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

This book starts with an introduction to it contents and a brief but comprehensive guide to some of the things mentioned in the spells, then it just delves in to page after page of spells divided in to categories.

If you only ever buy one spell book then this should be it.


book of shadows and then some!!   March 29, 2004
31 out of 32 found this review helpful

I bought this book with feelings of both trepidation and hopefullness, having bought what seemed to be good books only to find them to be pure window dressing. Then this huge brick of a book turned up. If you're purely looking for a book based on the wiccan or celtic shamanism, be disappointed. If you're a true practitioner of the ancient arts in all it's wild glories and colours, you're in for a delight. Every part of the world's ancient lores appears in this book: sidhe, celtic, shamanism, voodoo & houdou, wicca...even some very dubious curses.
From either a practical or purely research based interest, this book is a treasure. It now has pride of place on my bookshelf! Well done indeed, Judika Illes!!


Wonderful reference book.   March 7, 2005
14 out of 14 found this review helpful

This book is fabulous, it is a collection of spells/charms from all different paths, not just witchcraft and is a wonderful reference book, and just something to thumb through.

This is not a "how to" book, and there are some rather naughty and even down right nasty hexes in this book - although some merely give you the idea of what the spell was suppose to do, without actually giving you all the details. Novices should be aware that this book will not tell you how to perform magick or how to work spells, although - essentially its a wonderful social history of spell craft through the centuries from all different paths - and yes down right amusing. Some of the spells definitely have the "ick" factor and are hilarious, others are quite shocking even disturbing.

Excellent book for sitting cosily with a cup of tea on a rainy day and thumbing through. If you want to use any of the spells you'll probably need to do a fair bit of research as there are many unfamilar herbs/oils/ointments etc and really, in terms of using it for spell craft, it comes into its own as a book that provides inspiration.

It should be noted too, that this is not a book written for or about Wicca.


Definitely one for keeps!   November 14, 2004
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

I absolutely love this book, I think it is responsible and comprehensive. As the title suggests, it is an Encyclopedia of spells and not a "how to" book - the responsibility is up to you! It is a genuinely interesting slice of spellcrafting history, and is a welcome addition to any shelf.


To be read...properly.   January 5, 2007
P. S. Mcfadyen (Dundee, Scotland (U.K.))
18 out of 20 found this review helpful

This book looks impressive.
And there is good reason for it. And it's described in the early pages in the preface.
I'd need to advise anyone embarking on buying this book to read the WHOLE thing.
The introduction is a fascinating read in itself and gives great explanation in the reason behind the book - an accumulation of all traditions in the world (well, those that have survived at least...).
This book also comes cleverly with a warning - not all these spells are actually meant to be used. Some may involve blood and we know nowadays that this simply is not sanitary. Others are specificaly intent to cause as much harm to others as possible (in direct contrast to the laws of Witchcraft).
Indeed, this book is wonderful for those interested in both practising magic and learning of its origins.
Please do not buy this book and go straight to the chapter on love spells or money spells and least of all, the chapter of hexes.
Even though it is a weighty book - it is obviously intent for the owner to have for life.
I repeat - on buying this book, it is imperative that you read the opening rather than just diving into the actual spells.
If you find you cannot do this - I'd say you'd better go to another book and learn the basics first, for indeed - the entire subject is not something to be taken lightly.
Aside from that - a true rarity for your collection.