“Magic is concerned with the immediate needs and desires of the practitioner in the here and now, or at least in the immediately foreseeable future. It is not about ‘pie in the sky’. The average magician doesn’t want to wait for the possible rewards of the sweet hereafter. Magic is not for the passive…” – From Encyclpedia of 5,000 Spells
What is magic? Is it evil? What are spells? Where do magic spells come from? Author Judika Illes addresses these questions and more in the book the Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells. Comprehensive and engaging, this tome spans 1,108 pages and explains the nature of spell-casting as well as key concepts and techniques. Covering magical spells from a multitude of eras, traditions, and places, this exhaustive reference book also includes some spells using deadly poisonous botanicals that are provided for historical reference. (In other words, don’t reproduce these spells and keep the book out of the hands of children.)
• Magic is the manipulation of Earth’s naturally occurring powers in an attempt to provide the spell-caster with the success and happiness she or he desires
• Magic spells are deliberate, specific attempts to harness and manipulate this energy, following some sort of formula or direction
• Magic power is inherent on Earth: people didn’t create it, imagine it or make it up. By various means, they learned how to use it: magic spells are the result
• Every magic spell was created by at least one person and probably refined and improved by a thousand more
The spells in this book are arranged by theme, making it easy to locate the appropriate information you need. Sachets, candle magic, baths, oils, dolls, conjure bags, powders, potions, charms, pomanders—they’re all here. Some of the themes for these myriad spells include:
• Banishing Spells
• Marriage and Divorce Spells
• Healing Spells
• Better Business and Professional Success Spells
• Divination Spells
• Happy Home Spells
• Theft, Lost Objects, and Missing Persons
• Protection Spells
• Fertility Spells
• Psychic Power Spells
• Court case Spells: Legal Spells and Spells for Justice
And much more.
Three pages of associations for colors, planets, astrological correspondences, numbers, and Seven African Powers are also provided in this book, as is four pages of botanical classifications.
Ms. Illes intersperses useful tips, fascinating lore, and sober admonitions throughout theEncyclopedia of 5000 Spells. For example, here are some tips she provides for Money Spells:
• Primary Colors: green and gold
• Primary Number: 2, because it encapsulates the concept of doubling
• Planets: Jupiter, because it’s the planet of good fortune; the Moon, because it’s the planet of magic and fulfilled wishes; and Mercury, because the Roman god whose name it bears is involved with prosperity and finance
• Spells for financial growth, to increase money or business, should coincide with the waxing moon
Ms. Illes is obviously an excellent researcher but she also has the gift of making esoteric information both understandable and intriguing. Whether you’re seeking spells for Craftwork or just have an interest in occultic books, the Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells imparts a wealth of historical, magical, and practical information to the reader.
Related Articles
Content copyright © by Janet Boyer. All rights reserved. This review was written by Janet Boyer. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission.
