So, you want to be a witch? However, there are so many ways to be witch. Which witch is right for you? In my mind, Judika Illes does an amazing job of helping you navigate that question with her latest book, “Witches: A Compendium.”
Illes is one of the great compilers of information in the witchcraft world and I think “Witches: A Compendium” might be the work most likely to truly touch the lives of its readers. Illes first describes EVERY type of witch. Seriously, I went through them all and couldn’t think of anything missing. Then she takes on the Herculean task of providing brief biographies of every witch from history and folklore. The two sections in tandem give the reader a fantastic look at all the ways witches can live and practice. “Witches: A Compendium” could have ended here and I would still consider it a fantastic resource. But obviously, there’s more.

You’ll read about the many tools witches utilize (things like dolls and crystal balls), and the many crafts and handiworks they do (such as dowsing and astrology). If after all of this you still need more witch inspiration (witchspiration, if you will) Illes outlines deities and mythological figures associated with magic (from Angitia to Yemaya). After that is all the witches from movies, television, novels, and comics. And what discussion of witches would be complete without exploring all the animals associated with witches, so yes, that’s in “Witches: A Compendium” as well.
In case you needed even more than all of this, you’ll find biographies of people who have been accused of witchcraft throughout history, while also discussing witch hunting history. Illes then takes on a tour to all the noteworthy places a witch might want to visit and wraps it all up with what witch are you quiz!
“Witches: A Compendium” by Judika Illes is an amazing resource for the new witch looking to work stuff out and for the experienced witch looking to reflect on the wider witching world and their place in it. Please Weiser, never let this book go out of print.
You can learn more here.
Get your own copy here. (This is an affiliate link to my Bookshop, which supports independent bookstores throughout the United States. If you use this link to purchase the book, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you.)
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I love everything Judika does!