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Working with Local Land Spirits

4/4/2022

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12/ Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Many spirit workers, especially those interested in traditional witchcraft, work with local land spirits. But what are local land spirits?

In short, these are spirits that inhabit your local area. They might be in parks, cemeteries, rivers, or even your backyard. For beginners, local spirits might be easier to work with because you don’t have to summon them.

In folk traditions, land spirits weren’t just consulted for magic. Magicians also asked their permission before building on that land. Even people who were not magicians would leave out offerings to gain favor with local spirits. 
When I talk to other spirit workers about local spirits, many bring up animism, the idea that everything–from rocks to streams–has a specific spirit. But even cultures that didn’t have animism still believed in local spirits. In Rome, they were called genius loci, protective spirits of specific places. 

I’ve seen a lot of people recommend working with local spirits, but few mention how to do so. Let’s break this down into steps.

Research Local Folklore

The first step is to research the folklore of your local area. This includes stories of hauntings, religious spots, holidays, and urban legends. 

For many people–especially Americans–this is easier said than done. Some areas, like Salem, Massachusetts, are rich in history and folklore. You won’t struggle to research folklore there. But other areas are not known for their local legends. What do you do then?

Here are some places to start:

  • Research Local Trees and Plants. Write down the plants that you see while walking around, or grab a book on local botany. Research the myths associated with that plant. Was it used for healing? Crafting? Did people believe that it would bring love or good luck? If you’re fond of plant spirits, this is an ideal first step.
  • Google “Haunted” Areas Near You. As cliche as this sounds, urban legends can tell you a lot about your location. America, specifically, is notorious for its abandoned mental asylums, which means that death workers will have a lot on their plate. Streams, wells, cemeteries, bridges, and roads are common places for local legends and hauntings.
  • Stroll through your local cemetery. A cemetery can tell you a lot about ancient folklore. Ideally, you’ll want to find an older cemetery, as that’ll give you a time frame to research folklore. When did those people live? The 1700s? 1800s? That’s how far back you’ll want to research local history. Do the graves have any symbols that you aren’t familiar with? If so, write that down and look it up later. I have a mini-zine about cemetery symbols for just this purpose.

If you want to learn more about magic and folklore, check out this blog post: Choosing Which Folklore to Study for Your Craft.

Locate Power Spots

When it comes to spirit work, doing is often better than studying. But where can you go to find local spirits? Find what author Gemma Gary calls “power spots.” 

Power spots are areas that spirits like to frequent. I mentioned some of those locations while discussing haunted locations earlier. Every town, no matter how small, has a power spot or two. Experienced spirit workers can find them on their own; see the Starting Spirit Work post to learn how one senses spirits.

Yet again, folklore can tell us where to go. Although every culture and location is different, these areas frequently appear in multiple folklores: bridges, crossroads, wells, caves, cemeteries, rivers, isolated/dirt roads, abandoned buildings, churches, and other sacred or spiritual places. For more ideas, see Real-Life Locations That Connect to the Underworld. 
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This should go without saying, but remember to put your safety first. Don’t enter anywhere dangerous, like a cave, unless you have experience. If the area is off-limits (as many abandoned sites are), don’t trespass. Same with entering churches and cemeteries at night.

Now that you’ve entered a power spot (safely), what do you do?

Giving Offerings

Offerings tell spirits that you acknowledge and appreciate them. Many spirit workers give offerings to stay on good terms with spirits.

There are two ways to give offerings to local spirits. One method is to place the offering outside, either near your home or at a power spot. If you do this, make sure that your offering is environmentally friendly: no plastics or food that might harm wildlife. Water, herbs, breadcrumbs, and certain fruits may work.

The second method is to give offerings at the hearth. The hearth–which is not necessarily a fireplace, but the center of the home–is where people give offerings to local spirits and Gods. You might have heard of a “standing offering,” a semi-permanent offering that spirits can enjoy as they pass by. This is a similar concept.

If you don’t want to leave offerings outside, do so at the hearth or at your altar. Offer them to local spirits. Incense, food, candles, and herbs are all on the table.
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Anything I Missed?

Is there anything that I missed in this post? Anything you want expanded in a future post? Let me know in the comments below.
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Choosing Which Folklore to Study for Your Craft

2/12/2022

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I often get asked what “intermediate” witches and magicians should study. If you want to improve your Craft but don’t know where to start, I recommend researching folklore. It is the basis of most of the world’s magical practices.

Which folklore should you study and why? That’s what I want to explore in this post. Keep in mind that these are just ideas, and ultimately, you should pursue whatever captures your attention.
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The sator square has been in folk magic for centuries. For more information on this symbol, read the previous blog post.

What Is Folklore?

Although a lot of people equate folklore with superstitions, it’s much more complicated. According to Wikipedia, folklore is “the body of culture shared by a particular group of people; it encompasses the traditions common to that culture, subculture, or group.” The American Folklore Society expands upon this definition, saying that folklore covers “art, stories, knowledge, and practices of the people.” Folklorists study a wide range of topics, including holidays, oral stories, funerals, dances, and urban legends.

When it comes to witchcraft, practitioners study folklore for its magic, superstitions, and beliefs about spirits. This is what separates a brujería from a pellar. Brujerías pull from Latin American and Afro-Caribbean folklore, while pellars study British magic. 

If you have a culture-specific path, you already know which folklore(s) to focus on. But if you have no idea, here are some options.

Why Is Folklore Important in Magic?

Before we continue, I want to argue why folklore is important to the Craft. Frankly, I would say that it’s essential. Folklore is the basis of magic in many cultures, and without it, most modern magical paths–including Wicca and eclectic witchcraft–would not exist.

For many cultures, magic is a way of preserving tradition. Many study folklore to honor their ancestors or connect to their heritage. But that’s not the only reason to choose a folklore (or a few) to study.

Although folklores have many similarities, they also have several differences. In my post Magical Uses for Cemetery Water and Snow, I mentioned that cultures have different beliefs about ghosts and water. In Thailand, Japan, and the Balkans, ghosts can inhabit water. But in Scotland and the American South, ghosts are said to avoid water–so much that people painted their porches blue so that ghosts wouldn’t enter.
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(Caves are another common theme in folklore with different associations and magical significance. To read more, click here.)

In addition, cultures use different methods to achieve the same results. Honoring Russian ancestors will look very different from honoring Chinese ancestors. Both are effective and valid but require unique practices.


If you try to follow every culture’s folklore, you’ll end up getting confused and go nowhere. The history of magic, healing remedies, folk charms, and oral superstitions will reveal much about magic that you might not have known.

Which Folklore Is “Right”?

You might be wondering which folklore is the “right one.” That’s like asking which theory about the afterlife is correct; no one truly knows, and the argument gets people nowhere. Personally, I think the better question is, “Which folklore is ideal for my Craft, specifically?”

Some witches are very talented with tarot; others prefer runes. In the same vein, some people get great results from one folklore’s practices and fewer results with another. How do you know which one works best? Practice and personal experience.

If you’re American, you might think that this country has no folklore (except for Native American lore, which is available only to them). But that’s not true. Where cultures go, folklore follows. I truly believe that spirits of that culture will follow as well. American folklore has blended aspects of several immigrant cultures. 

Certain spirits and deities will not work with people outside of that culture. I mentioned Native American practices earlier as a good example; so is Hoodoo. These are called “closed cultures,” and they limit initiation to people within those cultures. But many cultures are open or tied to where you live.

With that out of the way, let’s dive into some ideas about which folklore(s) to study.

Your Culture / Ethnicity

The first option is that you can pull from your own culture or ethnic heritage.

Exploring your own culture ensures that you won’t be trampling on any closed cultures. It also connects you to your own family. If you want to perform ancestor work, this is the way to go. 

If you’re an immigrant to your home country, or American, you might feel disconnected from your family’s home country. Fortunately, folklore societies are collecting cultural lore from immigrant families. In my research, I found a few blogs, articles, and websites dedicated to Irish-American traditions. 

When in doubt, ask older members of your family. They might have some information on your heritage. But if they prefer not to talk about it, that’s okay too. You can discover a lot by asking others in the community or researching on your own.
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Since I'm half-Irish, I've studied a lot of Irish myths and folklore.

Religion

Although folklore and religion are not the same thing, they’re intrinsically connected. Religions come with a long list of traditions, including but not limited to holidays, meals, clothing, afterlife theories, deities, and superstitions.
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Many Pagan witches study the folklore of their deity’s native culture. For example, much of my death work stems from Greco-Roman and Egyptian sources because I work with Hades and Thoth.

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Invoking both my ancestors and Thoth.
To be clear: your magical path and religion do not have to intersect. I know plenty of magicians who pull from Christian ceremonial magic but don’t pray to Jesus outside of the required magical prayers. Why do they do this? Because they find that it brings results.

Some people feel that they cannot disconnect their heritage from religion. Personally, when I research Irish folklore for my ancestor work, I dive into Irish Catholicism as well. Catholicism is so deeply ingrained in my family’s history that I cannot separate them. (I also recommend that you honor your ancestors’ religious preferences as well.) Others prefer to work with ancient Irish Pagan deities instead, and that’s also a good path. It all boils down to how you approach your culture and religion.

Where You Live

Traditional witchcraft and folk magic both rely on one thing: your local area. Practitioners speak to local land spirits, use native plants, and research the history and superstitions of that area.

But you don’t have to be a trad witch to research your local folklore. Depending on where you live, this could yield some fascinating results. It can also help you feel more connected to the land and your area’s history.

