The Black Book

What to ask yourself and consider before committing to the path of a Death Worker. Take some time and consider your answers and write them down.

What does death mean to you?

• take a second to think about your personal beliefs on what death is, and what it means to die.

How do you handle transitions?

• do you resist or embrace transitions and change?

How would you react to having spirits and other entities such as deities in your space?

• do you have the skills to handle constant activity in your space?

• do you know how to keep out specific entities, do you know how to banish them?

How comfortable are you with interacting with the grieving?

• do you have the capacity to care about the living wounded by death?

Why are you choosing this path?

• wanting to genuinely help?

• just the aesthetic?

• revenge/spite?

Do you believe you have the coping skills to handle the more gruesome deaths?

• even if you can’t physically see them you will end up hearing details and accounts

How have you been affected personally by death?

• have you died?

• has someone close to you passed?

The list isn’t perfect or everything you should work on! It’s a great inner work practice.

Be aware that this blog may touch on sensitive topics regarding death so read on at your own discretion.

• 💀 • Death Energy • 💀 •

Death energy is just energy that comes from death and death symbolism, but as simple of an answer as that seems to be, don’t be fooled by the much deeper complexities that this topic harbors. When we really dig into it we discover some darker truths about our existence and the hereafter. Truths that many people are more comfortable ignoring because they force us to face the inevitable.

Death energy is about stillness, endings, and about the deconstructing and reconstructing processes. It’s about using what’s passed to fertilize what’s new and grow something that has purpose in the next step of your life. It’s about the acceptance of inevitability and what we can’t change to bring about what we can. All in all it’s a very unique energy that can open many new doors for any witch willing to try.

• What Does Death Energy Feel Like? •

Everyone feels energy differently in the basic of ways but even still, it should go without saying that death energy has a different pull to it entirely then life energy. Sometimes those who aren’t used to connecting with it can have a hard time. It’s been described as heavy, or even smothering by some. Others have said it feels cold or chilling in a way. The funny thing here is that these definitely describe what naturally comes with death. Our bodies get stiff and much heavier. We lose our heat and grow cold, and while this definitely sounds unpleasant and shocking to those who aren’t used to spending time with it we must also recognize that it’s a part of a continued cycle. As our bodies further decay the weight becomes less and the shock of the cold against the once warm skin becomes just another room temperature feeling. Another words, things come to feel more natural especially when you understand the process and spend time with it.

All new energy can feel overwhelming to anyone who hasn’t experienced it before. It can bring up a whole plethora of unease, nervousness, even anxiety if you’re not ready for it. Especially death energy. As stated above, it can force us to face certain things. Things that can be heavy and hard to accept. For this reason working death energy may not be for everyone and that’s okay. It deals with subject matter that makes some people uncomfortable and as such if you’re not ready to incorporate it you have every right not to.

• What Can Death Energy Be Used For? •

Death energy is the primary force in death witchcraft and death magick. And as a result each witch is gonna use it in their own unique way. There are so many interesting books and articles published that describe plethora of interesting ways to work with the energy of death. Many of which put their own unique understanding and spin on how it came to be, how it works, and how you can use it. But in my opinion you can use death energy for everything you can use life energy for and then some. It just pulls the magick from a different place and in a different way. Remember each one of us processes things in a different way, especially death energy. Do what makes you feel comfortable and never let anyone push you to cross any lines you’re not ready for. Comfort in magick is very important.

Lastly I want to take this time to emphasize what death energy is not used for. It is not and never will be an excuse to just take human life. Murdering someone is never okay. Nor is it an excuse to unnecessarily torture animals. Now I understand that using animals in general can be a debatable subject, especially when they are killed by the individual. However it should be understood that many believe this is okay during appropriate times and only when you utilize the animal and not waste it. So as an example hunting during deer season or catching a fish. The animal in question can be used for magick but will also ultimately be eaten and many witches see this as an appropriate practice. As long as everything operates within the confines of the law and everything is treated with respect and dignity.

• 💀 • Cemetery Work • 💀 •

For a lot of death witches, doing work in a cemetery or graveyard is a must, although there are those that don’t, a great deal more either do or will do when they get the chance. Lots goes into this type of work though and a thorough study on the subject should be done before pursuing this type of magick. However, some key points to remember are to always be respectful, obey the laws and rules of your land regarding the resting places, and listen to what the dead tell you.

It’s very important to recognize that there are always going to be practitioners that have their own unique rules on this subject, but the best way to know if the dead favor something or not is to ask them. What rules you inevitably believe should revolve around what the dead are comfortable with. That said, some of these rules are shared amongst practitioners. I have compiled a list below with some of them. Remember, this is very basic and what a practitioner adds or changes is up to them.

