✨ How to Start a Grimoire: A Guide for the Modern Witch (No Frogs or Fire Needed)
Starting a grimoire isn’t about being the most witchy witch in the woods — it’s about building a magical archive that reflects your energy, intentions, and unique spiritual path. Whether you’re a seasoned moon child or a baby witch with a Google Doc full of copy-pasted spells (we’ve all been there), this guide will help you create a grimoire that’s as practical as it is enchanting.
🧙♀️ What Is a Grimoire, Anyway?
A grimoire is a personal book of magic. It’s where you record your spells, rituals, crystal meanings, moon musings, herbal remedies, and all your spiritual discoveries. Think of it as your magical brain — but cuter, witchier, and more powerful.
You might also hear the word “Book of Shadows” tossed around. Some witches use them interchangeably, others see a grimoire as a more structured reference and a Book of Shadows as raw, personal journalling. Either way, your book = your rules.
📖 Should You Buy or Make One?
Ah, the age-old witchy debate.
Buying a Grimoire
Buying gives you a polished, ready-to-use book — perfect if you’re not the crafty type or want something that feels instantly sacred. Look for thick pages (so your ink doesn’t bleed through) and a binding that can handle a little wear and tear from incense smoke and spilled moon water.
💡 Bonus: you can always add pressed herbs, doodles, and notes to personalise it later.
Making a Grimoire
This is pure ✨intentional magic✨. Whether you bind your own pages with twine or decorate a sketchbook with wax seals, handmade grimoires hum with your energy. You get to choose the paper, the format (loose-leaf, bound, folder), and the vibe. It’s slower — but so powerful.
Either way: The magic comes from what you write inside it — not whether it’s Etsy gold or a recycled notebook with stickers.
🌿 Natural Materials & Energy
Using natural or handmade materials connects your grimoire to the earth element. Handmade paper, linen covers, leather wraps, cotton ribbon bookmarks — they all carry texture and life. The book becomes a ritual object in itself.
But don’t stress — even a plain sketchbook becomes sacred with the right intention. It’s not about being fancy; it’s about being present.
🔮 Etsy Grimoires We Love
Here are two stunning grimoire books from Etsy to consider:
📓 1. Handmade Leather Grimoire with Aged Paper
Perfect for old-world witches who want that ancient spellbook energy. 200 pages of thick, naturally deckled paper — ideal for pressing herbs and writing spells that look 200 years old (even if you wrote them yesterday).
🌙 2. Celestial Grimoire Notebook – Refillable
A soft faux-leather grimoire with a mystical moon + star cover design. Refillable, so you never run out of space. Gorgeous and practical — just like you.
🔥 How to Begin: A Starter Ritual
Before you start writing, create a little moment.
🕯️ Light a candle.
🖐️ Hold the book in your hands.
🗣️ Say something like: “May this book serve as a vessel for truth, intention, and transformation.”
This sets the tone — and trust me, the pages will feel different.
🪄 What to Include in a Grimoire
You can absolutely customise your content, but here’s a list of beginner-friendly grimoire pages to get you started:
✍️ Starter Pages for Your Grimoire
- 🌙 Moon Phase Meanings — include rituals and your favourite full/new moon practices
- 🕯️ Spell Index — a page to keep track of your spells for love, abundance, protection, etc.
- 🌿 Herb Guide — a few herbs, what they do, how to dry them (like rosemary, mint, lavender)
- 💎 Crystal Cheat Sheet — include popular ones like amethyst, rose quartz, and citrine
- 🔥 Elemental Associations — write what earth, air, fire, and water represent in your craft
- ✨ Your First Spell — even if it’s simple! Your words have power
- 🎴 Tarot or Oracle Cards — meanings or spreads that speak to you
- 📆 Sabbats & Seasonal Celebrations — Wheel of the Year notes or upcoming rituals
- 🔮 Personal Notes — signs you’ve received, dreams, meditations, synchronicities
🌑 Shadow Work & Your Grimoire
Grimoires aren’t just for pretty spells. They’re also perfect for shadow work — digging deep, noticing patterns, and healing old wounds.
Pair your entries with journalling prompts or tarot spreads that go beneath the surface.
🖤 Want a guided way to start? Our Shadow Work Journal is under £5, instantly downloadable, and made for beginners ready to dive into transformation without the drama.
🎀 Final Thoughts
Your grimoire doesn’t need to be perfect. Spills, scribbles, typos, and mood swings are welcome. What matters most is consistency, curiosity, and intention.
So grab your journal, light your candle, and start writing your magic. The universe is waiting. 🌙
