HUGE book!, 08 Nov 2008
This is an unbelievably huge book which is chock full of content.
I am a Wiccan and bought this book as use as a reference text for my spells and rituals however upon reviewing the book i feel it is best used as a basis for making your own spells as the majority of the spells in the book are, i feel not very useful on their own. 5000 sounds like ALOT of spells, which it is, however there are many, many 'spells' which are one-liners and seem to state a belief as opposed to being a spell i.e. Birth Chamber Protection Spell with Fir Needles: Burn silver fir needles during childbirth to protect mother and child and Boat Protection Spell Rope: Pass the entire boat through a rope circle for safety and protection.

Despite the above i would reccomend it to anybody with an interest in magic and/or history as it is only £13.00 from Amazon and for such a big book it is worth it. It is only meant as a reference text and spans back a few thousand years when folk believed putting an axe under a pregnant woman's bed would ease childbirth - if you remember that whilst reading the book and come with an open mind then you'll be happy.

Foundational, 20 Oct 2008
I bought my copy of this book when it was newly out, and I think it may have been the first or second magic book I ever purchased, though I had read several others and had a working knowledge of the rudiments of magic. Judika has achieved what many others have attempted - that is to describe the witch's craft in an inclusive and unthreatened manner. The reader is not burdened with a heavy-handed treatment of the author's 'way to be a witch'. Her collection of spells is broad and, though critical in the best of ways, is never censorious or biased.

The breadth of the author's research is laid before the reader in a warm and enthusiastic style, with humour and the true ring of experience behind every word. We are not beseeched to buy cupboards full of ridiculous accoutrements before we can work an effective spell. Nor is it necessary to follow someone else's style slavishly to secure success.

This is the book I reach for whenever I am unsure where to begin, or when there is a detail I wish to check on. Judika's wit and lightness of touch belie the seriousness of her commitment to the subject matter and the lasting value of her book. I would not hesitate to recommend her writing to you.

The Element Encyclopaedia of 5000 Spells, 15 Jul 2008
I bought this book quite a while ago because I was attracted to how many spells there are in it. The author has collected a diverse range of spells from various cultures and traditions. the spells are arranged by topic (each with an introduction) and there are a variety of different spells (though not all of them are practical or advisable).

There are other sections in the book to complement the collection of spells - the author's introduction is an interesting read and there are tables showing things such as colour associations. The book also has instructions for making the various oils mentioned in the spells and a list of possible ingredients including their latin names.

I have to admit I've never used a spell from the book "as is" because of my personal belief in making each one individual to the situation. However I find the book incredibly useful for inspiration and would definitely recommend it if you're curious to find out about different spells.

Value for money, 23 May 2008
Is there anything this book does not cover, it is so big and with such an array of spells. You could cast a spell a day and it would take you years to get through them all. Splendid and worthy of anyone wishing to undertake the arts of this nature.

Excellent, 15 May 2008
Probably the most comprehensive occult book I have ever read. Despite the name of the text, it deals with far more than spells; also having background into the various spirits the spells will deal with and the basics and history of practising magic. Great for the beginner or advanced witch.

HUGE book!, 08 Nov 2008
This is an unbelievably huge book which is chock full of content.
I am a Wiccan and bought this book as use as a reference text for my spells and rituals however upon reviewing the book i feel it is best used as a basis for making your own spells as the majority of the spells in the book are, i feel not very useful on their own. 5000 sounds like ALOT of spells, which it is, however there are many, many 'spells' which are one-liners and seem to state a belief as opposed to being a spell i.e. Birth Chamber Protection Spell with Fir Needles: Burn silver fir needles during childbirth to protect mother and child and Boat Protection Spell Rope: Pass the entire boat through a rope circle for safety and protection.

Despite the above i would reccomend it to anybody with an interest in magic and/or history as it is only £13.00 from Amazon and for such a big book it is worth it. It is only meant as a reference text and spans back a few thousand years when folk believed putting an axe under a pregnant woman's bed would ease childbirth - if you remember that whilst reading the book and come with an open mind then you'll be happy.

Foundational, 20 Oct 2008
I bought my copy of this book when it was newly out, and I think it may have been the first or second magic book I ever purchased, though I had read several others and had a working knowledge of the rudiments of magic. Judika has achieved what many others have attempted - that is to describe the witch's craft in an inclusive and unthreatened manner. The reader is not burdened with a heavy-handed treatment of the author's 'way to be a witch'. Her collection of spells is broad and, though critical in the best of ways, is never censorious or biased.

The breadth of the author's research is laid before the reader in a warm and enthusiastic style, with humour and the true ring of experience behind every word. We are not beseeched to buy cupboards full of ridiculous accoutrements before we can work an effective spell. Nor is it necessary to follow someone else's style slavishly to secure success.

This is the book I reach for whenever I am unsure where to begin, or when there is a detail I wish to check on. Judika's wit and lightness of touch belie the seriousness of her commitment to the subject matter and the lasting value of her book. I would not hesitate to recommend her writing to you.

The Element Encyclopaedia of 5000 Spells, 15 Jul 2008
I bought this book quite a while ago because I was attracted to how many spells there are in it. The author has collected a diverse range of spells from various cultures and traditions. the spells are arranged by topic (each with an introduction) and there are a variety of different spells (though not all of them are practical or advisable).

There are other sections in the book to complement the collection of spells - the author's introduction is an interesting read and there are tables showing things such as colour associations. The book also has instructions for making the various oils mentioned in the spells and a list of possible ingredients including their latin names.

I have to admit I've never used a spell from the book "as is" because of my personal belief in making each one individual to the situation. However I find the book incredibly useful for inspiration and would definitely recommend it if you're curious to find out about different spells.

Value for money, 23 May 2008
Is there anything this book does not cover, it is so big and with such an array of spells. You could cast a spell a day and it would take you years to get through them all. Splendid and worthy of anyone wishing to undertake the arts of this nature.

Excellent, 15 May 2008
Probably the most comprehensive occult book I have ever read. Despite the name of the text, it deals with far more than spells; also having background into the various spirits the spells will deal with and the basics and history of practising magic. Great for the beginner or advanced witch.

Everyone should read this book, 02 Apr 2008
This is the most thought provoking book I have read in a while. All forward-thinking people would enjoy it enormously, although it is not for the faint-hearted! It is full of profound scientific, spiritual and philosophical beliefs from a wide range of experts in their fields. I think the beauty of this book is that the reader can choose their own interpretation at the end, having read the range of different opinions offered. Most people will want to effect positive changes in their lives after reading this book and take action to make a difference to this planet's future fate.

The end of the world or a new begining?, 21 Dec 2007
The year 2012 is on the horizon; the Mayan calendar foretold this date as the end of times. Some say it is not the end of times but the birth of a new age. This book brings together different views and insights from leading experts on what might happen on this date. Interesting compilation of theories and ideas that is not just for the new age mind. I also recommend "TOURIST IN THE YUCATAN."

HUGE book!, 08 Nov 2008
This is an unbelievably huge book which is chock full of content.
I am a Wiccan and bought this book as use as a reference text for my spells and rituals however upon reviewing the book i feel it is best used as a basis for making your own spells as the majority of the spells in the book are, i feel not very useful on their own. 5000 sounds like ALOT of spells, which it is, however there are many, many 'spells' which are one-liners and seem to state a belief as opposed to being a spell i.e. Birth Chamber Protection Spell with Fir Needles: Burn silver fir needles during childbirth to protect mother and child and Boat Protection Spell Rope: Pass the entire boat through a rope circle for safety and protection.

Despite the above i would reccomend it to anybody with an interest in magic and/or history as it is only £13.00 from Amazon and for such a big book it is worth it. It is only meant as a reference text and spans back a few thousand years when folk believed putting an axe under a pregnant woman's bed would ease childbirth - if you remember that whilst reading the book and come with an open mind then you'll be happy.

Foundational, 20 Oct 2008
I bought my copy of this book when it was newly out, and I think it may have been the first or second magic book I ever purchased, though I had read several others and had a working knowledge of the rudiments of magic. Judika has achieved what many others have attempted - that is to describe the witch's craft in an inclusive and unthreatened manner. The reader is not burdened with a heavy-handed treatment of the author's 'way to be a witch'. Her collection of spells is broad and, though critical in the best of ways, is never censorious or biased.

The breadth of the author's research is laid before the reader in a warm and enthusiastic style, with humour and the true ring of experience behind every word. We are not beseeched to buy cupboards full of ridiculous accoutrements before we can work an effective spell. Nor is it necessary to follow someone else's style slavishly to secure success.

This is the book I reach for whenever I am unsure where to begin, or when there is a detail I wish to check on. Judika's wit and lightness of touch belie the seriousness of her commitment to the subject matter and the lasting value of her book. I would not hesitate to recommend her writing to you.

