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Witches: A Compendium
A compendium of witches through the ages, from earliest prehistory to some of the most significant modern practitioners, Witches explores who and what is a witch. Ranging from such famed historical figures as Marie Laveau, Tituba, Sybil Leek, Isobel Gowdie, and Countess Erzsebet Báthory (popularly known as the Blood Countess) to popular literary and cinematic figures such as Endora, the Scarlet Witch, Storm, and the Wicked Witch of the West, Illes offers a complete range of the history of witches.
Also included are the sacred (Baba Yaga, Lilith, Isis, Hekate, Diana, Aradia, Circe) and the profane (the Salem Witch trials and the Burning Times), plus travel tips for witches and a guide to the tools of the trade. Witches is appropriate for readers of all ages and serves as an excellent and entertaining introduction for those fascinated by the topic.
Previously published in 2010 by Weiser Books as A Weiser Field Guide to Witches, this book has been updated for new witches as well as a new era.
Also included are the sacred (Baba Yaga, Lilith, Isis, Hekate, Diana, Aradia, Circe) and the profane (the Salem Witch trials and the Burning Times), plus travel tips for witches and a guide to the tools of the trade. Witches is appropriate for readers of all ages and serves as an excellent and entertaining introduction for those fascinated by the topic.
Previously published in 2010 by Weiser Books as A Weiser Field Guide to Witches, this book has been updated for new witches as well as a new era.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2024
21 people are currently reading
3897 people want to read
About the author
Judika Illes
48 books363 followers 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 mysteries as well as spiritual, magical and healing traditions from all over Earth but particularly Africa and Asia.
I've also been a blues and free-form rock and roll disc jockey, a corporate travel consultant specializing in the Caribbean, a skin-care and cosmetics consultant, and a teacher of mythology and multicultural studies. I wrote and edited the Ancient Beauty Secrets section for the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism's monthly online magazine, which integrated modern aromatherapy with ancient methods of body care and decoration.
True love's arrows pierced my heart yet again when I first encountered a vial of essential oil. (Essential oil of frankincense, to be exact, still a favorite.) Essential oils are not true oils but potent plant extracts. Modern aromatherapy, with its roots stretching back to ancient China, Egypt, Mesopotamia and the Middle East, is the manipulation of essential oils for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. Essential oils are perhaps the purest, most potent expression of a plant's power and play a profound role in rituals, potions and spells. Many are powerful aphrodisiacs and may be used to enhance health, beauty and peace of mind.
Following over a decade of independent study, I earned a certificate in therapeutic aromatherapy. I served on the faculty of the Australasian College of Herbal Studies as an aromatherapy tutor, teaching the certification program.
My special passion for almost fifteen years has been magical and traditional approaches to fertility. Originally stimulated by own reproductive challenges, I was frustrated by the medical options offered to me. I went searching for other avenues, gentle Earth and female-friendly solutions and found them: a vast repository of women's wisdom. Two children and many years later, I still search and research, impressed and empowered by thousands of years of women's inventiveness, endurance, defiance and humor.
A lifelong pursuit of metaphysical wisdom followed and continues: astrology, mythology, Kabbalah, the Egyptian mysteries as well as spiritual, magical and healing traditions from all over Earth but particularly Africa and Asia.
I've also been a blues and free-form rock and roll disc jockey, a corporate travel consultant specializing in the Caribbean, a skin-care and cosmetics consultant, and a teacher of mythology and multicultural studies. I wrote and edited the Ancient Beauty Secrets section for the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism's monthly online magazine, which integrated modern aromatherapy with ancient methods of body care and decoration.
True love's arrows pierced my heart yet again when I first encountered a vial of essential oil. (Essential oil of frankincense, to be exact, still a favorite.) Essential oils are not true oils but potent plant extracts. Modern aromatherapy, with its roots stretching back to ancient China, Egypt, Mesopotamia and the Middle East, is the manipulation of essential oils for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. Essential oils are perhaps the purest, most potent expression of a plant's power and play a profound role in rituals, potions and spells. Many are powerful aphrodisiacs and may be used to enhance health, beauty and peace of mind.
