The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells: The Ultimate Reference Book for the Magical Arts

The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells: The Ultimate Reference Book for the Magical Arts (Element Encyclopedia)

4.2 of 5 stars 4.20  ·  rating details  ·  1,070 ratings  ·  36 reviews
Enter The World of Folklore, Myth and Magic
Five thousand spells spanning five thousand years of magical history from earth's every corner. Discover binding spells and banishing spells, spells for love, luck, wealth, power, spiritual protection, physical healing, enhanced fertility and much more.
Hardcover, 400 pages
Published March 25th 2004 by Element Books
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Viki Rawlings
Without a doubt this is the Larousse Gastronomique of the modern witchy world. Clearly written and categorised, any witch would want this on their bookshelf (or coffee table..!) Don't be fooled - this is not light-hearted reading. It assumes the reader already has a clear knowledge of using magic, when to use it, how to use it and most importantly when not to use it!
The spells are from around the world, and from a variety of different cultures and religions. Some are extremely complicated and i...more
Danny
Jan 03, 2013 Danny added it
Shelves: reference
This is not a book you just sit down and read--it's an encyclopedia and is a pretty good reference book. However--personally I found some of the content completely irrelevant to myself, but again--if you're interested in studying different cultures and religious practices, this is ok.
I would have one major disagreement with this book though. It definitely does not (in my opinion) help clear misconceptions of anyone who practices magic. It seems that it plays into a lot of stereotypes and I thoug...more
Sonya
There is so much to this book i could easily write a 5 page review. But to keep it simple , this is one hell of a book. Yes some of the things in it are not for actual practice in life as some of them are either folk tales or highly dangerous because of ingredients. But the wealth of information you gather from here outweighs that by far, many of the things can be put to practical use even for someone not interested in the spells . There are many herbal teas ,baths, and incense recipes. In short...more
Mikki Ibarra
I cannot say enough wonderful things about this book and author. She researches her information clearly and shares it in language that is simple and easy to understand. She is precise for those who have little experience with mystical arts and she is amusing and reminds the reader to use their brains while doing many of the more complicated workings. She pulls from all of the familiar traditions and also some less familiar ones, appealing to all walks of life, any religious background and any le...more
Nicole
Massive book, large, thick and heavy. I was impressed by the amazing variety, some spells are dangerous though, and some are a little ridiculous, so use common sense. If you are unfamiliar with any of the ingredients, research them thoroughly before use. A fascinating read with spells from a multiple of cultures, great for ideas when creating your own spells, includes recipes for incenses, oils and the likes, although not all are indexed, which was frustrating and required scanning every page wh...more
Effie
I leered at this book for many years before I bought it I have to say! BUT... now I own both the 5000 and 1000 as well as her dream dictionary....I enjoy the information and the seriously overwhelming compendium of pre made spells. I use these sections as ideas and inspirations and I really think this is the best way to use this massive text.
Valenfore Alestreneon
A really good reference book that's very comprehensive. Although, I notice she has a lot of unnecessary filler material that seems to be geared towards people who are newer to the study. It's kind of pointless, since newer people shouldn't be looking at reference books if they don't have the basics of spellcraft down.
Amanda
Truly a must have, I have read through many pagan and Wiccan books but this one is defiantly the most informative. Wonderful history and an amazing assortment of spells. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to learn more about the history of paganism and spells. Blessed Be )o(
Deb White
This is a great collection of concoctions of all sorts. It covers a wide assortment of different styles and looks into some of the histories. Very adaptable to fit any style or path. I recomend it to beginners - it's fun and easy to read.

