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. (⌒_⌒)
Why do you do 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.
What is necromancy?
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?
Check out these posts ~
- 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
- Offerings for the dead
- Altar ideas
- 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)
- Emotional death spells
- Death witches to follow
- 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
I have more questions!
Is it one of these? ~
- 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”?
- Praying for roadkill
- 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?
- Using ashes of the dead
- 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?
- On miscarriages
- On suicidal tendencies
- 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
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.
Updated 5/28/18
Death Witchcraft FAQ + Masterpost
Published
Water Witches 