Following over a decade of independent study, I earned a certificate in therapeutic aromatherapy. I served on the faculty of the Australasian College of Herbal Studies as an aromatherapy tutor, teaching the certification program.
My special passion for almost fifteen years has been magical and traditional approaches to fertility. Originally stimulated by own reproductive challenges, I was frustrated by the medical options offered to me. I went searching for other avenues, gentle Earth and female-friendly solutions and found them: a vast repository of women's wisdom. Two children and many years later, I still search and research, impressed and empowered by thousands of years of women's inventiveness, endurance, defiance and humor.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 3, 2024
"Witches: A Compendium" by Judika Illes casts a spell of intrigue & inspiration. Perfect reading for this time of year 🎃🍁🖤
Illes weaves a tapestry of history & culture, offering a grand overview of witchcraft that shimmers with magical insight. The book strikes a perfect balance of a wealth of knowledge to spark curiosity & ignite further exploration without being overly dense.
Each chapter, from sacred goddesses to infamous witches to magpies (I'm sold!) provides a snapshot steeped in myth and meaning.
In today’s turbulent political climate, where the power of feminine mystique and resilience feels more vital than ever, this book feels important. It celebrates the transformative power of magic, the enduring spirit of feminine wisdom, and the rich tradition of those who embraced their inner strength and mysticism.
Judika Illes has conjured a reference book that is both fun and informative, perfect for any reader with a passion for folklore, mythology, and the beauty of magic. Reading "Witches" feels like reclaiming a piece of that timeless, feminine magic, a reminder that the mystical is not to be feared but celebrated.
Illes weaves a tapestry of history & culture, offering a grand overview of witchcraft that shimmers with magical insight. The book strikes a perfect balance of a wealth of knowledge to spark curiosity & ignite further exploration without being overly dense.
Each chapter, from sacred goddesses to infamous witches to magpies (I'm sold!) provides a snapshot steeped in myth and meaning.
In today’s turbulent political climate, where the power of feminine mystique and resilience feels more vital than ever, this book feels important. It celebrates the transformative power of magic, the enduring spirit of feminine wisdom, and the rich tradition of those who embraced their inner strength and mysticism.
Judika Illes has conjured a reference book that is both fun and informative, perfect for any reader with a passion for folklore, mythology, and the beauty of magic. Reading "Witches" feels like reclaiming a piece of that timeless, feminine magic, a reminder that the mystical is not to be feared but celebrated.
September 18, 2025
Okay this may sound very blunt but there isn’t anything in this book that isn’t on Wikipedia. Maybe the author just had to produce another book because of a contract with the publisher? Or maybe I am just not the audience for this…
January 23, 2025
This review originally appeared on The Magical Buffet website on 01/23/2025.
So, you want to be a witch? However, there are so many ways to be witch. Which witch is right for you? In my mind, Judika Illes does an amazing job of helping you navigate that question with her latest book, “Witches: A Compendium.”
Illes is one of the great compilers of information in the witchcraft world and I think “Witches: A Compendium” might be the work most likely to truly touch the lives of its readers. Illes first describes EVERY type of witch. Seriously, I went through them all and couldn’t think of anything missing. Then she takes on the Herculean task of providing brief biographies of every witch from history and folklore. The two sections in tandem give the reader a fantastic look at all the ways witches can live and practice. “Witches: A Compendium” could have ended here and I would still consider it a fantastic resource. But obviously, there’s more.
You’ll read about the many tools witches utilize (things like dolls and crystal balls), and the many crafts and handiworks they do (such as dowsing and astrology). If after all of this you still need more witch inspiration (witchspiration, if you will) Illes outlines deities and mythological figures associated with magic (from Angitia to Yemaya). After that is all the witches from movies, television, novels, and comics. And what discussion of witches would be complete without exploring all the animals associated with witches, so yes, that’s in “Witches: A Compendium” as well.
