Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #36958 in Books
• Published on: 2005-09-05
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 887 pages

Synopsis
Following on from the hugely successful Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells, comes the next bumper encyclopedia celebrating all facets of witchcraft. This definite book is the most comprehensive, authoritative and entertaining guide you'll ever find on the mythology, folklore and traditions of magic. In this mammoth magical treasure trove, Judika Illes explores the history, folklore, spirituality, and mythology of witchcraft. A feast of facts and curiosities, rooted in magical and spiritual traditions, from all over the world, there are recipes from the witch's cauldron, magical sacred dates, and methods of witches' flights. Discover how witchcraft has inspired popular culture from Shakespeare to Harry Potter, and how witches have suffered persecution and death in centuries past. Packed full of amazing facts, bizarre information and fascinating stories, you will also be introduced to mythic witches, modern witches, sacred goddess witches, even demon witches, male and female witches, and witches from all over the globe.

Ideal for both the dedicated follower and casual reader, as a perfect gift for yourself or someone else to treasure, this definitive encyclopedia is essential reading for anyone interested in folklore, mythology and magic.

Customer Reviews

rainbow tree comment
My daughter bought this for me from amazon as a present and I have to say it is the most amazing record of just about everything anyone would want to know about witchcraft. Ms Illes has managed to relay how witchcraft has evolved throughout the ages and contrary to popular belief anyone can source the information and use it to complement their lives. Buy it and you won't regeret it!

Excellent - a fantastic overview of witchcraft, in all of its aspects
This encyclopedia is a companion to the ENCYCLOPEDIA OF 5000 SPELLS, also by the same author.

When I first received this volume, I was surprised in some ways: I had been expecting it to be organised by A-Z reference. In a sense it is, but Judika has actually arranged subject areas into alphabetical order, rather than absolutely everything there is to know about witchcraft in general - a much better way of going about it.

The encyclopedia begins with an informative introduction. I urge everyone who picks up this encyclopedia, especially those with perhaps limited knowledge about Wicca and witchcraft, to read this first. Judika highlights in here that, as with beauty, "what constitutes witchcraft is dependent upon the eye of its beholder" (p.1). Quite an obvious onbsevation, but one that definitely warrants discussion, even in today's world.
Following the introduction, there is then a section about the elements of aitchcraft. Again, I would urge you to read this before delving into the late pages. Topics covered here are the roots of witchcraft, animism, the worship of goddesses and the image of the sacred female plus dualism.

Some of the subjects included in the reference section of the encyclopedia include Animals, Books of Magic and Witchcraft, Calendar of Revelry and Sacred Days, Fairies, Creative Arts, Women's Mysteries and Wormwood and Garlic: Dangers and Protection.

As another reviewer said, this book is really a work to be used as a point of reference. It is not a how-to of witchcraft - patly because in order to do that, it would have to take on a certain stance, or tradition, and I see this book as more a general reference to witchcraft. This volume would be a good starting point for someone who has no or a little knowledge and would like to develop that knowledge. By Judika providing an extensive bibliography, you would certainly be able to use it in such a way. Likewise, because the index is also included, it enables you to use this book as a very accessible first point of call for when you may want information quickly.

This is a brilliant encyclopedia. It serves its purpose very well. I am incredibly pleased that I purchased it. Good, informative books are not always easy to come by - books on Wicca and witchcraft can either be fabulous or very prescripted - whereas this helps you to learn more about such a wide subject with the chance to go away and develop your knowledge by further research. Highly recommended.

A magical tour de force
What we all need in our lives today is something to believe in and something magical. This book will bring you both, if you turn the pages with an open mind. A sense of being a part of something great and special. Connection back to nature and our planet which we have lost.

Harry Potter has re-awakened mankind's yearning to believe in something more magical than ourselves. Much that we have forgotten or strayed away from in our urgency to have it all is actually just what we need most now.

Judika has researched, prepared and tended this book with a great love and knowledge of all kinds of magic. If you believe and are seeking to know more this is the one current book that can help you. She pays respect to all of the sorcerors who came before and takes the magic of yesteryears right into the NOW. Read it, enjoy and learn.

This is not just hocus pocus. There is a serious side and it is also fun, beautiful and bright. Imbibed with life.