#grieving spell

Recently, one of my childhood cats had passed away. She was older, and although her death was saddening, we all knew it was time. To help ease the pain of her loss, give her guidance into the next life, and have some closure, I made a spell/ritual to help with this.

Supplies

Rosemary essential oil

Sandalwood essential oil

Moon water

Diffuser

Stone to represent your pet

Candle

4 daffodils

Directions

Gather your supplies and ground yourself.

Put the moon water in the diffuser. Add a few drops of sandalwood and rosemary and turn on the diffuser.

Place the stone in front of you, and place daffodils around the four corners of the stone.

Pick up the stone and hold it in your palms. During this time, speak to your pet. Talk about all the fond memories you had with them and how you will miss them dearly. My cat wasn’t euthanized, but if your pet was, tell them why you made that decision.

Put the stone back, and light your candle. Grab the stone again and carefully hold it over the flame. 

Recite: This candle represents (Pet’s name) and all those who passed before them. As I light this candle, (Pet’s name) will feel the warmth of the flame, giving them ease, comfort, and peace as they pass on into the next life. And when my time comes, I hope to meet them there again.

Place the stone back, and meditate on your feelings. Let any emotion(s) you’re having come and go, without shame or judgement.

A jar for psychopompery and well wishes for those who pass. Mine is dedicated to Charon and Styx but you can make and use this secularly (or with other deities).

You will need:

a jar (any material but the lid should be sturdy and flat to attach the tealight candle to)

Coins

Marigold/calendula flowers

Chamomile buds

Pine needles

Graveyard or crossroads dirt

Black tealight candle (or other color you associate with death and passing)

Taper candle that matches for wax

First take the lid of your jar and light your taper candle. Drip wax in the middle to use as “glue” for the tealight. Press the tealight down firmly once you’ve got enough wax. Set aside.

Fill the jar with your ingredients. The order is up to you. The coins are for safe passage and luck, the marigold to show grief, the chamomile to offer peace, and the pine needles and dirt to tie the jar to death and the Underworld/afterlife.

Once it’s full put the lid on and find a safe place to place it. You don’t need to seal the jar in case you want to add thoughts, names, or wishes on folded pieces of paper as needed.

It would be nice to include a bowl or cup for offerings of bread, water, honey, etc.

Light the candle regularly and meditate/pray on death and departing of souls. Include an offering or devotional if you like.