Luna's Book of Shadows

I made my own BOS several years ago. I used some pretty royal blue leather that I had from the miniature bookbinding that I do. The window on the front has a pane of mica that covers the German gold paper moons. It has a leather band for a hasp but the "lock" is just a feather. As much effort as went into this book I rarely use it now. It is bulky & doesn't stay open easily. Now, my main BOS is a recipe box that is full of the details  of my oils & incenses. My sketchbooks are my backup BOS'. I make copious notes & sketches about the things I make & the magic that I do. I have a separate journal for my Tarot card readings & I use the Llewellyn Witches' Date Book for my day to day journal. I know from a hand-learned lesson that I HAVE to write ingredients & amounts down. I cannot remember whether I used 1/8th teaspon of rose otto or 8 tablespoons of rose water. I must write all the details down. Plus, if you write down how you cast a spell you can recreate it or tweak it as needs be.

My plan is to make another leather BOS that is easier to use. I want to model it after the book from the movie "Practical Magic." The Aunt's BOS had two sections & was two books in one, with double spines. Quite frankly, a computer or a 3-ring binder is more practical for witches these days. But still, I like having something pretty that can be passed on.

See how the book is divided? The smaller section was the "Dark Magic" portion & you have to turn the book around to open it & to have it right side up. I want this so badly! One of these days, when I have a few extra days in my life I will start it. I have the paper already. I only use 100%cotton rag for hand bound books. I also have some gorgeous black cotton rag paper that I lugged home from London last year. I don't have the leather yet but I keep my eye out for the perfect piece & color. 

For now I make vintage style pages for BOS. I love to write spells & then after I have the spell, I design a page to go with it. I am also a font ho & like to buy vintage fonts that have been pulled from original, hand written documents & letters.