The Element Encyclopaedia of 5000 Spells, 15 Jul 2008
I bought this book quite a while ago because I was attracted to how many spells there are in it. The author has collected a diverse range of spells from various cultures and traditions. the spells are arranged by topic (each with an introduction) and there are a variety of different spells (though not all of them are practical or advisable).

There are other sections in the book to complement the collection of spells - the author's introduction is an interesting read and there are tables showing things such as colour associations. The book also has instructions for making the various oils mentioned in the spells and a list of possible ingredients including their latin names.

I have to admit I've never used a spell from the book "as is" because of my personal belief in making each one individual to the situation. However I find the book incredibly useful for inspiration and would definitely recommend it if you're curious to find out about different spells.

Value for money, 23 May 2008
Is there anything this book does not cover, it is so big and with such an array of spells. You could cast a spell a day and it would take you years to get through them all. Splendid and worthy of anyone wishing to undertake the arts of this nature.

Excellent, 15 May 2008
Probably the most comprehensive occult book I have ever read. Despite the name of the text, it deals with far more than spells; also having background into the various spirits the spells will deal with and the basics and history of practising magic. Great for the beginner or advanced witch.

Everyone should read this book, 02 Apr 2008
This is the most thought provoking book I have read in a while. All forward-thinking people would enjoy it enormously, although it is not for the faint-hearted! It is full of profound scientific, spiritual and philosophical beliefs from a wide range of experts in their fields. I think the beauty of this book is that the reader can choose their own interpretation at the end, having read the range of different opinions offered. Most people will want to effect positive changes in their lives after reading this book and take action to make a difference to this planet's future fate.

The end of the world or a new begining?, 21 Dec 2007
The year 2012 is on the horizon; the Mayan calendar foretold this date as the end of times. Some say it is not the end of times but the birth of a new age. This book brings together different views and insights from leading experts on what might happen on this date. Interesting compilation of theories and ideas that is not just for the new age mind. I also recommend "TOURIST IN THE YUCATAN."

Worth reading, 22 Nov 2007
One of the most logical and interesting books in the recent time! It has no scent of New Age channeling which is always so identical that it lost both its impact and meaning. And things are so logically explained that one may wonder how did it not occured to us earlier this way of rewriting history. I recommend this book to everyone who wants information and genuine thinking.

Great book - a must read!, 12 Sep 2007
Well written and researched and a classic of its genre. Not too sure about the dates as I tend to favour 2012 and Calleman brings it forward to 2011 - but whatever the detail the broad strategy is the same - we live in 'end' times and it's an honour to be here at this 'time'. Read it, grasp it and hopefully apply it.

HUGE book!, 08 Nov 2008
This is an unbelievably huge book which is chock full of content.
I am a Wiccan and bought this book as use as a reference text for my spells and rituals however upon reviewing the book i feel it is best used as a basis for making your own spells as the majority of the spells in the book are, i feel not very useful on their own. 5000 sounds like ALOT of spells, which it is, however there are many, many 'spells' which are one-liners and seem to state a belief as opposed to being a spell i.e. Birth Chamber Protection Spell with Fir Needles: Burn silver fir needles during childbirth to protect mother and child and Boat Protection Spell Rope: Pass the entire boat through a rope circle for safety and protection.

Despite the above i would reccomend it to anybody with an interest in magic and/or history as it is only £13.00 from Amazon and for such a big book it is worth it. It is only meant as a reference text and spans back a few thousand years when folk believed putting an axe under a pregnant woman's bed would ease childbirth - if you remember that whilst reading the book and come with an open mind then you'll be happy.

Foundational, 20 Oct 2008
I bought my copy of this book when it was newly out, and I think it may have been the first or second magic book I ever purchased, though I had read several others and had a working knowledge of the rudiments of magic. Judika has achieved what many others have attempted - that is to describe the witch's craft in an inclusive and unthreatened manner. The reader is not burdened with a heavy-handed treatment of the author's 'way to be a witch'. Her collection of spells is broad and, though critical in the best of ways, is never censorious or biased.

The breadth of the author's research is laid before the reader in a warm and enthusiastic style, with humour and the true ring of experience behind every word. We are not beseeched to buy cupboards full of ridiculous accoutrements before we can work an effective spell. Nor is it necessary to follow someone else's style slavishly to secure success.

This is the book I reach for whenever I am unsure where to begin, or when there is a detail I wish to check on. Judika's wit and lightness of touch belie the seriousness of her commitment to the subject matter and the lasting value of her book. I would not hesitate to recommend her writing to you.

The Element Encyclopaedia of 5000 Spells, 15 Jul 2008
I bought this book quite a while ago because I was attracted to how many spells there are in it. The author has collected a diverse range of spells from various cultures and traditions. the spells are arranged by topic (each with an introduction) and there are a variety of different spells (though not all of them are practical or advisable).

There are other sections in the book to complement the collection of spells - the author's introduction is an interesting read and there are tables showing things such as colour associations. The book also has instructions for making the various oils mentioned in the spells and a list of possible ingredients including their latin names.

I have to admit I've never used a spell from the book "as is" because of my personal belief in making each one individual to the situation. However I find the book incredibly useful for inspiration and would definitely recommend it if you're curious to find out about different spells.

Value for money, 23 May 2008
Is there anything this book does not cover, it is so big and with such an array of spells. You could cast a spell a day and it would take you years to get through them all. Splendid and worthy of anyone wishing to undertake the arts of this nature.

Excellent, 15 May 2008
Probably the most comprehensive occult book I have ever read. Despite the name of the text, it deals with far more than spells; also having background into the various spirits the spells will deal with and the basics and history of practising magic. Great for the beginner or advanced witch.

Everyone should read this book, 02 Apr 2008
This is the most thought provoking book I have read in a while. All forward-thinking people would enjoy it enormously, although it is not for the faint-hearted! It is full of profound scientific, spiritual and philosophical beliefs from a wide range of experts in their fields. I think the beauty of this book is that the reader can choose their own interpretation at the end, having read the range of different opinions offered. Most people will want to effect positive changes in their lives after reading this book and take action to make a difference to this planet's future fate.

The end of the world or a new begining?, 21 Dec 2007
The year 2012 is on the horizon; the Mayan calendar foretold this date as the end of times. Some say it is not the end of times but the birth of a new age. This book brings together different views and insights from leading experts on what might happen on this date. Interesting compilation of theories and ideas that is not just for the new age mind. I also recommend "TOURIST IN THE YUCATAN."

Worth reading, 22 Nov 2007
One of the most logical and interesting books in the recent time! It has no scent of New Age channeling which is always so identical that it lost both its impact and meaning. And things are so logically explained that one may wonder how did it not occured to us earlier this way of rewriting history. I recommend this book to everyone who wants information and genuine thinking.

Great book - a must read!, 12 Sep 2007
Well written and researched and a classic of its genre. Not too sure about the dates as I tend to favour 2012 and Calleman brings it forward to 2011 - but whatever the detail the broad strategy is the same - we live in 'end' times and it's an honour to be here at this 'time'. Read it, grasp it and hopefully apply it.

That rare thing ,an interesting and engaging history book., 08 Apr 2001
The activities in this book are well thought out with step by step instructions which make the book easy to read, browse through and work from. This book would be an ideal aid to any child's Aztec project in school, help children develop an interest in world history or simply fill a rainy day. All the activities in the book are supported by historical facts which are clearly explained in child-friendly language that can be easily read and understood. I have seen this book used in a primary school and would also reccommend it highly to any teacher who is embarking upon the topic of the Aztecs as a good source of activity ideas which give good opportunities for adaptation according to ability. My only complaint about the book is that there isn't more of it!

HUGE book!, 08 Nov 2008
This is an unbelievably huge book which is chock full of content.
I am a Wiccan and bought this book as use as a reference text for my spells and rituals however upon reviewing the book i feel it is best used as a basis for making your own spells as the majority of the spells in the book are, i feel not very useful on their own. 5000 sounds like ALOT of spells, which it is, however there are many, many 'spells' which are one-liners and seem to state a belief as opposed to being a spell i.e. Birth Chamber Protection Spell with Fir Needles: Burn silver fir needles during childbirth to protect mother and child and Boat Protection Spell Rope: Pass the entire boat through a rope circle for safety and protection.

Despite the above i would reccomend it to anybody with an interest in magic and/or history as it is only £13.00 from Amazon and for such a big book it is worth it. It is only meant as a reference text and spans back a few thousand years when folk believed putting an axe under a pregnant woman's bed would ease childbirth - if you remember that whilst reading the book and come with an open mind then you'll be happy.

Foundational, 20 Oct 2008
I bought my copy of this book when it was newly out, and I think it may have been the first or second magic book I ever purchased, though I had read several others and had a working knowledge of the rudiments of magic. Judika has achieved what many others have attempted - that is to describe the witch's craft in an inclusive and unthreatened manner. The reader is not burdened with a heavy-handed treatment of the author's 'way to be a witch'. Her collection of spells is broad and, though critical in the best of ways, is never censorious or biased.

