Tylluan Penry: Keeping a Book of Shadows or Magical Journal

[@cascadianqueenbee2409]

As you mentioned, solitary practitioners, by nature and definition, lack a group to celebrate, and peers to learn from. I'm a 50 year old solitary witch - and it was a breath of fresh air (ironically) to find someone a little more experience on the path, and in life. So many of the other KZbinrs are lovely young people - full of energy and enthusiasm, but I didn't feel a real connection. Your "style" is so very down to Earth and practical -- it resonates with me deeply. I look forward to watching your clips and gleaning those bits and bobs that will help me navigate my own journey.

[@TheEight9zen]

Oh Tylluan, I am so happy I found your channel. I love the way you identified with the tour of writing, the desire to rip out the pages that have already been written, and the excess of copying and pasting from Internet fines. I have messy writing and I find writing to be such a chore. I’ve never kept a journal. It’s the one huge block in my witchcraft that I know I need to face. This video just helped me so much and I think is a new key I’ve discovered to unlocking the block. Thank you for taking the time to speak to this I love the way you identified with the tour of writing, the desire to rip out the pages that have already been written, and the excess of copying and pasting from Internet fines. I have messy writing and I find writing to be such a chore. I’ve never kept a journal. It’s the one huge block in my witchcraft that I know I need to face. This video just helped me so much and I think is a new key I’ve discovered to unlocking the block. Thank you for taking the time to speak to this. Blessings your way! I wish there were more traditional witches near me. Most are Wiccan or Wiccan influenced. Nothing against Wiccan. I just feel deep in my heart a calling to the craft of my ancestors and it get lonely sometimes self-teaching as a solitary witch. You are a gem!

[@SabrinaMascarenhasFiineArts]

Dear Tylluan ma'm, you are the most friendliest looking witch I have ever met online. I just had to say that at the very beginning. I hv only seen one video of yours and I know I'm going to enjoy the rest. Thank you for making these videos!

[@InTheMusicBox]

I totally agree with what you said Sabrina!

[@ancestralwytch2696]

The other aspect of writing things down in our own hand, the physical act of writing while watching our hand and thinking about what we are writing, while writing helps to imprint the information on the brain, so we are much more likely to remember it.

[@lauragrillo27]

My father and mother used to say be honest with yourself! (both dead now) Brought shivers. I love your videos.

[@basedandchristpilled]

You're an incredibly truthful and intelligent women, you're helpful and I think I've found that by watching more of your videos- you really post them to help and inform others. And that is admirable to me. I'm 16 and I am going to being practicing shortly, but I'm exploring ideas and stuff for a bit before I do anything. I've seen quite a few grimoires online shared by wiccans and witches, they are generally very polished and a lot is copied from the internet, not so much information which is learned on your own. Or things that you have practiced yourself, or conclusions you've come up with, observations etc. Things are very derivative and unoriginal simply for the sake of being aesthetically pleasing, and it's sad to see because I really admire this culture and the traditional/ancient aspects of it. I think people are working, but not for genuine results as much. And that's just not what it's about. I wish I could be like you, you seem very experienced in this craft and have been around evidently. I'll keep watching your videos and hopefully start on my own writings soon. Thank you so much, without people like you to advise, we'd have no-one to help us open doors.

[@Vakentz0r]

Younger bloodline witch here, just wandering through your videos while doing some research on the history of Beltane to teach to my friends. I just wanted to send you love and light and thank you for you ernest way of communicating the importance of building your own path, celebrating and practicing as you can and using your own intuition. Ps your dogs snoring are the little bit of magik in this video

[@nancyfaiella6376]

Your videos are very helpful - especially during this pandemic. Instead of focusing on that, I watch your videos (and others) to learn what I can. As a solitary and a novice, it’s nice to have a word of advice from someone with your experience. Thank you so much.

[@Flusz]

it's a good thing being at arts schools, they are still demand from students to make tons of sketchbooks, handwritings, scrapbooks, idea sketches, etc. When I finished my art degree I had over 400 of them! Witches and Pagans are creative people, they do well without taught discipline and training, I always adore to see other peoples Books of Shadows.

[@tylluanpenry3233]

Yes, I love seeing other people's books of shadows too - some of them are just so inspiring and beautiful! Blessings, Tylluan :-)

[@lucyinthesky16]

First of all, please come to the states and have tea with me, because you seem like a lovely and wise woman :) Second, this is probably the most helpful video on how to go about starting your book. I see a lot of people my age (20-somethings) that have binders of things printed off the internet, and I just had a hard time getting into it. I LOVE handwriting. I think there's a lot of energy in something hand made, even letters. I also like the idea of keeping track of current events in it. For example, there was an event a week ago where Venus and Mars were larger than usual, or something along those lines, and it hadn't happened since like 2008 I think. That's something that's significant to me, especially if one is into astrology.

