Religion and Necromancy.

Religion’s part in necromancy is small, all that is important is that one has a belief in a spiritual afterlife, That is the extent of it’s involvement. Without accepting an afterlife the workings of a necromancer are pointless.

On real Necromancy

Necromany does NOT involve reanimated dead.
Necromancy does NOT require one to defile the dead.
In fact, it’s quite the opposite. 
We despise those who attempt either one of those things. 
We are necromancers. We see the balance of life and death. We see decay as the gear that moves the wheel of change. We honor the dead and treat them with the utmost respect.

Necromantic theory, as accepted by prominent practitioners.

The commonly accepted theory behind how necromancy works is: when we die our spirit leaves our body. This separation along with the release of all our bodies energy creates what we call “death energy”. this energy spreads out into it’s surroundings, first into the flesh and bones of the deceased, then into it’s immediate area (the bed the person or animal dies on, the sheets, ring the person has on, the clothing. etcetera)
And lastly into the atmosphere or room the death happened in. The amount of energy is dispersed with the highest amount being in the flesh and the least being far away from the body.
This energy is still linked to the spirit even though the spirit has crossed over which can be used to pull the back over to us or vice versa.

A beginner’s guide to necromancy: Honing abilities: Hearing.

Undoubtedly the ability to hear the dead is essential in necromancy, in this post i will cover a basic method of hearing that you could attempt constantly until it becomes a second nature.

1. Find a place with a high volume of spirits and a low amount of human traffic (e.g a rural cemetery, old mausoleum, in front of your spirit altar)
2. Sit or lay down comfortably. Establish and maintain a steady breathing pattern for at least ten minutes. 
3. Close your eyes, what can you hear?
The rise and fall of your chest, the wind in the trees, the silence of the room and…something alien to you. Voices, muffled and distant. If you are hearing them talk to you then you are imagining the noise and should start over.
What you will hear will sound like a busy classroom, loud and jumbled but clearly human speach.
4. When you feel you are done, get up and walk away. Do this exercise at least once a week to effectively hone your ability.

Beginner’s guide to Necromancy: The Necromancer’s Altar

The altar is the most important tool that exists outside of the necromancer. Not to be confused with a spirit altar, which is a separate construct i covered in another post.
The altar allows the necromancer to interact with the afterlife and the spirits whom reside in it, as well as acting as an extension of the necromancer, holding their power and knowledge in books and fetish items.

What you will need:
+ Two tapered white, red, purple or black candles.
+ A book of spells, rituals, invocations, magical diagrams and the like. If you follow a religion with a grand text or doctrine (Torah, Satanic bible etc) then by all means it can be used. 
+ A Fetish item (look for an up coming lecture on the topic), Skull or other item signifying death.
+ Sharp knife capable of drawing blood.
+ Chalice, Crystal wine glass or goblet of the finest quality available. 
+ Plate of the finest quality available.
+ Censer, Thurible, or other incense burners.
+ Bowl of ceramic, stone or wood. 
+ Bell, small drums or other small percussion instruments.
+ Small candle holders
+ Scrying tool such as a black mirror.
+ Small black cloth.

Setting it up:

1) Begin by washing the table with a cleansing wash followed by dressing your candles and consecrating the rest of the materials. 
2) DO NOT PLACE A ALTAR CLOTH.
They can get in the way of rituals and make post ritual cleansings difficult. 
3) At the back of your altar place your two candles in their holders and put them about a foot or so apart.
4) Between them place your book. 
5) Upon your book place your symbolic item. When using the book the item will be put to the side of your summoning hand.
6) To the side of your right place your plate and on your plate, place your cup.
Fill the cup with water and replace this water every day. On the plate (and around the cup) leave small cookies or crackers, replace them once week.
7) To your left place your bowl, it will be used to keep spirits or for interactions with the spirit world.
8) Place your incense burner and instrument in front of your Bowl.
9) To the side of your summoning hand place your scrying tool and cover it with the black cloth. Lay your blade upon it.