The breadth of the author's research is laid before the reader in a warm and enthusiastic style, with humour and the true ring of experience behind every word. We are not beseeched to buy cupboards full of ridiculous accoutrements before we can work an effective spell. Nor is it necessary to follow someone else's style slavishly to secure success.

This is the book I reach for whenever I am unsure where to begin, or when there is a detail I wish to check on. Judika's wit and lightness of touch belie the seriousness of her commitment to the subject matter and the lasting value of her book. I would not hesitate to recommend her writing to you.

The Element Encyclopaedia of 5000 Spells, 15 Jul 2008
I bought this book quite a while ago because I was attracted to how many spells there are in it. The author has collected a diverse range of spells from various cultures and traditions. the spells are arranged by topic (each with an introduction) and there are a variety of different spells (though not all of them are practical or advisable).

There are other sections in the book to complement the collection of spells - the author's introduction is an interesting read and there are tables showing things such as colour associations. The book also has instructions for making the various oils mentioned in the spells and a list of possible ingredients including their latin names.

I have to admit I've never used a spell from the book "as is" because of my personal belief in making each one individual to the situation. However I find the book incredibly useful for inspiration and would definitely recommend it if you're curious to find out about different spells.

Value for money, 23 May 2008
Is there anything this book does not cover, it is so big and with such an array of spells. You could cast a spell a day and it would take you years to get through them all. Splendid and worthy of anyone wishing to undertake the arts of this nature.

Excellent, 15 May 2008
Probably the most comprehensive occult book I have ever read. Despite the name of the text, it deals with far more than spells; also having background into the various spirits the spells will deal with and the basics and history of practising magic. Great for the beginner or advanced witch.

Everyone should read this book, 02 Apr 2008
This is the most thought provoking book I have read in a while. All forward-thinking people would enjoy it enormously, although it is not for the faint-hearted! It is full of profound scientific, spiritual and philosophical beliefs from a wide range of experts in their fields. I think the beauty of this book is that the reader can choose their own interpretation at the end, having read the range of different opinions offered. Most people will want to effect positive changes in their lives after reading this book and take action to make a difference to this planet's future fate.

The end of the world or a new begining?, 21 Dec 2007
The year 2012 is on the horizon; the Mayan calendar foretold this date as the end of times. Some say it is not the end of times but the birth of a new age. This book brings together different views and insights from leading experts on what might happen on this date. Interesting compilation of theories and ideas that is not just for the new age mind. I also recommend "TOURIST IN THE YUCATAN."

Worth reading, 22 Nov 2007
One of the most logical and interesting books in the recent time! It has no scent of New Age channeling which is always so identical that it lost both its impact and meaning. And things are so logically explained that one may wonder how did it not occured to us earlier this way of rewriting history. I recommend this book to everyone who wants information and genuine thinking.

Great book - a must read!, 12 Sep 2007
Well written and researched and a classic of its genre. Not too sure about the dates as I tend to favour 2012 and Calleman brings it forward to 2011 - but whatever the detail the broad strategy is the same - we live in 'end' times and it's an honour to be here at this 'time'. Read it, grasp it and hopefully apply it.

That rare thing ,an interesting and engaging history book., 08 Apr 2001
The activities in this book are well thought out with step by step instructions which make the book easy to read, browse through and work from. This book would be an ideal aid to any child's Aztec project in school, help children develop an interest in world history or simply fill a rainy day. All the activities in the book are supported by historical facts which are clearly explained in child-friendly language that can be easily read and understood. I have seen this book used in a primary school and would also reccommend it highly to any teacher who is embarking upon the topic of the Aztecs as a good source of activity ideas which give good opportunities for adaptation according to ability. My only complaint about the book is that there isn't more of it!

Decent little book!, 08 Nov 2008
Having owned and very highly rated 'The Wiccan Bible' from this series i thought 'The Spells Bible' would be equally as good and i wasn't disappointed, there are some rather good spells in this book.
The book is colourful and laid out well, making this book easy to read.

Ok, depends on what you want, 23 Feb 2008
Compared to many `Spell books' on the market, this one isn't that bad. If you're looking for value for money you're more likely to get it from this one as there are a lot of spells. I really don't see why anyone would pay for this though, as one can find millions of free spells online.

Most serious magical practitioners should look elsewhere though, there's no information here that you can't find presented in greater detail elsewhere. If you're just curious it isn't a bad book, but again there are better.

For dabblers it's not a bad book, although I still maintain that if you cant write your own spells you shouldn't be casting any. Bear in mind though that you'll have to be good at improvisation as not all the items required for the spells are going to be readily available.


I agree, 19 Jun 2007
I absolutely agree with the person who said that ingredients are difficult to get. Where can we find a simple spell book with simple ingredients that don't just grow in northern India??

hmmmm, 15 Nov 2005
This book is set out really well, different chapters for different sets of spells, love, wealth, banishing, binding etc. Also - information on starting out and explanations for everything. It would be wonderful but where on earth are you supposed to find some of those ingredients??? Its just not practical. Be prepared to have to go on a search. Where can I get a book that has decent spells in it that inculde ingredients I dont have to do a spell to get?

Very nice but sometimes impractical, 07 Nov 2004
In an ideal world, it would be nice to live near a private beach, a big hill to watch the sunrise over and have a fully dedicated herbal collection.
However, this isn't reality to most of us, and indeed many of these spells would be impractical also.

There are some lovely ideas in here such as things to do on a secluded beach at sunset to celebrate festivals of the year, but unfortunately its unlikely we'd get the privacy to chant inside a big triangle drawn in the sand surrounded by candles.
There are also some nice ideas for crafted talismans to protect a baby or a new relationship, but of course the recipients would have to be of similar mind.

Also some of the herbs required for the spells aren't the type you simply have in your cupboard or can get hold of easily without having to travel to a dedicated esoteric or medicinal herbalist.

I also worry about the ethics of the binding and banishing spells chapter, although some are quite happy to restrict the actions of another who may be annoying or troublesome, many wiccans who practice magic will see it as a direct violation of the wiccan rede and others as a karmic dilemma.

The value of this book is totally dependant on what the reader wants, if you would like to read nice spells to maybe attempt one day if time and apparatus are abundant or if you can take ideas and form your own through this guidance then you may find a lot within its pages.
However it seems to be a new agey 'white witch'idealistic book rather than that of witchcraft.

HUGE book!, 08 Nov 2008
This is an unbelievably huge book which is chock full of content.
I am a Wiccan and bought this book as use as a reference text for my spells and rituals however upon reviewing the book i feel it is best used as a basis for making your own spells as the majority of the spells in the book are, i feel not very useful on their own. 5000 sounds like ALOT of spells, which it is, however there are many, many 'spells' which are one-liners and seem to state a belief as opposed to being a spell i.e. Birth Chamber Protection Spell with Fir Needles: Burn silver fir needles during childbirth to protect mother and child and Boat Protection Spell Rope: Pass the entire boat through a rope circle for safety and protection.

Despite the above i would reccomend it to anybody with an interest in magic and/or history as it is only £13.00 from Amazon and for such a big book it is worth it. It is only meant as a reference text and spans back a few thousand years when folk believed putting an axe under a pregnant woman's bed would ease childbirth - if you remember that whilst reading the book and come with an open mind then you'll be happy.

Foundational, 20 Oct 2008
I bought my copy of this book when it was newly out, and I think it may have been the first or second magic book I ever purchased, though I had read several others and had a working knowledge of the rudiments of magic. Judika has achieved what many others have attempted - that is to describe the witch's craft in an inclusive and unthreatened manner. The reader is not burdened with a heavy-handed treatment of the author's 'way to be a witch'. Her collection of spells is broad and, though critical in the best of ways, is never censorious or biased.

The breadth of the author's research is laid before the reader in a warm and enthusiastic style, with humour and the true ring of experience behind every word. We are not beseeched to buy cupboards full of ridiculous accoutrements before we can work an effective spell. Nor is it necessary to follow someone else's style slavishly to secure success.

This is the book I reach for whenever I am unsure where to begin, or when there is a detail I wish to check on. Judika's wit and lightness of touch belie the seriousness of her commitment to the subject matter and the lasting value of her book. I would not hesitate to recommend her writing to you.

The Element Encyclopaedia of 5000 Spells, 15 Jul 2008
I bought this book quite a while ago because I was attracted to how many spells there are in it. The author has collected a diverse range of spells from various cultures and traditions. the spells are arranged by topic (each with an introduction) and there are a variety of different spells (though not all of them are practical or advisable).

There are other sections in the book to complement the collection of spells - the author's introduction is an interesting read and there are tables showing things such as colour associations. The book also has instructions for making the various oils mentioned in the spells and a list of possible ingredients including their latin names.

I have to admit I've never used a spell from the book "as is" because of my personal belief in making each one individual to the situation. However I find the book incredibly useful for inspiration and would definitely recommend it if you're curious to find out about different spells.

