237 A dictionary of superstitions. Iona Archibald Opie, ed. 494p. Oxford Univ.
Pr., 2005. ISBN 9780192806642. $
001.9 BF1775
How many frogs do you need to cure whooping cough? If you aren’t sure, are seriously stumped, or are simply curious, then this dictionary will fill the bill. Here are entries on a wide range of spells, omens, rituals, and taboos—the myriad strange and fascinating folk beliefs that form an integral part of our social life. Each entry is arranged alpha- betically according to its central idea or object and illustrated with a selection of chronologically ordered quotations that indicate the history and development of each belief.
238 Dictionary of the esoteric: Over 3,000 entries on the mystical and occult traditions. Nevill Drury. 344p. Watkins, 2006. ISBN 9781842931080. $
133 BF1407
Mystical and esoteric traditions come to life in this work. Including more than 3,000 cross-referenced entries from the prehistoric to the contemporary, this unique dictionary also features biographies of lead- ing figures in the field, such as astrologer Evangeline Adams and the prophet Zarathustra, and offers a fas- cinating look at esoteric religious texts, such as The Egyptian book of the dead, The Dead Sea scrolls, and the Zohar, revealing both human and divine characters from the great legends and myths of the world.
239 The Element encyclopedia of witchcraft: The complete A–Z for the entire magical world. Judika Illes.
887p. HarperElement, 2005. ISBN
9780007192939. $
133.4 BF1566
A longtime student of metaphysics and the magical arts, Illes here brings readers a comprehensive cel- ebration and exploration of all facets of witchcraft.
This is a reference book that is also a source of entertainment and general interest. Here are entries on the history, folklore, spirituality, and mythology of witchcraft. The work is arranged topically, and there is a helpful index. Individual articles within the topic chapters sometimes have see references as well. Chapters cover plants, animals, food and drink, magical beings, famous people in the magi- cal world, the creative arts, witch persecution, and more. Chapters—or sections within the chapters—
include A–Z entries that range from a few para- graphs to a few pages. An extensive bibliography and a list of Internet resources complete the work.
240 The encyclopedia of ghosts and spirits. 2nd ed. Rosemary Ellen Guiley.
430p. Facts on File, 2000. ISBN 9780816040865. $
133.1 BF1461
A compendium of worldwide paranormal activity from one of the more prolific writers on spiritual- ity and visionary experiences, this work contains alphabetically arranged entries on ghosts, spirits, and related activities. Four-hundred entries are cross-referenced and accompanied by lists of fur- ther readings. Do you believe in ghosts? In spirits?
Guiley’s passion for the subject infuses her work;
she is to be credited for avoiding sensationalism and striving for balanced coverage, accuracy, clar- ity, and brevity.
241 The encyclopedia of the paranormal.
Gordon Stein. 859p. Prometheus Books, 1996. ISBN 9781573920216. $$
133 BF1025
Topics covered in this encyclopedia include the strictly paranormal, the historical, the philosophi- cal, and work on investigatory photography. Here are ninety subject entries written in short essay form by contributors from diverse fields. Readers will also find entries on notable personages in para- normal phenomena. Paranormal is broadly inter- preted to include that which cannot be explained by scientific means.
242 The encyclopedia of vampires, werewolves, and other monsters.
Rosemary Ellen Guiley. 352p. Facts on
File, 2004. ISBN 0816046840. $
133.4 BF1556
Readers interested in vampires and werewolves will delight in Guiley’s descriptions. Here, they are in lore and in films, so this book is also great for those who like horror movies. Readers seeking infor- mation on werewolves, other shape-shifters and skin walkers, and monsters in general will need to consult another source. Angels, ghosts, spirits, saints, and the otherwise strange, mystical, and unexplained continue to fascinate Guiley; her fol- lowers, and those looking for information on vam- pires, will not be disappointed. Note that Guiley has previously explored this topic. Her work The complete vampire companion (Macmillan, 1994) is an examination of the roots of the fascination with vampires, the various popular manifestations of vampires, and what exactly vampires are in the context of contemporary society. Ten years later, she returns to the topic; clearly, the universality of belief in vampires and similar beings has not diminished over time.
243 The encyclopedia of witches and witchcraft. 2nd ed. Rosemary Ellen Guiley. 417p. Facts on File, 1999. ISBN 9780816038480. $
133.4 BF1566
In this A–Z title, Guiley presents a detailed look at witchcraft and its history, from its ancient origins to its modern revival. Coverage of witchcraft prac- tices around the world in different time periods and societies is a particular strength of the work.
