A 2000 year old Greco-Egyptian magic spell

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[PGM V 54 – 69]

So sick of all these fake bs Tumblr and Pinterest spells-

"what color candle means what lol" with zero cultural or historical significance, it's like they just pulled things out of their ass.

So, here is a real 2000 year old Greek and Egyptian syncretic spell from Thebes to receive a direct vision from the beyond....WITH cultural and historical context.

Because, yes, history is important, and anyone giving you "spell tips" without telling you where the fuck they're from or what they mean is bullshitting you.

Ancient Greek oracular spells were rituals and invocations performed to gain insights or predictions from the gods, the Theoi, as well as Daemons and the Dead, particularly through seers known as oracles.

The Spell: PGM V 54 – 69 from the Greek Magical Papyri

Context of the Spell:

This spell is an interesting blend of Egyptian and Greek oracular practice: the use of Coptic or Egyptian eyepaint, kohl, here is interesting– as well as it's mixture with water from a sunken ship. Water from such locations are normally reserved for love spells, as we see previously in the PGM. The relationship or correspondence between a literal sunken vessel and sinking into the throes of passion. However, here, with its use in an oracular spell, it seems to correspond more to the chthonic or otherworldly realm, giving te wearer the ability to see past the normal, mundane world; past the ‘veil’ so to speak and into the beyond.

The use of the magical mystery word or voces magicae “Akrammachamarei” here is also notable; it is quite often seen throughout the PGM, and is associated with the God/Daemon/Archon of both Gnostic (Jewish-Egyptian) as well as Greek origin, Abrasax.

In spell PGM V. 96-172, Abrasax is identified as part of the "true name which has been transmitted to the prophets of Israel" of the "Headless One, (also known as the Egyptian god Bês) who created heaven and earth, who created night and day ... Osoronnophris whom none has ever seen ... awesome and invisible god with an empty spirit"; the name also includes Iaō and Adōnai, the ineffablenames of the Jewish god. "Osoronnophris" represents Egyptian Wsir Wn-nfr, or "Osiris the Perfect Being.” Another identification with Osiris is made in PGM VII. 643-51: "you are not wine, but the guts of Osiris, the guts of ... Ablanathanalba Akrammachamarei Eee, who has been stationed over necessity, Iakoub Ia Iaō Sabaōth Adōnai Abrasax."

Instructions:

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After you have purified yourself (through ritual bathing and declarations) you must put on your clean linen robes and sandals of Papyrus.

Then, taking a purified bronze censer, place the laurel leaves inside and light them until the smoke fills the room. Walk clockwise around the room, and your workspace, Chanting the Ephesia Grammata:

ΑΣΚΙ(ΟΝ) ΚΑΤΑΣΚΙ(ΟΝ) ΛΙΞ ΤΕΤΡΑΞ ΔΑΜΝΑΜΕΝΕΥΣ ΑΙΣΙΟΝ (or ΑΙΣΙΑ)

“askion kataskion lix tetrax damnameneus aision”

Then, taking the olive oil, pour it into the waiting bronze dish.

With your right hand, anoint your right eye with the prepared water from a shipwreck.

With your left hand, mix 1 part kohl with 1 part water until it is a viscous paint, from the same dish, and anoint your left eye so that it is completely surrounded by the paint.

Then, pronounce the incantations:

"EEIM TO EIM ALALĒP BARBARIATH / MENEBREIO ARBATHIAÔTH IOUĒL IAĒL OUĒNĒIIE MESOMMIAS,

let the god who prophesics to me come and let him not go away until I dismiss him,

OURNAOUR SOUL ZASOUL / OUGOT NOOUMBIAOU THABRAT BERIAOU ACHTHIRI MARAI ELPHEŌN TABAŌTH KIRASINA LAMPSOURĒ IABOE ABLAMATHANALBA AKRAMMACHAMAREI.”

Once the incantations are finished, present any offerings and ask over the prepared olive oil dish what your question(s) are. Stare into the oil, lit only by candle or oil lamp light, and you will receive a direct vision.

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Many love spells in the ancient world, particularly in the PGM are that of what are known as fetching charms, or binding spells: love spells targeting specific people. However, there are a number of more generalized love spells, ones with no particular target, such as the Stele of Aphrodite.

