A Book of Shadows is a book that contains religious texts, spells and instructions for magic rituals. Gerald Gardner, the founding father of the neopagan religion of Wicca, originated the book. The first book of shadows was created by Gerald Gardner in the late 1940’s. It was a leather bound manuscript filled with rituals. Gardner’s concept of the book was than adopted by many other Wiccans.

Once upon a time, there was only one book of shadows kept for an entire coven. The high priestess or priest would keep the book safe. Nowadays however, it is commonplace for all witches to have the own copies of the book of shadows. They may also have their own personal book of spells, astrology and herbal lore, to complement the book of shadows. A book of witchcraft spells and rituals is often called a book of shadows.

In popular culture, the book of shadows has been used in television shows from Charmed to The Craft, and its been referred to in cult movies such as the Blair Witch Project. Non-traditional witches who are more just eccentrics than true Wiccans, might keep a personal journal or home-created book of spells or rituals, which they often refer to as their book of shadows.