You can learn a lot from local museums and landmarks in your area. Researching local plants also tells you a lot. (Don’t go out foraging without proper guidance, though.) Libraries and bookstores often offer books about native herbs, trees, birds, and more.
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Bridges and rivers both frequently appear in folklore.

Pulling from More than One Folklore

Most practitioners I know pull from more than one folklore. How does one juggle two or three folk practices? It depends on the magician and how they practice. 

Whenever I work with a Pagan deity, I work within their cultural context. For instance, I wouldn’t give an Egyptian deity Greek offerings. The same goes for ancestors. In order to honor these deities and spirits properly, I have to research their history. 

Much of my death witchcraft is guided by these Pagan deities, so I use ancient Pagan sources for necromancy. But I’ll use British sources for ancestor work. When it comes to more general spellwork–such as money spells, home protection, etc.--I have freedom to choose. I try different methods and figure out which is the most effective. 

If I had to explain my magical practice, it would look like this:
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But that’s just me. You might have a different method. Let me know how folklore impacts your Craft in the comments below. ​
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Herbal Smoking Blends for Spirit Work

1/14/2022

2 Comments

 
I’ve never been one to drink or smoke weed. However, I have been smoking herbs for years. While herbs can produce a hallucinogenic or sedative effect, they are not as strong as other drugs. That makes them ideal for a lot of people who don’t want to feel high but want some assistance in magic.

Herbal smoking blends can aid magic in many different ways. They can enhance psychic vision, induce trance states, promote sleep, and relax the body. Herbs are also cheaper and more accessible than other smoking ingredients.

In this post, I’ll talk about some magical smoking herbs and how you can use them for spirit work. I will not mention weed, tobacco, or other drugs because I don’t have experience with them. I’ll dive into correspondences first; then, I’ll discuss blends and uses for anyone who wants to try herbal smoking.
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Chamomile: Chamomile frequently appears in tea recipes to improve sleep and dream work. In smoking blend, it also enhances prophetic dreams and divination. Smoke it to induce vision and bring about clarity during times of spiritual confusion. 

Many like chamomile in smoking blends because it is gentle and has a nice flavor. The ancient Egyptians associated it with the Sun God Ra, but others associate it with the Moon for its dream enhancement.

Coltsfoot: Coltsfoot is a common base for herbal blends because of its neutral flavor and relaxation effect. In magic, people burn it to induce visions. This not only helps divination, but also wealth and business spells where you can use some prophecy.

Coltsfoot is also a love charm and works in Venus magic.

Damiana: Although damiana is a well-known aphrodisiac in its native country of Mexico, it also aids spirit work. When burned, damiana sharpens one’s psychic vision. Any kind of spirit work that includes visions–such as psychic dreams, scrying, and astral travel–can benefit from damiana. So can any magic associated with Venus.

Damiana works as a base for smoking blends. It is also a mild hallucinogen. However, hallucinations tend to occur around 200 mg, so you’d have to smoke A LOT for these health consequences.

CAUTIONS: Can affect blood sugar levels.

Lavender: Lavender is a well-known magic ingredient that promotes sleep, calm, and love. In smoking blends, it relaxes the body. Since lavender is associated with the element of air, its smoke can also help people see ghosts and other spirits.

Lavender is also used in glamors. Smoking it can make you appear more attractive and help you feel joyous. Many love adding lavender to smoking blends simply for its smell and flavor. It is governed by Mercury and assists with purification and protection rituals.

Lemongrass: You might have heard that lemongrass tea can progress psychic powers; smoking it can do the same. Since this plant is ruled by Mercury, it improves psychic skills from divination to glamors. 

Lemongrass has a slight lemon smell that makes it relaxing, and it can even help people sleep. I often include this herb in blends for flavor.

Marigold: Marigold, also called calendula, was well-known in ancient rituals. It appears in Dia de Los Muertos, on the altars of Hindu deities, and in Aztec and Mayan ceremonies. In smoking, it has a sweet citrusy flavor that relaxes the body.

In magic, it promotes spirit sight and visions. It is known to produce clearer and less frightening visions. Smoke it prior to trance work and scrying. Like rosemary, marigold is a fire herb associated with the Sun.

Mugwort: Mugwort has many uses for a spirit worker; magicians drink it as a tea before divination and wash divination tools with it. When smoked, mugwort can aid psychic workings, induce lucid dreaming, and help hedgecrossing. As a hallucinogen, it has a long history in spirit work and is associated with the Moon.

Mugwort can give you the “burning” feel in your throat. To prevent this, dampen it a bit before smoking.

CAUTIONS: Can cause nausea and is toxic in excessive doses. Do not use if you are allergic to daisies.

Mullein: Mullein is a mild sedative that many people smoke to relax their lungs. Magic-wise,its smoke is said to summon the dead; the Romans used them to make torches during funeral processions. Because it has the nickname “graveyard dust,” many people falsely claim that it is a substitute for graveyard dirt. (To be clear: it is not.)

Mullein is often hung, carried, or put in pillows to dispel evil spirits. In smoking, it calms and centers the spirit, which can help you with astral work, prophetic dreams, and divination. Practitioners debate over which planet rules it; Agrippa said it was Mercury, but Culpeper claimed it was Saturn.

Because mullein has little effect when smoked and a gentle smell, many use it as a base. It works well with any herb on this list and has few side effects. 

Passionflower: Passionflower has a fantastic flavor and sedative effect. Unlike similar herbs, it can produce a “high” in large enough amounts.

Magically, passionflower aids sleep and brings peace. Many place it around the home to relieve troubles, and you might feel calmer after smoking it. Ruled by Venus and water, passionflower is a great addition to almost any smoking blend.

Rose: Although many label rose as “the love herb,” it has many other magical properties. Its soothing scent can relax people and relieve headaches. In teas and smoking blends, rose induces prophetic dreams. 

Rose can be smoked before bed or before a ritual that requires a calm head and concentration. It’s a water herb associated with Venus.

Rosemary: Rosemary is a common incense in magic. Many burn it prior to magic to purify the area, but it can also boost divination. If you want an answer to a question, burn rosemary and inhale the smoke. The herb will grant you psychic clarity. The ancient Greeks associated rosemary with memory and would toss sprigs into graves. Using it in spells might improve your memory.

Rosemary is often paired with juniper for a purification incense, but I don’t recommend smoking juniper. The berries are incredibly oily and produce a lot of smoke! However, you can combine rosemary with other cleansing herbs prior to rituals. It’s a fire herb governed by the Sun.

Spearmint: The scent of spearmint increases psychic powers and intuition. It is a popular smoking herb for its flavor and ability to relax the lungs.

Spearmint can pair with any spirit work blend, but it also supports meditation, healing spells, and love spells (hence its association with Venus and water). If peppermint is too strong for you, try this.

Wormwood: The smell of wormwood is said to increase psychic powers. Many budding magicians carry or wear it for this purpose. Burning it attracts spirits, including the dead. The ancient Egyptians created inks with wormwood and wrote to the deity Bes as a form of divination.

Wormwood also has a protective element, especially when combined with mugwort. It is ruled by Mars.

CAUTIONS: While wormwood is not hallucinogen, it can be toxic in large amounts.

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Three Herbal Smoking Blends

Anyone with the proper knowledge of herbs can create a smoking blend. But I have a few personal recipes to get you started.

I divided these blends into “parts” instead of grams and teaspoons because I don’t know how you smoke herbs. You can adjust the measurements to your smoking device.

  1. Hedgecrossing Blend: two parts damiana, two parts mugwort, one part lemongrass. This blend sharpens your spirit vision and prepares you for trance work.
  2. Spirit Vision Blend: three parts coltsfoot, two parts spearmint, one part rosemary, one part wormwood. This blend can help you see and sense spirits.​
  3. ​Prophetic Dreams Blend: two parts chamomile, two parts lavender, one part marigold, one part roses. This blend is designed to relax the body and increase the likelihood of getting spiritual dreams.
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Advice for Creating Herbal Smoking Blends

If you want to create your own blend, here are some tips.

  • When is it unsafe to smoke herbs? In general, people who are pregnant or on medication for mental illnesses should be careful while smoking herbs. Some herbs also conflict with blood pressure medications and blood thinners. I included some cautions above, but ALWAYS research the herbs BEFORE SMOKING THEM! When in doubt, consult a medical professional.
  • Which herbs do I use? I recommend testing each herb in a small amount by itself before creating blends. That way, you’ll know how you react to each herb. Everybody’s different. For example, some people find passionflower to be mellow, while others feel a bit too sedated after smoking it.
  • How do I know that an herb is safe to smoke? In general, herbs that you can drink as a tea are also safe to smoke. However, many come with risks that I mentioned above. Also, the dosage matters. NEVER SMOKE AN HERB WITHOUT PROPERLY RESEARCHING IT FIRST.
  • How many herbs should I include? Smoking blends vary–some people include only two herbs, while others provide five or six. It depends on your experience and smoking method. My crystal pipe is pretty small, so I can’t include too many herbs in my blend; they won’t fit! I recommend starting with two to three herbs and gradually including more.
  • How do I smoke the herbs? Again, this is all personal preference. Some people toss herbs onto a charcoal bloke, similar to incense. Others make herbal cigarettes, and others use pipes. Before you drop a bunch of money on a pipe, test out some cheaper methods and see what works for you.
  • ​How can I safely smoke herbs? Make sure your room has proper ventilation; open the window, turn on a fan, or keep the door open. Keep a bowl of water nearby in case the fire grows too large. If you don’t know how you’ll react to the herbs, make sure there’s someone you trust in the house with you.

Did I Miss Anything?

Is there anything else people should know about herbal smoking blends? Do you have a favorite ingredient that I missed? Let me know in the comments below!

