Death Witchcraft FAQ + Masterpost
I realize that others have written up posts on death witchcraft, but I decided to write one as resources on this craft are scarce and I know many are curious. Note that every witch practices the craft differently, and for different reasons; these are just my personal experiences based on myself and the death witches I’ve spoken to.
What is death witchcraft?
I personally define death witchcraft as using death to empower you rather than dishearten you. I reflect a lot upon the concept of death, come to terms with my own death, and work through spiritual “deaths” in my life, such as the death of friends or jobs of an aspect of my personality. Death witches work with and honor spirits of the dead (ghosts, ancestors) as well as the power of death itself (endings, resurrections). I embrace death as a new beginning, and a pivotal point in the cycle of life.
Does this answer sound familiar? Because I’ve said it before, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. I get this question a lot, you see, which is why I’m making a post about it. (⌒_⌒)
As with many paths, every witch does it for different reasons. For some, it’s a fear, or similar fascination, with death and its inevitability. Some practice it to find peace with death, and the dead. Some combine it with chthonic worship. And some just think it’s cool shit. No matter the reason, death witchcraft is one of the more emotionally tolling and obscure crafts out there. So if you’re interested, be prepared to commit.
What do you do in the craft?
A lot of spirit work, mainly caring for the dead. Ways I do this include tending to graveyards, giving offerings to the dead, helping the dead pass on, and helping people through mourning. I do a lot of shadow work, where I face my fears about death and the “deaths” in my life, and come to terms with accepting it. I also honor ancestors, honor different cultures’ funeral rites, and necromancy.
Other witches combine the craft with vulture culture, or becoming a mortician or funerary holder. I personally do not.
Necromancy is divination through the dead. Basically–talking to the dead to receive insights into the present or future. Necromancy can be performed in many different ways, including but not limited to summonings, bone throwing, pendulum readings, and other rituals. No, there’s no reanimating of the dead; many necromancers are strictly against that, if it is at all possible.
Some necromancers are death witches; some are not. I know many death witches who incorporate divination into their path, but would not call it necromancy. The lines seem to be blurred here. But because I receive so many questions on it, I figured I’d include it in the FAQ.
Is death witchcraft religious?
Well, uh … yes and no. Considering how much work death witches do with the spirits of a dead, a general belief in the afterlife is common among death witches. However, I do know some death witches who engage in past life work as an aspect of their craft instead of working with ghosts. Death witchcraft has the capability of neatly fitting into most kinds of religious belief, if necessary.
Is death witchcraft a “dark” path?
No. In my opinion, at least, no. The only thing “dark” about death witchcraft is that it involves, well, death, an idea which many people are uncomfortable with. And it can be a hard and draining path. But, dark? Or unethical? Not at all.
Are there any rules to death witchcraft?
The only rule I can think of that I would ever even think to enforce is to respect both the dead and the living. The dead are not your slaves, they’re not there to give you power; they’re just as valuable as we are. Respect them, and they’ll respect you.
I’m interested! How can I get started?
Tools for the death witch
Magical uses of graveyard dirt
Graveyards in Witchcraft by @witches-of-ouroboros
The Proper Collection of Graveyard Dirt by @raven-conspiracy
My protection techniques (there are many others, but these work for me)
If you’re interested in necromancy
Guide to worship for chthonic deities (if applicable)
List of chthonic deities (if applicable)
Crystals in death magic by @cosmic-witch
Spirit communication with animal bones
Seeing past lives (if applicable)
Substitutes for your own blood (if applicable)
Substitutes for graveyard dirt (if applicable)
More on what death witches do by @snake-scale
How can I conquer my fear of death? ~ Part Two ~
Does long-time exposure death energy affect you?
How do you know you are making a difference?
Being a death witch vs. being a spirit worker
Death walker vs. spirit worker
Are certain necromantic rites necessary? (imo)
Do you need to be a necromancer to be a death witch?
I’m a secret witch! What should I do?
I’m freaked out of spirits. Any tips?
On the death of a familiar
Do I have to use real bones?
What does it mean to “pay the gatekeeper”?
How can I contact a dead relative?
Do I have to use a ouija board?
When speaking to the dead, are language barriers an issue?
On ghosts of separated bodies
Letting go of a lost relationship
There’s a spirit in my house??
What’s with this ‘raising the dead’ stuff in necromancy?
What are death energy exercises?
Combining death and glamor magic
I’m a secular witch. Can I still practice?
Uncommon tools in death witchcraft
Do ghosts only hang out by their bodies?
Can souls feel pain after death?
Can I worship the concept of death?
I have a stranger’s graveyard dirt. Now what?
What do I say to the dead?
For the beginning Wiccan and death witch/necromancer
Springtime for the death witch
Death Witchcraft: Volume 1 (mine)
A whole list of recommended reading
If not, feel free to shoot me an ask! As you can see I love answering questions (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧
OP’s Note: You may notice that a lot of these answers are mine. That’s because this post reflects my views on the craft, explicitly. I will also be updating it as I receive more asks and make more posts in the future.
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