can get swept up and lost in the tale and even when you end the adventure a changed person and so much better for the experience… What was the name of the fortune teller on page 224 who never appeared again after that scene but CAPTURED your interest for three mystical pages?? What was Samantha’s favorite flower, revealed only in a brief flashback, before her heart was forever cursed?
You might remember the general events, but it is unlikely you’ll remember every detail. Even when you ‘remember’ every detail, it’s possible you may misremember or forget overtime. Unless you read the same book over and over again.
By keeping a Book of Shadows or other journal for your magical adventure you will be able to capture more of these little details, and enhance your healing and growth in the process, and be able to revisit that story whenever you want to clarify a feeling or memory from the past.
Even if it is not related to witchcraft, journaling can be incredibly powerful. It is very freeing for the mind to take whatever troubles may be clouding it and express them on paper, equally so it can be so uplifting to be able to relive that time the alt girl called you pretty and you melted into a puddle vividly. Being able to revisit your thoughts and feelings from that time can help transport you back to the moment, and there is so much magic in this simple practice of journaling.
For magic specifically, it can be beneficial to record your experiments with magic; What reagents you used, what processed was followed, what intent was set and what result you received. If you’re a card reader, aspiring or seasoned, keep a dedicated notebook for your favorite deck(s), or record significant events or readings you may encounter to help your brain pick up on potential patterns the divine is sending your way to help!
Remember that your Book of Shadows is YOUR book of magical secrets, you decide what goes in, you decide who (if anyone) gets to share in your knowledge, and you are the only person who truly knows the story the pages will tell.
Reflection
If you’re still unsure where you’d like to go from here, or if you’d like to ease into keeping a book of shadows with some reflection exercises, here are four daily prompts you can use to quickly record your magical thoughts and feelings at set points each day as a guide to get started. Some of these I still use, others are ones I’ve previously used.
Keep a pocket journal or notepad on your phone handy and take a few minutes to reflect on any of these prompts. You can reflect only one or all four, you can do two on week days and three on weekends, swap the time slots, set your own questions. Whatever works for you:
Morning Reflection: What will I manifest today, How will I manifest it?
Samples: I will manifest happiness by sharing three compliments.
Today I am going to manifest the most incredible experience, my heart is already buzzing, the energy is undeniable, I can’t believe the day is here! I’m glad I already know she’ll be saying yes.
Lunch Time Reflection: How is my aura feeling (Alt: what color do you see), and how should I treat it (Alt: What color do you want to see)?
Samples: I’m feeling weighed down from all the negativity, I should take a walk to lift my spirit.
My aura is positively BUZZING with excess energy, it’s like there is a swarm of honey bees tickling and boosting my soul! I will be sure to not only enjoy the moment fully, but also show my gratitude for the experience.
Evening Reflection: What is something I’m proud of today. Alt: What are three things good I did today and/or how do I feel about these things?
Samples: I did all of my chores today. I’m proud of me.
Today I helped Ricky get his car going again, I love that guy… It was something simple again, I probably could have talked him through it on the phone like usual, but I’m glad I took the time to go see him, I think we both needed it.
Bedtime Reflection: Anything that is on your mind before bed. Whether magical or not, writing out whatever is on your mind can be so therapeutic and help you fall asleep faster. Things you need to get at the grocery store, that priority task waiting for you tomorrow morning, that really hurtful thing someone said. Whatever it is, put it down and forget it. If there is nothing weighing you down, perhaps simply reflect on that gratitude.
When you feel the call, take some time to revisit what you have recorded. Even if you never revisit it, you will grow and heal so much faster by taking some time to honestly reflect on your story.
Z's Grimoire 