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Element Encyclopedia
The Element Encyclopedia of 1000 Spells: The Ultimate Reference Book for the Magical Arts and Witchcraft
The definitive magic reference book for Witches, Wiccans and all devotees of the magical arts. This is the real version of the archetypal master spell book of fantasy that has a place in our collective imagination.
Today there are many books of spells for specific needs and occasions for the practising Wiccan/witch, but no comprehensive and inclusive magic reference book exists.
The Element Encyclopedia of 1000 spells is the magical equivalent of a prize and inspirational cookbook: nothing is too basic to be explained and yet sophisticated tastes as well as emergency situations are catered for.
This book goes beyond merely the Wiccan tradition to include a multitude of eastern and western magical traditions whilst fulfilling the archetypal fantasy of the grand grimoire (master spell book). This book is that fantasy made real.
770 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2004
82 people are currently reading
747 people want to read
About the author
Judika Illes
49 books365 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 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 16, 2016
I really liked this book. I do think that it's not necessarily the best book for a complete beginner, and some of the spells are quite ridiculous and impractical (e.g. putting fish in your vagina and feeding it to your lover- really?!). Someone who does not know how magick works, will take a look at this book and think it's complete nonsense. The key is to ask "why?". Why do I use this herb, and not that? Why does it call for this color? Why during this moon phase? Why do I throw it in a river? Bury it in the earth? Why? What does this symbolism mean? etc.
It is helpful to already know your correspondences before you pick up this book. It will make a million times more sense if you ask yourself "why". The first time I picked up this book, I thought it was completely confusing and silly. Now I use it to give me some idea for certain works. I like that it is not entirely focused on Wicca as well. I like that it doesn't wrap up thousands of years of tradition from various cultures and ties it with a pink bow, calling it "Wicca". Now I like Wicca- but it's nice to see other traditions once in a while. It's nice the author gives credit where it's due, and says "this is from XYZ culture/tradition". I find it absolutely infuriating when someone's thousands or hundreds of years old culture is labeled "Wicca", as it is done too often- especially in New Age books.
On a side note, I noticed this author says menstrual blood is one of the most powerful substances in the world. On the other hand, I have noticed that other (female) authors claim that menstrual blood is "waste" and useless. So there are some discrepancies and disagreements among practitioners on certain topics. You have to decide what makes sense to you.
I especially liked the sections on removing the evil eye and protection spells. Absolutely useful!
It is helpful to already know your correspondences before you pick up this book. It will make a million times more sense if you ask yourself "why". The first time I picked up this book, I thought it was completely confusing and silly. Now I use it to give me some idea for certain works. I like that it is not entirely focused on Wicca as well. I like that it doesn't wrap up thousands of years of tradition from various cultures and ties it with a pink bow, calling it "Wicca". Now I like Wicca- but it's nice to see other traditions once in a while. It's nice the author gives credit where it's due, and says "this is from XYZ culture/tradition". I find it absolutely infuriating when someone's thousands or hundreds of years old culture is labeled "Wicca", as it is done too often- especially in New Age books.
On a side note, I noticed this author says menstrual blood is one of the most powerful substances in the world. On the other hand, I have noticed that other (female) authors claim that menstrual blood is "waste" and useless. So there are some discrepancies and disagreements among practitioners on certain topics. You have to decide what makes sense to you.
I especially liked the sections on removing the evil eye and protection spells. Absolutely useful!
October 22, 2018
Simply put, this book is an interesting catalog of spells coming from many cultures, traditions and times.
Under each spell, categorized by type, i.e., love, attraction, wealth, protection, etc. there are many different spells and some origin as to where the spell comes from. Etiology is big for me. Anyway, I also enjoyed the tension between the spell’s potency against the contention that spells and broadly, magic are superstitious. However, no matter how ‘sophisterated’ one is or claims to be, many superstitious actions are still carried out by people at some time. Moreover, in reading and studying the etiology of the spells with the ingredients, one cannot help but realize that there may be something to the ingredients, and therefore, the spells used. Most of our pharmaceuticals are made from the plants used in some spells. Ingredients that still can be dangerous if used wrongly or recklessly.
My favorite chapter is the hexes because it does go to the heart as to one significant reason spells are cast: to protect oneself or to obtain some tort of justice (in the mind that is casting the hex) that otherwise is not attainable by conventional means. Motive is a big factor as to why any spell is cast; it is an honest reminder.
Overall, the book is very, very informative and worth keeping for reference purposes.
