Proper format for a Book of Shadows

[Emerald Victorianna Rose]

I was just wondering I am new to this, and I am trying to take as many notes as I can to further my knowledge.  I was wondering if there is a proper format to making a book of shadows??? Like what do you start with first.... maybe this is a stupid question, but I would really like to know.... what should i study on first... and what goes in a book of shadows.

[Zenon]

I would recommend writing on a hardcover book or notebook....  No spiral bound or binders...  Just so you can keep everything you have and never lose it.  In my opinion all magical records should be like a magical memory of things...  if you keep it, then you will always be able to look back and remember.

It's just my opinion... You can make yours to be anything you want.  You can even have it in your computer.

[Emerald Victorianna Rose]

thank you, I think that is what I am gonna do, keep it in my computor...  it is the safest place for it right now...

[Brijrian]

Your BoS is very personal. You put it together how YOU want to.

I have a little one on my computer--I save articles/research/type my dreams/ect. But I also have a 3 ring binder for the rest--and I *have* to have a binder like that--otherwise I'd never find anything again! This way I can move it/add stuff to the relevant section as I write it, or as the "relevant section" invents itself!

No rush--it'll never be done! You'll be writing in it for your entire lifelong journey. That's part of the fun!

[Rowan CedarWolf]

I too have a three ring binder that I use, this way I can print them from the computer and put them in. I use dividers and have labeled them: Work book- This is where I put spells I have written, quarter calls, circle castings, concecration rites etc.
Esbats- This is where I put written copies of the esbat rituals I have used. and the moons what they are called their traits etc.
Sabbats- here I put information on the sabbats and the actual sabbat rituals I use.
Reference-here I put information on Gods & Goddesses, herbs, colors, days , hours, Tools stones etc.
Hope this helps. There may come a time when you wish to remove things from your BOS as well. I know there have been times where i have re vamped a ritual and I will remove the old one and replace it with the new, this is also why I use a three ring binder. As you grow so does your craft and sometimes as you grow things you have in your book no longer fit at least this is true for me.
Good luck in your journey

[Anonymous]

I think saving information on the computer is the best thing for a beginner.  It's very accessible (and legible!) and you don't waste time and paper writing out things that you may not need later on.

In my early days, I printed off pages upon pages about the Sabbats, moon phases, herb lore, etc.  But now they are second nature for me, and I don't need to keep that basic information as reference.  I always chuckle when I hear of newbies who want to spend hundreds of dollars on an elaborate book of shadows.  I ended up burning my first BOS and starting over.  I'm glad it was only a cheap binder!

Later on, when you're ready to make a more permanent book, you will know what information you need to record, and what you don't.  You'll probably discard the most basic information and stick with the unique insights and discoveries you've made on your own path-- the things that are really important to you.  The format of the book will develop naturally over time, mirroring your own path.  My book is nothing like what I had expected in the beginning, but it's perfect.  It's the tangible symbol and record of my spiritual journey, and it's very special to me.    

[Night_Raven]

Best thing I found, was to have a little notebook close at hand, to write down stuff like chants, spells, etc, that I hear, or just pop into my head, and then copy it into my main book, but also keeping a computer record too... if one goes wrong I can easily call up the next.
 
It sometimes takes a while, but I find it's worth doing.
 
Of course if you find you want to do something elaberate, be careful, I've heard of several peeps who've spent ages writing in very stylized text, then finding they can't read a single word(not a good thing).