Feel free to customize the altar how you see fit. Remember not to overcrowd it, and to have at least some form of every material mentioned above. Other than your book there should be no religious items or symbols present on the altar.

Dress for success. A necromancers guide to ritual attire

The way you dress can make all the difference, from allowing spirits to see you as weak and vulnerable to making them see you as one of your own.

General rules:
The colors for spirit works are:
Red, Light blue, Purple, Black and White.
Use plain and untattered clothing (No graphic shirts or ripped pants). 
Set aside a set of black clothing and use it only for necromancy, these will be your basic set of ritual clothing.

Suits: 
Black suits with red or purple ties and black shirts are the best possible set of clothing a necromancer can wear. They capture the look of a mourner and are a sign of respect, professionalism, seriousness and devotion. Other traditional funeral attire are also perfect (black dresses, mourners veil, etcetera)
Also if you come across a suit that someone has died in or was buried in, they are charged with death and can release great power to the user.

Robes: 
These, if cared for and consecrated, can become powerful garbs. Otherwise they are nothing more than a bit of cloth over your body.

Black wrappings:
Medical gauze, bandages or linens dyed black grant the effect of looking like an embalmed or mummified corpse which can be used to walk amongst the dead without attracting their attention. They should be wrapped under the arms, cover the breast and stomach of the necromancer as well as around the hands and up the forearms and be worn with black pants.

Masks: 
Spirit masks can hide a necromancer from spirits or allow them to assume their guise and pull from the powers of the spirit. For example, the mask of a spirit whom was a healthcare professional in life can allow you to better understand medicine (Of course that’s only from inspiration. Don’t expect to know how to do a complex medical procedure from wearing a mask)

Beginner’s guide to necromancy: Creating an Inner sanctum

This is a vital skill for necromancers to have, a place to retreat, a protective shell, a place to collect yourself and a place to invite spirits.

Step one: Turn off anything that makes noise, phones, heaters, televisions, etcetera.

Step two: Lay down, close your eyes and establish a steady breathing pattern such as:
5 count inhale, 5 count hold, 5 count exhale, 5 count hold, repeat.

Step three: Visualize a room with grey walls, no doors, no Windows, two chairs in the center facing each other a single, tall white candle on the floor which illuminates the whole room. Here you are alone, nothing can reach you here.

Step four: Explore the room and interact with your surroundings, lift the candle and create another.

Step five: Open your eyes.

Step six: Visit this room constantly, until you are capable of reaching it quickly. Try moving things and remembering the changes you’ve made for the next time you enter it. If a spirit has been invoked and you enter this room, you will find them there, seated in one of the chairs.
Use this room to collect yourself, to protect yourself from the world outside and to calm yourself, the grey walls consuming any negative forces.

A Beginner’s guide to Necromancy: A foreword.

As a necromancer, one must never apologize for being a necromancer. What you do is your business, not that of any other. 
A necromancer must take responsibility for their own actions, and deal with the punishment that comes of it. 
A necromancer must never forget where their loyalties lay, first and foremost, with Death.
Expect isolation as a necromancer and accept it. You will Change as a person, no longer will you live in this agreed upon reality we have made. You will change what is and is not to suit your needs, that is to say YOU will govern the reality around you.

A necromancer must first gain a basic understanding of magick, mysticism and the occult. Without it you must only expect failure in Necromancy anything more is impossible.

Necromancers must accept three truths or “laws”:

1. One must never rape death.
That is to say one must never force entry into her home.
Never must One pry things from her grasp, those who are destined to die will die, regardless of human intervention.

2. One must not rape the dead.
This rule is quite literal. Necrophilia is forbidden. The bodies of the dead are to be treated with the utmost respect.

3. The dead are to remain dead.
Reanimation: to force the spirits of the dead into flesh is forbidden. One may ask “but what if it is consensual?”, You must understand a necromancer puts Death before the spirit. Death requests that the dead stay dead, that their bodies rot or wither away and be left to do so, and so the necromancer must obey.

