Customer Reviews
HUGE book! - By: L. Topping, 08 Nov 2008 
This is an unbelievably huge book which is chock full of content.
I am a Wiccan & bought this book as use as a reference text for my spells & rituals however upon reviewing the book i feel it is best used as a basis for making your own spells as the majority of the spellsin the book are, i feel not very useful on their own. 5000 sounds like ALOT of spells, which it is, however there are many, many 'spells' which are one-liners & seem to state a belief as opposed to being a spell i.e. Birth Chamber Protection Spell with Fir Needles: Burn silver fir needles during childbirth to protect mother & child & Boat Protection Spell Rope: Pass the entire boat through a rope circle for safety & protection.
Despite the above i would reccomend it to anybody with an interestin magic and/or history as it is only £13.00 from Amazon & for such a big book it is worth it. It is only meant as a reference text & spans back a few thousand years when folk believed putting an axe under a pregnant woman's bed would ease childbirth - if you remember that whilst reading the book & come with an open mind then you'll be happy.
Foundational - By: Weird Sister, 20 Oct 2008 I bought my copy of this book when it was newly out, & I think it may have been the first or second magic book I ever purchased, though I had read several others & had a working knowledge of the rudiments of magic. Judika has achieved what many others have attempted - that is to describe the witch's craftin an inclusive & unthreatened manner. The reader is not burdened with a heavy-handed treatment of the author's 'way to be a witch'. Her collection of spells is broad and, though criticalin the best of ways, is never censorious or biased.
The breadth of the author's research is laid before the readerin a warm & enthusiastic style, with humour & the true ring of experience behind every word. We are not beseeched to buy cupboards full of ridiculous accoutrements before we can work an effective spell. Nor is it necessary to follow someone else's style slavishly to secure success.
This is the book I reach for whenever I am unsure where to begin, or when there is a detail I wish to check on. Judika's wit & lightness of touch belie the seriousness of her commitment to the subject matter & the lasting value of her book. I would not hesitate to recommend her writing to you.
The Element Encyclopaedia of 5000 Spells - By: Snail the Bookworm, 15 Jul 2008 I bought this book quite a while ago because I was attracted to how many spells there arein it. The author has collected a diverse range of spells from various cultures & traditions. the spells are arranged by topic (each with an introduction) & there are a variety of different spells (though not all of them are practical or advisable).
There are other sectionsin the book to complement the collection of spells - the author's introduction is an interesting read & there are tables showing things such as colour associations. The book also has instructions for making the various oils mentionedin the spells & a list of possible ingredients including their latin names.
I have to admit I've never used a spell from the book "as is" because of my personal beliefin making each one individual to the situation. However I find the book incredibly useful for inspiration & would definitely recommend it if you're curious to find out about different spells.
Value for money - By: Good Person, 23 May 2008 Is there anything this book does not cover, it is so big & with such an array of spells. You could cast a spell a day & it would take you years to get through them all. Splendid & worthy of anyone wishing to undertake the arts of this nature.
Excellent - By: Mr. Lgt Marsons, 15 May 2008 Probably the most comprehensive occult book I have ever read. Despite the name of the text, it deals with far more than spells; also having background into the various spirits the spells will deal with & the basics & history of practising magic. Great for the beginner or advanced witch.