In case you needed even more than all of this, you’ll find biographies of people who have been accused of witchcraft throughout history, while also discussing witch hunting history. Illes then takes on a tour to all the noteworthy places a witch might want to visit and wraps it all up with what witch are you quiz!
“Witches: A Compendium” by Judika Illes is an amazing resource for the new witch looking to work stuff out and for the experienced witch looking to reflect on the wider witching world and their place in it. Please Weiser, never let this book go out of print.
So, you want to be a witch? However, there are so many ways to be witch. Which witch is right for you? In my mind, Judika Illes does an amazing job of helping you navigate that question with her latest book, “Witches: A Compendium.”
Illes is one of the great compilers of information in the witchcraft world and I think “Witches: A Compendium” might be the work most likely to truly touch the lives of its readers. Illes first describes EVERY type of witch. Seriously, I went through them all and couldn’t think of anything missing. Then she takes on the Herculean task of providing brief biographies of every witch from history and folklore. The two sections in tandem give the reader a fantastic look at all the ways witches can live and practice. “Witches: A Compendium” could have ended here and I would still consider it a fantastic resource. But obviously, there’s more.
You’ll read about the many tools witches utilize (things like dolls and crystal balls), and the many crafts and handiworks they do (such as dowsing and astrology). If after all of this you still need more witch inspiration (witchspiration, if you will) Illes outlines deities and mythological figures associated with magic (from Angitia to Yemaya). After that is all the witches from movies, television, novels, and comics. And what discussion of witches would be complete without exploring all the animals associated with witches, so yes, that’s in “Witches: A Compendium” as well.
In case you needed even more than all of this, you’ll find biographies of people who have been accused of witchcraft throughout history, while also discussing witch hunting history. Illes then takes on a tour to all the noteworthy places a witch might want to visit and wraps it all up with what witch are you quiz!
“Witches: A Compendium” by Judika Illes is an amazing resource for the new witch looking to work stuff out and for the experienced witch looking to reflect on the wider witching world and their place in it. Please Weiser, never let this book go out of print.
February 13, 2025
'Witches: A Compendium' by Judika Illes is an absolute treasure, a masterpiece that ignites a passion for the enchanting world of Witchcraft like nothing else I’ve ever encountered. With each turn of the page, you're drawn into a rich tapestry of history and basics that breathe life into the Craft.
Judika boldly dives into a vast ocean of knowledge, touching on every conceivable facet of Witchcraft, painting a vivid picture that leaves you spellbound. And wanting more.
From the diverse types of Witches to the fascinating schools of thought, she weaves in awe-inspiring real-life stories and pop culture references that resonate deeply. A lot of familiar names and new ones, too!
And that’s not all! She discusses sacred tools, powerful methods, and a treasure trove of insights that sets this book apart.
This book is a calling, an invitation to explore the wondrous depths of Witchcraft with fresh eyes.
I did not know what to expect when I received this to review. It was delightful, educational and will now, yes really, be a reference book for myself and one that I can offer to my students and clients.
It's always been a joy to sit down with a good book during a snowstorm, hot tea, a cat or four on my lap, a blanket, sweet treat and soft music.
But, those books are rare that create that ambiance, in my opinion.
This is one of those books.
Even if you aren't sitting in a snowstorm reading this, you will feel like it.
The world falls away, like it does with the silence of snow.
And you're able to simply immerse yourself in the pages.
What a wonderful journey indeed.
Lux in Tenebris Lucet
Judika boldly dives into a vast ocean of knowledge, touching on every conceivable facet of Witchcraft, painting a vivid picture that leaves you spellbound. And wanting more.
From the diverse types of Witches to the fascinating schools of thought, she weaves in awe-inspiring real-life stories and pop culture references that resonate deeply. A lot of familiar names and new ones, too!
And that’s not all! She discusses sacred tools, powerful methods, and a treasure trove of insights that sets this book apart.
This book is a calling, an invitation to explore the wondrous depths of Witchcraft with fresh eyes.
