The Element Encyclopedia Of Witchcraft: The complete A- Z for the Entiire Magical World

by Illes, Judika

• ISBN13: 9780007192939
• ISBN10: 0007192932
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-06-30
• Publisher: Thorsons Element

Summary

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.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	vii
Introduction	1	(13)
Elements of Witchcraft	14	(20)
Animals	34	(73)
Books of Magic and Witchcraft	107	(40)
Botanicals	147	(38)
Calendar of Revelry and Sacred Days	185	(39)
Creative Arts	224	(98)
Dictionary of Witchcraft: A Magical Vocabulary	322	(45)
The Divine Witch: Goddesses and Gods	367	(50)
Ergot, The Corn Mother, and The Rye Wolf	417	(14)
Fairies	431	(30)
Fairy-Tale Witches and Mother Goose	461	(38)
Food and Drink	499	(29)
The Hag	528	(20)
The Horned One and The Devil	548	(36)
Magical Arts	584	(39)
Magical Professions	623	(21)
Places: A Witch's Travel Guide	644	(39)
Tools of Witchcraft	683	(22)
Witchcraft Hall of Fame	705	(66)
Witchcraze! Persecution of Witches	771	(60)
Women's Mysteries	831	(17)
Wormwood and Garlic: Dangers and Protection	848	(8)
Bibliography	856	(10)
Index	866