The Laws of Necromancy

Although they could be stated different, with more or less rules than the ones provided, the universal laws all agree on three things.
1. Do not rape death.
Forcing entry into her house, toying with the balance of life and death or abusing her power are all examples of this grotesque act.
2. Never interfere with the will of death.
If someone is in deaths grasp we are not to intervene. She will reap her harvest one way or another, it is wrong to attempt to stop her.
3. The dead are to remain dead.
Reanimation, desecration or in anyway disturbing the rest of the dead without consent is wrong and forbidden.

Starting with Necromancy

One can not call themselves a true necromancer until they have slept side by side with the dead and conquered the fear of death. This act is agreed by many prominent necromancers to be the first step on the road to necromancy. It’s as simple as it sounds, find a place where the dead are within reach, where your hands can feel their cold bodies. Lay down and face the ceiling and sleep. The end goal is to be able to sleep as comfortably as you would at home. Doing this forms a bond between you and the dead and helps harden the mind to where the necromancer not only losses fear but leans to embrace death. A necromancer does not fear death. Many can say that they are free of the fear of death, but in the end they are only lying to themselves.

A beginner’s guide to Necromancy: Starting off

A necromancer-to-be or someone wanting to dip their feet in must be aware of a few things:

1. You must loose the fear or death.
No way around it. If you fear death you will never be able to work with it. I’ll tell you how to eliminate this fear later on.

2. You must be willing to bleed and/or handle blood. Blood is the most sacred of tools, it helps to create binds, attracts the dead, acts as an offering in many rituals, and symbolizes commitment to necromancy.

3. You must be able to maintain a state of well-being. Mental and physical.

4. You must accept the burdens of necromancy. It’s toll on your heath is small but will accumulate. You are spending energy and investing yourself in it constantly which ties back with the importance of #3

5. Expect people to leave. Necromancy requires devotion and the destruction of the self so that a necromancer may grow from what you once were. You must loose fear and learn to take a new look on existence, a slightly cold veiw, you must leave certain traits that will burden you on your path. Many people will not like the new you and will walk away. Let them leave, never apologize for what you are blossoming into.

BEGINNING :
Death watching, breath stealing, grave/mausoleum sleeping and meditation are the first actions a necromancer must consider.

Death watching: watch a real human death in person. It’s that simple. Be in the same room and get as close to the body as you can. Comfort them in their final moments and grant them your love. Watch their eyes close and their chest rise and fall one last time, here is where one may attempt -

Breath stealing: Breathe in as they breathe out so you take this last whisper of life into your body, this breath is said to give one grand knowledge and understanding of the systems of life and death.

Grave/mausoleum sleeping:
Grave sleeping requires nothing more than a blanket and stick of incense (both optional).

Lay on the grave and cover yourself with the blanket, light the incense and drift to sleep whist exploring your understanding of life and death, and excepting your own. The necromantic ritual book by Leilah Wendell has a deeper method. I recommend you check it out.
For mausoleums simply open as many coffins as you are able to and sleep in the same manner as the grave. These methods work to begin to wither away your deep rooted fear of death.

I will provide no guidance on meditation as it is as it would be for any other practice, simply focus on death and explore your thoughts of it.

Sleeping within arms reach of a body can cause some thoughts to form, you must learn to accept death, continue these actions until you are capable of doing them without a drop of fear.

WHEN IN THE HOUSE OF DEATH ONE MUST FEEL WELCOMED. IF YOU ARE TRESPASSING ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE CAUGHT. IF YOU FEEL THE NEED TO LOOK OVER YOUR SHOULDER THEN YOU ARE NOT WELCOME BY DEATH OR THE SPIRITS AND IT IS BEST THAT YOU LEAVE.

MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED:
A necromancer must have:
+Staff (any stick that reaches from your shoulder to the floor)
+Wand (long thin stick about the length of your forearm)
+Knife (functional),
+Book *refere to my “how to make a book of the dead” lecture*
+A cup 
+And lastly a set of all black clothes used only for necromancy and nothing else.

