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Element Encyclopedia
The Element Encyclopedia of Signs and Symbols: The Ultimate A-Z Guide from Alchemy to the Zodiac
crs6
579 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
122 people are currently reading
984 people want to read
About the author
Adele Nozedar
22books32followersAdele Nozedar has enjoyed a varied career, spanning TV presentation, being in a cult indie band, running highly-successful record labels (both independent and major) and a PR company, exhibiting her photography, writing soundtracks, and being owner/manager of a remote residential recording studio.
But the thread which underscores all these facets is an interest in matters occult and arcane; this might be as a result of having self-professed ‘wise women� on both sides of the family.
Adele’s particular awakening to the language of birds, and their healing powers, came during her recovery from an operation, when a small hawk called a merlin appeared, which surprisingly allowed itself to be handled; although the bird disappeared after her recovery, it reappears from time to time. It was this incident which sparked a sudden realisation that birds can be the conduits to a ‘higher� form of communication, a window to a world without words, particularly appropriate since she was deaf until the age of 7 and believes that this phase of her life has had a profound effect upon the rest of it.
Adele belongs to the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids and is a healer and colour therapist. She is the author of the Illustrated Signs & Symbols Sourcebook.
But the thread which underscores all these facets is an interest in matters occult and arcane; this might be as a result of having self-professed ‘wise women� on both sides of the family.
Adele’s particular awakening to the language of birds, and their healing powers, came during her recovery from an operation, when a small hawk called a merlin appeared, which surprisingly allowed itself to be handled; although the bird disappeared after her recovery, it reappears from time to time. It was this incident which sparked a sudden realisation that birds can be the conduits to a ‘higher� form of communication, a window to a world without words, particularly appropriate since she was deaf until the age of 7 and believes that this phase of her life has had a profound effect upon the rest of it.
Adele belongs to the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids and is a healer and colour therapist. She is the author of the Illustrated Signs & Symbols Sourcebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 16, 2020
An easy-to-read encyclopedia about some of the most well-known signs and symbols throughout history, including symbolism associated with animals, plants, gems, pilgrimages, letters,numbers, the body, and other things. I picked up the book from a garage sale for about $2, and it's proven to be a delight to read. It's interesting to see how humans assign meanings to objects, and then believe that the meaning is inherent. It reminds me of the quote from Umberto Eco "I have come to believe that the whole world is an enigma, a harmless enigma that is made terrible by our own mad attempt to interpret it as though it had an underlying truth." But still, the symbols and signs help create and bind communities, so they are important in that sense.
December 15, 2014
This "review"'s going to deviate from my standard reviews a bit. Back to your regularly scheduled reviewing next time.
A commenter on my other blog and I were having a little conversation about book buying in the comments of one of my posts there. I don’t know about you, but right now I need more books like I need a double lobotomy. Like I told him in my comment, when I went to pre-order Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, I just had to pick up Why We Suck by Dr. Denis Leary. The man is my god, after all. Might as well have the bible. But that’s just my little compulsive twitch for book buying at work.
But I did go into Barnes and Noble that day. No, not to buy anything, at least initially. I wanted to collect information for a post I'm planning on doing over there that my lazy butt hasn't gotten around to doing yet. But what did I see on the bargain racks before I even walked into the store? A slew of Element Encyclopedias, soft cover versions.
Now, I already owned one, the Encyclopedia of Witch Craft. I’ve owned it for years. My mom got it on discount from One Spirit book club and it’s helped me immensely with building a character for one of my books. So, needless to say, I screamed a little on the inside when I saw all these Element books just sitting there for $9.98 and begging to be bought. They're $30 books! Each! So I picked up Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, Encyclopedia of Secret Signs and Symbols and Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Hauntings.
OMG I’m in heaven. When I buy when I really shouldn't, I get that tinge of guilt afterwards. You know what I'm talking about. But these . . . these will not go to waste at all and I would have kicked myself in the ass repeatedly had I not picked these up. The Element Encyclopedias are some of the best references for the mystical and magical and if you’re even considering writing anything like that, you’ll want these books amongst your reference guides. I’ll be able to use these with everything that I’m writing and plan to write.
Squee! I smile every time I look at them!
A commenter on my other blog and I were having a little conversation about book buying in the comments of one of my posts there. I don’t know about you, but right now I need more books like I need a double lobotomy. Like I told him in my comment, when I went to pre-order Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, I just had to pick up Why We Suck by Dr. Denis Leary. The man is my god, after all. Might as well have the bible. But that’s just my little compulsive twitch for book buying at work.
But I did go into Barnes and Noble that day. No, not to buy anything, at least initially. I wanted to collect information for a post I'm planning on doing over there that my lazy butt hasn't gotten around to doing yet. But what did I see on the bargain racks before I even walked into the store? A slew of Element Encyclopedias, soft cover versions.
Now, I already owned one, the Encyclopedia of Witch Craft. I’ve owned it for years. My mom got it on discount from One Spirit book club and it’s helped me immensely with building a character for one of my books. So, needless to say, I screamed a little on the inside when I saw all these Element books just sitting there for $9.98 and begging to be bought. They're $30 books! Each! So I picked up Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, Encyclopedia of Secret Signs and Symbols and Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Hauntings.
OMG I’m in heaven. When I buy when I really shouldn't, I get that tinge of guilt afterwards. You know what I'm talking about. But these . . . these will not go to waste at all and I would have kicked myself in the ass repeatedly had I not picked these up. The Element Encyclopedias are some of the best references for the mystical and magical and if you’re even considering writing anything like that, you’ll want these books amongst your reference guides. I’ll be able to use these with everything that I’m writing and plan to write.
Squee! I smile every time I look at them!
July 31, 2011
I am impressed with the thoroughness of this book. It is broad and deep in its coverage. It covers many more esoteric symbols and concepts than most other similar books and its explanations are as in-depth as they can be for a book such as this. The book is almost 700 pages in length. I highly recommend this book to those who are interested in the meaning of symbols, numbers, sacred geometry, divinities, rites, rituals, alchemy, flora, fauna and more. I bought this for $9.99 at Borders, so it is also an outstanding value.
January 13, 2010
So far this book seems really well written and informative: In a field
where I have done a fair amount of reading, I'm learning--always a good thing. Of definite value to Pagans, or anyone with a curiosity concerning the origins and meanings behind various signs and symbols. International in scope.
where I have done a fair amount of reading, I'm learning--always a good thing. Of definite value to Pagans, or anyone with a curiosity concerning the origins and meanings behind various signs and symbols. International in scope.
November 10, 2011
This book is an amazing treasure trove of all things a really good writer needs to put together something unique and interesting. It's chock full of great information and symbols. I highly recommend this to anyone who is looking to expand their knowledge.
February 24, 2019
Very informative book on a multitude of levels
November 9, 2017
These Element Encyclopedias are no joke. On par with those of Rosemary Ellen Guilley, academic and expansive in scope. Highly recommended for students of the occult, folklore, mythology, anthropological history, and more.
May 17, 2013
I enjoyed reading most everything in here. There were a few sections within the chapters that became tedious with the information. Overall though I feel like I learned a few things and had fun with it.
June 12, 2013
absolutely enchanted.... We see so many things every day and we seldom know what exactly are those objects and signs signifies of .... !!!! great book... highly recommended for all... I loved it...... :) Thank you soooo much Ms. Adele.... :)
Currently reading
February 27, 2010something fun on everypage
Want to read
March 22, 2010I read several pages when I borrowed it during my caribean cruise trip. I was stunned at the information.
February 20, 2011
Great resource!
October 30, 2011
Pretty interesting opus in this series and quite useful as a resource book for (aspiring) writers, imo.
November 3, 2011
Great book
May 27, 2012
AwesomeSauce.
July 1, 2012
This book is great! So much information :)
January 11, 2013
Easy to read as well as a great reference guide for looking up signs & symbols. Highly recommend it.
Read
May 29, 2013Interesting. No depth on really anything, but a good general overview.
April 17, 2013
good to learn new things
May 21, 2013
I use this book often. Love it!
Read
June 9, 2013A big book I love to read when other books are not sticking.
March 10, 2025
I found this book in a mystical bookshop, where I asked the cashier if she could point me in the direction of books that could tell me something about signs. I was experiencing different encounters with everyday animals, but when you live in a big city it’s kind of not so often you see them - which is why I wanted to read if I could see them as a sign.
I picked up this book, didn’t look into it, just from the back I thought that this was probably what I wanted.
In no way was it. But I was amused throughout for sure. I always find it interesting to read about ancient things (maybe there was a biiiiit too much about one type of religion that needn’t have as much pages as it did) and its sections of flora and fauna was definitely something you can go back to if you need an abc on the meanings for different flowers.