The Stele of Aphrodite is Greek Magical Papyri (PGM) spell number IV. 1265-74, and dates back to the late Hellenic period of ancient Greece. It was used primarily for love magic, specifically to invoke the favor and obsession of a desired individual, as well as for favor and success within friendship, popularity and beauty. The stele was believed to harness the power of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, to sway the emotions and actions of whoever sees you in favor of the practitioner.

Step by step instructions on how to create your own below ☆

The Demon Guland has control over illness. He can give it or take it away as per his pleasure or the will of the magician when invoked. This spell was done when I was suffering from symptoms of Covid-19, and did alleviate the symptoms.

The first thing you'll need is a string. Lick it or infuse some pneuma into it and knot it for as many days as the symptoms have been present. Alternatively, just three or nine times.

Give offerings to Guland as per your discretion. I'd say most demons are appreciative of alcohol or strong drinks like black coffee without sugar. Baal Kadmon mentions items that once had life or have the potential for life like eggs or fresh meat.

Pray to him, you can recite a simple prayer or do a general invocation rite as per demonolatry. Alternatively:

"Hai, Guland, Veni Guland, Rex Majestatis. Guland, Guland, Guland".

Thereafter, offer him the cord and ask he take it away and bind the sickness in the void, where nothing walks, nor flies, nor grows, nor shines.

Should be written in a piece of papyrus or good quality paper and carried with it’s owner.

Transcription:

Transliteration:

inḏ -<ḥr>=tn n3 ḫmnyw n3 nḥm-Pˁ -Rˁ m-ˁ f ḫty tpy nA nḥm Pˁ - Rˁ m- ˁ ḫfty sn.nw  ||  n3 nḥm Pˁ - Rˁ m- ˁ ḥ ḫmt.nw n3 nḥm Pˁ - Rˁ m- ˁ ḫfty ifd.nw ir p3 nḥm i.ir=tn ||  Pˁ - Rˁ - ḥr-3ḫty m- ˁ ḫfty tpy [m-a ḫfty sn.nw m- ˁ ] ḫfty ḫmt.nw m- ˁ ḫfty ifd.nw mi.n ||  nḥm=tn [             ] ms.n [             ] m- ˁ iḫt nb bin ḏw m-mitt

Translation:

Hail to you, Oh Entities of Khemenu (Ogdoad), the ones who rescued Pa-Ra from the first enemy, the ones who rescued Pa-Ra from the second enemy, the ones who rescued Pa-Ra from the third enemy, the ones who rescued Pa-Ra from the fourth enemy! As for the rescue that you did of Pa-Ra-Horakhti from the first enemy, from the second enemy, from the third enemy, from the fourth enemy: Come, so you may rescue [Name] born of [Name] everything bad and evil, likewise!

Any astral projection book will help you with this. Sarah Lawless also has a hedgecrossing ritual that is a nice guide for a more traditionally minded witch. 

From “Hedgecrossing Ritual”, posted on Feb 2, 2011 by Sarah Anne Lawless

“First you’ll need to pick your stimulus. Your stimulus is what aids you to go into trance and it becomes a repetitive ritual action you do over and over so your body, mind, and soul know that now is the time to fall into trance. You could play a traditional trance-inducing instrument like a drum, rattle, or sistrum using fast beats and rhythms. Fast repetitive drumming has been scientifically proven to alter some people’s state of consciousness as much as an entheogen would, but it doesn’t work for everyone. Some find drumming distracting and prefer a more silent stimulus. Others may have trouble keeping up playing an instrument during trance and for this I recommend making a recording when starting out. If you make a recording it also allows you to set a time limit on your travels; when the music stops, it’s time to return.

Your stimulus could be an entheogen, but I wouldn’t recommend starting out with harsh ones as you wouldn’t know if your experience was real or if you were just hallucinating. If you choose this method use a milder entheogen like wormwood, mugwort, tobacco, or even alcohol and then work your way up to flying ointments if entheogens are part of your practice. Entheogens can be a tool in hedgecrossing, but they aren’t a requirement. If you choose to use an entheogen be aware that it can leave you open to possession or harm by spirits and protective talismans, a protector familiar, or a person acting as watcher are necessary to prevent this.

Other stimuli can include ecstatic trance postures, breathing techniques, a chant or rhyme, donning a ritual costume, ecstatic dancing, or even performing the rite somewhere in complete darkness like a cave, a room with no windows, or a blacked-out room. Such stimuli are aids to those with trouble and mental blocks when it comes to slipping into trance and letting go of normal consciousness. I recommend trying a few different stimuli when starting to find one that works best for you.

