This is a collection of modern interpretations inspired by ancient spells and incantations from wide range of times and places, beautifully illustrated by the author. She has taken these original pieces, rewritten them into modern language and verse and produced a quite pleasing collection.
The spell fragments are arranged into thematic chapters beginning with a brief (and I must say rather romanticized) account of her process in gathering them together and re-translating and adapting them. Then follow chapters of spells for Manifesting and Prophecy; on Love and Lust; Protection Incantations; Healing; Curses, Binding and Vengeance; and a brief concluding chapter. Each chapter has a short introduction setting the tone for what follows, with a strongly positive ‘light’ tone.
She ends with an epilogue on Beginning a Magical Practice, an explanation of her methodology and a bibliography of her sources, which are principally solid scholarly works.
She draws from a very wide range of sources, recorded centuries apart – Akkadian 2nd millennium BCE, Nahuatl prayers from the 1600s, 11th century Moorish Spain, Egyptian 1st century CE, ranging to contemporary spells from the United States. A wide range that gives a taste of verbal spell craft. Well presented and with clear contemporary language.
My scholarly side would lead me to discuss the lack of cultural context, the issues with this free adaptation and re-translation of this material, but Ryce does not pretend to be producing a purely scholarly work. She is engaging respectfully, with thoughtful selection and after research, and reacting to these spells and incantations to produce her versions.
The artistry, both in her writing and in the illustrations leads me to recommend this book to you.
~Samuel Wagner
Author: Enid Baxter Ryce
Red Wheel Weiser, 2026
200 pg. Paperback £14 / $26 Can / $19 US
