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Protection Spells, Judika Illes

Protection Spells: 36 Cards for Magical Self-Defense, by Judika Illes
Weiser Books, 9781578638918, 36 cards, June 2025

Widely regarded as an authority in the realm of metaphysical practices, Judika Illes has gifted the spiritual world with her compact set of Protection Spells: 36 Cards for Magical Self-Defense. This deck is not just a collection of spells; it is a gateway to fortifying one’s energetic boundaries, fostering inner strength and reclaiming control over one’s spiritual environment.

Judika Illes is a renowned metaphysician, author, and spiritual advisor celebrated for her extensive knowledge of magical traditions, folklore, and esoteric practices. With a deep passion for understanding the mystical dimensions of life, she has dedicated her career to exploring the intersections of spirituality, magic, and metaphysics. Best known for The Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells, her writings delve into diverse traditions, rituals, charms, and spiritual guidance. Also a certified aromatherapist and tarot card reader for more than thirty years, Illes teaches workshops in the US and around the world. Illes lives in New York, and you may follow her on Instagram @judikailles.

Protection Spells is a deck designed to provide a compact, user-friendly way to access potent spiritual practices for shielding oneself from negative influences. Whether you are dealing with emotional turbulence, navigating challenging social dynamics, or attempting to dispel energetic toxicity, these cards offer guidance and actionable spells. Illes takes a holistic approach, combining ancient wisdom, folklore, and practical techniques to ensure that the user feels both informed and empowered. If you desire more information, Illes refers you to her book Pure Magic: A Complete Course in Spellcasting, which she published in 2022.

As I flipped through the beautiful, forest green cards, I set aside any card that spoke to me.  Soon, I had a small stack of cards. These are just a few that I utilized over the last few days:

  • Archangel Protection – This card reminds me to call on Michael, Raphael, Gabriel and Uriel for protection and support.  Illes lists the specialty of each archangel for quick reference. 
  • Maneki Neko – Use of the “Japanese beckoning cat” provides protection, both as a statue and as an amulet in jewelry. I looked it up for more information and have already ordered myself a pendant for my keychain. Black is most supportive for protection. 
  • Basic Protection Bath – Create a basil bath rinse with fresh basil leaves and boiling water. After cooling and straining the mixture, use it in the shower to wash yourself.  This repairs the aura and creates a protective bubble. 

Another spell that I plan to use this weekend is the Earring Spell. For this incantation, you select a set of earrings that represents protection to you. Clear them with incense smoke, charge them by whispering how you would like them to support you, and then put on the earrings.  When you feel called to clear the earrings again, do so.

Each spell is thoughtfully crafted, with clear instructions and essential components like herbs, oils, or crystals often suggested for enhancement. For instance, a card might recommend the use of sage for cleansing or a specific chant to invoke protective energies. This blend of practical tools and spiritual practices makes the deck valuable for individuals with varying levels of experience, from beginners looking for step-by-step guidance to advanced practitioners seeking inspiration. I will point out that I looked up a few spells online for further information and to better understand the workings of the spell. Illes’ book mentioned above would be a great companion to this deck.

One of the best features of this deck is its elegant design. The cards are visually appealing with the dark, forest green background, gold borders, and star accents. Each card is clearly labeled with the title of the spell. The accompanying text is concise yet impactful, ensuring that users can quickly grasp the essence of each spell.

On the back of each card is a snake design. I counted 18 different designs of beautiful serpents, each one shown with a full moon or moon phases. The colors range from mauve to russet and olive to grape. The notes say that the artwork is clipart from Ink Stories, but it is deftly arranged and combined with flowers or herbs for beautiful images that act as sigils for the magic you will make with these spells. I plan to take photos of the back of each card I work with to keep on my phone to refer to during the day.

The cards are made of durable material, suitable for frequent handling and resistant to wear. This practical detail reflects the thoughtfulness behind the product, as it is clearly intended for regular use. The deck’s compact size also makes it highly portable, allowing users to carry their spiritual toolkit wherever they go. The cards are about the size of a business card.

The cards are housed in a study two-part box that reminds me of a match box.  The top easily slides off each side, revealing the cards inside. The size is convenient for tucking into a handbag or tote.

