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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Check out these posts ~
Is it one of these? ~
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.
Updated 5/28/18
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