Ritual to Cross the Hedge

This ritual is designed for 1-2 persons, but could be used by a larger group as well with one person acting as watcher.

You can do this ritual anywhere you choose; at home, in your back yard, in the forest, at the beach, at a pagan festival or retreat, etc.  Just make sure you will not be disturbed too greatly by other people. Use your common sense. If you wish to commune with nature and plant spirits it is best to do so outside in nature. If you want to talk to the dead, being near where they are buried is going to have the best results. To amplify your experience, try performing hedgecrossing rituals at crossroads and other liminal places of power like the edge of the forest, a hedge in a field, the shore of an ocean or lake, or the top of a hill, mountain, or great stone.

To perform this ritual you will need: a notebook and pen, a blanket, a pillow, a blindfold (optional), a musical instrument (optional), a stave (wand, stang, or staff), and incense or offerings for your gatekeeper deity and your familiar spirits. Now that you have chosen your trance cue and have gathered all your items needed, you can begin the ritual.

Purify yourself with spring water and smoke – wipe or sprinkle your face, hands, and feet with the water and waft incense or smoke from smudge over your body with your hands.

Cast a protective sphere around the space you’ll be using with whatever your chosen method is. I like to hold onto a wand or have my stang in the center of the ritual space when I cast a caim and hedgecross.

Invoke a gatekeeper to open the door between worlds. If you worship gods call a psychopomp or messenger (i.e. Hekate, Hermes, Prometheus, Manannán mac Lir, Gwyn ap Nudd, Nicneven, Odin, Heimdall, Papa Legba, etc). Be sure to ask which door. It is best to start with the underworld or upperworld –avoid the middle world until you truly know what you are doing.

If you are an animist, invoke a “crossroads” animal instead (owl, serpent, frog/toad, etc) or the great World Tree itself.

Give offering to the gatekeeper, animal, or tree in thanks; incense, alcohol, tobacco, food –whatever their favourite offering is.

Call your familiar spirits. You will need one protector to watch over your body and one guide to lead and protect you in the otherworld. If you use fetiches as spirit vessels for animal or ancestral familiars use your vessels to summon them. If the fetiche is something you can wear on your person, even better.

If you need to, set a time limit. If you have a watcher, they can gently bring you back with a song, a musical instrument, or by burning incense when your time is up. If you’re alone set a “gentle” alarm. If you have the luxury of time you won’t need a limit. If you are alone and not setting a time limit you will need a cue so you remember to return. A safety word or chant to use while wandering in the otherworld should work.

Lay down on the floor either on your back or stomach (there are differing opinions as to which is better so I leave it up to you), and cover yourself with the blanket so your body being cold doesn’t bring you out of trance. If you’ll be drumming or playing another instrument throughout you can stay sitting up, and just make yourself comfortable with blanket and pillow. If light distracts you, wear a blindfold.

Pick a place to start/enter. Is there a tree you go to, a cave, a stairway, a well? Fall up or down the rabbit hole like Alice. You can have a specific destination in mind or person/spirit/god to reach or you can have no plan and see what you see and go where you go. Both are rewarding. Let the images and experiences and words come. Don’t fight what you experience and don’t try to control it. Relax and let it happen.

Remember this is spirit work and the most important thing is manners, manners, manners. Be very polite to whatever and whoever you meet. Read fairy tales to brush yourself up on spirit manners as well as how to protect from the dangerous ones. I hold a Rowan wand when travelling as spirits cannot harm one touching the wood and sometimes it can be used to open more doors once in the otherworld.

Don’t rush back – retrace your steps and find a way back. If you need help, ask your familiar guide to lead you back. When you are fully back in your body wait a moment to rest, collect all the bits of your soul back together, and think on your experience. When you are ready, sit up.

Write down your experiences and any messages you received right away so you don’t forget. No matter how much you think you’ll remember it later, you won’t.

Thank your familiars and leave them their favourite offerings. You don’t need to banish familiars because they are a part of you.

Ask the gatekeeper/animal/tree to close the door between worlds. The gate is closed – lock it with your stave as key. Leave them another offering and say farewell to gently banish their presence from your space and their power from your stave.