Overall, Protection Spells is a beautifully crafted and thoughtfully curated deck that serves as both a practical tool and an inspirational resource. While it may leave some advanced users yearning for more information, its accessibility ensures that it achieves its intended purpose: empowering individuals to safeguard their energy and navigate life with enhanced confidence and resilience. As Illes says on the introductory card:

“For successful spellcasting, as you cast your spells, visualize their success. Visualize yourself strong, happy, and safe, your goals realized.”1

This deck is a modern tool for both novice practitioners and seasoned mystics. For anyone looking to explore protection rituals or strengthen their spiritual boundaries, this deck is a great addition to their toolkit. Judika Illes once again proves why she is celebrated as a master of metaphysical practices, offering a resource that resonates with both the heart and the mind. I will keep this deck on hand for client readings and will offer a protection spell when I feel led.

Witches, by Judika Illes

Witches: A Compendium, by Judika Illes
Weiser Books, 1578638577, 240 pages, October 2024

Autumn has arrived, and I think we can all agree.. It’s officially the season of the witch! For those who are feeling drawn to witches, whether through fictional tales or their own witchcraft practice, Judika Illes’ latest book Witches: A Compendium offers a fascinating exploration of the subject, from ancient times to modern day. This comprehensive guide covers a range of witchcraft topics, from famous witches to the best witch-travel destinations.

“The world of witches is filled with passion, magic, high spirits, and joy. It is a world where the sacred is ever-present, a world in which even the most mundane objects possess deep spiritual significance. The world of witches is a world of wonder in which every color, incident, creature, sight, or sound has some sort of magical import.”2

Illes does an excellent job of presenting a diverse range of perspectives on witchcraft. Chapters are dedicated to types of witches, witchcraft tools, animal familiars, various well-known witches (famous ones, fictional ones, divination witches, and those who have been persecuted for their practice). She includes stories and practices from different cultures, highlighting the universal appeal and varied interpretations of witchcraft around the world. This inclusivity is a refreshing aspect of the book, as it acknowledges and respects the wide array of traditions and beliefs associated with witchcraft.

For each topic in the compendium, there’s anywhere from one paragraph to two pages dedicated to the subject. Illes’ writing style is engaging and accessible. She excels in writing insightful profiles that bring these individuals to life, offering readers a glimpse into their lives and the culture during the time they lived. Some of my favorites covered include Tamoamo-no-Mae, Hulda, and Kybele. I also loved the focus on fictional witches, such as Agatha Harkness, whose new TV show I just started watching on Disney+; Illes writing is so up-to-date that it mentions this new Marvel show, along with the recent WandaVision.

I was also pleasantly surprised to see that Illes included quite a few men in this compendium. Of course, there’s the male founders of certain traditions, such as Alexandrian Wicca and The Clan of Tubal Cain, who were influential in the spread of modern witchcraft. But she also looks to famous magicians and sorcerers of the past too, such as Abei no Seimei, Franz Bardon, Count Alessandro di Cagliostro, and Dr. Leo Martello. This inclusion gives a very balanced perspective on witchcraft, offering a full picture that counters stereotypes of witches always being old hags or devious young women.

The chapters on the tools, crafts, and animals associated with witchcraft are especially beneficial for readers to learn more about different practices. Illes covers tools like dolls, mirrors, runes, and wands, along with crafts of the trade such as dowsing, scrying, and astrology. The chapter “Animal Witches and Witches’ Animals” is loaded with information about the roles various animals have in witchcraft practices worldwide. I was fascinated to learn:

“European itches were accused of riding wolves or bates; African witches ride galloping hyenas, the animal most closely identified with witches throughout Africa.”3

And, if after making it through most of this book you are wondering if you’re a witch, Illes’ final chapter helps to answer this question. She includes lore that indicates being a witch, such as being the seventh-born son or daughter, as well as having a witch-mark or disliking salt. She also notes personality traits like “you have an affinity for wild nature, a love for the world’s wild, untamed places”4 and “you possess an independent streak: you don’t like being told what you can’t do, can’t learn, can’t known, can’t read, or where you can’t go.”5

Finally, the visual aspect of the book is also worth mentioning. Witches is beautifully illustrated, with images that complement the text and enhance the reader’s experience. The illustrations add an extra layer of enchantment to the book, making it not only informative but also a pleasure to look at.

Overall, Witches: A Compendium is a great read for anyone interested in the world of witchcraft. It is comprehensive, well-researched, and beautifully presented. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a curious newcomer, this book offers valuable insights and practical knowledge that will deepen your understanding of witchcraft and its enduring allure.

And if you enjoy this book, Illes has quite a few other informative books published, including Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells, Encyclopedia of Spirits, The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft, and Encyclopedia of Mystics, Saints, & Sages, along with The Weiser Field Guide to Witches and The Weiser Field Guide to the Paranormal.