Customer Reviews

Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Just a helpful tip to whoever originated this page for the author. Perhaps I didn't see this in the reviews for this particular book (nor did I see this while reading the description for this particular book) that this is actually a DUPLICATE of the ELEMENT ENCYCLOPEDIA OF 5,000 SPELLS. Both have the same author listed, have different covers. Please be careful to make it clear going forward, because simply having a review that talks of the Element book under the 'plain' 5,000 spells title is not really all that crystal clear. It is not cool to have two copies of the same book, people don't have that kind of money to spend. Now I now have both copies of the same book. Luckily it's a book I use and the first one was falling apart, so I will not send this second one back. Please be careful with your advertising and be clear.

Here's the link to the original: http://www.amazon.com/Element-Encyclopedia-5000-Spells-Reference/dp/0007164653/ref=pd_sim_b_29

"Magic is concerned with the immediate needs and desires of the practitioner in the here and now, or at least in the immediately foreseeable future. It is not about `pie in the sky'. The average magician doesn't want to wait for the possible rewards of the sweet hereafter. Magic is not for the passive..." - From the book

What is magic? Is it evil? What are spells? Where do magic spells come from? Author Judika Illes addresses these questions and more in the book The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells. Comprehensive and engaging, this tome spans 1,108 pages and explains the nature of spell-casting as well as key concepts and techniques. Covering magical spells from a multitude of eras, traditions, and places, this exhaustive reference book also includes some spells using deadly poisonous botanicals that are provided for historical reference. (In other words, don't reproduce these spells and keep the book out of the hands of children.)

So what is magic and spell-casting? According to The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells:

*Magic is the manipulation of Earth's naturally occurring powers in an attempt to provide the spell-caster with the success and happiness she or he desires

*Magic spells are deliberate, specific attempts to harness and manipulate this energy, following some sort of formula or direction

*Magic power is inherent on Earth: people didn't create it, imagine it or make it up. By various means, they learned how to use it: magic spells are the result

*Every magic spell was created by at least one person and probably refined and improved by a thousand more

The spells in this book are arranged by theme, making it easy to locate the appropriate information you need. Sachets, candle magic, baths, oils, dolls, conjure bags, powders, potions, charms, pomanders--they're all here. Some of the themes for these myriad spells include:

*Banishing Spells

*Marriage and Divorce Spells

*Healing Spells

*Better Business and Professional Success Spells

*Divination Spells

*Happy Home Spells

*Theft, Lost Objects, and Missing Persons

*Protection Spells

*Fertility Spells

*Psychic Power Spells

*Court case Spells: Legal Spells and Spells for Justice

And much more.

Three pages of associations for colors, planets, astrological correspondences, numbers, and Seven African Powers are also provided as is four pages of botanical classifications.

Ms. Illes intersperses useful tips, fascinating lore, and sober admonitions throughout The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells. For example, here are some tips she provides for Money Spells:

*Primary Colors: green and gold

*Primary Number: 2, because it encapsulates the concept of doubling

*Planets: Jupiter, because it's the planet of good fortune; the Moon, because it's the planet of magic and fulfilled wishes; and Mercury, because the Roman god whose name it bears is involved with prosperity and finance

*Spells for financial growth, to increase money or business, should coincide with the waxing moon

Ms. Illes is obviously an excellent researcher but she also has the gift of making esoteric information both understandable and intriguing. Whether you're seeking spells for Craftwork or just have an interest in occultic books, The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells imparts a wealth of historical, magical, and practical information to the reader.

-- Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book

This is such an amazing book!!! It leaves no stone unturned when it comes to presenting information about the "how to's" for each spell. I wish I would have had this book earlier in my practice.

This is a must have book!!!

Length:: 2:48 Mins

Must have book for every person of the craft or magic goer!!! The Ultimate source ever written!

If you want spells, I haven't found a source that has everything you want to know in one place such as this. This book is a definate 'must have' for any Wiccan library. It sits next to my Book of Shadows along with my herbal and gemstone guides.

This is a very interesting book. You will find literally all kinds of magic, magic to help you sleep better, love, spells, to boost physic abilities, spells for your pets, healing spells, beauty spells etc. My one problem with this book is that there are sections on practcing black/dark arts ie hexing someone, binding, curse, etc. Which I personally do not agree with that. I would have given her 5 starts actually. This book is not suitable for the young and she even mentions this in her first pages in bold that this book is not intended for children. Also many of the spells are taken from old traditionals based on cultural/ religious practices, furthermore some spells are more based on superstitious practics, after all they are taken form 5000 years of practice. All in all a good reference book, you wont find any like this out there especially if you are interested in traditional spells.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I thought it was going to be yet another book filled with the author going on and on about things any beginner would know. Nope, she just gets down to it with spells of all types. She does introduce some spells with her own explanation, many people like that. I enjoyed it so much that I sat down and read this monster like a story book. I call it a monster because it weighs a ton and it is all quality writing.
I give it 5 stars because it exceeded my expectations and is well worth the read.

This is an excellent book for just what it claims to be- an encyclopedia. Very thorough reference, and so much nicer than searching and piecing things together from internet sources. This book is for ages 18 and over only, though I would recommend ages 21 and up.

The author also offers appropriate warning about the hazards of attempting to work with negative or "dark" forces or energy. She also alerts the reader whenever a poisonous or toxic herb or botanical is called for, and often lists a modern or safer alternative.

The range of spells here is from those requiring no tools at all, to chants, to simple rituals, to candles spells, to herbal spells, to making tailsmans and such, to group rituals. Taking a very inclusive approach, Illes blends wisdom from paths and traditions both old and modern from around the world.

Overall: Definitely worth the investment.

If you are truly looking for an ultimate book of spells, spell references & resources this book does hold strictly to its title. It is not big on the use of chants though -- but like most spellbooks, it is assumed you know how to raise power yourself through one of the ways of the Eight Fold Path to the center of raising power.

I find myself referring to this book from time to time. One of the most useful reasons I like this book is for it's index in the back. If I have a particular herb or ingrediant, I like to look in the back of the book and view some of the spells that ingrediant is typically used for. Good material.

Much Love & Many Blessings,
Thorn Nightwind

The book was in excellent condition, actually brand new! Many of the spells in it are new to me, which is why I bought the book to begin with. Its perfect for what I want!