Occult lore
Book of Shadows
Direct answer
Book of Shadows is a modern witchcraft term for a personal or group magical record.
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At a glance
- Found in
- Spells & Occult Terms
- Related
- Spell, Grimoire, Discernment, Spiritual Warfare
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The story behind Book of Shadows
A term from mid twentieth century Wicca, associated with Gerald Gardner and the covens around him, describing a copied personal or group record; it is modern in origin despite frequently being presented as ancient.
Why Book of Shadows matters
Book of Shadows matters because it is part of contemporary occult and Wiccan vocabulary.
Sources and editorial method
This entry summarizes the tradition in the Almanac's own words; where no source is listed, it is an editorial summary rather than a primary text, and symbolic readings are named as the tradition's, not as fact.
Recorded here as history and lore. No rite is taught on this page.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Spells & Occult Terms
- Last updated
- 2026-09-26
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Common questions
What are Book of Shadows?
Book of Shadows is a modern witchcraft term for a personal or group magical record.
Where do Book of Shadows come from?
A term from mid twentieth century Wicca, associated with Gerald Gardner and the covens around him, describing a copied personal or group record; it is modern in origin despite frequently being presented as ancient.
Why do Book of Shadows matter?
Book of Shadows matters because it is part of contemporary occult and Wiccan vocabulary.
