- Author: Judika Illes
- Publisher: Red Wheel / Weiser 06-Oct-2025
- RRP: US$ 24.95 / GB£ 21.99
- ISBN: 978-1-57863-922-9
- Reviewed by: Twisted Wicked
Judika Illes is a Hungarian author, prolific in the magical arts, covering subjects such as divination, spiritualism, fairies, witchcraft and the paranormal. Illes has a Bachelor of Arts in English and Communications and a graduate certificate in Aromatherapy.
The Magic Spells Oracle is a 36-card deck that I approached with genuine curiosity and high expectations. Known for her extensive knowledge of folklore and magical traditions, the Magic Spells Oracle by Judika Illes is an undeniably interesting and well-researched deck, however, my experience with it was more mixed than magical.
While it presents itself as a practical oracle rooted in real spell work and folklore, I found that this approach can be both its greatest strength and its biggest limitation. Illes clearly brings depth to this oracle—but depth doesn’t always translate into ease of use, and that’s where my experience became more complicated.
At its core, this deck feels less like an intuitive oracle and more like a magical reference system. Each card is rooted in specific spell work, historical practices, or traditional beliefs, which gives the deck a strong sense of authenticity. However, during readings, I often found myself stepping out of intuitive flow and into analytical mode. Rather than allowing the cards to speak freely, I felt required to pause, read, and process a lot of information before reaching a message.
The traditional two-part box is sturdy and protective, with a calming and nature inspiring colour palette, with illustrations that are whimsical and magical. The cards are a manageable size which is important for shuffling. The card stock is flexible but quite thin compared to other decks that I have encountered, potentially affecting the longevity of the deck, depending on frequency of use.
The guidebook is thorough and clearly well-researched, but it can be overwhelming. Many entries are lengthy and packed with historical detail. While I appreciate the scholarship behind it, this makes the deck less practical for quick pulls or casual readings. It’s not a deck I would reach for when I want immediate clarity or emotional insight; I don’t always want to read several paragraphs of context just to understand how a card applies to a present-day situation. This makes the deck less accessible, especially if I’m reading intuitively or under time pressure.
Visually, the artwork is functional, and seems disjointed for being bold but lacking depth. The illustrations are simple and basic compared to the wider theme of the deck, and weren’t particularly inspiring to me. The imagery supports the themes but doesn’t invite much emotional or intuitive engagement. Compared to more visually expressive oracle decks, these images felt muted and static, which made it harder to form an intuitive or emotional connection with the cards.
Another aspect I struggled with is the deck’s broad use of magical traditions. While the intention appears respectful, I would have welcomed clearer guidance around cultural context and ethical engagement. For readers who are newer to magical practice, this lack of framing could lead to confusion or unintentional misappropriation.
Overall, I see the Magic Spells Oracle as a specialised tool rather than an everyday oracle. It’s well suited to experienced practitioners who enjoy research, structure, and historical magic, but it’s not a deck I would recommend for beginners or for those seeking gentle, intuitive guidance. For me, it works better as a supplementary study tool than a go-to oracle for everyday readings.
This is not a light or comforting deck—it’s deliberate, intellectual, and demanding. Whether that’s a strength or a drawback depends entirely on what you’re seeking from an oracle.
About the Author:
Judika Illes is a lifelong student and practitioner of the magical arts, and has authored many books, including the bestselling Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells. She has over 30 years experience as a professional tarot reader, is a certified aromatherapist, and teaches on a wide range of subjects worldwide.
To purchase the Magic Spells Oracle Deck, visit the Red Wheel / Weiser website.
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