Related Blog Posts: 

  • Starting Spirit Work
  • Is Meditation Necessary in Witchcraft?
  • Herbs for the Dead
  • Scrying: How to Perceive Visions in Crystals, Water, and More
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Herbs for the Dead

12/20/2021

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When I was 16, I got my first job at my hometown’s new spice and tea shop. During training, a corporate representative showed us every spice, herb, and tea, and what it is used for. Customers usually came in with cooking or health questions, and we had to know the answers. Although I was trained in magic at the time, I never imagined that this knowledge would benefit my Craft.

This is a long-winded explanation for “I used a lot of herbs in witchcraft.” However, I’m not alone; herbal grimoires and encyclopedias are prominent in the occult community. Today, I’m going to discuss how herbs can aid death witchcraft.
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I keep dried herbs in these magnetic tins that I painted.

How To Use Herbs in Death Witchcraft

Herbs have been ingredients in necromancy, ancestor work, and other forms of magic for thousands of years. They have multiple uses–I’ll give you an abridged list.

  • Use as Offerings. Herbs make convenient offerings for the dead. You can sprinkle them onto graves, burn them, or place them on an altar and bury/throw them away later.
  • Burn as Incense. Not only do burnt herbs serve as offerings, but they also have magical uses. For instance, certain herbs can protect the altar, enhance divination, or put you in a trance state. Similarly, you can create herbal smoking blends.
  • Brew as a Tea. Like incense, this tea can become an offering or amplify your psychic abilities.
  • Mix into Graveyard Dirt. If you have a jar of graveyard dirt, you can mix crushed herbs into that dirt to lend that spirit certain magical properties. 
  • Magnify or Dull Spirit Communication. Many know that herbs can boost your spirit senses, but they can also dull them when necessary. For example, I once had some spirits reach out to me every time I walked by my altar. When I placed a jar of dried rose petals near the graveyard dirt, the spirits calmed down.
  • Protect Yourself from Spirits. Many herbs have protective properties that can guard you, your home, or your altar from malicious spirits. Carry them on your person when you visit a cemetery. You can even use some to divert spirits who follow you (for example, by throwing salt over your left shoulder).
  • Infuse into Oils. These magical oils can boost spirit work, protect your home, or charge your ritual tools.
  • Cook into Food. Cakes, bread, and other meals are traditional offerings for the dead, especially during certain festivals like Samhain and Dia de los Muertos. 
  • Make Magical Inks. Magical inks often appear in necromancy and folklore.
  • Sew into Poppets. Poppets are one method of creating a taglock to communicate with a specific soul.
  • ​Pour into a Ritual Bath. In death work, ritual baths can prepare people for divination or hedgecrossing.
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Herbal smoking blend in a labradorite pipe.

Herbs and Correspondences

Here, I will list herbs that I frequently use in death witchcraft, along with their correspondences. Correspondences stem from a mixture of personal experience, historical use, and folklore. Note that I will not mention trees here; I have already covered trees in another post. I will not mention cooked/baked foods like bread, but I will cover naturally-grown foods like fruits and vegetables.

  • Apples. Apples are known as “the fruit of the dead” in Ireland. As such, they are a traditional offering for the dead on Celtic holidays like Samhain. The wood from an apple tree can be carved into necromantic wands or poppets.
  • Basil. Basil has a long history in purification and cleansing rituals. The Egyptians prepared embalming salves with basil; the Gauls infused it into purification washes; and basil juice was said to “help witches fly” in the Middle Ages. In Hinduism, Basil is used in both weddings and funerals because it is said to link people in love. It was a symbol of sorrow of ancient Greece. Use basil to aid in divination, hedgecrossing, or spirit communication.
  • Bay. Bay leaves are often used in clairvoyance spells and divination. They aid communication with the dead; the ancients either chewed them or burned them as incense. I often burn bay to enhance divination and ward off evil. (Be careful–it burns fast!)
  • Beet. Beet can be used as a blood substitute and as a dye in necromantic inks.
  • Carnations. Carnations are a common funeral flower, especially in France (where purple carnations are traditional). They are common in healing spells but are also used to remember the dead. After the crucifixion of Christ, it is said that Mary’s tears grew carnations. In the Netherlands, people wore carnations to remember fallen veterans.
  • Chamomile. Chamomile is best-known for its ability to aid sleep and meditation, but its history branches far before that. The ancient Egyptians associated chamomile with the sun, specifically with the God Ra, who was said to heal malaria with it. They used it in mummification to repel flies. The Romans also dedicated chamomile to their Gods and bathed in it for its healing properties. Chamomile makes a great offering to assuage the dead.
  • Cinnamon. Ever since Moses anointed the Tabernacle with cinnamon oil, it has been associated with deity and spirit work. Cinnamon oil was common in the Egyptian mummification process. The Roman emperor Nero tossed cinnamon onto his wife’s funeral pyre. In magic, cinnamon can amplify magical workings such as divination.
  • Copal. There are many different types of copal that have unique properties. However, most of them make great offerings for the dead, especially those who remain disoriented from trauma.
  • Damiana. In my experience, damiana is one of the best herbs to use in incense and herbal smoking blends. Its smoke produces visions, increases your ability to astral project, and aids meditation.
  • Dittany of Crete. As another spirit work herb, Dittany of Crete is burned to manifest spirits. It is especially potent in summoning spirits of the dead. Since it grows near cliffs, many farmers fell to their deaths trying to harvest them, giving this plant a negative connotation. However, the ancient Greeks valued it as a symbol of love and healing.
  • Dragon’s Blood. It’s nearly impossible to research ceremonial magic without running into this resin from the palm tree. Dragon’s blood is burned to aid spirit work and protect the magician. You can also infuse it into necromantic inks.
  • Eucalyptus. According to Australian Aboriginals, eucalyptus trees divided the Earth between the Underworld and Heaven. It is commonly used in healing poppets and health spells. DO NOT burn green eucalyptus; its oils produce too much smoke.
  • Fennel. Fennel is a protective and purifying herb. In the Middle Ages, people placed fennel inside their keyholes to prevent ghosts from entering their homes.
  • Frankincense. Due to its powerful vibrations, frankincense often aids spirit work. It is a common consecration herb in Judaism and Christianity. In Hoodoo and rootwork, frankincense boosts the powers of other herbs.
  • Heather. Heather is said to conjure ghosts and open the portals between worlds. In the Scottish highlands, heather marked the resting places of faeries. It was also said to grow where no blood had been shed. As such, it can help to heal deceased warriors.
  • Holly. Holly is often planted in graveyards to protect both the dead and the mourners. It also promotes good fortune.
  • Juniper. Juniper has ancient healing associations. The Egyptians used it both medicinally and to embalm the dead. In Scotland, it was said to guard against ghosts and illness. The Key of Solomon often lists it in purification rites. I often use juniper berries as offerings. (Be careful while burning or grinding it in a mortar and pestle–it is incredibly oily!)
  • Lavender. Beyond its sleep-inducing effects, lavender is also carried to see ghosts. Dried lavender was found in Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb. During the Middle Ages, Christians made crosses out of lavender to protect themselves from evil. It was also used in healing magic, as people carried it to cure headaches in the Mediterranean. You can use it to heal the dead, aid divination and psychic dreams, and protect the home.
  • Lemon Balm. Known as one of the “witch’s plants,” it is said that Hekate gave lemon balm to Her daughters. Pliny the Elder hyped up lemon balm’s properties as a healing herb, claiming that it could stop the bleeding from a stab wound and prevent bees from swarming. In the Abuzzi region of Italy, women would pick lemon balm between their fingers so Jesus would assist them into Heaven. For death work, lemon balm is a healing herb that helps souls to pass on.
  • Lily. Lilies do not only symbolize purity and love; they are also planted in gardens to ward off ghosts and evil spirits. They are a common funeral flower, especially for women and children. It is said that Mary’s tomb was adorned with lilies. In the Anglican church, Jesus is sometimes depicted as being crucified on a lily cross. There are many types of lilies with different meanings. For instance, the Calla lily is associated with everlasting honesty and love, so it is used in both weddings and funerals.
  • Marigold. Marigolds are the most popular flower used in Dia de los Muertos, and they are also common in funerals. Along with being a protective herb, they also improve your relationships. It is said that bathing in marigolds will help you earn respect and admiration. Use it in healing and communication spells for the dead. 
  • Mint. Mint used to be a popular funerary herb in Greece, as it masked the scent of corpses. It is not so popular at funerals anymore. The name stems from the myth of Pluto and Menthe, so many Pagans use mint to connect to chthonic deities. It is also a healing herb and can protect you on journeys.
  • Mugwort. Another one of my favorite spirit work herbs–mugwort is used in divination teas, smoking blends for spirit work, and washes for magical tools. Native Americans rubbed mugwort on themselves to keep ghosts away. According to a 9th-century grimoire (Bald’s Leechbook), it casts out demonic possession. Use it to amplify spirit work and induce a trance state.
  • Mulberry. Mulberries (which are technically trees, not bushes) are planted in cemeteries to heal grief and grant eternal life. They also protect against evil.
  • Mullein. Because of its nickname “Graveyard Dust,” mullein is often mistaken for a graveyard dirt substitute. To be clear: it is not a substitute. But mullein torches used to be burned during funerals, and its smoke can help people see spirits of the dead and the afterlife.
  • Myrrh. Myrrh is a common incense and oil in necromancy. The Egyptians associated myrrh with Isis’s death aspects, so they used it in magical inks and embalming. The ash from myrrh can be used to draw magic circles. Burn it to enhance meditation and increase psychic powers.
  • Olive. Olive fruits and leaves were usually used for protection, healing spells, and luck. But olive oil is common in spirit work; the Romans used it for necromantic scrying. The Greek Magical Papyri recommends pouring it into spring water to see spirits of the dead.
  • Orchid. In Greek mythology, Orchis, the son of a satyr and a nymph, became an orchid upon dying. The Greeks also used orchids in fertility spells, so it became a symbol of death and rebirth. As such, it’s a common funeral flower. It also induces trance states and develops psychic powers.
  • Oregano. The ancient Greeks believed that growing oregano on graves would ensure that the deceased was happy. This herb enhances love and is used in healing salves. Place it under your pillow to have prophetic dreams, or give it as an offering.
  • Parsley. Parsley has long had associations with death. According to Greek mythos, parsley sprang from the blood of Archemorus, whose name means “forerunner of death.” It frequently appeared in ancient funerals. During Greek funerary games, victors wore crowns of parsley to commemorate the dead. It also has protective qualities.
  • Patchouli. Because of its earthiness, patchouli is often linked with graveyard dirt. I use it as an oil to anoint candles.
  • Rose. Possibly the most commonly recognized funeral flower, roses have been associated with death for centuries. In 5th century Egyptian tombs, paintings of roses covered the walls. Its relationship to love connects the living and the deceased for eternity. It can also heal the dead.
  • Rosemary. Rosemary is the herb of remembrance. Studies have linked rosemary to a sharper memory, but the ancients learned this long before. It appeared in Egyptian, Roman, and Medieval funeral rites to commemorate the dead. The Greeks tossed sprigs of rosemary into graves to ensure that the deceased would not be forgotten. It is also burned to magnify divination and infused into ritual washes.
  • Sage. In Medieval folklore, eating sage in May was said to promote longevity. It also symbolizes immortality. The Egyptians often used sage ceremonially. Sage pollen was found in the tomb of Pharaoh Ramses II. In France, sage is said to heal grief, so it is often planted in graveyards.
  • St. John’s Wort. St. John’s Wort sometimes appears in spirit work and divination rituals. In the Middle Ages, people carried it in the mouth to find witches. But it is also protective. Dry it during Midsummer and hang it over a door to guard against ghosts, necromancers, and evil spirits. Do not ingest if you are on an anti-depression or mood disorder medication.
  • Sandalwood. This fragrant plant was used in Egyptians embalming rituals. Nowadays, it is often burned as incense to support spirit work, consecrate tools, and protect a space. In my opinion, it’s more effective if you burn it with frankincense.
  • Thyme. In ancient Greek funerals, thyme represented the bravery of a warrior. You can burn it to aid those suffering in death. It was also used in ancient Egyptian embalming and to induce prophetic dreams during the Victorian era. Combine it with marjoram in a bath to wash away sorrows of the past. You can also use it to communicate with the fae and the dead.
  • Tulips. Since blooming tulips signal the coming of spring, they are associated with death and rebirth. They often appear in funerals to signify perfect love. In Middle Eastern traditions, people wore tulips for protection.
  • Valerian. Like mullein, valerian root is called “graveyard dirt” when powdered. But it is not a substitute for real graveyard dirt. Instead, it is used to induce a trance state and sleep. The Greeks hung a sprig under a window to protect the home from evil.
  • Vervain. Vervain is a common herb in spirit work. In Christian mythos, it is said that Christ’s crucifixion wounds were staunched with vervain. The Romans called it a “sacrificial herb,” and it was said to be especially powerful. As a protective herb, vervain can be carried, burned, or infused into potions to drive off evil spirits. Use it in spirit work spells to enhance their powers.
  • ​Wormwood. Wormwood is often burned as an incense or smoking blend to develop psychic powers. In Slavic rituals and dances, people carried it for protection. The Greeks hung it to ward off malicious spirits. Its smoke is said to summon spirits. According to old grimoires, burning it on a grave will raise the dead. You don’t have to perform magic in a cemetery, though–wormwood will aid necromancy anywhere.
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How Do You Use Magic Herbs?