Value for money, 23 May 2008
Is there anything this book does not cover, it is so big and with such an array of spells. You could cast a spell a day and it would take you years to get through them all. Splendid and worthy of anyone wishing to undertake the arts of this nature.

Excellent, 15 May 2008
Probably the most comprehensive occult book I have ever read. Despite the name of the text, it deals with far more than spells; also having background into the various spirits the spells will deal with and the basics and history of practising magic. Great for the beginner or advanced witch.

Everyone should read this book, 02 Apr 2008
This is the most thought provoking book I have read in a while. All forward-thinking people would enjoy it enormously, although it is not for the faint-hearted! It is full of profound scientific, spiritual and philosophical beliefs from a wide range of experts in their fields. I think the beauty of this book is that the reader can choose their own interpretation at the end, having read the range of different opinions offered. Most people will want to effect positive changes in their lives after reading this book and take action to make a difference to this planet's future fate.

The end of the world or a new begining?, 21 Dec 2007
The year 2012 is on the horizon; the Mayan calendar foretold this date as the end of times. Some say it is not the end of times but the birth of a new age. This book brings together different views and insights from leading experts on what might happen on this date. Interesting compilation of theories and ideas that is not just for the new age mind. I also recommend "TOURIST IN THE YUCATAN."

Worth reading, 22 Nov 2007
One of the most logical and interesting books in the recent time! It has no scent of New Age channeling which is always so identical that it lost both its impact and meaning. And things are so logically explained that one may wonder how did it not occured to us earlier this way of rewriting history. I recommend this book to everyone who wants information and genuine thinking.

Great book - a must read!, 12 Sep 2007
Well written and researched and a classic of its genre. Not too sure about the dates as I tend to favour 2012 and Calleman brings it forward to 2011 - but whatever the detail the broad strategy is the same - we live in 'end' times and it's an honour to be here at this 'time'. Read it, grasp it and hopefully apply it.

That rare thing ,an interesting and engaging history book., 08 Apr 2001
The activities in this book are well thought out with step by step instructions which make the book easy to read, browse through and work from. This book would be an ideal aid to any child's Aztec project in school, help children develop an interest in world history or simply fill a rainy day. All the activities in the book are supported by historical facts which are clearly explained in child-friendly language that can be easily read and understood. I have seen this book used in a primary school and would also reccommend it highly to any teacher who is embarking upon the topic of the Aztecs as a good source of activity ideas which give good opportunities for adaptation according to ability. My only complaint about the book is that there isn't more of it!

Decent little book!, 08 Nov 2008
Having owned and very highly rated 'The Wiccan Bible' from this series i thought 'The Spells Bible' would be equally as good and i wasn't disappointed, there are some rather good spells in this book.
The book is colourful and laid out well, making this book easy to read.

Ok, depends on what you want, 23 Feb 2008
Compared to many `Spell books' on the market, this one isn't that bad. If you're looking for value for money you're more likely to get it from this one as there are a lot of spells. I really don't see why anyone would pay for this though, as one can find millions of free spells online.

Most serious magical practitioners should look elsewhere though, there's no information here that you can't find presented in greater detail elsewhere. If you're just curious it isn't a bad book, but again there are better.

For dabblers it's not a bad book, although I still maintain that if you cant write your own spells you shouldn't be casting any. Bear in mind though that you'll have to be good at improvisation as not all the items required for the spells are going to be readily available.


I agree, 19 Jun 2007
I absolutely agree with the person who said that ingredients are difficult to get. Where can we find a simple spell book with simple ingredients that don't just grow in northern India??

hmmmm, 15 Nov 2005
This book is set out really well, different chapters for different sets of spells, love, wealth, banishing, binding etc. Also - information on starting out and explanations for everything. It would be wonderful but where on earth are you supposed to find some of those ingredients??? Its just not practical. Be prepared to have to go on a search. Where can I get a book that has decent spells in it that inculde ingredients I dont have to do a spell to get?

Very nice but sometimes impractical, 07 Nov 2004
In an ideal world, it would be nice to live near a private beach, a big hill to watch the sunrise over and have a fully dedicated herbal collection.
However, this isn't reality to most of us, and indeed many of these spells would be impractical also.

There are some lovely ideas in here such as things to do on a secluded beach at sunset to celebrate festivals of the year, but unfortunately its unlikely we'd get the privacy to chant inside a big triangle drawn in the sand surrounded by candles.
There are also some nice ideas for crafted talismans to protect a baby or a new relationship, but of course the recipients would have to be of similar mind.

Also some of the herbs required for the spells aren't the type you simply have in your cupboard or can get hold of easily without having to travel to a dedicated esoteric or medicinal herbalist.

I also worry about the ethics of the binding and banishing spells chapter, although some are quite happy to restrict the actions of another who may be annoying or troublesome, many wiccans who practice magic will see it as a direct violation of the wiccan rede and others as a karmic dilemma.

The value of this book is totally dependant on what the reader wants, if you would like to read nice spells to maybe attempt one day if time and apparatus are abundant or if you can take ideas and form your own through this guidance then you may find a lot within its pages.
However it seems to be a new agey 'white witch'idealistic book rather than that of witchcraft.

2012, 03 Sep 2008
I found this book very interesting and very well written. The interesting with Pinchbeck is his backgrund in the intellectual art milieu of New York combined with a later interest in the occult, new spirituality and mysticism. 2012: The Return of Quetzalcoatl is sort of a spiritual and intellectual biography. We follow Daniel on his travels and thoughts, to Stonhenge to look for crop circles, to the amazonas to try hallucinogenic mushroooms and so on. Driven by a frustration over the shallowness and crudeness of "western" "materialism" he seeks new and/or alternative world views.
What I like is Pinchbecks openness towards "the other side". He actually tries it all: drugs, crop circles, meditation, 2012 "prophesies", mayan calendar stuff and so on, with an open but inteligent mind. Often his reasoning is interesting to follow, sometimes it gets a bit too longwinded. I also like that he does not give the reader a new philosophy or ontology or religion or system of beliefs. Rather, as I read him, it is an attempt to shake a little the ingrained view of reality we usually take for granted. Is the established conception of reality so obvious? Or is there something fundamental that we can't see? And if so, can alternative world views give us a hint? 2012 opens up windows to alternative and fascinating ideas, described by someone with a foot in mainstream acedemic discourse as well. Which I think is unusual.
New age-fans or seekers of a belief system will probably find 2012 too ambiguous. Rather I think this book is intended for sceptical readers with an open mind.

Plus and Minus, 07 Aug 2007
I am very interested in the subject of 2012 but the author goes on a rambling journey through the subject injecting his support of chemical 'trips' throughout. This is a shame as the subject is crucial to our times - occasionally I got so frustrated I wanted to abandon reading it as it got so self-indulgent. However on balance he got some good points in and it's worth the effort - I just wish he had not been so tempted to add in his 'personal' demons and stuck to this fascinating subject.

DiaGnosis: Insufficiently relevant, 19 Feb 2007
Daniel Pinchbeck's book 2012: the Return of
Quetzalcoatl, (UK softback edition is called: 2012: The Year of the Mayan Prophecy), while being well-written, entertaining, etc. has very
little to say about 2012. Yes, if you do an Amazon "search inside" for
the subject of 2012, you get alot of pages, but that is because the
title appears at the top of every other page...in fact, there are only
about 10 mentions of 2012 in the whole 400-page book (including front
and back flaps)...that's about once every 40 pages.

Extracts from the diagnosis2012 (dotcodotuk) review (find it with the site search engine):

Pinchbeck, a New York intellectual, describes himself as "a clearly deficient, half-dissolute figure, a `freelance journalist' of dubious repute" (p.20), and his 400-page (hardcover edition) book, 2012 - The Return of Quetzalcoatl, is an autobiographical essay that starts with his childhood experiences growing up in New York City. The book is split into six named parts but none of the chapters are named. There is no list of contents, nor are there any pictures or diagrams, nor any notes and references. However, there is an index and a bibliography. The book is well-written, but is not very gripping reading, and when finished, left me wondering if the author could have got his point over with just a short article. So what point is Pinchbeck actually making in this book? A summary of the chapters and their contents would be instructive here, so here are my chapter summaries:


Part 1: A Universe in Ruins 1: Pinchbeck's Youth, Drugs and Quetzalcoatl; 2: Psychedelics; 3: Death of Pinchbeck's Father and Ayahuasca; 4: New Physics and Jung; 5: 9/11

Part 2: The Serpent Temple 1: Daimonic Reality; 2: Crop Circles; 3: Terence McKenna; 4: Christianity

Part 3: Lucifer and Ahriman 1; UFOs; 2: Streiber and Abduction; 3: Glastonbury Crop Circle Symposium 2002; 4; Goswami and Steiner

Part 4: The Loom of Maya 1: The Maya According to Arguelles; 2: Gebser; 3: Deep into Arguelles; 4: Jenkins, Calleman and Arguelles

Part 5: The Dance of Kali 1: Iboga in Mexico; 2: Hawaiian Healing; 3: Symposium 2003, Crabwood Alien, Stonehege and Avebury; 4: Crop Circles - Schnabel, Irving, Martineau, Brown

Part 6: The Lord of The Dawn 1: Burning Man Festival; 2: Pinchbeck's Sex Life; 3: Santo Daime and Channelling Quetzalcoatl 4: Jung on the Book of Job and More Daime; 5: The Quetzalcoatl Transmission; 6: Quetzalcoatl/Akosha/666 = Author, Recommends Global Calendar Change

Epilogue: The Hopi and Calleman


Errors and more errors...see online review for a full list...


