What is a grimoire?
A grimoire is a book of magical instructions. The best-known examples are medieval and early modern manuscripts and printed books.
A grimoire is a book of magic: instructions for charms, rituals, the making of amulets and the calling of spirits. The word is linked to old French and shares roots with the word grammar.
Where they come from
Collections of magical recipes appear in the ancient world, including Greek texts on papyrus. In medieval and early modern Europe, handwritten grimoires circulated among scholars, clergy and cunning folk. Later, cheap printed versions spread widely.
What’s inside
- Lists of names, symbols and seals
- Instructions on timing, often tied to planets or days
- Recipes for inks, incense and protective objects
- Prayers mixed with folk practice
Grimoires today
Historians study them for what they reveal about belief, learning and daily fears. Writers mine them for atmosphere. Some people keep personal notebooks in the same spirit, as journals of symbols and reflections.
Read more on written magic. For entertainment and reflection only. Nothing here claims that spells or rituals cause real-world outcomes.
The folklore, history and symbols of spellcraft and ritual