Have you ever used herbs in death work? Did I miss any noteworthy herbs or plants? Let me know in the comments below!

Related Posts:

  • Trees in Cemeteries: Part 1 (including tree correspondences)
  • Magical Uses for Cemetery Water and Snow
  • Making Magical Inks
  • Magical Uses for Graveyard Dirt
  • Three Death Witchcraft Spells to Heal the Deceased
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Three Protection Spells to Keep Evil Away from the Home

9/10/2021

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Since autumn is rapidly approaching, I am refreshing my home protection spells. I do this every year before Samhain, when I perform my most elaborate spirit work.

Protection spells, also called wards, are essential for any magic path, but especially spirit work. Have you ever heard about ouija board sessions gone wrong? Or poltergeist hauntings? Or a long streak of bad luck? Wards prevent those from happening.

If your wards are strong, you won’t have to worry about spirits following you home from a graveyard or hexes reaching your family.

Here are three protection spells that have aided me in the past. As with my post Three Death Witchcraft Spells to Heal the Deceased, I will list the ingredient correspondences at the end of the article. I recommend reading that list; spells always have more power if you understand the purpose of the ingredients.

Note: These are NOT banishing spells. They are not appropriate for someone who is currently being haunted. Wards are specifically performed to prevent attacks, not end them.

Candle Protection Spell

Candle spells are the most common form of wards I see. I believe that candle magic is popular because it is so accessible. Similarly, I have developed one that involves equally accessible ingredients: cooking herbs.

You will need:

  1. A black or white candle (I chose black)
  2. A protection oil. I used one from the Earthbound Craftworks. If you do not own a protection oil blend, use frankincense oil.
  3. Dill (dried)
  4. Oregano (dried)
  5. Parsley (dried)

Mix equal parts of dried dill, oregano, and parsley. If they are not already in small pieces, use a mortar and pestle to grind them.

Anoint your candle with the protection oil. Lay the dried herbs out on a paper towel, and roll the candle over them while it is still wet with the oil. The oil will stick the herbs to the candle.

Light the candle, and burn it until you can do it no longer. I created my other two protection spells while the candle was burning.

NOTE: Keep a close eye on the flame. As with any herb-covered candle, the fire could spread to the dried herbs and quickly burn out of control. Keep a glass of water nearby.
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Protection Oil for Windows and Doors

When I was first learning witchcraft, my magic teacher showed me how she rubbed oils on her window and door frames. This is not a new concept; many cultures, from the ancient Egyptians through the Middle Ages, rubbed oils on doors and windows.

More commonly, people would hang, plant, or scatter herbs near their doors for protection. Oil blends are easier because they are subtle and can work in any home, including college dorms and apartments.

You’ll need:
  1. Rose geranium oil (use plain geranium if you can’t find rose geranium)
  2. Lavender oil
  3. Frankincense oil
  4. A glass, airtight container for the oils

Clean and consecrate your container. I used a vintage perfume container that I found at a thrift store. You can cleanse the vial through many methods, from crystal charging to moon water. Personally, I consecrated it with myrrh incense.

Combine the oils with two parts rose geranium, one part lavender, and one part frankincense. For example, if you use two drops of rose geranium oil, pour one drop of lavender and frankincense oils. I did ten drops of rose geranium and five drops of the other two.

Leave it on your altar overnight to charge. I placed mine on a wooden Goddess symbol. If you perform this spell during a full moon, you may charge it with the moonlight. Do NOT charge it in sunlight; the light will degrade the oils.

The next morning, take your oil vial outside with a cotton ball. Place the oil on a cotton ball and rub it along your door and window frames. If you live on the second floor or above, you may do this inside.

Try to rub the oil on all four corners, if possible. You do not have to cover entire doors in oil. A little bit goes a long way.

Refresh this spell every six months.
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Graveyard Dirt Protection Powder

Graveyard dirt has many magical properties, which you can learn more about in the post Magical Uses for Graveyard Dirt. One of its properties is protection, especially when it’s from the grave of a loved one (such as Goofer Dust in Hoodoo).

Use some from a reliable spirit whom you’ve worked with before, such as an ancestor. Think of it this way: which spirit do you want guarding your home?

This is a warding powder made with graveyard dirt.

You’ll need:

  1. Graveyard dirt
  2. Juniper berries or ground juniper
  3. Black salt
  4. Patchouli oil

Ask the spirit’s permission to use their dirt in a protection powder. When you have permission, combine the dirt with black salt (not cooking black salt--witches’ black salt. Learn more in the next section).

Add juniper berries and grind in a mortar and pestle. Pour two to three drops of patchouli essential oil, and mix. Keep this powder in an airtight glass container. 

