The Book of Shadows acts a little like a Wiccan's guide book, holding a varied amount of knowledge from rituals and spells to beliefs and traditions. Written by Gerald Gardiner in the late 1940s to early 1950s for his coven of Brickett Wood, it was written to guide beginning Wiccans. They used information from this book, adding and leaving out information to suit their own books. A Wiccan who joined Gardiner's coven and later a high priestess, Doreen Valiente, decided to rework Gardiner's original tome. She is credited with creating the Wiccan Rede and also contributed her own poetry to the publication.

In earlier times, Wicca was mostly run by covens, which would have only one Book of Shadows, which was the responsibility of the High Priest or Priestess. However, today, Wicca has changed and often a coven will have its own book of spells while each individual Wiccan has their own singular book of shadows that they develop themselves. It is a highly personal book which reflects the individuality of each practitioner.

Practitioners do not always belong to a coven and they will usually develop a Book of Shadows on their own. The Book of Shadows (BOS) is an item every Wiccan needs. It stores information on spells, rituals, materials, and knowledge you will need for your Wiccan practice and helps you start on your Wiccan path. It's important for Wiccans to create a book of shadows to store their knowledge. Take advantage of this great opportunity and learn how to create your own book of shadows! Blessed be!