The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft: The Complete A-Z for the Entire Magical World

by Judika Illes

Book Overview

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...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0007192932
• ISBN13: 9780007192939
• Release Date: June 2005
• Publisher: Thorsons
• Length: 887 Pages
• Weight: 4.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.1" x 7.7" x 9.9"

Customer Reviews

resource material

This is a great source of information for those who are seeking and those who love research. Ms. Illes did her homework well. It opens the eyes of those who are not aware of how many directions there are to go, in witchcraft. Brings better understanding of just how old the practice of witchcraft is, that it isn't just the latest " New Age" chic trend.

Excellent

Judika Illes' comprehensive encyclopedia is an excellent information source on many, many things related to witchcraft and witches. It is obvious that a lot of thought and consideration went into this book. Like her previous work, The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells, this book is HUGE. Even if you're not into witchcraft, you should still buy it- it could be useful for weight-lifting. The writing is clear and concise-- a good thing in a metaphysical book. The book is easy to use for both beginners and witchcraft experts. Also, I find the non-alphabetical categories to be refreshing and I especially liked the section on witches is manga and anime, categories often ignored.

An Interesting Perspective

This is an awesome book! Very different from any of the other witch craft books that I have. Instead of following a how to approach, this one is more historical and factual in nature. Magical terms are defined along cultural lines, and how they relate to witches rather than from a religious, so you want to be a witch format. I disagree with the people who have reviewed here and say that it's too fluffy. It's quite the opposite. It is an encyclopedia. It gives enough information on each topic to point one in the right direction to be able to fully research any of the countless topics that are highlighted.

great resource

Amazing book that offers a lot. When you offer a lot sometimes areas are thin, but on the whole there is a wealth of information that is very valuable for writers as well as those on the journey of learning. Beautifully produced, well worth every penny. If you bought this book and paid for the pound you would get your money's worth! An amazing about of work on folklore in it's most elemental form. I highly recommend it for paranormal writers.

Comprehensive, Accessible, and Entertaining

"Whether you perceive the witch as powerful or evil may depend upon whether you perceive knowledge as desirable or dangerous; whether you perceive that human knowledge is something that should be limited. The witch doesn't think so. She, or he as the case may be, wants to know." -from the book From shamanic shape shifting to food and drink, botanicals to sacred days, The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft - The Complete A to Z of the Entire Magical World is a fascinating and comprehensive celebration of all facets of witchcraft. From modern Wicca to Egyptian sorcery, Toltec shamanism to African Voudon, author Judith Illes explores the history, folklore, spirituality, and practices of witchcraft and the occult. According to Judika Illes, there are many definitions and beliefs about what a witch, and witchcraft, embodies. In the introduction, she examines the many theories, definitions and attitudes that have accompanied this oft-misunderstood subject. This book celebrates the fun, freedom, mystery and defiance of witchcraft, rather than any specific spiritual or political definition. Thus, this hardcover authoritative reference, which spans 887 pages, covers the people, places, professions, deities, traditions, books, film, fairy tales, animals, herbs, holy days, mythology, tools and symbols spanning hundreds of occult traditions. Topics are arranged alphabetically, and the main chapters are: Elements of Witchcraft Books of Magic and Witchcraft Botanicals Calendar of Revelry and Sacred Days Creative Arts Dictionary of Witchcraft: A Magical Vocabulary The Divine Witch: Goddesses and Gods Ergot, The Corn Mother, and The Rye Wolf Fairies Fairy-Tale Witches and Mother Goose Food and Drink The Hag The Horned One and The Devil Magical Arts Magical Professions Places: A Witch's Travel Guide Tools of Witchcraft Witchcraft Hall of Fame Witchcraze! Persecution of Witches Women's Mysteries Wormwood and Garlic: Dangers and Protections The Element Encyclopedia contains intriguing information like: * The difference between almanacs, books of shadows, and grimoires * The colorful origins and uses of absinthe * In the book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, Dorothy's slippers were silver, not ruby. She is identified as a sorceress because she wears white and, according to the book, "Only witches and sorceresses wear white." * Prospero, the magician in Shakespeare's The Tempest, is believed to at least partially to be based on Dr. John Dee. Dr. Dee was famed astrologer to Queen Elizabeth, as well as a renowned alchemist, magician and scholar. This brilliant occultist was one of the founders of Enochian Magic. * If a plant contains the word "bane", beware! The word bane is a derivative of the Old German word bano meaning death. Thus, any plant containing "bane"-such as wolfsbane or henbane-is poisonous. * The character of Sabrina the Teenage Witch didn't begin with Melissa Joan Hart. She first appeared in the back pages of an Archie Comics magazin