A total of 500 entries comprise the work; readers should note that the author’s focus is primarily on Western tradition and practices, historical and con- temporary. Guiley, author of the previous edition and numerous books on the occult and the New Age, continues to set the standard in the growing output of reference works in the occult sciences, insofar as balanced tone and thorough scholarship are concerned.
244 Harper’s encyclopedia of mystical and paranormal experience. Rosemary Ellen Guiley. 666p. HarperCollins, 1991.
ISBN 9780062503657. $
133 BF1407
Guiley provides 500 cross-referenced entries that emphasize major personalities, mystical techniques and traditions, locations of interest, and mystical and paranormal phenomena. Bibliographic information follows each entry. The need for information on the
occult and paranormal seems insatiable, and readers who are mindful of the work’s limitations, including scope (coverage is not inclusive); the author’s selec- tion of “alternative realities” rather than the occult as her total field; uneven quality of entries; and “air time” given to skeptical literature on a subject will find much here that is useful.
245 The new encyclopedia of the occult.
John Michael Greer. 555p. Llewellyn, 2004. ISBN 1567183360. $
133 BF1407
Billed as the most complete occult reference book ever, this work is a comprehensive guide to the his- tory, philosophies, and personalities of Western occultism. The whole range of occult tradition is covered. More than 1,500 entries populate this encyclopedia. Note that Greer intentionally avoids including entries on persons still in the flesh;
readers looking for information about authors and leaders still living will need to turn to other sources. Occult scholar and practitioner Greer is here assisted by a cadre of experts, including con- tributors and reviewers. Readers with a borderline interest in the mystic and the occult; those who have been struggling with terms like Hermeticism, Rosicrucianism, Tree of Life, Merkabah (not able to figure out what they were about and, more impor- tant, what their connection and inner logic was);
and those who are well versed in the material yet seek a neutral and scholarly presentation on the myriad facets of the occult will find this source to be well worth consulting.
246 The spirit book: The encyclopedia of clairvoyance, channeling, and spirit communication. Raymond Buckland.
500p. Visible Ink Press, 2006. ISBN 9780780809222. $
133.9 BF1301
The art and science of spirit communication are the focus of this work, which contains 500 alphabeti- cally arranged and well-written documented entries.
Readers interested in mediumship, channeling, and clairvoyance, as well as such topics as automatic writing, electronic voice phenomena, divination, and the Bible, will find much of value here. Added value is provided by a bibliography of print and online resources, 100 black-and-white illustrations, and an index. Wicca Buckland continues to develop his occult oeuvre and to provide readers with a basic, readable encyclopedia that succeeds in filling a niche in popular religion collections.
247 The ultimate encyclopedia of spells:
88 incantations to entice love, improve a career, increase wealth, restore health, and spread peace. Michael Johnstone. 200p. Diane Publishing, 2004. ISBN 9780756783235. $
133.4 GR540
In what is essentially a practical workbook, Johnstone provides a comprehensive examination of the long history of spells and gives clear expla- nations as to their true nature as well as tips on the proper way they should be used. “Ultimate”
encyclopedias are increasingly common, and Johnstone has others to his name, including, for example, The ultimate encyclopedia of fortune telling (Arcturus, 2004). The extent to which Spells is the
“ultimate” remains to be seen. Nonetheless, those newly engaged in such practices, as well as more seasoned practitioners, will not be disappointed.
Readers might also want to peruse Johnstone’s newest entry to the field—the spiral-bound The book of spells: Positive enchantments to enhance your life (Book Sales, 2006).
248 The Watkins dictionary of magic:
Over 3,000 entries on the world of magical formulas, secret symbols, and the occult. Nevill Drury. 328p. Watkins, 2005. ISBN 9781842931523. $
133.4 BF1588
Creatures, spells, and formulas, oh my! The sec- ond volume in the Watkins Dictionary series, The Watkins dictionary of magic, is filled with explana- tions for all things magical, including spells, secret rituals, mythical creatures, and more. Featuring more than 3,000 cross-referenced entries, this work serves as a great introduction for neophyte occultists and a useful reference for quick facts and interest- ing information for seasoned readers. Biographies of leading figures in the field—both well known and obscure—as well as myths and folklore from around the world, are particularly valuable. Drury, well known for his writings and workshops on magic, visionary consciousness, and shamanism, once again serves up a valuable and popular work.