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Review: The Big Book of Practical Spells

Honestly, I’m not a big fan of most published spell books…that is to say, unless they’re by Judika Illes. Any witch worth their black salt knows that Judika’s spell books are of the highest quality. Judika is one of those authors that I buy every book of hers that I can get my hands on. She is not only a walking, talking, occult encyclopedia but she’s literally written several massive encyclopedias on the topics of Witchcraft, Spells, Spirits and Saints. Judika’s spells, recipes and blends are derived and inspired from various places and times around the world, from ancient spells to conjure and folk magick to modern Wiccan-esque workings. It’s said that witches will use whatever works, and Judika is the perfect example of that. Whether one follows her spell books by the letter for their workings or use them as inspiration for the creation of their own spells, it’s hard to believe that any witch of any background or level of experience would walk away from her books without gaining something from them.

Judika’s latest work, The Big Book of Practical Spells: Everyday Magic That Works published by Wesier Books is no exception. The book’s title is actually misleading when it comes to Judika. Her massive books will usually take up a large section of your book shelf, but coming in at almost 300 pages the book isn’t small either. It would be a big book for any author other than Judika, who is known for gigantic encyclopedic works. The book is divided into three sections. The first section is a course on the basics of effective magick and spell-casting entitled “Magic 101”. The book’s second section is all about making spirit contact with ally spirits and getting in touch with the spirits of the land, working with crystals, oils, flower essences, incense and even potpourri. The third section of the book contain her newest spells to share.

What is fantastic about Judika is that her spells are based on experience and need, being just as practical as the book’s title promises. What I mean by that, is that Judika’s spells tend to be about very specific everyday real world problems and solutions like money and healing as well as spells for various stages of anyone’s life such as love and aphrodisiacs, pregnancy (or avoiding it), marriage, children and even death. Judika also includes all those spells that a witch needs and loves from psychic empowerment, psychic protection, divination, dream work and as always her amazing formulas for oils and incenses. Judika’s work is never a let-down. She is without a doubt one of the most important contributors to the magickal community of the last decade.

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