Under each spell, categorized by type, i.e., love, attraction, wealth, protection, etc. there are many different spells and some origin as to where the spell comes from. Etiology is big for me. Anyway, I also enjoyed the tension between the spell’s potency against the contention that spells and broadly, magic are superstitious. However, no matter how ‘sophisterated’ one is or claims to be, many superstitious actions are still carried out by people at some time. Moreover, in reading and studying the etiology of the spells with the ingredients, one cannot help but realize that there may be something to the ingredients, and therefore, the spells used. Most of our pharmaceuticals are made from the plants used in some spells. Ingredients that still can be dangerous if used wrongly or recklessly.
My favorite chapter is the hexes because it does go to the heart as to one significant reason spells are cast: to protect oneself or to obtain some tort of justice (in the mind that is casting the hex) that otherwise is not attainable by conventional means. Motive is a big factor as to why any spell is cast; it is an honest reminder.
Overall, the book is very, very informative and worth keeping for reference purposes.
March 11, 2016
this series is a good starter pack. it contains brief information on a lot of different things, and is a good place to do beginner reference and expand further from there. i'm also a sucker for the format and style of the books - they just look good, and i can't help but think of how good they'd look together on my bookshelf. as a bibliophile, i really like this series.
obviously, don't consult these for in-depth research. but, again, they're a good place to start broad, wide-ranging consultation. not to be crass but they'd be good bathroom/coffee table reading, too. it's kind of like wikipedia - great place to dip your feet in, but it's just the surface, and should be taken with a grain of salt. very useful if used properly.
obviously, don't consult these for in-depth research. but, again, they're a good place to start broad, wide-ranging consultation. not to be crass but they'd be good bathroom/coffee table reading, too. it's kind of like wikipedia - great place to dip your feet in, but it's just the surface, and should be taken with a grain of salt. very useful if used properly.
September 27, 2020
I read this for information, and because I was curious. I can neither advocate nor condemn , because that was not my purpose for reading this. I admit I did not read every entry, I did not intend to do so. I read the chapter sections. I read the histories and cultural backgrounds. I read the reasons and though processes as well as traditions for the different sections and spells. It was/is illuminating. It is very well done and an easy, thoughtful read.
January 10, 2011
Loads of spells to read and add to you collections. Some are a bit naff but others such as the candle spells could really be used to build some energy when wishing. The extra information in the book is interesting giving you a bit of background on where the spell originated from and what it was used for. A good book to have in your collection, if your into this sort of thing that is.
January 27, 2019
The format is lovely - not too large, not too small, fits well in a backpack. The cover is GORGEOUS! It's not the sort of book you read cover to cover, but rather reference from time to time or perhaps sit with for a while when the mood strikes. I am so glad I invested in this book and look forward to using it on a more regular basis.
June 20, 2017
Encyclopedia
Bought this book a while ago never got round to reading it til now as I also bought lots of other witchcraft books wish I'd have read this one first it's very comprehensive all you need to know in one book really interesting book and I can't put it down brilliant value for money
Bought this book a while ago never got round to reading it til now as I also bought lots of other witchcraft books wish I'd have read this one first it's very comprehensive all you need to know in one book really interesting book and I can't put it down brilliant value for money
November 27, 2020
Intresting read. I found the most useful information in the chapters leading up to the spells.
June 9, 2021
Great Little Reference Book
Charming with a ton of great information for witches of all paths and walks of life. I have been coming back to this book over and over again for years.
Charming with a ton of great information for witches of all paths and walks of life. I have been coming back to this book over and over again for years.
June 17, 2023
Very informative but too many hard-to-find ingredients to be of much use to me
January 2, 2026
Not so great. Do your own thing. Outdated tools & herbs you'll never find. Reason its called witchCRAFT; you craft your own practices & spells. Real magicians don't need recipes.
May 14, 2009
I will be referencing this book for years to come! Spells, how to make them, things to use and in different ways. This has it all!
The only set back is there are no pictures of things such as herbs.
The only set back is there are no pictures of things such as herbs.
October 6, 2011
Clear away the neo-pagan fluff and there's a halfway decent formulary and traditional Hoodoo. Not 100% authentic nor complete (which is why I'm only giving it 4 stars), but a good basic reference book in a pinch.
December 24, 2013
This book is a very detailed guide to spells that has actual spells in it. Now I myself don't believe, but I find it fun to pretend. The detail with which this book has been written really allows the magic to come alive.
July 24, 2012
My reference book for all thingsw magical. A must have in every practioners library.
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August 12, 2015wonderful all her books are good
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May 3, 2016Great book
I have this one in hard copy which is too big to travel with so having this in Kindle works
I have this one in hard copy which is too big to travel with so having this in Kindle works
October 6, 2016
Another brilliant book in this series!
Very interesting.
Great for reasearch.
Very interesting.
Great for reasearch.
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December 13, 2022i have the 5000 spells by this aurther and now i have them both there are some spells from the first book but theis one i a little bit smaller
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews