Correspondences for Death (Necrobotany)
FLOWERS
Dandelions, ideal for connecting with certain spirits
Roses, to show your love for the deceased
Calendula, for blessings and love
Marigolds, perfect for ancestral worship
Lilies, for a sense of security and togetherness, ideal for deceased children
Orchids, for balanced emotions and adoration, ideal for deceased lovers
Daisies, also ideal for deceased lovers and lost family members
Tulips, to spread happiness
Carnations, a common funeral flower, especially in France. Used in The Netherlands to remember fallen veterans specifically
Heather, said to conjure ghosts and open portals between worlds. Can be used to heal deceased warriors, as it’s said to only grow where no blood has been shed. Heather also marks the resting places of fairies
Holly, often planted in graveyards to protect both the dead and mourners
Hyacinth, helps souls cross over the veil after death
Bluebell, used to comfort those who are mourning
Cowslip, associated with death and rebirth
HERBS
Lavender, for peace in passing on. Used to heal the dead, aid with divination and dreams, and protect the home.
Thyme, to give peace to those who died in violence. Use to contact both the dead and fairies
Rosemary, for remembrance
Chervil, often used in rituals for the dead
Mugwort, usually used to aid in divination and communication with the dead
Bay, usually used to aid in divination and communication with the dead
Lemon Balm, for peace and healing
Wormwood, to strengthen communication with the dead, as well as for healing and revenge
Basil, used in purification and cleansing rituals, a common symbol of sorrow in Ancient Greece. Use to aid in divination, hedgecrossing and spirit communication
Cinnamon, can amplify divination magic, and was used in the Ancient Egyptian mummification process. It’s commonly associated with spirit and deity work
Dittany of Crete, burned to manifest spirits, also valued as a symbol of love and healing
Fennel, a protective and purifying herb used to prevent spirits from entering your home
Juniper, guards against ghosts and illness, used in healing and purification spells. Juniper berries make good offerings for the dead
Mint, a popular funerary herb in Ancient Greece, also used for healing and protection during travel
Mugwort, used in spirit work
Mullein, can help one see spirits of the dead and the afterlife
Oregano, it was believed that growing oregano on graves ensured the dead were happy
Parsley, has a strong association with the dead, also has protective qualities
St John’s Wort, used in spirit work and divination
Marsh mallow (Althea), associated with death and rebirth, marsh mallow can be used in departing rituals and to honor those who have passed
Foxglove, used for contacting the dead and underworld deities
TREES
Cypress, heavily associated with death and spirits, as well as being sacred to Hades and Persephone. Makes a good offering for the dead
Hawthorn, associated with death, and serves to drive away unfriendly spirits. Was also said to be a portal to the Otherworld and is sacred to fairies, so don’t mess with it
Hickory, associated with mourning and death
Poplar, is sacred to both Zeus and Hades, and represents death and rebirth. Often used for Samhain, ancestral rites, funerals and ceremonies involving the underworld
Willow, a common symbol of death, even being a popular ornament on gravestones. Sacred to both Hades and Hecate, as well as being associated with ghosts and spirits
Yew, represents death and rebirth, and is sacred to Hecate. Runes, Ogham sticks and Ouija boards are commonly made from Yew wood
Elder, used in death rituals and funerals
FRUITS
Apples, a common Irish symbol for the dead
Pomegranates, to represent various Death and Underworld Deities
INCENSE
Myrrh, commonly used in death magic to give off good energy
Frankincense, a traditional incense to offer the dead
Dragon’s Blood, burned to aid in spirit work and protection
Sandalwood, burned to support spirit work, protect a space and consecrate tools
Wormwood, develops psychic powers, carried to provide protection, and hung to ward off malicious spirits
LIQUIDS
Water, a traditional offering for the dead, often left out for passing spirits
Wine or other alcohol
Juice, namely pomegranate or beet
Oils, such as olive oil, pomegranate oil, coconut oil, almond oil, etc.
OTHER
Coins
Grains, especially brown bread
Darkly-colored or Earthy-tone Candles
Foggy Weather
Marsh Water
Snow, especially snow collected from graveyards
Cleaning up graveyards
Songs and Music
Anything personal to the person you’re giving an offering to
DEATH DEITIES
Anubis, Egyptian God of Death, Mummification and the Afterlife
Arawn, Celtic ruler of the Otherworld, Leader of the wild hunt, and God of Death and The Underworld
Baba Yaga, Slavic Goddess of Death and Rebirth
Cernunnos, Celtic God of the Wild as well as Liminality and the transition to the afterlife
Cerridwen, Welsh Goddess of the Moon, Rebirth, Transformation, Death, The Underworld and Magic
Ereshkigal, Mesopotamian Goddess of Death and the Underworld
Hades, Greek God of the Underworld
Hel, Norse Goddess of the Underworld and Death
Morana, Slavic Goddess of Winter and Death
Odin, Norse God of Wisdom, War, Poetry and Death
Osiris, Egyptian God of the Underworld, Death and Resurrection, Fertility and Agriculture
Oya, Yoruba Orisha of Weather, Death and Rebirth, Patron of the Niger river and a Psychopomp
Persephone, Greek Goddess of the Underworld
Santa Muerte, Mexican folk goddess of the Afterlife, Healing and Protection
Thanatos, Greek personification of Death
The Morrigan, Celtic Goddess of War, Magic, Death and Rebirth, Sovereignty and Fate
Veles, Slavic God of The Underworld, Earth, Water, Music, Magic, Trickery, Cattle and Wealth
WHAT TO DO WITH OFFERINGS
Write a message on an herb or flower and burn it to “send” the offering
Leave coins, flowers and herbs on the grave
Pour liquid into the ground, or leave them out in a bowl (make sure it won’t harm the local wildlife)
Leave them out as “standing offerings” for any dead who pass by
