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‘Bees with Honeycomb’ (1881). Wallpaper fragment by Candace Wheeler (American,1827–1923).

Image and text courtesy The Met.

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. (⌒_⌒)

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

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

Tarot Cheat Sheet (Reversed)

Major Arcana - Represents key moments in the Fool’s Journey from Innocence to Enlightenment.

Fool - Naivety, Recklessness 

Magician - Craftiness, Deception 

High Priestess - Secrets, Lost of Self 

Empress - Excess, Selfishness 

Emperor - Domination, Anger 

Hierophant - Convention, Blind Faith 

Lovers - Indecision, Conflict 

Chariot - Loss of Direction, Lack of Discipline 

Strength - Pride, Cowardice 

Hermit - Isolation, Rejection 

Wheel - Lack of Control, Bad Luck 

Justice - Unaccountability, Unfairness 

Hanged Man - Fear of Sacrifice, Stalling 

Death - Decay, Fear of Change 

Temperance - Extremes, Lack of Harmony 

Devil - Freedom, Release 

Tower - Delaying/Avoided Disaster, Fear of Suffering 

Star - Insecurity, Faithlessness 

Moon - Misinterpretation, Fear 

Sun - Depression, Negativity 

Judgement - Lack of Self Awareness, Self Loathing 

World - Emptiness, Lack of Closure

Minor Arcana

Wands - Represents creative forces, pure energy, passion and willpower.

Ace - Boredom, Lack of Energy 

Two - Bad Planning, Fear of Change 

Three - Frustration, Obstacles 

Four - Transience, Lack of Support 

Five - Avoiding Conflict, Respecting Differences 

Six - Excess Pride, Punishment 

Seven - Lack of Confidence, Overwhelmed 

Eight - Panic, Slowing Down 

Nine - Fatigue, Unsure Motives 

Ten - Stressed, Unwilling to Delegate 

Page - Procrastination, Conflict 

Knights - Recklessness, Anger 

Queen - Selfishness, Jealousy 

King - Overbearing, Impulsive

Cups - Represents feelings, emotions, relationships, everything that connects humans together.

Ace - Blocked Creativity, Emptiness 

Two - Imbalance, Broken Communication 

Three - Overindulgence, Isolation 

Four - Acceptance, Awareness 

Five - Acceptance, Finding Peace 

Six - Independence, Moving Forward 

Seven - Diversion, Disarray 

Eight - Avoidance, Fear of Loss 

Nine - Dissatisfaction, Smugness 

Ten - Domestic Dispute, Shattered Dreams 

Page - Emotional Immaturity, Disappointment 

Knight - Fickleness, Fantasy 

Queen - Martyrdom, Dependence 

King - Coldness, Emotional Manipulation

Swords - Represents mental energy, intelligence, clarity, knowledge, ideas.

Ace -  Confusion, Chaos 

Two - Stalemate, Lesser of Two Evils 

Three - Recovery, Forgiveness 

Four - Restlessness, Stress 

Five - Lingering Resentment, Desire to Reconcile 

Six - Emotional Baggage, Unresolved Issues 

Seven - Coming Clean, Deception 

Eight - Self-Acceptance, Freedom 

Nine - Reaching Out For Help, Despair 

Ten - Can’t Get Worse, Inevitable End 

Page - Manipulation, Deception 

Knight - Unpredictability, Disregard for Consequence 

Queen - Cold Hearted, Bitterness 

King - Manipulation, Weakness

Pentacles - Represents the body, health, home, nature, finances, all things material.

Ace - Lost Opportunity, Bad Investment 

Two - Disorganized, Overwhelmed 

Three - Lack of Teamwork, Disorganized 

Four - Stinginess, Possessiveness 

Five - Recovery, Charity 

Six - Power & Domination, Strings Attached 

Seven - Work Without Results, Distractions 

Eight - Uninspired, No Passion 

Nine - Living Beyond Means, Obsession With Work 

Ten - Lack of Stability, Fleeting Success 

Page - Lack of Commitment, Greed 

Knight - Obsessiveness, Work Without Reward 

Queen - Self-Centeredness, Jealousy

King - Greed, Indulgence

Bi women: the newsletter of the Boston Bisexual Women’s Network. 

(OMG MY HANDWRITING IS GARBAGE!) But I started this new grimiore so I can try and do little drawings. And this is one of my first things.

The Self-Exploration Tarot Spread

Who I Am Right Now

My Short Term Goals

My Interests and Passions

My Emotions

My Inner Demons

My Fears

My Drive

My Long Term Goals

My Future Self

I recommend not using reversals for this particular spread, but you can still use them if you prefer to do so.