I did not know what to expect when I received this to review. It was delightful, educational and will now, yes really, be a reference book for myself and one that I can offer to my students and clients.
It's always been a joy to sit down with a good book during a snowstorm, hot tea, a cat or four on my lap, a blanket, sweet treat and soft music.
But, those books are rare that create that ambiance, in my opinion.
This is one of those books.
Even if you aren't sitting in a snowstorm reading this, you will feel like it.
The world falls away, like it does with the silence of snow.
And you're able to simply immerse yourself in the pages.
What a wonderful journey indeed.
Lux in Tenebris Lucet
December 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.5-Star Review: Witches: A Compendium by Judika Illes
Witches: A Compendium is an informative and wide-ranging look at witches through history, mythology, and popular culture. It covers an impressive amount of ground, blending historical figures, sacred archetypes, literary icons, and real-world practices into one extensive reference-style work.
The content itself is engaging and thoughtfully compiled, especially the inclusion of both revered figures like Hekate and Lilith alongside darker historical moments such as the Salem Witch Trials. I also appreciated the practical elements, including tools of the trade and travel tips, which added variety to the material.
That said, this was a lot of information to take in as an audiobook. While well-researched and interesting, the sheer volume made it difficult to retain everything in an audio format. This feels like a book I’ll need to revisit—possibly in print—so I can absorb it more slowly and refer back to sections as needed.
Overall, this is a solid and educational read for anyone fascinated by witchcraft and its many forms. I think it shines best as a reference book rather than a straight-through listen, but it’s still a worthwhile addition for curious readers.
Witches: A Compendium is an informative and wide-ranging look at witches through history, mythology, and popular culture. It covers an impressive amount of ground, blending historical figures, sacred archetypes, literary icons, and real-world practices into one extensive reference-style work.
The content itself is engaging and thoughtfully compiled, especially the inclusion of both revered figures like Hekate and Lilith alongside darker historical moments such as the Salem Witch Trials. I also appreciated the practical elements, including tools of the trade and travel tips, which added variety to the material.
That said, this was a lot of information to take in as an audiobook. While well-researched and interesting, the sheer volume made it difficult to retain everything in an audio format. This feels like a book I’ll need to revisit—possibly in print—so I can absorb it more slowly and refer back to sections as needed.
Overall, this is a solid and educational read for anyone fascinated by witchcraft and its many forms. I think it shines best as a reference book rather than a straight-through listen, but it’s still a worthwhile addition for curious readers.
April 26, 2025
Everything you want to know about witches
The author takes the reader for a walk through the history of witches in the world. We get backstories and information about all the witches throughout the ages. This includes comics, movies, stage and television shows. There is a lot of good information here.
The author takes the reader for a walk through the history of witches in the world. We get backstories and information about all the witches throughout the ages. This includes comics, movies, stage and television shows. There is a lot of good information here.
January 8, 2025
3-4⭐️
I received a free copy of this from the author. I tend to read more audio books but glad this one was a physical copy for the details. A fun gathering of witch like characters, I usually read some witchy books around Fall time.
I received a free copy of this from the author. I tend to read more audio books but glad this one was a physical copy for the details. A fun gathering of witch like characters, I usually read some witchy books around Fall time.
October 20, 2024
This was so interesting! I especially liked learning about the popular fictional witches in books, tv, movies and what they’re based off of!
October 26, 2024
This is on hell of a history book.
January 4, 2025
I probably should've read the blurb better but it was very enjoyable.
March 24, 2025
Where are the frogs, toads, bogs and warts? It's all cats, rats, snakes and bats. And owls. Hoot.
October 10, 2025
audiobook
January 8, 2026
Highly enjoyable with lots of interesting information
November 20, 2025
Fantastic!!! Full of information and so well written. Will definitely pick up again and again.
July 5, 2025
I was slightly disappointed with this book. I was hoping I guess for it to be more interesting and I am not sure if it was the narrator that I had a hard time with or if I just wanted more witchy action! It just didn't grasp my interest that much.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews