what is grimoire

A grimoire is a book of magic that contains instructions on how to create magical objects, perform spells, charms, and divination, and summon or invoke supernatural entities such as spirits and demons. Grimoires are also known as "books of spells," "magic books," or "spellbooks". They typically include information on the preparation of magical tools, lists of ingredients and their magical correspondences, and rituals. While all books on magic could be thought of as grimoires, not all magical books should be thought of as grimoires. Grimoires have existed since ancient times and have been found all around the world, ranging from Jamaica to Sumatra. The term "grimoire" is believed to have originated from the Old French word "grammaire" ("grammar"), which had initially been used to refer to all books written in Latin. Some superstitions claim that grimoires must be in manuscript and in red ink, bound in black or in human skin, and that they must be given to the user as part of a witchs legacy. Grimoires were very popular from 1600 AD thru 1900 AD. True grimoires contain elaborate rituals, many of which are echoed in modern Witchcraft rites.