The materials in general are fairly easy to acquire on a budget. Sticks are free, knives can be from the kitchen and a notebook and cup cost around $3 for me.

Wand: used for selecting individual “targets”, pointing at symbols and channeling energy. Use “dead” wood of any kind to make it and apply a varnish/finish to give it stability.

Staff:This is used as a walking stick, pointer, a percussive instrument ( tapping the bottom on the ground ), channeling energy and may grant a safe aura around you.
Make it using a fallen limb from a tree and make it to your liking.

Book: *refer to previous posts*

Knife: essentially a sharp blade. This may be upgraded to a sword but a knife is still good to have around. Any kind will work and it does not require any special preparation. DO NOT USE DULL OR SERRATED BLADES.

Cup: used for drinks and offerings, wine glasses work best.

Clothing: all black. That is all that is necessary. Keep them clean and never wear them for anything else.
Traditional garb is a hooded robe and wraps on the feet but not having them will not affect your ability.

NOTE: These are to assist channeling energy or serve a functional purpose. If your power rests in your tools instead of in you, you are weak and nothing more than a number in the equation of necromancy.

Once you have lost your fear of death, truly. You are ready. You can lie to others but you can not lie to yourself. The proof will make itself present when you try to progress and fail. One can not work with what he fears or does not comprehend.

Magickal Oil Of Attraction

When you use this in your love spells, or simply rub a little on your chest before going out… it can increase your attractive qualities to potential love interests.

What you’ll need:

           *            Grated lemon zest
           *            Lovage
           *            Vervain
           *            Essential oils of May chang, Melissa, Lemon Verbena
           *            Rose attar
           *            One lodestone chip
           *            Sweet almond oil

STEP 1:  Grind the lemon zest, lovage and vervain in a mortar and pestle.

STEP 2: Transfer the contents into a bottle.

STEP 3: Add the lodestone chip, and cover with sweet almond oil… as the base of the mixture.

STEP 4: Add the essential oils of may chang, Melissa and lemon verbena little by little until you get a scent that is pleasing to you.

Void Salts

Originally posted by nervation

A magic idea inspired by Skyrim!

Ingredients:

Container of somesort

Black Ritual Salt OR Black Lava Salt

Crushed Poppy Seeds

Window Sill 

New Moon

IMPORTANT!  PLEASE READ: Poppy seeds can potentially put your pets (like cats or dogs) into a coma.  Please ensure that your furry child cannot get to your poppy seeds and consume this salt mixture.

Uses:

In Skyrim the two things that I was pulling from that Void Salt have health damaging properties or magicka fortifying properties.  That in mind, this mixture can be used in spells to weaken enemies and spirits.  This could also help in settling an agitated mind and help fortify it due to the sedative properties of poppy.  On that you could also add this to a dream satchet for dream work, use to inflict confusion and even illusions.

Directions:

If you plan on using this in kitchen magic or consuming it some how, use the Black Lava Saltand NOT the Black Ritual Salt.  Black Ritual Salt is not for consumption.

Grind up your poppy seeds and then mix it in with your salt.  Depending on the effect you are going for, you will need to modify the amount of poppy used.  A small amount will be best for magic fortifying and calming an agitated mind.  A moderate amount would be ideal for dream work.  And a large amount for inflicting confusion, illusions and damage.  Be sure to mix it all together thinking on your intent and channeling that energy into the mixture.

After you have made your mixture, set in a window to charge up on the night of the New Moon.  This will help enhance the properties of the mixture, especially the confusion aspect.  Keep your Void Salts stored in a dark place after you have charged it!

Safe Travels

Full Moon Wish Spell

This is a lovely little spell that will harness the energy of the moon for whatever purpose you wish. Or you can cast this to help bring something unexpected into your life. All you need is:

• A clear jar, at least a pint in size
• Pure water
• A silver coin
• A bell
• A white or silver candle

You’ll have to do this spell at night where you can have a clear view of the moon. It can be through a window if necessary but doing it outside is better.