Pinchbeck excuses these errors in advance, in the book (p.20), when he declares himself "a generalist, a perceiver of pattern rather than a delver into detail". The pattern that he perceived is that a global transformation of consciousness has been predicted by philosophers such as Steiner, Goswami and Gebser, and is supported by the Psychologist Carl Jung and findings from quantum physics - a quantum leap also fits in with evolutionary theory, in which changes are made in sudden jumps - punctuated equilibrium. In fact, Gebser says we are in the 4th evolving stage - archaic, magical, mythical, and mental-rational., and are on the verge of a mutation, or transition to a 5th stage - "integral and aperspectival, characterized by the realization of time freedom and ego freedom". This fits in well with the Hopi system, in which we are in the 4th World, approaching the 5th World.

Steiner, Pinchbeck points out, also said we are in the 4th incarnation of the Earth, and approaching 5th incarnation, or "Jupiter state". We have 3 bodies already formed - the physical body, the ether body, and the astral body, and in the 4th incarnation we are strengthening the "I" or ego-body, by changing the desires and cravings that "pour into us through the astral body", or "transmuting lower passions into higher energies". This will create a 5th body called the 'spirit self', and in the Jupiter state, the "spirit self will experience its full unfolding".

Conclusion

Although Pinchbeck spends a lot of time looking at Jose Arguelles' ideas, and finds that the 13-moon calendar proposed by Arguelles is faulty, he is convinced by Arguelles' arguments that the following of the Gregorian calendar is the basic problem underlying the major problems in the world, and he recommends "a meeting of minds from various spiritual traditions, indigenous cultures, and scientific disciplines, capable of overcoming factional discord to create a new global standard, one that can meet with global acceptance." This would be "a necessary part of the solution" to "our enslavement by artificial time" (p.377). He recommends that this congress takes place in Glastonbury, which is the UK town that is most densely packed with followers of the Arguelles 13-moon Dreamspell calendar - so holding the event there might prove counter-productive, unless PAN - the Planet Art Network, (who promote the adoption of Dreamspell as the solution) were first persuaded that the 13-moon calendar is not the best one for the job. Pinchbeck also comments on the ego-inflation of the Arguelles channellings, yet surprisingly ends up providing his own transmission.

The book is a rambling autobiographical tale, peppered with quotes from philosophers but it doesn't actually have much to say about 2012, apart from a weakly argued crop circle connection; the ambiguous study of Arguelles, the theory of Carl Calleman, in which the evolutionary shift is actually all over by 2012; a brief mention of John Major Jenkins' work, and even briefer one of McKenna's Timewave. As one enthusiastic reader put it, when he finally finished the book, "...I'm not sure what I learned or if I learned anything tangible that can be described with words..." (from a 2012 Tribe discussion ). However, if the interesting points in The Pattern Perceived, above, had been concentrated into an article, rather than spread out through the book, then that would have made very interesting reading.

Having said all that, I have to admire Pinchbeck's willingness to stick his neck out, bare his soul and tell his story to get this important subject out there and into the mind of humanity.

To read the full review and author's reply, go to diagnosis2012 (dotcodotukslashpinchdothtm)

fascinating and thought-provoking, 08 Feb 2007
2012 is a very interesting book. Daniel Pinchbeck writes like a dream about his journey towards the boundaries of consciousness. Sometimes he is rather dense but he is never dull. You may not agree or like all the things he has to say but he will challenge you to think differently about the world you inhabit. A highly original piece of writing.

better than BOTH, 13 Dec 2006
Into Gebser, Nietzche,Benjamin, Steiner you will dig this big time. Also check out his great website [...]. But Daniel needs to break open his heart as well!

This is a more important,more profound work than B.O.T.H. The highlight of it for me was the section on Santo Daime. I was disappointed he didn't report on Santo Daime members views on 2012 etc. If substantial conversations weren't had this should have been explained. Also "Forest of Visions" a book on Santo Daime was ignored, why?

Like others I found his views on women objectionable. If he wanted to include this material then there replies should have been incorporated into the text in italics! He will have some explaining to do to his daughter when she grows up and reads this!

There was a little too much of the "I have been chosen" refrain in this book, also I found his transmission unremarkable so a bit more humility would have been useful. I feel the importance he gives to his transmission unbalances the book. When he says the Daime will be with you forever that means these experiences will be commonplace, so get used to them! The change of title for the U.K is wise.

He writes beautifully which is something is undervalued in this New Age, so despite the odd problem it merits five stars.

The book will grow on you!

HUGE book!, 08 Nov 2008
This is an unbelievably huge book which is chock full of content.
I am a Wiccan and bought this book as use as a reference text for my spells and rituals however upon reviewing the book i feel it is best used as a basis for making your own spells as the majority of the spells in the book are, i feel not very useful on their own. 5000 sounds like ALOT of spells, which it is, however there are many, many 'spells' which are one-liners and seem to state a belief as opposed to being a spell i.e. Birth Chamber Protection Spell with Fir Needles: Burn silver fir needles during childbirth to protect mother and child and Boat Protection Spell Rope: Pass the entire boat through a rope circle for safety and protection.

Despite the above i would reccomend it to anybody with an interest in magic and/or history as it is only £13.00 from Amazon and for such a big book it is worth it. It is only meant as a reference text and spans back a few thousand years when folk believed putting an axe under a pregnant woman's bed would ease childbirth - if you remember that whilst reading the book and come with an open mind then you'll be happy.

Foundational, 20 Oct 2008
I bought my copy of this book when it was newly out, and I think it may have been the first or second magic book I ever purchased, though I had read several others and had a working knowledge of the rudiments of magic. Judika has achieved what many others have attempted - that is to describe the witch's craft in an inclusive and unthreatened manner. The reader is not burdened with a heavy-handed treatment of the author's 'way to be a witch'. Her collection of spells is broad and, though critical in the best of ways, is never censorious or biased.

The breadth of the author's research is laid before the reader in a warm and enthusiastic style, with humour and the true ring of experience behind every word. We are not beseeched to buy cupboards full of ridiculous accoutrements before we can work an effective spell. Nor is it necessary to follow someone else's style slavishly to secure success.

This is the book I reach for whenever I am unsure where to begin, or when there is a detail I wish to check on. Judika's wit and lightness of touch belie the seriousness of her commitment to the subject matter and the lasting value of her book. I would not hesitate to recommend her writing to you.

The Element Encyclopaedia of 5000 Spells, 15 Jul 2008
I bought this book quite a while ago because I was attracted to how many spells there are in it. The author has collected a diverse range of spells from various cultures and traditions. the spells are arranged by topic (each with an introduction) and there are a variety of different spells (though not all of them are practical or advisable).

There are other sections in the book to complement the collection of spells - the author's introduction is an interesting read and there are tables showing things such as colour associations. The book also has instructions for making the various oils mentioned in the spells and a list of possible ingredients including their latin names.

I have to admit I've never used a spell from the book "as is" because of my personal belief in making each one individual to the situation. However I find the book incredibly useful for inspiration and would definitely recommend it if you're curious to find out about different spells.

Value for money, 23 May 2008
Is there anything this book does not cover, it is so big and with such an array of spells. You could cast a spell a day and it would take you years to get through them all. Splendid and worthy of anyone wishing to undertake the arts of this nature.

Excellent, 15 May 2008
Probably the most comprehensive occult book I have ever read. Despite the name of the text, it deals with far more than spells; also having background into the various spirits the spells will deal with and the basics and history of practising magic. Great for the beginner or advanced witch.

Everyone should read this book, 02 Apr 2008
This is the most thought provoking book I have read in a while. All forward-thinking people would enjoy it enormously, although it is not for the faint-hearted! It is full of profound scientific, spiritual and philosophical beliefs from a wide range of experts in their fields. I think the beauty of this book is that the reader can choose their own interpretation at the end, having read the range of different opinions offered. Most people will want to effect positive changes in their lives after reading this book and take action to make a difference to this planet's future fate.

The end of the world or a new begining?, 21 Dec 2007
The year 2012 is on the horizon; the Mayan calendar foretold this date as the end of times. Some say it is not the end of times but the birth of a new age. This book brings together different views and insights from leading experts on what might happen on this date. Interesting compilation of theories and ideas that is not just for the new age mind. I also recommend "TOURIST IN THE YUCATAN."