💀 Always bring an offering for the gatekeeper.

Typically these are the oldest spirits in the cemetery and are in charge of maintaining order. Most offerings include things like coins, drink, bread, or apples.

💀 State exactly what you’ll be doing and ask permission from the gatekeeper.

It’s important to let the spirits know what your intentions are. Will you be doing magick at the crossroads, magick at a grave, or foraging? The gatekeeper should let you know through energy what is acceptable. Remember each Cemetery is different and has different rules over all.

💀 Never take things directly from a grave.

Gifts on a grave belong to the spirit dwelling there. It’s okay to pick up things like trash, or moldy flowers in still water but, rocks, dried or fresh flowers, feathers, etc should be left alone.

💀 Be respectful of the graves and spirits.

Try not to walk near the headstone of a grave (you’re walking on their body. Try to stay near the feet and always say excuse me politely if you have to step on it), always ask for a spirits help never demand it, and always bring them an offering as a thank you.

💀 When foraging never take what a spirit tells you not to.

If you’re gathering dirt, sticks, or plants from a cemetery, even if it’s not on a grave, and you get a feeling like you shouldn’t touch it, then don’t. Spirits will always let you know what they want to keep. Obey that or it’s theft.

💀Always give thanks for hospitality before you leave.

Being polite and thanking your hosts is always a must in general and can bring good energies between you and the dead. Especially if you intend on going back to work at that Cemetery.

• 💀 • Necromancy • 💀 •

Another common staple amongst death workers and arguably one of the most misunderstood practices. Simply put, this practice is divination with the dead. It’s all about connecting to and asking the dead for answers from the beyond. Lots of that used to be done in the cemetery and as a result many wild and fantastic rumors about zombie creation were formed, but that’s far from the truth. There were indeed many radical understandings within the practices history however, but as science matured so did the knowledge on what this practice actually was.

While necromancy is still done in cemeteries even today, it’s not a must. Calling fourth a spirit can be done a number of ways and will definitely alter and change based on the witch. Some working maybe more cultural than others, and some may be more complex. The uniqueness of these practices can number well into the double digits and is always interesting to learn. Some of the most common spirit summoning techniques (aside from going directly to someone’s grave) are the spirit board, a mirror, and the pendulum. As for how these spirits are called, that too can differ from witch to witch. Most often though, it can involve candles or crystals as an energy source, a personal item or favored item like food, and/or the spirits name. It can be as simple as physically calling out to the abyss, beckoning the spirit forward or as elaborate a ritual as calling in the four directional guardians or a guide to lead them to you.

Regardless of how it’s done, it’s always a good rule of thumb to be respectful to them. Don’t demand from them, ask instead, and offer gratitude and an offering when you end the session.

• 💀 • Deity & Spirit Guides • 💀 •

Lots of death workers may worship deity just like any other practitioner. However the deity they are generally more drawn to are often either associated with the underworld, or a psychopomp, like Osiris, Hades, Anubis, or Hecate. However they may also be a deity tied in some way to the personification of death, much like Thanatos, or the grim reaper.

Even if the witch chooses not to utilize deity they can still conjure up spiritual guides of some sort. These guides can be something as common as ancestral spirits or even animal spirits. Most common animal guides often have some death association and symbolism to them. So animals like Black cats, bats, vultures, owls, crows and ravens are quite popular.

• 💀 • Bones & Body Parts • 💀 •

Its not uncommon to see bones on the altars of death witches. Many beliefs around these tools and what they represent circulate within the community. For some specific animal bones it’s believed you can use that animal spirit and energy. Other beliefs revolve not around the animal itself but rather the type of bone, as each one has its own unique symbolism attached to it, such as a jaw being connected to communication. The possibilities are near limitless and for most death practitioners they are a very necessary tool within the craft. Some practitioners even collect additional things like insect exoskeletons, animal skins, and preserved body parts like a rabbits foot.

DISCLAIMER! People should be made aware that it’s always encouraged for all materials to be ethnically sourced. Any form of unlawful collection or cruelty is frowned upon and not condoned within the community.

• 💀 • Conclusion • 💀 •

As started above, these are just some of the basics of death work within the pagan community and serves as a starting point to bounce off of. It’s very important to do your own research and come to your own conclusions regarding this craft and always remember to obey your local laws. Death work can be very fulfilling but not when it’s done under illegal circumstances.

For some additional reading look to this list below:

• What is Necromancy?

