Why Start a Grimoire: Your Personal Book of Shadows Awaits
- Ashley Marie
- Sep 18
- 3 min read
Hey Witchy Besties! Have you ever felt drawn to the idea of keeping a grimoire but wondered if it's really worth the effort? Have you ever been curious about grimoires, but you’ve felt overwhelmed about where to start? As a neurodivergent witch who lives and breathes journaling magic, I’m here to break down why having your own grimoire might just be the missing piece in your spiritual practice. Whether you're a complete beginner or someone who's been practicing for a while, starting a grimoire can be one of the most transformative decisions you make on your spiritual journey.
What Exactly Is a Grimoire?
Let’s start simple. A grimoire (pronounced “grim-WAHR), also known as a Book of Shadows, is your personal magical journal, a sacred space where you document your spiritual practice, experiences, and growth. Think of it as part diary, part recipe book, and part reference guide, all rolled into one beautifully personal collection of your magical journey.
Unlike the ancient grimoires you might see in movies (dusty, leather-bound tomes filled with mysterious symbols), your grimoire is entirely yours to create.
A Simple notebook from the dollar store
A digital document on your phone
A Pintrest board (yes, really!)
A collection of loose papers in a binder
Whatever format works for YOUR brain
Why Neurodivergent Witches ESPECIALLY Need Grimoires
As someone with undiagnosed autism and ADHD, I can tell you that having a grimoire has been a game-changer for my practice. Here's why:
External Memory Storage: Can't remember if you added rosemary or thyme to that protection spell? Your grimoire remembers for you.
Pattern Recognition: Track what works, what doesn't, and what makes you feel most connected to your practice.
Hyperfixation Friendly: Got obsessed with moon water for three weeks? Document EVERYTHING. Future you will thank present you.
Anxiety Relief: No more "am I doing this right?" spirals. Your grimoire becomes your trusted reference.
Perfect for Every Type of Practitioner
Your grimoire is YOURS. But if you're feeling stuck, here are some ideas:
The Basics:
- Correspondences (herbs, crystals, colors, etc.)
- Moon phases and their meanings
- Your favorite tarot spreads
- Ritual templates that work for you
- Seasonal celebrations and how you observe them
The Personal Stuff:
- Dreams and their patterns
- Meditation experiences
- What different crystals actually feel like to YOU
- Failed spells (yes, document these too!)
- Random magical moments from daily life
- Doodles, poetry, pressed flowers, whatever brings you joy
The Practical Magic:
- Your morning routine ritual
- How you cleanse your space
- Recipes for magical teas or foods
- Self-care spells for rough days
- Grounding techniques that actually work for your nervous system
Starting Small: Your First Grimoire Entry
Feeling overwhelmed? Start here:
Today's Date + Moon Phase
Write down:
1. How you're feeling right now
2. One thing you're grateful for
3. One small magical thing you noticed today (maybe the way sunlight hit your plant, or finding a pretty rock)
That's it. You've started your grimoire.
Permission Slips For Your Grimoire Journey
- Your grimoire doesn't have to be pretty (though it can be!)
- You don't need fancy supplies
- It's okay to have messy handwriting
- Digital counts just as much as physical
- You can start over anytime
- There are no grimoire police
Making It Sustainable for Your Brain
For the Perfectionists: Set a timer for 5 minutes. Write whatever comes to mind. Stop when it rings. Done is better than perfect.
For the Procrastinators: Keep it EVERYWHERE. Voice memos count. Sticky notes count. That random note in your phone at 2am absolutely counts.
For the Overthinkers: Start with facts, not feelings. "Today I used peppermint tea in my morning ritual" is a perfectly valid entry.
For the Hyperfocused: Set boundaries. Maybe limit yourself to one page per day so you don't burn out after a week-long grimoire binge.
Making It Sustainable For Your Brain
Think of your grimoire as a conversation with your future self. You're leaving breadcrumbs for the witch you're becoming. Some days you'll write novels, other days just a single word. Both are perfect.
Your practice doesn't have to look like anyone else's. Your grimoire doesn't have to look like the aesthetic ones on Pinterest (though if that brings you joy, go for it!). What matters is that it serves YOU and your unique magical journey.
Ready To Start?
Grab literally anything you can write in. Write today's date. Write one thing that made you feel magical today, even if it was just the way your coffee smelled.
Congratulations - you're now a grimoire keeper. Welcome to the club.
Looking for grimoire templates and prompts to get you started? Check out my printable grimoire pages in the shop - designed specifically for neurodivergent witches who want structure without rigidity.
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