Scatter the powder around your home, especially the front and back doors. If you live above-ground, spread the powder along window sills and balconies.
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Why I Chose These Ingredients

  • Candle - Both black and white candles are used in protection spells. Black candles can also aid with banishing and absorbing negativity, and white candles promote purity, serenity, and calling on spirit guides. 
  • Black Salt - Black salt is a mixture of table salt with an ingredient that turns it black, such as charcoal or ash. While all salt is relevant for protection spells, black salt is specifically designed to ward off evil spirits.
  • Dill - Dill comes from the Norse word dilla, meaning “soothe.” In the Middle Ages, people planted dill to protect them from witchcraft. You can also carry it in a sachet for protection. When hung over a door, dill prevents people who are ill-disposed or jealous from entering.
  • Frankincense - In both Christian and Jewish traditions, frankincense is burned for consecration. It also releases purifying vibrations that drive away evil and negativity. In Hoodoo and rootwork, frankincense is used to boost other magical herbs in a ritual.
  • Geranium, Rose - Geraniums of all types are used in protection spells, as they tend to ward off predators like snakes. I have personally had a lot of success with rose geranium. In folklore, people would rub rose geranium on doors, doorknobs, or windows for protection. You can also place it in a protection sachet.
  • Graveyard Dirt - This is dirt from a cemetery or grave. Learn more about its associations in this post: Magical Uses for Graveyard Dirt.
  • Juniper - Juniper, both the berries and leaves, was a popular protective herb in Europe during the Renaissance and Middle Ages. It was hung above doors and carried to prevent theft and burned during exorcisms. A sprig of juniper was believed to guard against illness and malicious ghosts.
  • Lavender - Lavender is frequently mentioned in the Bible, and early Christians would make crosses from lavender to ward off evil. Because of its ability to repel pests, lavender is used in protection satchels and to dispel the evil eye.
  • Oregano - If oregano grows near a home, it is said to protect that house from evil. Oregano is also great in death work. The ancient Greeks believed that if oregano grew on a grave, the deceased was happy in the afterlife. 
  • Parsley - The Romans wore parsley during weddings to ward off evil spirits. They also tucked the herb into their togas for protection. In ancient Greece, victors of funeral games were crowned with parsley to honor the deceased. They believed that the herb grew from the blood of Archemorus, whose name meant “forerunner of death.” You can also use parsley in purification baths and in spells to prevent misfortune.
  • Patchouli - Patchouli’s smell links it with the rich earth, and it is often used as a substitute for graveyard dust. You can find it in many money and prosperity spells, too.

For More Protection, Check out These Posts

  • How to Detect, Avoid, and Handle Malicious Spirits
  • Demon or Deity? How to Confirm that You’re Talking to a God or Goddess
  • About Ancestors: The Beloved Dead


Which protection spells have you done in the past? How often do you need to refresh them? Have any not worked? Let me know in the comments below!
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Scrying: How to Perceive Visions in Crystals, Water, and More

8/14/2021

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In late July, I was scrying with my obsidian mirror. I usually suck at scrying; I used to practice for months and rarely discern anything of value. But this time, I had visions.

I saw the side profile of a woman with a Victoria-era updo. I knew that she was a deceased soul reaching out, so I asked where her grave was. She showed me the silhouette of a gravestone with a curved, crescent moon top. Tall trees were in the background.

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Since I had just moved to a new state, I had no idea where this grave was. I looked up some cemeteries on Google maps, and I spotted a forested cemetery with a review that said it was “supposed to be haunted.” That seemed like a solid choice.

When I drove to the cemetery, I couldn’t see it from the road. It was concealed by an abandoned chapel; I would not have noticed it had I not researched the cemetery. Shaded by trees, covered in moss, the cemetery was palpable. It was the first time I felt spooked by a graveyard.

Then, I found it. The gravestone belonged to Sarah Odell, and the cemetery was called Odell. This was her cemetery; she wanted me to know where it was.

Scrying can have some fantastic results. There are many methods of scrying and a vast array of visions to experience, which I am going to cover here.

What Is Scrying?

Scrying, sometimes called “seeing,” is a form of divination in which someone peers into a vessel and interprets visions that they see. Scrying does not require one to be a medium or clairvoyant. Like other magical practices, it simply requires the right method.

Although scrying is often associated with future predictions, it can reveal many other things. Insights into yourself, messages from spirits or deities, and sights into other realms are all on the table.

There are many ways to scry. Here, I’ll list a few of the most popular methods.
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Obsidian mirror
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Water scrying with cemetery water

Types of Scrying:

  • Mirrors, or “catoptromancy.” As the name suggests, magicians use mirrors to scry. Some people prefer black mirrors (which you can make yourself with some spray paint). Others consecrate a regular mirror and use that.
  • Crystals, or “crystallomancy.” This method of scrying requires crystals, not rocks. Some are mirrors, like the highly-desirable obsidian mirror. Others are crystal balls. I should note that these crystals do not have to be reflective; for instance, the Mayans would use jade balls near their gravesites.
  • Water, or “hydromancy.” This is scrying into water, usually water that is in a bowl. This method was common in necromancy, especially in ancient Rome. Sometimes, the water was taken from a special place, such as a spring or cemetery. Some diviners added oils (like olive oil) to the water, but many left it as is. I recommend using a clear or light-colored bowl so that you can see the water more clearly.
  • Fire, or “pyromancy.” By peering into a candle flame, fireplace, or bonfire, you might see shapes and visions. Pyromancy involves several aspects that other forms of scrying don’t, including the shadows, smoke, and ash.
  • Seer stones, or “lithomancy.” In this method, the magician peers into stones from a river, well, forest, or other natural locations. Many people dampen the stones first, and place them in a bowl or container and look at the reflections of the stones.

Preparation: The Most Important Step

I know people usually skip over the “prepare” step (and I do too), but if you do not take time to do this, scrying will not go well.

Scrying doesn’t happen every time someone looks into a vessel. If that were true, everyone would have visions whenever they roasted marshmallows. The power does not lie in the vessel; it is in the magician and how they prime themselves. 

Most people scry in a self-induced trance state. Author and blogger Katrina Rasbold phrased it as, “Make your mind as blank as possible.” Scrying works best when the mind is not plagued by impatience, anxiety, or expectations.

I like to smoke an herbal blend before scrying (my favorite is mugwort, damiana, and lemongrass). But you don’t have to use hallucinogens. Meditation clears the mind and can enhance spirit work. Others use music, chants, prayers, visualizations, yoga, and even dance.

You might need to experiment with a few of these methods to learn what works best. If you also practice spirit work, the preparation is similar, in my experience.
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Tips for Successful Scrying

Scrying sounds simple: You just stare into a vessel and let visions come to you. But if you’ve ever tried it, you know that it’s not so easy. The mind can get distracted by the reflection, impatiences, or doubting whether your visions are real.

The best scrying advice I ever received was from the old tumblr user ofwoodandbones (oh how I miss them). To paraphrase: “You are not looking at the vessel; you are trying to look through it.” The reflections, lights, and shadows are just the surface. Your visions lie beyond it.

Here are some tips for scrying that I’ve gathered over years of experience:

  1. Do not try too hard to focus. Have you ever relaxed your vision while reading so that the words blurred together? Do that. Scrying requires some loss of control. You aren’t searching for the visions but allowing them to come to you.
  2. If you are peering into a reflective surface, like water or a mirror, dim the lights. Candlelight should suffice. You will get less distracted by reflections in the dark.
  3. If you get distracted by your own movement, re-angle your vessel. I sometimes move my obsidian mirror so that the reflection only shows the ceiling.
  4. Do not judge your visions. It’s easy to get sidetracked by the question, “Was that something spiritual, or just a shadow?” Leave your questions at the door. Let the visions come and go, and write them down afterward. Then, you can decide which visions matter.
  5. Ask for help if needed. I often meditate with the bones of my spirit guides before scrying. Spirits and deities can aid practitioners in divination.
  6. If you feel frustrated or restless, scry in spurts. Set a timer for a few minutes. Scry, and when the timer goes off, write down what happened and take a break. Then try again.
  7. Practice makes perfect. Every form of divination requires practice, and I scried for years before receiving the visions I mentioned above. If something doesn’t work, change it up, or ask another practitioner for advice. Be patient; you’ll get there.
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What Will You See?

As with every form of divination, you should not expect to see something while scrying. Your visions could be anything from spirits reaching out to future predictions to answers for your questions.

The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn describes three levels of scrying, and I believe that these spell out what kind of information you might receive. 

The first is “Scrying with the Spirit Vision.” These visions explain something about your inner self. For example, it might be a symbol of a situation you’re struggling with or a message that a deity has for you.

The second is “Traveling in the Spirit Vision.” During this stage, scrying transports you to a different area, whether physical or spiritual. You might see the dead in the afterlife, or you could see a nearby location that you must visit.

The third is “Rising in the Planes.” This is an insight into your spiritual process. Scrying might reveal symbols, spirits, deities, or actions that you should look into to excel in your Craft.

That said, no book or organization can interpret your visions for you. Only you can discern what your divination means and how you can use it.

In Summary

Scrying requires a “clear mind” and plenty of mental and spiritual preparation. Instead of focusing on the reflection, practitioners must relax their eyes and allow visions to come to them. The more you practice, the better you’ll get.

Have you ever scried before? Has any method worked or not worked for you? Let me know in the comments below.
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How to Build an Ancestor Altar and Start Practicing

7/17/2021

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As many of my readers know, my grandmother passed away a few weeks ago. Ever since then, I’ve felt like there are two parts of me. The first part is the death witch side of me, which gives myself the same advice that I would give others who mourn. And the second part is me, who, for some reason, doesn’t want to take the advice.

Grieving is an intense group of emotions. When I grieve, I tend to shut down and numb myself. My current goal is to force some of those emotions out so I can make peace with them.

Ancestor altars are not just for death witchcraft; they also help people grieve. You can find versions of ancestor altars or shrines across the world, as they provide a place where one can give offerings and pray to those who have passed. That said, you don’t need to know any of your ancestors to create an altar for them.

Since I recently created an ancestor altar, I decided to share my process. Here's what we'll cover:
  • Finding an altar spot
  • The two basics + ideas for both
  • Religious differences between you and your ancestors
  • Including your craft on the altar
  • How to start ancestor work
​
For the basics of ancestor worship, check out this post.
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Find a Comfortable Spot

“Find a spot for your altar” seems like obvious advice, but the location deserves some thought. Your ancestor altar does not need to be a large table with a complex gallery wall behind it.

