I cannot tell you how happy I am with this book. The book is easy to read and the format is extremely easy to follow. Of course, there are disclaimers on the book (always a good idea when you have stupid people performing magic they don't understand). Anyhow, it is a great read which deals with many, many traditions. The book begins with a primer section which includes some common ins and outs of magic, very easy to follow and understand. Section 2 begins the spells and there are thousands of them. One is sure to find the right spell for the right occasion. Now I am sure you have heard of spells for certain occasions which may/may not be in the book, but this is a great beginning and a superb reference. Some weaknesses with the book are that I think more visuals could have been included. For instance, in the section of herbal magic the author could have included diagrams or pictures of the botanicals used. Also, I am a visual person and enjoy seeing some type of visual related to the text. As a result, I think pictures/diagrams of the botanicals is extremely useful, especially for a novice. I think you will not be disappointed if you purchase this book. This book is a must have for a collector as well as a practioner. I am extremely pleased.Read full review
I have all the products, charms, chants, haunted cemetery and witches potions needed for a grand Halloween, only thing now is the rain. Maybe time to do a spell to cast it away for that day/night. This book is very thick and has all the spells you could think of in it. The person that wrote it is a good person and intended no harm with this, it is meant for good only. It has some history in it as well so if studying the magic folklore, is a very good book. I was told the book was a hard to find book so I got it when found on eBay in used condition but good. It looks like it came from a major book store with no marks or tears and I am very happy with it. Some of the spells/potions that are in the book call for the herbs/roots, etc that were used originally and may be hard to find. This is not a toy book but actual book with actual potions & spells. Very interesting if you love magic.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
There is way to much hype about this book. If you are looking for a "true" spell book, then you will be disappointed. The book offers no "real" information and provides more comment than actual spell casting information. Please remember, this book, is not the end all be all, there are many more authors out there that provide the "theory" of spell casting which will prove extremely helpful for you and not just the spell. The cost of trying to get this book can be prohibitive. If you really must have the book, be patient. There have been instances of price wars that have been going on in trying to bid for this book; some have won or winning only to be told that the auction was withdrawn, etc. In closing, The Element of Encyclopedia of 5000 spells, is in my collection, only after being extremely patient and multiple bids-just the way Ebay was intended :O). It's a great resource book, but not the "definitive" on spell casting. Have Fun With It )O)Read full review
This book does deliver when it says it has many spells from many cultures, so you are sure to find one that you can work with, but I was rather disappointed in the lack of "potions". There's a small sectional devoted to magickal waters and magickal oils but it didn't seem to slake my palette. Overall, the book is well written, well researched, and very easy to use. I am glad I bought this book.
My wife and i are librarians and have an extensive collection of rare books, but this one was a hard to find from the start. It is a strong book, well bound. good paper and you can open it without fear of ripping a page. We have other books from Judika Illes and we like the way she writes and the way her books are organized. We went to many troubles to get this book because no library or book store had it available. The Elemental Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells has a great introduction with many accurate historical facts. It contain many explanations on how to proceed with the book and many warnings to deter any person who wishes to cast a spell without knowing the final result of his actions. In many entries, the spells are identified by geographical, social and cultural location as well as known period of practice. No spell included in this book uses animal parts or sacrifices. Great for the curious or the real practitioner of the great arts.Read full review
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