hi i am attempting to undertake the wonderful task of starting my own book of shadows. as stated before i am only learning the wiccan way but feel i need to write my own book of ideas etc of what it means to me. does anyone have any advice on layout or what would need to be included as a good guide. i am doing my own research from diff books etc (and of course websites!!!) but just not sure on what 'sections' would be best. at the moment i have at the very front a basic view of the wiccan rede, details of the wiccan year, and the power of the moon. not sure where to go after that, such as how to draw pentacles, herbs, colours etc, THERE'S SO MUCH TO COVER!!
i need to feel organised to feel i am acheiving something useful to myself, any hints appreciated!!!

Find one subject you desire to learn about...and start with that. Don't overwhelm yourself by trying to learn everything at once.

I would start with why you have chosen this way of life to live. Because it is a way of life. Not something you do just on certain days of the week, when you need a spell or on the Sabbats.

You have asked a very good question....and everyone here has a different answer. It is YOUR BOS.....a very personal thing.....start with writing a journal...what you experience everyday....what did you find that touched you greatly that day. Was it a feather you found? Was it an incredible sunset, or sunrise? Was it something you read? Begin with your feelings....the rest will follow...

Let's say for instance you found a feather.....an element of Air. Research the bird it came from....what that bird may mean as a totem animal....what the element of Air means and how you can incorporate it into your life.... make each day a learning experience....write this down.... this canalso include songs that touched you (I personally created a playlist of songs that mean alot to me magickally.)

http://bluebeat.com/crate/info/4724

It is new age music...but it can be anything you desire...

I know it sounds daunting, but to each of us, every single day is a new adventure of learning more about ourselves, our Path and what life means to us.....it is a very beautiful and sacred way to live.....

I know others will have other ideas, take each one into your heart, and see which bits and pieces feel right for you.....what is written on websites and books are those particular people's Paths and feelings....they are not dogma....your path is your own, we are all here to share it with you.....and that's what this community is for.....

Enjoy, ask loads of questions, and you will find that many of us have had the very same questions.....and will glady be able to give you our opinion, and ideas to assist you....

I started, first, putting everything in my computer and printing it, but that seemed very impersonal to me.  So, I went down to my local bookstore and bought a good "faux" leather journal.  I wrote everything I wanted to remember about the craft into it, including impressions I've received on dreams and tarot cards and the like.  I have filled it almost completely, but for a couple of pages and am about to start on a new one.  (I don't believe a BOS is a single volume!)  I have even typed up an index and glued it into the back of the journal so that I can find things easily.  I don't really keep anything in order, so the index was necessary.  

You can write out chants and blessings, poems and such.  I have written several of my own spells and they are interspersed within the findings of my research about the correspondences of the spells.  I've drawn my own charts, diagrams and sigils and they are also dotted here and there within the pages.  I value my BOS above every book that I've ever purchased because it is my own craft--the visible workings of my faith.  I was once asked "if you were stranded on a deserted island, which magickal tool would you have with you if you could."  Of course, I would choose my Book of Shadows.

Even a three ringed binder that you can decorate (with the clear slip covers on the outside) works wonders, because if you are one of those 'ultra organized' types, lol, you can add to sections you set up in it.

I have to agree with the writing part, not that I do any of it over the past few years, as my teacher told me, when you write it, it becomes part of you.

I really need to update mine! lol.

I try to keep mine in some type of order...that doesn't always work, but my plan for updating is taking one topic like LE suggested above, then sitting down and making it as pretty and meaningful to me as I can.  The prettier something is the better I'll remember and use it.

The only thing this will not be able to apply to is my recipe binder...they are such abused pieces of paper, but that shows they are loved. In my opinion at least.

This is just my small suggestion  Make it pretty!  even if it's just gluing a pretty picture you found on the net into one of  the corners. Make it something you'll enjoy looking at and using.

Oh I do have a small question I hope y'all won't mind answering.  I know this is going to be a personal thing, but what would you suggest as a guideline for an initiation letter?  I've done one before, tucked it away, and it's disappeared.  (Probably unknowingly threw it out when I was cleaning)  So any suggestions?

as per your tips i am going to focus the role the moon has on myself and magick in general, such as its phase and what sign it is in when full/new. i've always held a revere for the moon and how solitary and knowledeable she seems. i also love how watching it at night, no matter where u are feels like home.

thanks for all ur help so far,
by the way anyone know any company that sells lovely handmade/recycled books that can be used as a bos??? i'm not to keen on the leather journals and would like something individual but find it very hard to find on net. something with flowers that has no symbols on front i would love to find.

any help a blessing!!!

Barnes and Nobles has some, but you could probably Google "Recycle Notebooks" and see what comes up.