Many families place ancestor altars on a shelf. These shelves often include a dish for offerings, pictures, and other religious icons. I’ve also seen tables or shelves next to a bench or chair, so that people who grieve may “sit with” their family.

A spot on your desk, a bookshelf, bedside table--your ancestor altar can fit in any of those spots. It does not need to be big; it just needs the basics, which I will cover later.

I have a large altar table for my practice, but I had to replace one of my altars for the ancestor one. I ended up replacing my Wiccan one (temporarily--the Gods know that this is what I need right now).

The Basics

While every ancestor altar is different, most contain two basic components: a representation of your ancestors, and an area to give offerings. Let’s dive deeper into these two components.

A Representation of Your Ancestors

There are many ways to represent your ancestors on your altar. The most obvious are pictures. Many necromancers and death workers display pictures of their ancestors, as both a mark of honor and a visualization to aid spirit work. 

If you attended that person’s funeral, you might have an order of service (the pamphlet that details the funeral timeline). These often contain a photo or prayer for the deceased. For my ancestor altar, I displayed the order of service for my grandmother’s funeral, which included an Irish prayer.

But you don’t need photos to create an ancestor altar. Family heirlooms are also brilliant ways to portray your ancestry. Do you have a book that’s been passed down? A necklace? A card? Any object that has been passed down to you, through your grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, etc. act as family heirlooms.

For my ancestor altar, I had a butterfly pin given by my maternal grandmother and a sliver cup given by my great-grandmother.

But what if you don’t have any family heirlooms? Then look at cultural representations. For example, my grandmother immigrated to America from Ireland, so the Irish blessing acts as a representation of my paternal ancestors. You might have a book in your family’s native language, a doll, a piece of art, or a plate that depicts your cultural heritage.

If you need more ideas, scroll down for several ideas in every category I’ve mentioned.

Pictures/Visual Representations:
  • Old photographs
  • An order of service
  • A list of your ancestor’s names
  • An old card (birthday card, letter, etc.)
  • A family tree
  • Dirt from their graves
  • Ashes, if applicable

Family Heirlooms:
  • Books owned by an older family member
  • A piece of jewelry, such as a necklace, brooch, pin, or ring
  • Timepieces that are indicative of that era, such as a pocket watch, switchblade, baseball cards, etc.
  • A recipe book 
  • Military memorabilia
  • Diaries or scrapbooks
  • Kitchenware such as wine glasses, bowls, or teacups
  • Art
  • Stories--write down some stories that you’ve heard from your older relatives
  • A piece of clothing, folded or hung above the altar
  • A blanket or quilt
  • An old toy

Cultural Depictions:
  • A language book
  • A flag
  • A prayer or cultural saying
  • National or culturally significant animals
  • Symbols, religious or otherwise
  • A book about said culture
  • A written recipe from that culture
  • An item from that country or region, such as a mug, plate, magnet, or photograph
  • A photo of a cultural festival
  • Clothing
  • Religious iconography, such as a votive candle
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The Irish blessing was on the back of my grandmother's order of service--a perfect touch.
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I included a San Francisco pin because my grandmother grew up there.

An Area to Provide Offerings

Offerings are the cornerstone of ancestor work. Even if you’ve never contacted your ancestors before, you can show that you’re thinking about them through offerings. What offerings you give depend on your culture and your practice.

Many death workers provide an area for offerings. For instance, I have a black and white leaf dish for food and herb offerings, and a brown leaf dish for incense. Foods, drinks, and incense are all common offerings for ancestors.

Another idea is to provide a candle. Many people devote a candle to their ancestors and light it whenever they want to honor their family. I have a votive candle to St. Joseph because my Auntie Mary, who was a Catholic nun, was a Sister of St. Joseph. I also have a more general ancestor candle, the one labeled “In Memoriam.”

Here are some ideas for offering areas:
  • A candle or candle holder
  • A cauldron
  • An incense holder
  • A glass, teacup, or wine glass (bonus points if it’s a family heirloom)
  • Any bowl or plate (again, you can use family heirlooms if you wish)
  • Any fireproof bowl, such as ceramic, if you wish to burn incense or herbs
  • A basket


If you need ideas for offerings, consider these:
  • Water, wine, milk, or honey
  • Dark bread
  • Any kind of meal, baked good, or drink you make yourself (bonus points if it’s something that your ancestor enjoyed eating)
  • Incense
  • Coins
  • Stones or crystals
  • Herbs to soothe your ancestors, such as lavender, rose, thyme, or chamomile
  • Herbs that signify remembrance, such as rosemary, marigold, or frankincense
  • Flowers
  • Oils like olive oil
  • Songs or music
  • A letter that you write to a past loved one
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I hide the cauldron and black leaf candle holder under the altar shelves.
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I burned myrrh incense, a common offering in both Catholicism and necromancy.

About Religious Differences

Many people who read my blog have a different faith than their ancestors did. In my case, my ancestors were devoutly Catholic, and I am Wiccan. If this sounds like you, then you might wonder how you can respect both religions during ancestor work. 

“Will my ancestors even like me since I practice a different religion?” is one of the most common questions I receive. The short answer is: it depends. Some ancestors will gladly work with you, and others will ignore you until you cater to their religion.

Do not answer this question before your ancestors do. You might assume that they won’t like your craft, and then when you start working with them, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Death provides a different perspective for many souls. Although my grandmother was very Catholic, he happily let me take some graveyard dirt. For him, it was like giving me a sweater for Christmas.

So what does this have to do with ancestor altars? You might want to portray your or your ancestor’s faith on your altar. In my case, I did both. I provided a rosary that I used during my grandfather’s funeral and a St. Joseph votive. But I also included a pentagram to represent myself.

Do not feel as if you have to forfeit your religion for your ancestors. If you have an ancestor who forsakes your beliefs, do not work with them. You are not required to work with every ancestor, and you are not required to ignore your own beliefs or make yourself uncomfortable.

If you want to represent religions on your ancestor altar (this is optional), here are some ideas to do so.

Your Ancestor’s Beliefs:
  • A Bible or other holy text
  • A rosary
  • A prayer they used to recite (or one that you believe represents them)
  • A religious votive 
  • A symbol of their religion, such as a cross or Star of David

Your Beliefs:
  • A symbol of your beliefs, such as a pentagram or rune
  • A deity statue, if applicable
  • A prayer that aligns with your belief
  • Prayer beads
  • A stone or other object that you meditate with
  • A prayer journal or devotional art book
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I have a Catholic rosary and Hades prayer beads
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I have to include a full moon somewhere...I'm Wiccan, okay?

Including Your Practice

If you are a frequent reader of this blog, then you’re probably a death worker or interested in death witchcraft/necromancy. In this case, you might want to add some magic tools on your ancestor altar. Doing so will aid your spirit work and enhance your connection with those passed.

Before you dump every magic tool on your altar, ask yourself: what do you want to achieve with your ancestors? Do you want to just honor and remember them? If so, you might want to provide some offerings, prayers, or paper to write letters to them. Do you want to practice spirit work? If so, include a divination method and smoke blends to boost your psychic abilities.

Here Are Some Death Witch Supplies to Include on Your Altar:
  • A divination tool, such as a pendulum, runes, bone throwing set, or obsidian mirror
  • A mirror to scry with
  • A bowl of water to scry with (Scrying is a common form of divination in necromancy)
  • Graveyard dirt
  • A crystal pipe, if applicable
  • Bones or other animal parts
  • A skull or similar representation of death
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I use this "In Memoriam" candle as an offering for all the dead.
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Ancestor powder is another term for graveyard dirt from your ancestor's grave.

Stumped? Here’s Where to Start

If you’re building an ancestor altar, then you probably want to work with your ancestors. But where do you start? I always recommend beginning with offerings.

Offerings let your ancestors know that you are thinking of them and want them to be well. Light a candle, provide some incense, give some tea or coffee. As you give these offerings, talk to your ancestors. Tell them that you want to work with them and hope that you can get along.

If you are grieving a lost family member, like I am, spend some time sorting through your emotions. Write a letter to your deceased loved one. Tell them everything you wanted to when they were alive, or how much you miss them in death. You can keep them letter or burn it.

If you’re struggling with intense emotions, try journaling. Set a timer for two minutes, and write down your thoughts and feelings. At the end of the two minutes, take an emotional break. Cry, hug a stuffed animal, smell something soothing--do whatever you need to process these emotions. And when you feel up to it, do this again.

Meditating or praying at your ancestor altar can provide some mental and emotional clarity. Imagine that you’re sitting with your ancestors, just enjoying your time together.
Do you have an ancestor altar? Are ancestors a part of your magic practice? If so, let me know what you do to honor your family. And if I missed anything in this post, remind me in the comments below. ​
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Osteomancy: How to Divine by Throwing Bones

4/17/2021

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Bones aren’t placed on altars for just aesthetics. Magicians use these bones for spirit work, magic, and divination. One of the most popular uses for bones is osteomancy.

Osteomancy, also called bone throwing, is a form of divination that is interpreted from a tossed bone set. It can provide detailed answers to complex questions, from careers to hobbies to relationships. This attention to detail makes bone throwing my preferred form of divination.

If this interests you, here’s how you can gather a bone set and start divining.

What Is Bone Throwing?

Osteomancy is a type of bone divination. The diviner tosses a set of bones onto the floor or a cloth. When they land, the diviner analyzes their position and determines an answer from the formation.
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Bone divination has existed for thousands of years. In ancient China, diviners examined shoulder blades, a practice called scapulimancy. During the Shang Dynasty, people burned an ox shoulder blade and divined the cracks in it. Today, people call this pyro-osteomancy.