[@tylluanpenry3233]

Thank you Lucyinthesky16 - wish I could make it over to the US one day, but I think I wouldn't be able to travel that far now. :-( I think our Book of Shadows needs to be a personal thing, and personally I would prefer just a few pages that really mean something rather than dozens of pages that I've simply printed off without enough thought (although of course there is plenty of thought provoking info to be had.) And yes, like you, I often put notes of current affairs etc into my journals... it helps me see the bigger picture! Thank you so much for your feedback, much appreciated Blessings, Tylluan :-)

[@lucyinthesky16]

You're very welcome :)

[@elainegoad2111]

I just found you the other day. I am so delighted with all of your information ! I love basset hounds, what a bundle of unconditional love they are and entertaining too !

[@tylluanpenry3233]

***** I have to admit so do I sometimes! And as I get older and my hands shake a bit, it gets to look like a spider got in the ink pot and then started crawling around the page! The most important thing is to enjoy creating your magical journal... it's the content, not the calligraphy that matters most! Blessings, Tylluan :-)

[@Anna-jr8gu]

Our dog snores like that as well, in 1minute she falls asleep on our laps or close to us!just adorable ♥️

[@robyngreen9545]

Your soooooo nice and sweet and kind I love your videos xxx thankyou

[@faith_9677]

I appreciate your down to earth approach to journaling our spiritual path, and the point of the practice being intimate, creative, authentic & fully honest..I think lots of people hardly know where to begin, and find idea daunting, even creative people. You've made the idea of doing so quite approachable.. thank you! :-)

[@Kat-n-Ollie]

Wow, what a great video and thank you for the reminders of what a journal is really all about. In my search for the perfect book and considering the perfect prose I got sidetracked. I think I am going to love your channel. ❤️

[@ewargophoto]

Thank you for this! This is exactly how I feel about my books, I have quite a few on the go at one time. There are so many videos about how to organise your books and blah blah blah. It is a personal choice, like keeping a diary that nobody will ever see. If it makes sense to you, that's all that matters. Thank you! xx

[@AnnaMarina01]

Thank you! I am renewing my pagan path, after years being dormant, and I've been stuck on this point. I was thinking of getting a binder so I could take pages out, but the idea of having a magical journal or diary makes more sense now. I see now, it will be more enjoyable to track progress, spells, etc.

[@LibrariansWife]

I've just recently discovered your channel, and oh my! how I wish I had your words of knowledge back then when I started out as a pagan in my early 20's (in the 90's, so now you know my age :) I didn't have a journal of my own back then, and tended to get all my knowledge concerning spell work and rituals entirely from what other people had already written down. I didn't believe I could create my own spells, thought it would be all wrong if I tried. I'm obviusly much wiser now, but I still regret I didn't keep some kind of journal or BOS. Your wisdom is pure gold, thank you for sharing. I haven't to seen all your videos yet, but I look forward to it.

[@tylluanpenry3233]

Thank you so much for your feedback - I do appreciate it. I began recording these videos because I know that even now people still find it difficult to find the information they want and need. I'm so glad you're enjoying the videos! Blessings, Tylluan :-)

[@LibrariansWife]

+Tylluan Penry That's so true, and the problem these days is that there's so much information out there in either books or the internet that it's easy to get lost. It has taken me years to actually find out what path I was on, I started out as a Wiccan, but quickly found out it wasn't for me, I was more of a solitary practitioneer and found no satisfaction in a coven. I'm still on a spiritual journey, I'll never stop studying and learning, and whereas before I looked to distant spiritual belief systems, it was when I finally began looking into my own backyard (so to speak), norse mythology and traditional European witchcraft, that I realised I had found my true path. Many blessings to you too dear Tylluan - I love your name by the way, is it Welsh?!

[@tylluanpenry3233]

Thank you! And yes, it is Welsh - it means 'owl'. Best of luck on your spiritual path - it is a wonderful adventure! Blessings, Tylluan :-)

[@LibrariansWife]

+Tylluan Penry I like your name even more now :) - thanks for replying

[@tylluanpenry3233]

You're welcome! :-)

[@TashieRags]

I needed this at EXACTLY this moment. Thank you for your wisdom.

[@deborahmiller789]

Hi Just found you on You Tube although I have a number of your books. Really good to hear and see you in the 'flesh'. You have definitely made me reflect very hard about my path and what I am currently achieving so thank you for that.