Worth reading, 22 Nov 2007
One of the most logical and interesting books in the recent time! It has no scent of New Age channeling which is always so identical that it lost both its impact and meaning. And things are so logically explained that one may wonder how did it not occured to us earlier this way of rewriting history. I recommend this book to everyone who wants information and genuine thinking.

Great book - a must read!, 12 Sep 2007
Well written and researched and a classic of its genre. Not too sure about the dates as I tend to favour 2012 and Calleman brings it forward to 2011 - but whatever the detail the broad strategy is the same - we live in 'end' times and it's an honour to be here at this 'time'. Read it, grasp it and hopefully apply it.

That rare thing ,an interesting and engaging history book., 08 Apr 2001
The activities in this book are well thought out with step by step instructions which make the book easy to read, browse through and work from. This book would be an ideal aid to any child's Aztec project in school, help children develop an interest in world history or simply fill a rainy day. All the activities in the book are supported by historical facts which are clearly explained in child-friendly language that can be easily read and understood. I have seen this book used in a primary school and would also reccommend it highly to any teacher who is embarking upon the topic of the Aztecs as a good source of activity ideas which give good opportunities for adaptation according to ability. My only complaint about the book is that there isn't more of it!

Decent little book!, 08 Nov 2008
Having owned and very highly rated 'The Wiccan Bible' from this series i thought 'The Spells Bible' would be equally as good and i wasn't disappointed, there are some rather good spells in this book.
The book is colourful and laid out well, making this book easy to read.

Ok, depends on what you want, 23 Feb 2008
Compared to many `Spell books' on the market, this one isn't that bad. If you're looking for value for money you're more likely to get it from this one as there are a lot of spells. I really don't see why anyone would pay for this though, as one can find millions of free spells online.

Most serious magical practitioners should look elsewhere though, there's no information here that you can't find presented in greater detail elsewhere. If you're just curious it isn't a bad book, but again there are better.

For dabblers it's not a bad book, although I still maintain that if you cant write your own spells you shouldn't be casting any. Bear in mind though that you'll have to be good at improvisation as not all the items required for the spells are going to be readily available.


I agree, 19 Jun 2007
I absolutely agree with the person who said that ingredients are difficult to get. Where can we find a simple spell book with simple ingredients that don't just grow in northern India??

hmmmm, 15 Nov 2005
This book is set out really well, different chapters for different sets of spells, love, wealth, banishing, binding etc. Also - information on starting out and explanations for everything. It would be wonderful but where on earth are you supposed to find some of those ingredients??? Its just not practical. Be prepared to have to go on a search. Where can I get a book that has decent spells in it that inculde ingredients I dont have to do a spell to get?

Very nice but sometimes impractical, 07 Nov 2004
In an ideal world, it would be nice to live near a private beach, a big hill to watch the sunrise over and have a fully dedicated herbal collection.
However, this isn't reality to most of us, and indeed many of these spells would be impractical also.

There are some lovely ideas in here such as things to do on a secluded beach at sunset to celebrate festivals of the year, but unfortunately its unlikely we'd get the privacy to chant inside a big triangle drawn in the sand surrounded by candles.
There are also some nice ideas for crafted talismans to protect a baby or a new relationship, but of course the recipients would have to be of similar mind.

Also some of the herbs required for the spells aren't the type you simply have in your cupboard or can get hold of easily without having to travel to a dedicated esoteric or medicinal herbalist.

I also worry about the ethics of the binding and banishing spells chapter, although some are quite happy to restrict the actions of another who may be annoying or troublesome, many wiccans who practice magic will see it as a direct violation of the wiccan rede and others as a karmic dilemma.

The value of this book is totally dependant on what the reader wants, if you would like to read nice spells to maybe attempt one day if time and apparatus are abundant or if you can take ideas and form your own through this guidance then you may find a lot within its pages.
However it seems to be a new agey 'white witch'idealistic book rather than that of witchcraft.

2012, 03 Sep 2008
I found this book very interesting and very well written. The interesting with Pinchbeck is his backgrund in the intellectual art milieu of New York combined with a later interest in the occult, new spirituality and mysticism. 2012: The Return of Quetzalcoatl is sort of a spiritual and intellectual biography. We follow Daniel on his travels and thoughts, to Stonhenge to look for crop circles, to the amazonas to try hallucinogenic mushroooms and so on. Driven by a frustration over the shallowness and crudeness of "western" "materialism" he seeks new and/or alternative world views.
What I like is Pinchbecks openness towards "the other side". He actually tries it all: drugs, crop circles, meditation, 2012 "prophesies", mayan calendar stuff and so on, with an open but inteligent mind. Often his reasoning is interesting to follow, sometimes it gets a bit too longwinded. I also like that he does not give the reader a new philosophy or ontology or religion or system of beliefs. Rather, as I read him, it is an attempt to shake a little the ingrained view of reality we usually take for granted. Is the established conception of reality so obvious? Or is there something fundamental that we can't see? And if so, can alternative world views give us a hint? 2012 opens up windows to alternative and fascinating ideas, described by someone with a foot in mainstream acedemic discourse as well. Which I think is unusual.
New age-fans or seekers of a belief system will probably find 2012 too ambiguous. Rather I think this book is intended for sceptical readers with an open mind.

Plus and Minus, 07 Aug 2007
I am very interested in the subject of 2012 but the author goes on a rambling journey through the subject injecting his support of chemical 'trips' throughout. This is a shame as the subject is crucial to our times - occasionally I got so frustrated I wanted to abandon reading it as it got so self-indulgent. However on balance he got some good points in and it's worth the effort - I just wish he had not been so tempted to add in his 'personal' demons and stuck to this fascinating subject.

DiaGnosis: Insufficiently relevant, 19 Feb 2007
Daniel Pinchbeck's book 2012: the Return of
Quetzalcoatl, (UK softback edition is called: 2012: The Year of the Mayan Prophecy), while being well-written, entertaining, etc. has very
little to say about 2012. Yes, if you do an Amazon "search inside" for
the subject of 2012, you get alot of pages, but that is because the
title appears at the top of every other page...in fact, there are only
about 10 mentions of 2012 in the whole 400-page book (including front
and back flaps)...that's about once every 40 pages.

Extracts from the diagnosis2012 (dotcodotuk) review (find it with the site search engine):

Pinchbeck, a New York intellectual, describes himself as "a clearly deficient, half-dissolute figure, a `freelance journalist' of dubious repute" (p.20), and his 400-page (hardcover edition) book, 2012 - The Return of Quetzalcoatl, is an autobiographical essay that starts with his childhood experiences growing up in New York City. The book is split into six named parts but none of the chapters are named. There is no list of contents, nor are there any pictures or diagrams, nor any notes and references. However, there is an index and a bibliography. The book is well-written, but is not very gripping reading, and when finished, left me wondering if the author could have got his point over with just a short article. So what point is Pinchbeck actually making in this book? A summary of the chapters and their contents would be instructive here, so here are my chapter summaries:


Part 1: A Universe in Ruins 1: Pinchbeck's Youth, Drugs and Quetzalcoatl; 2: Psychedelics; 3: Death of Pinchbeck's Father and Ayahuasca; 4: New Physics and Jung; 5: 9/11

Part 2: The Serpent Temple 1: Daimonic Reality; 2: Crop Circles; 3: Terence McKenna; 4: Christianity

Part 3: Lucifer and Ahriman 1; UFOs; 2: Streiber and Abduction; 3: Glastonbury Crop Circle Symposium 2002; 4; Goswami and Steiner

Part 4: The Loom of Maya 1: The Maya According to Arguelles; 2: Gebser; 3: Deep into Arguelles; 4: Jenkins, Calleman and Arguelles

Part 5: The Dance of Kali 1: Iboga in Mexico; 2: Hawaiian Healing; 3: Symposium 2003, Crabwood Alien, Stonehege and Avebury; 4: Crop Circles - Schnabel, Irving, Martineau, Brown

Part 6: The Lord of The Dawn 1: Burning Man Festival; 2: Pinchbeck's Sex Life; 3: Santo Daime and Channelling Quetzalcoatl 4: Jung on the Book of Job and More Daime; 5: The Quetzalcoatl Transmission; 6: Quetzalcoatl/Akosha/666 = Author, Recommends Global Calendar Change

Epilogue: The Hopi and Calleman


Errors and more errors...see online review for a full list...


Pinchbeck excuses these errors in advance, in the book (p.20), when he declares himself "a generalist, a perceiver of pattern rather than a delver into detail". The pattern that he perceived is that a global transformation of consciousness has been predicted by philosophers such as Steiner, Goswami and Gebser, and is supported by the Psychologist Carl Jung and findings from quantum physics - a quantum leap also fits in with evolutionary theory, in which changes are made in sudden jumps - punctuated equilibrium. In fact, Gebser says we are in the 4th evolving stage - archaic, magical, mythical, and mental-rational., and are on the verge of a mutation, or transition to a 5th stage - "integral and aperspectival, characterized by the realization of time freedom and ego freedom". This fits in well with the Hopi system, in which we are in the 4th World, approaching the 5th World.