Evidence of bone divination also stems from Japan, Korea, Northern Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Serbia, and Greece. The form of osteomancy that people know today--which involves tossing sets of bones, shells, rocks, and other materials--likely came from American Hoodoo. In Africa and Asia, diviners would put those materials in a basket, shake them, and then toss them onto a mat or circle.

Gathering Your Bone Set

Gathering bones can be a daunting task. Some people find them in nature, and others buy them from ethically-sourced shops. If you want to gather bones, know that certain countries and U.S. states have laws and regulations against collecting bones. Even some bird feathers are illegal to take. Research your local laws before exploring.

You can also purchase bones from Etsy sellers, antique shops, or taxidermy stores. Most taxidermy stores get their bones from research or university donations as well as personal collections. Some butcher shops sell meat with bones inside. I got my set from a cattle spine that I cut and cleaned.

Along with bones, osteomancy sets also feature other materials. Shells (bones of the sea) and bark (bones of the earth) are common. 
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These pages are from my zine, Death Witchcraft: Volume 2.
Here are some other examples of objects that many diviners include in their sets:

  • Keys
  • Rocks
  • Hag stones
  • Snail shells​
  • ​Exoskeletons
  • Horns
  • Coins
  • Di (dice)
  • Bottle caps
  • Acorns
  • Sticks and bark

Diviners often include objects that they feel drawn to or have some symbolic meaning in their faith or culture. For simplicity, I’m going to call all the items in an osteomancy set “bones” from now on.

Because osteomancy sets are so varied and personal, it takes a while to curate one. Although there is no limit to the amount of items you can have, I recommend having between four and seven to start. These will give you enough variation to begin practicing.

Assigning Your Bones

Once you have a set of bones and other objects, you will need to assign each a meaning. These meanings vary by set and practitioner. Some diviners draw runes on their bones; some give label each object as a person (woman, man, nonbinary, child); and others give more broad meanings.

As an example, I’ll tell you my bones’ meanings: malice, creativity, career, passion, love, money. I also have seashells that stand for people (male, female, adult, child, etc.). The longer bones in my collection are separators that show which part of your life has a “block.” And finally, the key points to the answer.

Here is a brief list of example meanings, including ones I did not use:

  • Career
  • Spirituality
  • Luck
  • Family
  • Love
  • Difficulty
  • Lessons learned
  • Deities
  • Spirits
  • Elements
  • Your true path
  • Self Care
  • Home
  • Organization
  • Creativity

These are just ideas; get creative!
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You’re probably wondering, “How do I assign my bones?” This will require a bit of intuition and spirit work. Connect with the bones’s spirits to determine which one means what. The more time you spend “bonding” with the bones, the easier this will be. As a funny example, one of my bones cut me when I was cleaning it. I labeled it as the malice bone.

If you would like help speaking to your bones, check out this post: How to Conduct Spirit Communication with Bones.

How to Cast

Once you’ve assigned your bone set, it’s time to cast. Here are the basics:

  1. Gather your bones in a basket, box, or just your hands.
  2. Ask your question. Repeat it a couple of times in your head while holding/shaking the bones around.
  3. Gently toss them onto a cloth or other soft area. (I have broken shells from my set by throwing them too hard!)
  4. Based on where they land, interpret the answer.

How you interpret it depends on your set, the question, and how you cast.

The Many Ways to Interpret Bone

Generally speaking, people interpret the bones by how close they are to each other. For example, if they luck bone and money bone land close to each other, they might be related. Some diviners look at the shape that the bones make and determine an answer from that.

Some people set rules. For instance, I focus on the bones that land within my cloth; the ones outside are not as important to the answer. Others divide their cloth into quadrants and read it that way. I know one diviner whose cloth had butterflies, and the bones near the butterflies have significance to the meaning. 

How do you set up these rules? By practicing, of course.

To the average person, a bone throwing reading will look like a pile of junk. The diviner must rely on their intuition and spiritual connection with the set to determine an answer.
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Here's an example of a reading I did for a friend.

Practice and More Practice

As with any form of divination, osteomancy becomes more straightforward the more you practice. The more you cast, the more you’ll have to rely on intuition.

For example, I said earlier that the key in my set points to the answer. But what happens if the key lands outside of the cloth or points at nothing? In that case, I found that the answer might not lie with the question. In other words, the asker might be asking the wrong question or need to think outside of the box.

Performing readings on yourself can be great practice. You can also perform readings for friends or loved ones. 

If you have trouble connecting with your bones, spend time with them. Meditate with the bones or keep them nearby while you’re working or studying. Sometimes, spirits attached to bones take a while to open up to a practitioner. Be patient with your set, and you’ll receive helpful answers in return.

Conclusion

Here’s the short version of what you need to do to practice osteomancy:

  • Gather your bones and other objects.
  • Assign each object a meaning.
  • Decide how you’ll interpret them. Will you look at the shapes they create, or will you see how close each bones land next to each other?
  • Practice. Trial and error will make your readings clearer.

Do you practice osteomancy, or another form of bone divination? What is your experience? Let me know in the comments below!
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Making Magical Inks

4/11/2021

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In the Middle Ages, many grimoires and religious texts were written by monks. Their apprentices would make the inks, and it was a tedious process. Magicians have been creating inks for centuries.

I’ve always been interested in making my own inks, whether it be for my Book of Shadows or protection symbols or prayers. Recently, I finally tried making my own inks, with varying results. I made two: one for spirit work and another for necromancy.

This post is less instructional and more about my own journey. My recipe is not perfect, but it worked well enough in the end. If you are interested in making magical inks, read on.

My Universal Ink Recipe

When I researched ink recipes online, I found a variety of different recipes with different ingredients and methods. But after trying a few and tinkering with them, I came up with this:

  1. Boil one cup of water.
  2. Add two cups of fruits, herbs, or other ingredients for color.
  3. Lower it to a simmer, and leave for around 30 minutes.
  4. Strain out the solids.
  5. Stir in four teaspoons of gum arabic.
  6. When it cools, pour it into your desired container.
  7. Add one to two drops of thyme or spearmint essential oil to preserve it.​
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Before you start, here are some other tools that you’ll need:

  • A disposable pot. Inks might stain your pots, and some of the ingredients I use are not edible. To prevent cross-contamination, I recommend buying a disposable pot. I got mine for $6 at Daiso, but you can also get one at a dollar store or thrift shop.
  • A strainer, preferably one you don’t use as often.
  • A glass or steel bowl to strain the ink into.
  • Spoons to stir in the gum arabic. 
  • Containers to hold the ink. I recommend glass containers with a sealable lid. Do not use corks; these are too breathable and can dry out the liquid. I bought my ink wells at an antique market, but they did not come with lids, so I used silicone beer stoppers.
  • A funnel. This will help you pour the ink into the container.

​What Is Gum Arabic, and Do I Need It?

Gum arabic, which is made from the sap of acacia trees, is a natural thickener. People use it to make glue, watercolor paints, and incense. 

Some online ink recipes do not include gum arabic, but I personally recommend it. If you do not thicken your ink, it will look more like watercolor: light, translucent, washy. That said, the amount of gum arabic you need depends on how you’re using your ink
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I made my inks for dip pens. These are pens that I dip into ink and draw with. Because of this, I needed thicker ink, hence the four teaspoons of gum arabic. If you are making ink for fountain pens, you should use less gum arabic, around ½ to one teaspoon. Use too much, and your pen could clog.

Also--If you can find liquid gum arabic, get it! I bought it powdered, and it’s hard to stir in. The powder immediately starts thickening the second it touches liquid, and it takes a while to dissolve it. I have not tried the resin, but I imagine that it is not much easier.

It took a few tries for me to find a suitable gum arabic ratio for my ink. The same might happen for you. If you find a different recipe, let me know in the comments below!

Which Ingredients Color the Ink?

Finding the right ingredients to color your ink could be a challenge. As a general rule, if a food, flower, herb, or liquid stains your fingers when you pick it up, it’s good for ink. Here are some examples that I did not include in the recipes below:

  • Turmeric (orange)
  • Berries (red, black, purple, or blue)
  • Tea bags (brown)
  • Red onion skins (purple/red)
  • Avocado pits (brown/black)
  • Black walnut shells (black)
  • Marigold (yellow/orange)
  • Ash from paper or wood (black)

If you steep a certain herb or flower, and it creates a specific color, it will also work for ink. Examples include chamomile, peonies, hibiscus, rose, lavender, lily of the valley, and daffodils.
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But what about magical associations? After all, the entire point of making magical inks is to make them magical. Here is how I made my own ink recipes:

  1. Determine your color and ink.
  2. Write down a list of ingredients that will create that color.
  3. Research the magical associations of these ingredients.
  4. Choose the ingredients that will manifest your intent and create the color.

If you cannot decide which color to choose, check out this post about color magic and correspondence lists.

If you want your ink to have more magic, consider adding incense, graveyard dirt, moon water, tea bags, or herbs. I’ll provide some examples of how I made my own magical inks below.

Red Ink for Spirit Work

My first ink was designed to enhance spirit work. I want to use it to draw protection symbols and summoning circles, and I made it red.

First, I wrote down a list of ingredients that could make ink red: raspberries, turmeric, marigolds, red onion skins, and rooibos tea were some contenders. In the end, I settled on these ingredients:

  • Beets. These are often used as substitutes for blood and in banishing spells.
  • Red roses. I often offer roses to spirits to calm them.
  • Dragon’s blood. This is a common ingredient in magical inks. Dragon’s blood incense is often burnt for both protection and spirit communication. I used the incense.​
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Specifically, I added one cup of chopped beets, two tablespoons of dried rose petals, and two cones of dragon’s blood incense. 

