Journaling

One way to reduce stress is to get your feelings out on paper, which is why journaling is often recommended. When you think of journaling, an image of sitting somewhere quietly with a notebook in front of you and a pen in hand probably comes to mind, but journaling can be more than staring at a blank page and trying to dredge up every last heartfelt emotion and memory tied to your experiences. Journaling, while typically something written out in detail, can be as simple as jotting thoughts and feelings on a sticky note. It can be enough to write, "I'm stressed, or I'm so pisssed about...!" or I'm afraid that..." to refer back to later. It can (and should) be done in a way that matches your unique personality.

 

The following information will help you identify the type of journal you'd like to create. Why is this important? Because starting one kind of journal and then deciding halfway through that you should have planned differently will cost you a lot of extra time and energy in the transfer.

 

There are as many intriguing ways to keep a journal as there are reasons to create one, so I'm addressing journaling from five different perspectives and disciplines: a Book of Shadows, a grimoire, a journal, a diary, and a scrapbook. Each of these denotes a particular style and purpose, depending on whether you're recording memories, thoughts and feelings, prayers, photographs, artwork, natural remedies, rituals, or a whole belief system.

 

I'll begin with the most elaborate of journals, the Book of Shadows.

 

 

A Book of Shadows

 

According to Wiccan philosophy, the Book of Shadows (sometimes called a grimoire) is a book that contains core ethical principles, seasonal observances, elemental correspondences, and carefully recorded rituals and remedies, organized in a deliberate order. However, this type of book can be found in many pagan practices, not just Wiccan.

 

• The Wiccan Rede ("An Ye Harm None, Do As Ye Will") 
• The Wheel of the Year (and the yearly festivals) 
• Moon phases (how they affect spellwork)
• Elements and their correspondences
• Spells and rituals (found or written)
• Herb, incense, essential oils, stones, and crystals (and their medicinal and metaphysical properties)
• Candle magic 
• Color magic
• Recipes for potions and celebratory foods
• Meditations or visualizations (beneficial for focus and intent)

 

There are also specific things that you should never place in a Book of Shadows. They are as follows. 

 

• The Book of Shadows is not a personal diary, so no writing should be about private events unrelated to magic.
• Hateful, spiteful, vengeful thoughts
• Curses, hexes, or ill-wishes (they will return threefold)
• No one else should write in it 

 

There is an order to a Book of Shadows. The owner's name of the Book of Shadows should be placed on the first page, along with a quote, a poem, or perhaps The Wiccan Rede. The following one or two pages should outline any rules or traditions to follow in one's practice to avoid being tempted to manipulate magic for personal gain. The following few pages might be dedicated to gods and goddesses and their mythological importance. Your journal can include old wives' tales, sacred chants, or prayers. Once these pages are in place, the rest of the book is ready for the fun stuff, the information, rituals, and spells, keeping in mind the hard and fast rule. "An Ye Harm None, Do As Ye Will".

 

You can create a Book of Shadows from books with empty pages, such as a leather journal, a hardcover sketchbook, or even a three-ring binder. Pagan stores often display beautiful leather-bound books for sale. They are made explicitly for grimoires. If the Book of Shadows is to be passed down to future generations, it should be of higher quality. It should be handwritten to absorb your energy. Using high-quality ink is suggested. If making mistakes is a concern, writing a rough draft on ordinary scratch paper beforehand will help prevent errors later.

 

If you have artistic talent, you might like an example of how a Book of Shadows or grimoire might be illustrated. I'm sending you over to Benebellwen.com to view a grimoire I consider highly advanced. 

 

You can learn about the history of the Book of Shadows here. To learn how to make a Book of Shadows (from a witch's perspective), I suggest viewing HearthWitch's video, How to Create a Book of Shadows, which discusses pitfalls to avoid in creating your book, which comes in handy for any journal. 

 

 

Journals

 

A typical journal might contain all your favorite remedy recipes to refer back to year after year, to share with those you love. In the past, a book of natural remedies might have been considered a tool of witchcraft, a Book of Shadows, when in truth, it was merely a wise woman's collection of remedies (without magic or spells) passed down from mother to daughter for the purpose of healing ailments. However, you can write anything you like in a journal. There are no limitations. A journal can be shared or not. It's up to you. You can also use the beautiful journals found in metaphysical shops. However, you'll want to avoid those with magical symbols that disagree with your faith. Journals can be used to track your wellness goals or any other SMART goals you've set.

 

 

Diaries

 

If you want to scribble down your thoughts, feelings, or dreams, you lean more toward a diary. Diaries are private, for your eyes only, and rarely shared (but they can be), so many diaries come with a lock and key. Stress, especially when it involves negative emotions or ongoing excitement, can cause chronic pain and fatigue. It can also trigger flare-ups of conditions such as HSV, EBV, Fibromyalgia, IBS, and Histamine Intolerance. Expressing your thoughts and feelings on paper, whether creatively or simply jotting down random words, helps release emotions that would otherwise build up and cause unwanted symptoms. Journaling reduces stress, which is why it can be so beneficial for your health and well-being.

 

 

Scrapbooks

 

A scrapbook is best for pasting dried herbs and flowers and framing favorite recipes. You can also use it to keep photographs, cards, and letters. As far as creativity goes, the sky's the limit.

 

Here are some ideas for pages, regardless of which you choose.

 

• Your name
• Prayers
• Positive affirmations
• Remedy notes
• Favorite recipes
• Pictures
• Drawings
• Dried flowers or leaves

 

Visit a hobby store's scrapbook section or a metaphysical shop to see what piques your interest. Enjoy!