Am I any wiser of the messages the universe is sending me? No. Have I got about 3000 new “fun fact ☝🏼🤓� to absolutely enrage my colleagues with - absolutely.
Fine read, but maybe supply it with a different book, as reading the ABC’s in different sections every day will give you a minor migraine.
I picked up this book, didn’t look into it, just from the back I thought that this was probably what I wanted.
In no way was it. But I was amused throughout for sure. I always find it interesting to read about ancient things (maybe there was a biiiiit too much about one type of religion that needn’t have as much pages as it did) and its sections of flora and fauna was definitely something you can go back to if you need an abc on the meanings for different flowers.
Am I any wiser of the messages the universe is sending me? No. Have I got about 3000 new “fun fact ☝🏼🤓� to absolutely enrage my colleagues with - absolutely.
Fine read, but maybe supply it with a different book, as reading the ABC’s in different sections every day will give you a minor migraine.
December 31, 2020
Finally I just finished read this book, even though I skiped some pages (I'm sorry Nozedar :D). Dictionary book like this does not have to be read from the first page to the last, but I tried read it because of my curiosity.
Many usefull information about signs and symbols here from different cultures, country, and religions. Whatever the educational background of the author of this book, she did a great research. I compared this book with another similar books, I found many false information on the others book about symbol of my religion, but I didn't find it on this book. She and I have different religion, but she did a good job writing symbol from my religion with true meaning. Salute and respect for her :)
Definitely one of my favorites book, and this is absolutely my main source about symbols and signs. I would check and read it again, especially if I want to know more specifically about a symbol/sign.
Many usefull information about signs and symbols here from different cultures, country, and religions. Whatever the educational background of the author of this book, she did a great research. I compared this book with another similar books, I found many false information on the others book about symbol of my religion, but I didn't find it on this book. She and I have different religion, but she did a good job writing symbol from my religion with true meaning. Salute and respect for her :)
Definitely one of my favorites book, and this is absolutely my main source about symbols and signs. I would check and read it again, especially if I want to know more specifically about a symbol/sign.
April 13, 2025
I liked it for about five minutes until I got to the entry for Apple, under which the author purports that it was the fruit consumed by Adam and Eve. I guess the author has never read the bible, because if she had she would know that the apple is never identified as the Fruit. The biblical account literally just says, “fruit,� and I assure you the Hebrew word for ‘apple� is entirely different from the Hebrew word for ‘fruit,� so it’s not a translation error. (Note: I’m not a Christian, just a person who enjoys accurate information. I have a great disdain for inaccurate information, particularly from people who are arrogant enough to publish an entire encyclopedia of symbols without thoroughly checking their information.)
November 3, 2019
A good encyclopedia to buy if you wanna learn new things especially about symbolism, which was my main purpose to get it. I skimmed through the some of the book like an hour of my day and was really interested in some of the symbols. The information is tedious on some things but you can skip it and read the important parts. I will open this book whenever I feel the need to whenever I wanna learn about about other symbols.
January 9, 2024
A comprehensive discovery of all things secret and hidden in plain sight. the meaning of every metal, flower, tree, animal, god, color, ritual, organizations, practices and cultures you can imagine. A great book to read and an incredible book to reference on any or all of these things. This book opens you up to learning something new on every page. Not all of her depictions of the Christian faith are accurate, but overall an incredible compilation.
January 31, 2021
Fantastic content. As a fantasy and horror writer, I use this book for every single magic system or world I create. Signs and symbols can be the base of creating a platform for you magic system or it can be the fringe detail that brings it to life, either way, you'll find what you're looking for in this book.
November 23, 2021
It has pretty much everything in it you could possibly need to learn in a clear, alphabetical order. Starting with symbols, moving onto the meaning of flora and fauna, the most common crystals, tarot cards (I frankly feel that bit could’ve been left out), zodiac signs etc. Very interesting read and a good reference book.
September 26, 2021
A useful introduction into signs and symbols. However, the lack of reference list is frustrating because there were topics I wanted to read more of and without a reference list it's difficult to see where to even begin searching for more information.
March 23, 2022
Good guide to signs and symbols
A good read to get a handle on the basics of signs and symbols. Very interesting, as it covers a large amount, from various religions and secret societies.
A good read to get a handle on the basics of signs and symbols. Very interesting, as it covers a large amount, from various religions and secret societies.
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