Fill the jar with water and light your candle near where you are doing the spell. Sit under the moon and enjoy it’s bright light for a few minutes. Then drop the coin into the jar. Let the water settle until it’s smooth again and sit so that the reflection of the moon in the water seems to sit right on the coin. You might have to move around for this.

Gaze at the reflection and the coin together, and ring the bell three times. Speak your wish out loud, or just ask the moon to bring you some general good fortune. Bring everything back indoors and leave the coin in the water jar until the next full moon, or until you feel your wish has been granted.

Blooms of Confidence

To develop your full power you must have confidence in who you are. You must learn to care for your body and spirit, to treat yourself with love, gentleness, and respect.

You Will Need:
1. A bowl of water
2. A flower (preferably a lilac but any flower you feel a connection with will do)

Place the bowl of water in front of you. Breathe deeply and slowly; feel your body relax. Chant with confidence

“I know who I am
I know what I can become

I love who I am
I respect my true self

I control what I can
I am not controlled by others”

Offer yourself words of encouragement. Speak to yourself in a positive and loving way. Think of things you have accomplished and give yourself credit for what you have achieved. Do not sell yourself short; recognise you strengths and power.

Dip the bloom of the flower into the water and touch it to your forehead, saying

“May all the things I think …”

Dip the bloom in the water and touch it to your heart, saying

“… and all the thing I believe …”

Dip the bloom into the water and touch it to the plam of your left hand, saying

“… and all the things I hold …”

Dip the bloom into the water and touch it to the back of your right hand, saying

“… and all the things I do reflect my confidence in me.”

Let the bloom float on the water as you reflect on your strengths until you feel your confidence bloom.

Futhark: Rune Magic 101 - Dagaz/Dagur (D/d)

“Now do I see | the earth anew
Rise all green | from the waves again;
The waters fall, | and the eagle flies,
And fish he catches | beneath the cliffs.“
 - Völuspá

Literal Meaning & History 

The literal meaning of this word is day, not as in 24 hours, but as in the part of that period that is the daytime and not to be confused with night. 

This is also a reference to Dagr, Day with a capital D, the personification of the day and not to be confused with Nótt (night). 

Day rides a horse called Skinfaxi, which literally translates to “glowing-mane” and it’s said in some of the old texts that Skifaxi brings Dagr to mankind. 

Figurative Meaning & Symbolism 

Nearly all references to Dagr refer to the bringing of light and so this rune can best be linked to two words, Dawn and Light. Keep this in mind when you work with this rune. 

This rune, as is apparent by it’s shape, refers to a change. 

This isn’t just the light, this is the rising light, the move from darkness into the light. 

This is moving from the darkness of depression into the light of joy. Though it doesn’t tell you how long that will last, or how far into joy you may go. 

This is gaining success, and with it attention, finding the spotlight pointed at you, turned on you. With all the risks and rewards this entails. 

This is the drive, the passion, the ambition that lifts you up, without any promise of how it turns out. 

This is the the soft touch of sunlight on your skin, conferring warmth, pleasure, contentment, calm… and you know what happens if you fall asleep in the sun, don’t you?

Some things are better in the dark. 

Context is important. 

Suggested Homework 

Imagine two rooms and draw two boxes on a page. 

Within one box, write down all the things about yourself that you wish others would see, the things you like about yourself, the things you think are most important about you, the things you feel would make it easier for you to be you in interactions with others.

Within the other, in code if it helps, write down things about yourself that you don’t necessarily dislike, but really would prefer remained hidden, because they’re private, because they make you or others uncomfortable, because they would make your life more complicated if everyone could see them. 

Now, get a flashlight and turn out all the lights, try to create a complete darkness, and shine the flashlight onto one box, just the one you want to be seen. 

Light spills, will always spill. If it’s bright enough so that the things you want to be seen stand clearly and are easily legible, practically leaping from the page, then you can always catch a glimpse of the things in the other box. 

The light is indiscriminate about what it illuminates, and everyone has something to hide.