[@tylluanpenry3233]

Hi Deborah - I'm so glad you've enjoyed these talks (and my books!) I think small talks about different topics (and I'm always open to suggestions about topics people would like me to discuss) are the easiest way to reach people. I try to post regularly - about two or three a week - so do come back often because I'm intending to cover lots of different themes in the near future! :)

[@jeaniepasino4004]

I'm so glad I found your channel! I can't wait to watch the rest of your vids.

[@yuelondaoutlaw6291]

Really enjoy your videos. You explain things so well.

[@stephanieclark3671]

Oh Tylluan, I am so happy I found your channel. what a great video and thank you for the reminders of what a journal is really all about. I am new to the craft and i am trying to learn all i can thank you.

[@NotSoCrazyNinja]

I suggest the first book of shadows be a three-ring binder with college-ruled notebook paper. You might also want to get some graph paper, a good pen, and maybe a mini-ruler.

[@DenaJaq]

Your advise is excellent! I have been keeping scruffy books for years-I don't really have much of a BOS. I thought I was doing it wrong!

[@tylluanpenry3233]

Thank you! No, you're not doing it wrong at all and the 'scruffy books' are probably a lot more authentic than many a fancy book where just a few pages have been completed! Do what you feel is best in your heart - that's what really matters! Blessings, Tylluan :-)

[@maggiereedy4079]

I am so very glad I stumbled upon your videos, you are lovely. I look forward to watching all of them!

[@AngAntBru]

Thank you again for sharing and thank you for the advice

[@MattMBZ]

You make the best videos!

[@sumthingangels]

I made my own Book of Shadows from scratch but its not finished. The book cover isn't done and it only has 116 pages, I have more then half of it written in, with my own hand drawn art work. I have started writing my own spells potions etc. in it. I'm just trying to figure out what magical food recipes to include.

[@curiosidadesextrano]

How did I miss this....great advice on being honest...thank you Tylluan...is that Noah breathing in the background :D x

[@tylluanpenry3233]

I think so... mind you, Homer (the Bassett Hound) can produce some amazing snoring when he puts his mind to it. Glad you're enjoying the videos... several more in the pipeline and coming up soon!

[@witchNwand]

Wonderful advice, thanks so much, i love my book of shadows.

[@miosotisramirez505]

Thank you.

[@neonspraypaint.]

Or you can cut the page out of a hardbook with scissors/craft knife. I've glued pages together, I've burned old journals. Keep them safe when they are personal- someone could read it and manipulate, I think this is why we are advised to keep spells secret

[@yamanuhem.netjer3165]

Lovely advice.

[@Banano91f]

Thanks for sharing ☺️ great advice as usual

[@nathanlee6099]

I struggle with what to call myself. I’m spiritual but I also hold many Christian beliefs. I have found a way to blend those two belief systems together in a way that works for me… but I’m unsure what to call it. I believe in many Pagan beliefs mixed with Christian ones. There’s some Buddhism sprinkled in there too. I practice divination and celebrate the Pagan holidays mixed with the Christian ones. This works for me because I have very different ideas of what God is, compared to classic Christianity. I just don’t know what to call it… or if a label even matters. I guess I find value in all religions and adopt various aspects from all of them. However when people ask my religion… I’m at a loss for what to say.

[@morganeoghmanann9792]

Nathan Lee ~ Some people would call your path ChristoPagan. Or simply Eclectic if you like.

[@renniewytch]

I have over 30 Book of Shadows and I just made one trhat I can combine some of them into one book and it will be passed on to my daughter and then grandaughter my family one very old and can not be mended so I started my own

[@miiz_murrderr]

I love the snoring 😂😂

[@louisecooper5967]

You talk sence an inspiration thank-you

[@kathyvokes105]

I love all of your videos!! Thank you

[@VLoveCrystals]

And thank you for sharing your knowledge!!!! :)

[@suzithegemini4988]

Beautiful...thank you... :) Love and light...

[@michellewilliams9975]

Who do you donate our books to when we pass away. Especially if you have no family?

[@elenagisa1318]

to other people interested in witchcraft, like an apprentice :P

[@Olyaqueency]

I thought they were my dogs. ^_^

[@tylluanpenry3233]

LOL!! Young Noah is certainly stage struck! Thanks for the feedback, blessings, Tylluan :-)

[@nikkik3263]

I tried so many spells.. I want it to work

[@ginagrego2133]

Voçe é espantosa, gostaria muito de a conhecer...obrigada por partilhar "comigo"...

[@tylluanpenry3233]

Gracias, eso es muy amable. Bendiciones, Tylluan :-)