Each planet rules one or more signs. Planets are also classified according to their essential dignities, or strengths. In total, five states of a planet are possible: rulership, detriment, exaltation, fall, and peregrine. In some signs, a planet is able to project itself without hindrance, since it functions in a field harmonious to its own nature. This is called rulership. When the planet is in the sign it rules, it is said to be dignified because it is powerful in its own sign, and can thus express itself freely and totally. Exaltation denotes a sign in which a planet is especially strong. When a planet is in a sign that is an opposing sign to its rulership or exaltation it is said to be debilitated, because the planet is at its weakest due to its hindered expression. Planets in opposite signs to the signs which they rule are in their detriment, and signs in their fall are the signs that are opposite its exaltation. The fifth state is referred to as peregrine, meaning that a planet is in none of the previous four states. Here is the breakdown of the rulerships, dignities, and debilities of the signs and planets.
The Sun rules the sign of Leo, and is said to be exalted, or especially strong, in the sign of Aries. Its themes of identity and self-expression are a more challenging fit for the signs of Aquarius (detriment), and Libra (fall) which feels most itself in a group, instead of standing on their own.
The Moon is symbolically connected to the compassionate, spiritually sensitive, emotionally deep sign of Cancer, and informs that powerful sign’s domesticity and protective instincts. The Moon is exalted, or especially strong, in the sign of Taurus, which lends stability to the Moon’s fluctuations and moods. It’s in its detriment in Capricorn, a sign whose worldliness is at odds with the Moon’s domestic nature. And the Moon is in its fall in Scorpio, where it can symbolize suspicion and mistrust.
Mercury is most comfortable in the signs of Gemini and Virgo (which rules both signs), and Aquarius (where it’s exalted). Mercury has a more difficult job expressing itself in Sagittarius and Pisces (detriment), which prefer to focus on the big picture rather than the details and trivia that delight Mercury. Its fall is in the sign of Leo, since Mercury’s perceptions tend to be overly subjective and melodramatic, causing the press agent to believe their own hype.
Venus is happiest in the signs of its rulership, Taurus and Libra, where it feels prosperous and beautiful, and loving Pisces, the sign of her exaltation, a sign where companionship and love is championed. Venus has a harder time expressing beauty and harmony in the tough-edged and militaristic signs of Scorpio and Aries (detriment) and in analytical and hardworking Virgo (fall).
Mars rules the sign of Aries, and along with Pluto is the co-ruler of Scorpio. Mars is exalted, or especially strong, in the sign of Capricorn, which provides discipline, focus, and structure to Mars’ raw energy. Mars’ themes of individualism and open aggression are a difficult fit for the polite, partnership-oriented sign of Libra (detriment); and Cancer (fall), which values collectivism and prefers an indirect approach to settling disagreements.
Jupiter rules Sagittarius and is exalted, or especially strong, in the sign of Cancer; that sign’s domestic, family-oriented symbolism provides much-needed roots and emotional ballast for Jupiter. Jupiter’s themes of optimism, exploration, and big-picture thinking are not an easy fit for Gemini (detriment), a sign that is too rational to be optimistic and prefers to observe and describe the present rather than envision the future; or for serious, conservative, pragmatic Capricorn (sign of its fall).
Saturn rules the sign of Capricorn. It’s exalted, or especially strong, in the sign of Libra, which offers a keen appreciation for how our decisions and ambitions affect others. Saturn’s hard-edged themes of patiently overcoming hardship, living by the rules, and pursuing worldly ambition are at odds with the nurturing, sentimental, security-loving, domestic world of Cancer (the sign of its detriment), and with the impatience and independence of Aries (the sign of its fall).
Uranus is symbolically connected to the unconventional, even revolutionary, sign of Aquarius. Uranus is exalted, or especially strong, in the sign of Scorpio, a sign of transformation that lends a sense of larger purpose to Uranus’ radical changes. It’s in its detriment in Leo, a sign whose emphasis on individual creativity is at odds with Uranus, which represents the principle of egalitarianism. And Uranus is in its fall in Taurus, a sign that values stability and security and doesn’t welcome the kind of disruptive change symbolized by Uranus.
Neptune is symbolically connected to the mystical sign of Pisces. Neptune is exalted, or especially strong, in the sign of Cancer, a sign of emotional sensitivity that lends itself extremely well to Neptune’s sense of illusion, creativity, and artistry. Its sign of detriment is Virgo, whose practical, discriminating, and analytical nature makes an uncomfortable home for Neptune’s unconditional love, intuition, and faith. It’s in its fall in Capricorn, a sign whose ambition, realism, need for power, and roots in the material world place it fundamentally at odds with Neptune’s message of fantasy and spiritual transcendence.
Pluto is symbolically connected to Scorpio, and informs that intense sign’s penchant for transformation. Pluto is exalted, or especially strong, in the sign of Aries, a sign of action that lends a sense of immediacy to Pluto’s slow burning subjugation of others. It’s in its detriment in Taurus, a sign whose need for easygoing beauty, stability and security place it fundamentally at odds with Pluto’s message of ruthless transformation. It’s in its fall in Libra, a sign whose emphasis on fairness and cooperation is also at odds with Pluto, which represents the principles of covert power at all costs.
Have I been cursed? Only one way to find out! The lemon test, much like the lemon curse, uses a lemon to find out whether or not you have been cursed: Buy one lemon. Anoint a black slow burning candle with an oil with a scent that reminds you of the person who you believe is cursed. Cut the lemon in half and write the name of the person on a small piece of paper and place it on one half of the lemon. Lemons that are cut and left out of the refrigerator only last one day before they start to go bad. leave the lemon halves on the table next to the anointed candle that is burning. Be very concise and ask if the person has been cursed and then leave the candle to burn with the lemon next to it. When the candle burns out, if the lemon with the small piece of paper on it is significantly more “decayed” than the other half of the lemon. Then there is a curse. If they look the same, you’re fine. When you are done with the lemon, rub it in salt and dispose of it. This won’t get rid of the curse if there is one. Just helps with determining.
The secluded village of Zalipie in southeastern Poland is home to a charming tradition. Over a century ago the women of the village began to paint their houses.
HH: Look at that cute little dog house.
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 ~
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
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
Death Witchcraft: Volume 1 (mine)
A whole list of recommended reading
My ‘death witch’ tag
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
Kitchen witchery
Yo having effed up eating habits and being a baker for a living is so horridly ironic. Like. What right do I have to be in culinary school right now when I literally don’t eat lol. It’s like “who let the rexxie in here🤪”
/ˈkliNGkənt/
adjective glittering with gold and silver.
They will never understand 🤡
My book of shadows is coming along nicely so far