Steiner, Pinchbeck points out, also said we are in the 4th incarnation of the Earth, and approaching 5th incarnation, or "Jupiter state". We have 3 bodies already formed - the physical body, the ether body, and the astral body, and in the 4th incarnation we are strengthening the "I" or ego-body, by changing the desires and cravings that "pour into us through the astral body", or "transmuting lower passions into higher energies". This will create a 5th body called the 'spirit self', and in the Jupiter state, the "spirit self will experience its full unfolding".

Conclusion

Although Pinchbeck spends a lot of time looking at Jose Arguelles' ideas, and finds that the 13-moon calendar proposed by Arguelles is faulty, he is convinced by Arguelles' arguments that the following of the Gregorian calendar is the basic problem underlying the major problems in the world, and he recommends "a meeting of minds from various spiritual traditions, indigenous cultures, and scientific disciplines, capable of overcoming factional discord to create a new global standard, one that can meet with global acceptance." This would be "a necessary part of the solution" to "our enslavement by artificial time" (p.377). He recommends that this congress takes place in Glastonbury, which is the UK town that is most densely packed with followers of the Arguelles 13-moon Dreamspell calendar - so holding the event there might prove counter-productive, unless PAN - the Planet Art Network, (who promote the adoption of Dreamspell as the solution) were first persuaded that the 13-moon calendar is not the best one for the job. Pinchbeck also comments on the ego-inflation of the Arguelles channellings, yet surprisingly ends up providing his own transmission.

The book is a rambling autobiographical tale, peppered with quotes from philosophers but it doesn't actually have much to say about 2012, apart from a weakly argued crop circle connection; the ambiguous study of Arguelles, the theory of Carl Calleman, in which the evolutionary shift is actually all over by 2012; a brief mention of John Major Jenkins' work, and even briefer one of McKenna's Timewave. As one enthusiastic reader put it, when he finally finished the book, "...I'm not sure what I learned or if I learned anything tangible that can be described with words..." (from a 2012 Tribe discussion ). However, if the interesting points in The Pattern Perceived, above, had been concentrated into an article, rather than spread out through the book, then that would have made very interesting reading.

Having said all that, I have to admire Pinchbeck's willingness to stick his neck out, bare his soul and tell his story to get this important subject out there and into the mind of humanity.

To read the full review and author's reply, go to diagnosis2012 (dotcodotukslashpinchdothtm)

fascinating and thought-provoking, 08 Feb 2007
2012 is a very interesting book. Daniel Pinchbeck writes like a dream about his journey towards the boundaries of consciousness. Sometimes he is rather dense but he is never dull. You may not agree or like all the things he has to say but he will challenge you to think differently about the world you inhabit. A highly original piece of writing.

better than BOTH, 13 Dec 2006
Into Gebser, Nietzche,Benjamin, Steiner you will dig this big time. Also check out his great website [...]. But Daniel needs to break open his heart as well!

This is a more important,more profound work than B.O.T.H. The highlight of it for me was the section on Santo Daime. I was disappointed he didn't report on Santo Daime members views on 2012 etc. If substantial conversations weren't had this should have been explained. Also "Forest of Visions" a book on Santo Daime was ignored, why?

Like others I found his views on women objectionable. If he wanted to include this material then there replies should have been incorporated into the text in italics! He will have some explaining to do to his daughter when she grows up and reads this!

There was a little too much of the "I have been chosen" refrain in this book, also I found his transmission unremarkable so a bit more humility would have been useful. I feel the importance he gives to his transmission unbalances the book. When he says the Daime will be with you forever that means these experiences will be commonplace, so get used to them! The change of title for the U.K is wise.

He writes beautifully which is something is undervalued in this New Age, so despite the odd problem it merits five stars.

The book will grow on you!




I couldn't put it down!, 23 Apr 2007
I bought this book, hoping to find out something about Peru without it sounding like a guidebook. Once I started reading this book, I couldn't stop. It went everywhere with me, to read in my lunch hour, on buses, even in queues in shops! It is a tale of 4 men's journey through peru - what happens to them and where they visit. The book tells you about the people of Peru and the lesser known places to go (and how to get there!), rather than the "guidebook" go here, do that... approach. I loved every page of it and I was really quite dissappointed when I realised that I had come to the end of the book. I will definitely be keeping it and reading it again.

Very enjoyable account of travelling in Peru in the 80s, 02 Mar 2007
Initially I was reluctant to buy this book because I was looking for books about contemporary Peru when I first went there in 1997. Inca Kola was written in the late 80s, when Peru was on the verge of collapsing into chaos and civil war, and the political situation was completely different from now or even the late 90s. I thought a book from the 80s would be hopelessly dated.

However, I eventually bought it after my third trip to Peru, and found it to be a delightful account of visiting a country I'd come to know a little, and love a lot.

Yes, some things have changed dramatically since Parris's trip. The political and security situation is far, far better, but serious poverty, inequality and racism remain. So much of what Parris writes about is instantly recognisable. Peruvian culture won't change in a hurry and neither will the people - warm, incredibly hospitable and nosy, utterly cavalier and irresponsible in dealing with regulations and authority.

Much of Parris's book is timeless, and most of the rest is a fascinating account of visiting Peru at a time when no sensible tourists wanted to go there. It's a delight to read.

Good read - but a bit out of date, 11 Jul 2004
I brought "Inca Kola: A Traveller's Tale of Peru" with me to Peru this summer.

The book is well-written and a good read, as the other reviewers have written. However, I found the book a bit outdated - it is (almost) 15 years ago, Mr Parris visited Peru, and the country has come a long way since. Especially in the last decade.

This does not make the book bad per se - it is still OK.

I recommed the book "The Gringo Trail" as an better, new, alternative read. It covers more countries than "just" Peru, but is just as witty and thought-provoking.

Or you can do like me, and buy them both;-)

Awe inspiring..., 16 Mar 2004
'Inca Kola' is an infusion of fascinating description and humour. You find yourself travelling alongside Matthew Parris & his companions as you become immersed in this exhilarating traveller's tale.

I found myself so absorbed in Parris' journey, that I am inspired to travel around Peru myself. One of the most enchanting stories i've had the pleasure of reading.

Brilliant. Thought provoking and funny too., 21 Aug 2003
What a life this man has had! This great little book is jam packed full of travel genre scrapes and adventures, historical and cultural insights and bizarre recollections from the author. A wonderful read.

HUGE book!, 08 Nov 2008
This is an unbelievably huge book which is chock full of content.
I am a Wiccan and bought this book as use as a reference text for my spells and rituals however upon reviewing the book i feel it is best used as a basis for making your own spells as the majority of the spells in the book are, i feel not very useful on their own. 5000 sounds like ALOT of spells, which it is, however there are many, many 'spells' which are one-liners and seem to state a belief as opposed to being a spell i.e. Birth Chamber Protection Spell with Fir Needles: Burn silver fir needles during childbirth to protect mother and child and Boat Protection Spell Rope: Pass the entire boat through a rope circle for safety and protection.

Despite the above i would reccomend it to anybody with an interest in magic and/or history as it is only £13.00 from Amazon and for such a big book it is worth it. It is only meant as a reference text and spans back a few thousand years when folk believed putting an axe under a pregnant woman's bed would ease childbirth - if you remember that whilst reading the book and come with an open mind then you'll be happy.

Foundational, 20 Oct 2008
I bought my copy of this book when it was newly out, and I think it may have been the first or second magic book I ever purchased, though I had read several others and had a working knowledge of the rudiments of magic. Judika has achieved what many others have attempted - that is to describe the witch's craft in an inclusive and unthreatened manner. The reader is not burdened with a heavy-handed treatment of the author's 'way to be a witch'. Her collection of spells is broad and, though critical in the best of ways, is never censorious or biased.

The breadth of the author's research is laid before the reader in a warm and enthusiastic style, with humour and the true ring of experience behind every word. We are not beseeched to buy cupboards full of ridiculous accoutrements before we can work an effective spell. Nor is it necessary to follow someone else's style slavishly to secure success.

This is the book I reach for whenever I am unsure where to begin, or when there is a detail I wish to check on. Judika's wit and lightness of touch belie the seriousness of her commitment to the subject matter and the lasting value of her book. I would not hesitate to recommend her writing to you.

The Element Encyclopaedia of 5000 Spells, 15 Jul 2008
I bought this book quite a while ago because I was attracted to how many spells there are in it. The author has collected a diverse range of spells from various cultures and traditions. the spells are arranged by topic (each with an introduction) and there are a variety of different spells (though not all of them are practical or advisable).

