Book Review-Witches: A Compendium by Judika Illes

Book Review

Witches: A Compendium

By Judika Illes

Publisher: Weiser Books

235 Page E-Book

Release Date: October 7th. 2024

Witches: A Compendium is another novice-friendly book on the Craft, this time exploring Witchcraft from all perspectives: from Wicca, Traditional Craft, Voodoo, Vodou and other practices, this book is all-inclusive, covering even different traditions within Wicca and Neo-Pagan Witchcraft. Famous and infamous women, witches and magickal persons are covered, as are magickal tools, animal familiars, crafts, spells and more! At the end of the book, Illes gives a section where you can find out if you, too, are a witch.

This book was a refreshing break in my reading, as beginner materials tend to lend a new perspective on the Craft to me, every time I read one. Witches: A Compendium is no different, and even moreso, because Judika Illes is such a well-respected, well-known author on the subject of Witchcraft. I have absolutely zero critiques of this book, and give it a 5/5 Pentagram rating. It’s perfect for beginners and those looking to find or define their witchy path. As a side note, Judika Illes is another favorite witchy author of mine. I will be recommending this book to beginner witches and clients looking to define their path more.

Judika Illes is a lifelong student and practitioner of Witchcraft and the magickal arts. The author of numerous popular and well-known books on the subject, such as Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells, she is also a professional Tarot card reader and certified aromatherapist. She teaches in person and virtually. You can find her on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/AuthorJudikaIlles/

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Author Bio:

The Modern Merlin has been a Polytheist and Animist Pagan, Witch, Sorcerer, Poison Witch, Wizard, Druid, Mystic, Ceremonial Magician, Occultist, Shaman, Seer and Soothsayer for over 15 years, venerating and casting magick with deities and spirits from many cultures, including those from Ancient Greece, Rome, Norse & Germanic, Celtic, Slavic, Egyptian, Sumerian, as well as many Faeries, Nymphs, Dryads, Ancestors and other nature and land spirits and spirits of place. He is a Priest of Hecate, Diana, Hades, Lilith and Persephone, among others. He has experience in the Left and Right Hand Paths, working with both hands as needed. He currently practices Necromancy and Deathwalking, as well as Traditional Witchcraft, Druidry, Hellenism and Ceremonial Magick, incorporating all of them into a cohesive practice, with some shamanic touches. He studies and practices Astrology as well as Tarot and other forms of divination such as Runes, Palmistry and Ogham. He has also been investigating the paranormal for over 10 years and has a keen interest in researching various mythologies, cosmologies and folklore from around the world. He is the Co-Editor of PaganPages.Org and the author of multiple columns, including The Modern Merlin’s Corner, Entheogens for the New Gen, Stellium, and Scary, Strange and Mythical Encounters. He also has a personal blog where he shares Astrological, Pagan, and other magickal wisdom for free! He gives readings and other spiritual services on his Facebook Page, The Modern Merlin, as well other free informational posts for everyone to see!