• Working with Bones & Skulls in Witchcraft

• Gods & Goddesses of Death & the Underworld

• Graveyard Magick: A Witches Guide

𝖉𝖊𝖆𝖙𝖍 𝖜𝖎𝖙𝖈𝖍𝖈𝖗𝖆𝖋𝖙; 𝖓𝖊𝖈𝖗𝖔𝖒𝖆𝖓𝖈𝖞 & 𝖒𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖚𝖒𝖘𝖍𝖎𝖕⚰️🕯️

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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)

Here is a comprehensive collection of all of the posts I've done on the occult and the spells I've done and spell resources. This will be added to over the life of the blog as well this way everyone won't have to dig for everything. And you get to learn a bit more about my practice.

Occult & Folklore Lessons

History Of Solomonic Practices

Ars Goetia 72 demons Kings

Ars Goetia 72 Demons Dukes Pt. 1

Petitioning Deities From Around The Globe

Curses: A History On The Dark Arts and How to Practice Them

The Enochian Language

Scrying, A History, and Guide

CELTIC FOLKLORE&MYTHOLOGY 101

Celtic Folklore [Fairies]

Protection From Malignant Spirits

Appalachian Folk Practices 101

Incantation Bowls

Spells and Rituals

Exorcism

Exorcism Charms

Exorcism Powder

Boundary Powder

Everlight Candles

Solarian Oil

Vincula Luna

Igni Bowls

Basic Banishment

Binding A Spirit To An Object

Malignant Spirit Binding Totem

Pseudo Moon Water

Medicinal Herbs & Remedies

Tincture For Sleep

Salve For Minor Injuries

Grimoire Reading List

Grimoire's Updated Post

this is added to periodically it's free pdfs you can download

Informational Joke Posts/Answered Asks

Greek Sacrifice Traditions

Lolz anyone here have expert thoughts?

On either crystals or scams 😂😂🤣🤣

@earthstory @thebibliosphere

@thebibliosphere​ is totally correct in this instance; not all ‘crystals’ are created equal!

While quartz- the three crystals in the advertisement above are all derivations of quartz- is relatively benign (sand, the primary ingredient of glass, is mostly ground up quartz), you have no guarantee that the crystals on the ends of these straws are going to be both quartz and only quartz, as opposed to some closer look-alike or a dyed stone or just glass.

The big issue with the ‘crystal’ supply chain is that it is almost entirely unregulated, a rabbit hole that starts with ‘cheap glass dyed to look like amethyst’ and ends with ‘literal slave labour was used to strip these stones from the earth in the most damaging way possible’ (which, okay, won’t poison you, but should  be a factor!)

In general, stones that are in any way green or blue will leach arsenic and/or toxic copper compounds - while very pretty, turns out copper isn’t very good for the human body in most forms. Stones that are at all metallic probably have lead in their chemical components somewhere so please don’t put them in your mouth. Stones that have pretty ‘inclusions’ - a different type of crystal inside of another - could have wildly different solubility conditions (the quartz is fine in your drink! the rutile inside of it significantly less so - to quote my mineralogy textbook, “when cleaning, avoid transferring material from hands to mouth”). Softer stones will chip, often microscopically, or dissolve depending on their chemical makeup.

A secondary issue here is anyone who actually buys and uses these straws: What are you drinking out of these straws? Is it always just water? You swear? Not lemon water, not electrolyte water, not sprite or some other soda, not any other liquid that may or may not react with the crystals in a way water doesn’t?

How are you cleaning them? Bleach is extremely reactive with certain minerals in a way that the cute crystal water is not. Pretty much all cleaners can induce a chemical reaction that you probably don’t want happening on something that goes into your mouth/body: vinegar, ammonia, alcohol, detergents, and common household soaps are all on this list.

And again: how are you cleaning these straws? A dishwasher is prrrrobably not a good environment for a lot of different crystals over time, not to mention the structural integrity of the things. Handwashing prrrrrobably isn’t doing the trick when it comes to bacteria, which are already a problem with reusable straws that are a single piece tub with no extra cracks for hiding out and multiplying.

I know, I know, they’re super cute (I’d wear them in my hair, personally!), but generally speaking it’s not a good idea to put a crystal in your body; this goes for... all your holes, folks, please by all the gods

If you have to have your crystal water, try something that is crystal-adjacent instead of crystal-immersive. There are (expensive) water bottles out there whose bases can be filled with the mineral of your choice and are much safer alternatives.

With my Witch Hat on, I can say this has pretty much the same energetic effect that the straws do, without chances of accidental lead poisoning!

tl;dr

a) Most minerals/crystals are toxic

b) The mineral/crystal industry is wildly unregulated so quality will pretty much always be suspect

c) Keeping these straws clean is a nightmare