Here's a real 2000 Year Old Greco-Egyptian Spell 𓂀

Learn more here

Purpose: An all-occasions curse for anyone who wants it. 

You Will Need: Three equal lengths of twine. Your target’s name. Several feathers, nails, pins, bones, etc.  Your target’s location. A bell.

Notes: By publishing this curse, I’m not forcing you to perform curses or even asking you to approve of their use. I’m just posting a resource. If you don’t believe in using curses, lovely. Skip this post. If you do, fantastic. Here’s an easy one.

Step One - Lay out your three lengths of twine and focus on your target’s full name. First, middle, and last. Braid the twine, chanting 1/3 of the name each time you move one strand over the next. (Optional step [TW Self Harm] - Prick each of your fingers just enough to draw blood before you begin braiding.)

Step Two - At random intervals, stab one of your feathers, nails, pins, etc through the braid and name say aloud an affliction you want to send your target’s way.

Step Three - Tie your bell to the end of the rope. In this case, the bell represents sending a message. 

To be spoken over a burning kolossoi or votive clay doll thrown into a prepared fire within a bronze dish:

“As this clay grows hard and as this wax melts in one and the same fire, so may (Daphnis / insert name here) melt in his love for me.”

[Pictured: the "Louvre Doll" an example of a clay kolossoi used in a love spell]

This example can be found in In Virgil’s Eclogue 8, where the enamored Amaryllis throws a wax puppet into the fire to force her lover Daphnis to return to her.

This magic, like most in the ancient world, works through what is known as sympathetic magic, or simila similibus: like attracts like.

We do not have many surviving examples of incantations beyond what is written in the Magical Papyri, but there are scattered sources throughout ancient plays like the example above.

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A quick and easy hex to keep someone tossing and turning at night. 

Ingredients:

Photograph and Name of the Target

Pen and Paper

Black Thread

Small Black Bag

Coffee Grounds

Sugar

Cayenne

Cherry

Nail

Method:

This method of receiving spirits is one I've been developing for months now with great success. Some of you may have seen this post about my early attempts, and since then I've built a whole ritual protocol for using this type of tool.

The Seat of Spirit is foremost a receptacle for working with spirits. It allows the magician to perceive the presence of spirits in a safe and controlled way. Comparable to the how a triangle is used in ceremonial magic. The seat is a focal point you are drawing spirits to appear through. I like a chair for this receptacle because while being an object the mind naturally sees a place for beings to rest, it also shows the spirit a level of respect by allowing them to sit with you eye to eye. In a similar way that you would sit across from another person you might be negotiating with. It's practical and symbolic.

Preparing the Seat:

Consecration of the seat is it's own ritual process, but once completed this tool will be ready to use during any ritual where spirits are conjured. To start select your desired chair, I recommend something made of wood. Also get, an oil dedicated to serpent spirits, a white magic powder of your making designed for calling in spirits, water, and willow (or some plant local to you that grows by the water. Ideally a tree.). Preform this under a full moon.

Hallow your ritual space however you normally would. Call in lunar spirits to preside over and watch this rite. Place the chair in the west, or in the direction of the moon if it is visible to you. Begin by washing the chair with the water that has been imbued with the willow. Taking a damp cloth, gently go over every part of the chair, being very attentive as you do so. Next anoint the seat in your serpent oil, saying a prayer to the serpent of the land as you do. Take extra care when rubbing oil on the seat of the chair, it's legs, and it's back. Visualize the serpent of the land rising up from the soil and around the chair. Finally take your powder and fill your right hand with a small amount. Then blow a puff of air so the powder disperses all over the seat. Then begin a conjuration of the The Seat;

Seat of Spirit, I awaken thee, become yourself here with me. Receive all beings called into you, hold them fast, make them true.

To conclude the rite you should call a familiar spirit of yours into the seat. A spirit you know and trust who's presence you can be easily discerned. When they come you will know the seat has been successfully empowered. If they don't some repeat the conjuration of the seat with increased intensity until they do.

Using the Seat:

I utilize this tool very similarly as I would a triangle within ceremonial magic, with some minor differences. The biggest being I treat the chair as a spirit itself, I feed it regularly, bathe it, and speak to it. It is it's own being. No living person will ever sit in this chair again while it's in my possession, as it is set aside for my spirits.

