Review: Ancient Spells and Incantations

Title:  Ancient Spells and Incantations: Echoes of Magic Through the Ages and Across Cultures
Author:  Enid Baxter Ryce
Publisher:  Weiser Books
Date:  April 6, 2026
Pages:  208 

Extensive research went in to collecting the incantations, spells, and other magical words from countries and cultures around the world and across the centuries. Scans of ancient manuscripts, letters, museum collections, and university library archives are among her sources, with a long list of magical articles and books named in the bibliography. 

Each chapter begins with an introduction and focuses on a category: “Manifesting and Prophesy,” “Love and Lust,” “Protection Incantations,” “Healing,” and “Curses, Binding, and Vengeance.” 

The ancient magic that ancestors whispered, carved in stone, or hid in secret places address topics still relevant today. There is a protection spell from China in 217 BCE, a traditional Islandic spell to break up a relationship, an American Shaker incantation for happiness, and words from a runic amulet for love from Sweden dating back to the 6th century. Many read like poems and prayers. Black-and-white illustrations are scattered throughout the book.

Author Enid Baxter Ryce explains, “The incantations in this grimoire are not simply adapted from ancient texts, nor are they literal word-for-word translations; instead, they are original poetic interpretations.” Inspired by the original verses, she rewrote them for clarity and simplicity, using terms and cadences to bring “long-ago meanings closer for those engaged in magical practices.”

An epilogue touches on how to begin a magical practice to enhance the power of the words incorporating focus, magical objects, colors, places, and numbers. 

About the Author:
Enid Baxter Ryce believes in the power of stories to heal, connect, and transform us. A professor of arts and technology, she specializes in creating art materials from nature, designing experimental gardens, and connecting ancient histories to magical science. Her other books are “Plant Magic at Home: A Complete Guide to Harnessing the Power of Nature from Rituals to DIYs” and “Grace Flows Through You: 101 Spiritual Verses from Around the World.”

About the Reviewer:
As an eclectic solitary practitioner, I travel the country in a converted school bus and share magick with those I meet. Find me at https://thewitchonwheels.com/ and on Facebook.