
HUGE book! - This is an unbelievably huge book which is chock full of content.I am a Wiccan and bought this book as use as a reference text for my spells and rituals however upon reviewing the book i feel it is best used as a basis for making your own spells as the majority of the spells in the book are, i feel not very useful on their own. 5000 sounds like ALOT of spells, which it is, however there are many, many spells which are one-liners and seem to state a belief as opposed to being a spell i.e. Birth Chamber Protection Spell with Fir Needles: Burn silver fir needles during childbirth to protect mother and child and Boat Protection Spell Rope: Pass the entire boat through a rope circle for safety and protection. Despite the above i would reccomend it to anybody with an interest in magic and/or history as it is only £13.00 from Amazon and for such a big book it is worth it. It is only meant as a reference text and spans back a few thousand years when folk believed putting an axe under a pregnant woman s bed would ease childbirth - if you remember that whilst reading the book and come with an open mind then you ll be happy.
Foundational - I bought my copy of this book when it was newly out, and I think it may have been the first or second magic book I ever purchased, though I had read several others and had a working knowledge of the rudiments of magic. Judika has achieved what many others have attempted - that is to describe the witch s craft in an inclusive and unthreatened manner. The reader is not burdened with a heavy-handed treatment of the author s way to be a witch . Her collection of spells is broad and, though critical in the best of ways, is never censorious or biased.The breadth of the author s research is laid before the reader in a warm and enthusiastic style, with humour and the true ring of experience behind every word. We are not beseeched to buy cupboards full of ridiculous accoutrements before we can work an effective spell. Nor is it necessary to follow someone else s style slavishly to secure success.This is the book I reach for whenever I am unsure where to begin, or when there is a detail I wish to check on. Judika s wit and lightness of touch belie the seriousness of her commitment to the subject matter and the lasting value of her book. I would not hesitate to recommend her writing to you.
The Element Encyclopaedia of 5000 Spells - I bought this book quite a while ago because I was attracted to how many spells there are in it. The author has collected a diverse range of spells from various cultures and traditions. the spells are arranged by topic (each with an introduction) and there are a variety of different spells (though not all of them are practical or advisable).There are other sections in the book to complement the collection of spells - the author s introduction is an interesting read and there are tables showing things such as colour associations. The book also has instructions for making the various oils mentioned in the spells and a list of possible ingredients including their latin names.I have to admit I ve never used a spell from the book as is because of my personal belief in making each one individual to the situation. However I find the book incredibly useful for inspiration and would definitely recommend it if you re curious to find out about different spells.
Value for money - Is there anything this book does not cover, it is so big and with such an array of spells. You could cast a spell a day and it would take you years to get through them all. Splendid and worthy of anyone wishing to undertake the arts of this nature.
Excellent - Probably the most comprehensive occult book I have ever read. Despite the name of the text, it deals with far more than spells, also having background into the various spirits the spells will deal with and the basics and history of practising magic. Great for the beginner or advanced witch.