To say that this mixture smelled weird while simmering was an understatement. But it made a deep, purplish red color close to blood, which is what I wanted. After following the recipe I detailed above, here is how it turned out.

It is a light, purplish red color. I have to shake it before using, similar to other inks. If you want to make it more red, perhaps you can add more rose petals than I did.

Black Ink for Necromancy

My next ink was black, and I wanted to gear it toward death witchcraft, specifically. I’m going to use it for necromancy symbols, decorating bones, and writing prayers to my ancestors.

Although there are many ingredients that can create black ink, I settled on charcoal. It is essentially ash and appears dark enough (or so I thought).

After examining many different ingredients, I came up with this list:

  • Charcoal blocks. Historically, many magicians used charcoal to write in grimoires. It was viewed as a “cure all” against diseases, psychic attacks, and protection.
  • Myrrh. Called the “oil of holy ointments” in the Bible, this incense became common in necromancy spells. It is often burned to purify magic tools and attract spirits.
  • Graveyard dirt. I wrote about its uses here. I used graveyard dirt from my grandfather’s grave, which is sometimes called “ancestor powder.”
  • Coffee. Coffee is a spell booster that adds more power to the ink. If my charcoal ended up not working, the coffee would provide some color.
  • Cemetery water (optional). ​
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As soon as the charcoal blocks hit the water, they disintegrated. Charcoal does not dissolve, but it does “melt” into the water. I only had myrrh incense sticks, so I scraped off the incense into the water. I added two tablespoons of coffee and a tiny bit of graveyard dirt. 

The mixture smelled like myrrh, moreso than coffee. To remove most of the charcoal powder, I had to strain the ink a few times. The coffee seemed to dissolve right into the water. 

Unfortunately, this ink turned out more brown than black. If I were to do this again, I would use more charcoal. I only used two blocks for this recipe, so in the future, I’ll use four or five. Like the previous ink, I also need to shake it before using.
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Would You Create Magical Ink?

What do you think about these magical ink recipes? Do you want to make your own, and if so, for what purpose? Do you have a better recipe than me? This was my first time making inks, and I have a long way to go. Let me know what you think in the comments below.
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Demon or Deity? How to Confirm That You’re Talking To a God or Goddess

2/24/2021

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In the early 5th century, St. Augustine of Hippo wrote a theological essay against Paganism called On the Divination of Demons. In it, he proposed the argument that all Pagan Gods are actually demons in disguise. 

If you have not heard of St. Augustine, you should know that he kickstarted many arguments for Christianity. He was born 40 years after Rome officially became Christian, although most of the Empire was still Pagan at this time. Augustine’s mother was Christian and his father was Pagan, so he understood both sides. He wrote many philosophical arguments for Christianity, his largest being The City of God. 
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In On the Divination of Demons, Augustine fought back against the assertion that a Pagan Oracle predicted the invasion of Serapis's temple. He argued that Gods did not speak to this Oracle; demons did.
[3.7] The demons have also gained, through the long span through which their life is extended, a far greater experience of events than humans can attain, since their lives are brief. Through these capacities, which the nature of an aerial body is allotted, the demons not only predict many things to come, but also do many wonders. Since men cannot say and do these things, some judge them worthy of their service and the bestowal of divine honors, especially under the impulsion of the vice of curiosity, on account of their love of false felicity and of earthly, temporal excellence.
As a side note, Augustine also argued that future predictions were not impressive because circus performers also do things that he couldn’t understand.
[4.8] How many marvelous things have funambulists and the other theatrical specialists done? How many marvelous things have artisans and especially contrivers made? Are they really then better than men who are good and endowed with holy piety?
I’m not trying to undermine St. Augustine’s intelligence, but I laughed so hard when I read that he compared acrobatics to accurately foreseeing an invasion.

Regardless, the idea that Pagan deities are actually demonic pervades through Christian literature. We see it in sermons, theology, Dante’s Inferno and Milton’s Paradise Lost. It is no wonder, then, that many people fear that messages from Pagan deities are actually demonic in origin.
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Can Spirits Impersonate Deities?

The short answer is yes.

The long answer is it depends on your method, experience level, and knowledge of the situation. 

If you do not know how to fact-check the messages you are receiving, you are prone to deceit. If you are not used to the deity’s signs or how They speak, you are prone to deceit. And if you do not know which red flags to look out for, you are prone to deceit. 

I find that people most often encounter this with divination. Divination is one of the best ways to contact a spirit or deity, and it is easy to fact-check by asking the same questions over and over. But if you do not know how to do that, then a spirit can easily take over your pendulum/cards/whatever divination tool.

That said, not all shocking or disturbing messages stem from malicious spirits. Sometimes, people just misinterpret signs. If a practitioner is stressed, anxious, angry, etc., they can mistake these strong emotions for intuition or divine signals. I’ve seen it happen even in practitioners with 10+ years of experience.

People often ask me if they need protection spells to contact a deity. No, you do not. I always recommend spiritual protection for people who are interested in magic, because it is better to be safe than sorry. But you don’t need a spell to know who you’re talking to; you just need to know the signs.
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Red Flags to Watch For

While you are trying to communicate with a deity, watch out for these red flags. Regular readers might recognize some of these from my malicious spirits post. That is not a coincidence.

  • The tone of the message drastically changes. This is by far the biggest and most common red flag that you are not speaking to a deity. Let’s say, for example, that you recently received a sign from the Goddess Ceridwen that She wants to work with you. The next week, you receive another divination message that She does not like you. Deities do not choose people willy-nilly, and They rarely change their mind without good reason. If this happens, double-check your divination.
  • Someone interpreted the message for you. Deities do not need to go through others to speak to you. Even if you cannot hear Them directly, deities can contact you through many different ways. If someone else does a reading that sounds completely different from what a deity has told you, question it. Especially if it came without request. For instance, if someone randomly told you “I heard that Ceridwen doesn’t like you” without you asking for a reading, that would sound fishy, right? Because it is. Even if that person is a friend, they can still be wrong.
  • The message is overly negative or apocalyptic. I've heard an unfortunate amount of people claim that their deity said the world was gonna end, that they were going to die, etc. What are the chances that a deity, who is in constant contact with thousands of worshippers, only told that to you about the apocalypse? Giving someone a sense that they are “the chosen one” is a sign of a malicious spirit. This goes hand-in-hand with the tone change, too. Deities do not go around insulting people or telling them they’re worthless, especially if you’ve worked with that deity before.
  • The entity is trying to force your hand. If you’ve been in the Pagan community for a while, you’ve probably heard that you do not need to answer deities. A deity could ask you to worship Them, but you can also say no. In my thirteen years of experience, I have never heard of a deity punishing someone for not working with Them. If a message sounds like a deity is threatening you, trying to force you, etc., question it. ​
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How to Guarantee That You’re Speaking to a Deity

Depending on your situation, you can try one or more of these techniques to fact-check the concerning message.

  • Ask the same question several times. When you use a divination tool, write down all answers to your questions. Wait at least a day. Then, using the same divination technique, rephrase the question and ask again. Like humans, malicious spirits usually do not remain consistent with their lies.
  • Is it another entity’s thought, or yours? As I mentioned before, some people mistake strong emotions for divine signs. Self-deprecation, anger, guilt, anxiety--if you think these things about yourself, it does not guarantee that a deity feels the same way. During spirit and deity work, I often ask myself, “Is this message what I anticipated would happen, or is it something never thought of?” Even our closest friends and family can surprise us with unexpected answers.
  • Familiarize yourself with the deity before trying a new divination method. This might not be possible for new Pagans, but in an ideal world, you should become comfortable with a deity before attempting something new. Learn how They respond to offerings, divination, prayers, written letters, devotional acts, etc. This way, you’ll be more likely to catch when something is off in the future.
  • Before contacting your deity, stabilize your emotional state. Even the most experienced practitioners can be tricked if they are stressed, angry, self-deprecating, anxious, or sad. It is also possible to misinterpret a deity’s sign if you feel bad. While deities can soothe turbulent emotions, make sure that you’re taking care of yourself, too. 
  • Ask the deity for confirmation. Some people worry that asking a deity about their worries might offend Them. If you feel that a divine message has been compromised, confirm it. The deity might reassure you and, better yet, protect you from future mishaps.
  • Seek an outside opinion. If you are new to deity work or a certain divination method, ask someone who is more experienced in that field. You can even ask a different form of divination (such as tarot cards or runes) for answers.
  • Trust your gut. Although this might sound cliche, intuition matters in deity work. Did the message shock you? Scare you? Infuriate you? Does it seem too convenient? If so, ask your deity next time you pray. You may have good reason to doubt.
  • If you’re constantly worried, put up wards. If you suspect that a spirit is messing with your deity work, cast protection spells. It will give you peace of mind, at least. 
  • Give deities the benefit of the doubt. Deities are here to help people. They want loyal worshippers, not enemies. They can heal, inspire, encourage, and enlighten if you let them. I have personally found that, when people think lowly of themselves, they assume that deities think the same way. They do not. Trust me.
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​Conclusion

Although it is possible for a spirit to pose as a deity, it is not common. If you reach out to a deity, you more likely receive a response from Them. If you want to learn how deities can contact you, check this post. 

St. Augustine made an intelligent philosophical argument in On the Divination of Demons. However, I believe that he is wrong. Pagan deities are not demons in disguise, for two reasons:

  1. This argument can easily be flipped and said about any religion.
  2. We know when we’re talking a deity, because we have methods to fact-check!
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