James
This is the best spell reference book I've ever encountered. The book is very, very large and every topic I could imagine is in there, and if you've read anything else by Judika Illes, this is something you should keep your eye out for.
Lunette Witch
The must book for all Wiccans- its got everything you'll need and some old spells that are no longer used.
I love this book...its not a reference book but part of a way of life. If you finish rading it then your finished with Wiccan
April Parr
This is another book I use as a writing reference. Though I am of a pagan faith, spells are not really my thing. Still, working with topics such as fairies and magic in my stories, this book helps add the realism I desire.
Laura
An amazing wealth of information. Absolutely filled with typos, though. Though they may have fixed this in later printings (if there have been later printings).
Nikki Ashendorf
Sep 12, 2012 Nikki Ashendorf rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Any Witch or magician
I love, love this book! I use this book all of the time. I love how she has all sorts of spells from may different traditions. They work!
Heather
This is the only book about spells most people need. Great writing about magic, great history lessons, and 5000 spells from around the world.
Jai
Jul 11, 2008 Jai rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Wiccans, Magick Users, Pagans
This is perhaps the best spell book on the market. Involving a massive collection of clear, precise spells categorized properly, this book has everything you could ever want in the field. Additionally, it has comprehensive lists and explanations of various forms of spell-casting, religions, and practices in the back of the book, and well-worded summaries of each section. There is a lot to learn from this giant volume, and it's fun, too!

It's a must-have for any serious witch or Wiccan, and it's a...more
Stephanie
Jan 06, 2010 Stephanie is currently reading it
Awesome book! Any spell you may need for any situation can be found in this book. I've turned to this book time and time again.
Ropa
I miss this book muchly, it's fucking heavy and super cool. If I reading it, I'm smacking bitches with it hehe
Racheh
A very useful book. Alot of good information, history. A definite must for anyone's magical library.
Nikki Ashendorf
This is my bible of spells and all things good and witchy..I highly recommend to any pagan/witch.
Tara
Judika Illes is a wonderful writer. Her style is easy to comprehend and her knowledge and understanding manifests itself into a plethora of wonderful information.

Keep in mind that this book along with The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft are written as stated. They are indeed an encyclopedia and therefore read as such.

As for informational sources, I highly recommend Judika Illes. Her style is not "Fluffy", it is precise and factual.

I suggest that anyone purchasing this book ALSO purchase her...more
Cherokee
very interesting,,, short easy spells, would try a lot of them..
Mushroom Man
This book rocks my socks in a fucking box man.
Rosemarie Rossignol
Hehehe this book is very very useful!!!
Kristen Yazzie
Sep 24, 2010 Kristen Yazzie is currently reading it
is cool words.
Alexandra
Jan 13, 2008 Alexandra rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: people with an open mind about magic
LOTS of good ideas in here. The spells come from all different disciplines. Probably mostly pagan, but there are spells from asia, the middle east, santeria, herbalism. I would encourage having some system that you are devoted to and feel uncomfortable about using some spells involving gods and goddesses that I am not familiar with. But it's fascinating to read and has also been useful.
Priscilla
A personal friend of ours, Judika is very knowledgable of all the various types of spiritual paths out there.
This book is by far the most comprehensive book that I have found on magic in my 20 years of following a Pagan path.

I highly recommend it, if only for the historical value in it!

Julie Schuch
Ha ha ha ha, lots of fun. Not at all like the 70's books i read.....touch's the subject with lightness and grace.....but mostly boring, yet to much for the new adventurer.
Lauren
This was such a fun book! It is enjoyable entertaining going through all the pages and figuring out what different things go with what to make something magical.
Kate E.A.
tons of stuff in this book. seriously. and all categorized by type. I like that it's not religion-specific, either!
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Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells (Hardcover)
The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells (Paperback)
Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells (ebook)
The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells: The Ultimate Reference Book for the Magical Arts (Kindle Edition)
The Element Encyclopedia Of 5000 Spells

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Born in New York City, my metaphysical career began early: My first encounter with tarot cards at age six was also my first experience of love at first sight! That passion still burns true. Although I do practice other forms of divination, tarot remains the foundation of my practice.

A lifelong pursuit of metaphysical wisdom followed and continues: astrology, mythology, Kabbalah, the Egyptian myst...more
More about Judika Illes...
The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft: The Complete A-Z for the Entire Magical World Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses Element Encyclopedia of 1000 Spells Pure Magic: A Complete Course in Spellcasting The Weiser Field Guide to Witches: From Hexes to Hermione Granger, from Salem to the Land of Oz

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