When I work with the seat as a tool I'll place it in the direction I'm calling the spirit I plan to invite to sit from. When I first started using this chair I would also place a triangle of the art with a scrying surface on the seat for added focus. I phased these out once I got more familiar with how spirits appear though the chair. I also found placing offerings at the front of the chair on the floor is best, as is finding ways to have incense rest on and around the chair so the seat is surrounded with smoke. Objects dedicated to spirits, or spirit vessels, will sometimes be placed on my chair's seat as a focus for me when calling certain spirits.

Different types of spirits will also come in their own ways when called to sit. I find that feminine spirits will take easily to this receptacle, sitting in comfort. Masculine leaning spirits tend to loom around the chair, and might eventually settle into the seat in time. I also notice that when the chair is in the room during conjurations, and not used a focus during ritual, spirits will sometimes naturally find themselves drawn to it. Especially if I've called them into the seat before. So it can act like a magnet when charged properly, and I find that having a house spirit regularly "sit" here helps dissuade others from trying to take up residence when not invited.

This is a simple "spell" if you want to call it that sort of rearrange your house's energetic flow and provide protection for you. It is basically a UPG from my spirits for a friend of mine who needed the extra protection to their room/house in general. What you need for this is simple:

Small Piece of Paper.

Red Marker/Pen, preferably red ink if you can find.

Tape.

Ruler(maybe?)

Now Before actually going into the actual technique/method, a analogy of it is the following:

Putting the square on top of your doorway is the equivalent of putting a cctv that detect and kick out the negative energy in that place, drawing three crosses on the square would be the equivalent of making the cctv into a window that brings sunlight and fresh air to the room. Initial phase remove/substract the miasma, second phase freshen up/bless the place/add blessings to the room.

Counting fetishes/traps

Spreading powders or local grains at the doorway is an old way of keeping spirits, witches, and fairies out of the home. The idea behind it is that the spirit gets caught counting every grain before they can enter, trapping them there until daylight breaks and makes them return home.

A colander over a keyhole works in this manner too. Compelling any spirit trying to enter to count the holes in the strainer.

Water traps

Water traps are simple to make and are good to stopping unwanted chthonic entities. The dead are often thirsty and looking for something to drink, so this trap keeps them stuck so they don't drain your workings/offerings.

This can be done by finding a wide bowl and filling it with water. Inside the bowl place 3 smaller cups of water. Wash the whole set up in smoke, as you do tell the water it's purpose in this trap. Then place this trap by a doorway or window. Curious spirits will see the cups of water and go right for them, ignoring the bowl around them. Once they are inside the bowl with the cups they are trapped until set free. To release these spirits pour the water down a drain or into a natural water source.

Charms around the door

Placing protective charms at windows and doorways is a tried and true method of protection. Here is a charm from The Long Lost Friend for preventing witches from entering a space,

"Trotter Head, I forbid thee my house and premises, I forbid thee my horse and cow stable, I forbid thee my bedstead, that thou mayest not breathe upon me: breath into some other house, until thou hast ascended every hill, until thou hast counted every fence post, and until thou has crossed every water - And thus dear day may come again into my house, in the name of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen."

Write this on paper and hide it by a door or entry way.

Abracadabra charms are also excellent for stopping witchcraft or illness. To ward the home from these unwanted influences write "Abracadabra" on a piece of paper. on each line below it take away the last letter until nothing is left. Put this charm by the doorway.

"Abracadabra Abracadabr Abracadab Abracada Abracad Abraca Abrac Abra Abr Ab A"

Other charms can also be placed above a doorway like scissors, which can cut off people's influence on you. Putting a knife or sword over a door will do the same.

Bells by the door can also be used to deter spirits. As the ringing can scare them off, or be utilized like an alarm should spirits attempt to move through your space.

Prayers for protection

Prayers make for an excellent means or protection. They can be utilized on their own, or in conjunction with other more active magical workings.

To protect the home and hearth say the following from the Long Lost Friend,

Beneath thy gurdianship, I am safe against all tempests and enemies, J. J. J. (the 3 Js signifying Jesus 3 times)

A prayer for blessing from The Charmers' Psalter by Gemma Gary,

The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

For anyone looking to brew up a potion with a less-than-friendly bent, here are some recipes I've created that you might find useful.