There are other sections in the book to complement the collection of spells - the author's introduction is an interesting read and there are tables showing things such as colour associations. The book also has instructions for making the various oils mentioned in the spells and a list of possible ingredients including their latin names.

I have to admit I've never used a spell from the book "as is" because of my personal belief in making each one individual to the situation. However I find the book incredibly useful for inspiration and would definitely recommend it if you're curious to find out about different spells.

Value for money, 23 May 2008
Is there anything this book does not cover, it is so big and with such an array of spells. You could cast a spell a day and it would take you years to get through them all. Splendid and worthy of anyone wishing to undertake the arts of this nature.

Excellent, 15 May 2008
Probably the most comprehensive occult book I have ever read. Despite the name of the text, it deals with far more than spells; also having background into the various spirits the spells will deal with and the basics and history of practising magic. Great for the beginner or advanced witch.

Everyone should read this book, 02 Apr 2008
This is the most thought provoking book I have read in a while. All forward-thinking people would enjoy it enormously, although it is not for the faint-hearted! It is full of profound scientific, spiritual and philosophical beliefs from a wide range of experts in their fields. I think the beauty of this book is that the reader can choose their own interpretation at the end, having read the range of different opinions offered. Most people will want to effect positive changes in their lives after reading this book and take action to make a difference to this planet's future fate.

The end of the world or a new begining?, 21 Dec 2007
The year 2012 is on the horizon; the Mayan calendar foretold this date as the end of times. Some say it is not the end of times but the birth of a new age. This book brings together different views and insights from leading experts on what might happen on this date. Interesting compilation of theories and ideas that is not just for the new age mind. I also recommend "TOURIST IN THE YUCATAN."

Worth reading, 22 Nov 2007
One of the most logical and interesting books in the recent time! It has no scent of New Age channeling which is always so identical that it lost both its impact and meaning. And things are so logically explained that one may wonder how did it not occured to us earlier this way of rewriting history. I recommend this book to everyone who wants information and genuine thinking.

Great book - a must read!, 12 Sep 2007
Well written and researched and a classic of its genre. Not too sure about the dates as I tend to favour 2012 and Calleman brings it forward to 2011 - but whatever the detail the broad strategy is the same - we live in 'end' times and it's an honour to be here at this 'time'. Read it, grasp it and hopefully apply it.

That rare thing ,an interesting and engaging history book., 08 Apr 2001
The activities in this book are well thought out with step by step instructions which make the book easy to read, browse through and work from. This book would be an ideal aid to any child's Aztec project in school, help children develop an interest in world history or simply fill a rainy day. All the activities in the book are supported by historical facts which are clearly explained in child-friendly language that can be easily read and understood. I have seen this book used in a primary school and would also reccommend it highly to any teacher who is embarking upon the topic of the Aztecs as a good source of activity ideas which give good opportunities for adaptation according to ability. My only complaint about the book is that there isn't more of it!

Decent little book!, 08 Nov 2008
Having owned and very highly rated 'The Wiccan Bible' from this series i thought 'The Spells Bible' would be equally as good and i wasn't disappointed, there are some rather good spells in this book.
The book is colourful and laid out well, making this book easy to read.

Ok, depends on what you want, 23 Feb 2008
Compared to many `Spell books' on the market, this one isn't that bad. If you're looking for value for money you're more likely to get it from this one as there are a lot of spells. I really don't see why anyone would pay for this though, as one can find millions of free spells online.

Most serious magical practitioners should look elsewhere though, there's no information here that you can't find presented in greater detail elsewhere. If you're just curious it isn't a bad book, but again there are better.

For dabblers it's not a bad book, although I still maintain that if you cant write your own spells you shouldn't be casting any. Bear in mind though that you'll have to be good at improvisation as not all the items required for the spells are going to be readily available.


I agree, 19 Jun 2007
I absolutely agree with the person who said that ingredients are difficult to get. Where can we find a simple spell book with simple ingredients that don't just grow in northern India??

hmmmm, 15 Nov 2005
This book is set out really well, different chapters for different sets of spells, love, wealth, banishing, binding etc. Also - information on starting out and explanations for everything. It would be wonderful but where on earth are you supposed to find some of those ingredients??? Its just not practical. Be prepared to have to go on a search. Where can I get a book that has decent spells in it that inculde ingredients I dont have to do a spell to get?

Very nice but sometimes impractical, 07 Nov 2004
In an ideal world, it would be nice to live near a private beach, a big hill to watch the sunrise over and have a fully dedicated herbal collection.
However, this isn't reality to most of us, and indeed many of these spells would be impractical also.

There are some lovely ideas in here such as things to do on a secluded beach at sunset to celebrate festivals of the year, but unfortunately its unlikely we'd get the privacy to chant inside a big triangle drawn in the sand surrounded by candles.
There are also some nice ideas for crafted talismans to protect a baby or a new relationship, but of course the recipients would have to be of similar mind.

Also some of the herbs required for the spells aren't the type you simply have in your cupboard or can get hold of easily without having to travel to a dedicated esoteric or medicinal herbalist.

I also worry about the ethics of the binding and banishing spells chapter, although some are quite happy to restrict the actions of another who may be annoying or troublesome, many wiccans who practice magic will see it as a direct violation of the wiccan rede and others as a karmic dilemma.

The value of this book is totally dependant on what the reader wants, if you would like to read nice spells to maybe attempt one day if time and apparatus are abundant or if you can take ideas and form your own through this guidance then you may find a lot within its pages.
However it seems to be a new agey 'white witch'idealistic book rather than that of witchcraft.

2012, 03 Sep 2008
I found this book very interesting and very well written. The interesting with Pinchbeck is his backgrund in the intellectual art milieu of New York combined with a later interest in the occult, new spirituality and mysticism. 2012: The Return of Quetzalcoatl is sort of a spiritual and intellectual biography. We follow Daniel on his travels and thoughts, to Stonhenge to look for crop circles, to the amazonas to try hallucinogenic mushroooms and so on. Driven by a frustration over the shallowness and crudeness of "western" "materialism" he seeks new and/or alternative world views.
What I like is Pinchbecks openness towards "the other side". He actually tries it all: drugs, crop circles, meditation, 2012 "prophesies", mayan calendar stuff and so on, with an open but inteligent mind. Often his reasoning is interesting to follow, sometimes it gets a bit too longwinded. I also like that he does not give the reader a new philosophy or ontology or religion or system of beliefs. Rather, as I read him, it is an attempt to shake a little the ingrained view of reality we usually take for granted. Is the established conception of reality so obvious? Or is there something fundamental that we can't see? And if so, can alternative world views give us a hint? 2012 opens up windows to alternative and fascinating ideas, described by someone with a foot in mainstream acedemic discourse as well. Which I think is unusual.
New age-fans or seekers of a belief system will probably find 2012 too ambiguous. Rather I think this book is intended for sceptical readers with an open mind.

Plus and Minus, 07 Aug 2007
I am very interested in the subject of 2012 but the author goes on a rambling journey through the subject injecting his support of chemical 'trips' throughout. This is a shame as the subject is crucial to our times - occasionally I got so frustrated I wanted to abandon reading it as it got so self-indulgent. However on balance he got some good points in and it's worth the effort - I just wish he had not been so tempted to add in his 'personal' demons and stuck to this fascinating subject.

DiaGnosis: Insufficiently relevant, 19 Feb 2007
Daniel Pinchbeck's book 2012: the Return of
Quetzalcoatl, (UK softback edition is called: 2012: The Year of the Mayan Prophecy), while being well-written, entertaining, etc. has very
little to say about 2012. Yes, if you do an Amazon "search inside" for
the subject of 2012, you get alot of pages, but that is because the
title appears at the top of every other page...in fact, there are only
about 10 mentions of 2012 in the whole 400-page book (including front
and back flaps)...that's about once every 40 pages.

Extracts from the diagnosis2012 (dotcodotuk) review (find it with the site search engine):

Pinchbeck, a New York intellectual, describes himself as "a clearly deficient, half-dissolute figure, a `freelance journalist' of dubious repute" (p.20), and his 400-page (hardcover edition) book, 2012 - The Return of Quetzalcoatl, is an autobiographical essay that starts with his childhood experiences growing up in New York City. The book is split into six named parts but none of the chapters are named. There is no list of contents, nor are there any pictures or diagrams, nor any notes and references. However, there is an index and a bibliography. The book is well-written, but is not very gripping reading, and when finished, left me wondering if the author could have got his point over with just a short article. So what point is Pinchbeck actually making in this book? A summary of the chapters and their contents would be instructive here, so here are my chapter summaries:


Part 1: A Universe in Ruins 1: Pinchbeck's Youth, Drugs and Quetzalcoatl; 2: Psychedelics; 3: Death of Pinchbeck's Father and Ayahuasca; 4: New Physics and Jung; 5: 9/11

Part 2: The Serpent Temple 1: Daimonic Reality; 2: Crop Circles; 3: Terence McKenna