To prepare them, blend the ingredients in such proportions as feels correct for your purposes (or as supplies allow). Use dried material except where indicated. Place a few spoonfuls in a mason jar with a screwtop lid and fill the jar with a bland oil of your choice. (Vegetable oil of the sort you would buy for cooking works fine.) Screw the lid on tightly and shake well to combine, then leave the jar in a dark dry place for 2-4 weeks to steep.

Once steeped, prepare a clean storage bottle (also with a secure lid) and label with the type of oil and the bottling date. Strain the oil through paper towels or cheesecloth to remove the plant material, then bottle immediately. Store away from sunlight and heat for up to one year. Use for spellwork as you see fit.

(Observe all proper safety measures related to glass, fire, and potentially harmful plants as necessary.)

*- Ingredient is potentially harmful if inhaled or ingested. **- Ingredient should not be used or handled if you are pregnant or nursing.

All-Purpose Hexing Oil For general hexing, cursing, and baneful magic.

Dried Chili Pepper

Fresh Lime Peel

Lemongrass (dried or fresh)

Rusted Nail (place in bottle with finished oil)

All-Purpose Hexbreaking Oil For general negation of baneful spells cast by oneself or others.

Agrimony**

Cinquefoil

Fennel

Vervain

Solomon's Seal Root (place in bottle with finished oil)

Backhanded Blessing Oil For blessings that are anything but benevolent.

Burnt Cinquefoil

Bay Leaf

Pine Needles

Bayberry Root NOTE: Prepare as you would a blessing oil, then twist the blessing into a curse, i.e. May You Get Everything You Deserve.

Done in the Dark Concealment Oil For secrecy, confidentiality, and general deception.

Juniper Berries

Licorice Root

Black Hemp (Dogbane)

Ferns or Dried Seaweed Note: For the final ingredient, use whichever is easier to obtain. Both bracken and seaweed work well for basic concealment spells.

Eye of Newt Disruption Oil For disrupting and confounding magical efforts against you.

Black Mustard Seeds

Bloodroot**

Nettle Leaf

Garlic (1 clove, bruised)

No Rest For The Wicked Hexing Oil For punishing one's enemies.

Chili Pepper (any)

Horseradish Root

Cramp Bark

Bayberry Root

On Your Own Head Retribution Oil For counter magic and revenge hexes.

Elderberries*

Bloodroot**

Devil's Shoestring**

Vetiver

Tangled Shoelaces Binding Oil To impede someone's ability to move or act against you.

Pine Needles

Devil's Shoestring**

Scullcap**

Coffee Grounds

Iron Nail in master bottle

Wicked Witch Heavy-Duty Cursing Oil For occasions when a regular-strength hex just won't do.

Wormwood* **

Ghost Chili Pepper (or the hottest chili you can get)

Lemon Seeds

Lobelia* Note: Use With Extreme Caution And Cover Your Ass.

Witchbane Warding Oil For repelling and countering harmful spells.

Bay Leaves

Elderflower

Star Anise

Birch Bark

Should the reader require supplies, I recommend the following:

Penn Herb Company

Starwest Botanicals

Bulk Apothecary

Mountain Rose Herbs

Specialty Bottle

Image Credit - Shaiith

All recipes are (c) 2017 Bree NicGarran, published in Pestlework: A Book of Magical Powders & Oils. Please check out the book if you would like more recipes.

Go to a blackthorn tree to gather 3 needles. Before taking them, circle the tree counterclockwise 3 times saying,

"blackthorn, blackthorn, halt a witch. When they work their craft make their skin burn and itch!"

On Reddening the Bones

In animism, everything has a soul, so by reddening the bones, we can connect the bone to its source soul, further strengthening the bond between the two. This is tricky work in the case of scavenged bones and carrion - as the spirits within may be frightened, and restless, so lets assume that you have a good relationship with the spirit, and it is familiar to you.

Reddening the bones is a ritual used to strengthen the bond between the spirit and its remains.

My Red Powder is composed of:

Yarrow

Red Ochre

Sandalwood oil

this was based on personal association. My advice for forming your own reddening powder would be to chose a reddening agent, like red sandalwood, red ochre, beet juice, or ink, and then add your chosen ingredients - for myself, I use yarrow for its psychic properties to strengthen communication, and sandalwood oil to bind it all together.

apply the reddening and whisper prayers and charms (I usually make something up on the spot so it changes every time, yay intuition!) over the bone, and let it sit for several hours before wiping it off with holy water.