Read Online The Witches' Book of the Dead by Christian Day - Free Book Online

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    The Yew Wand
    Shawn Poirier first taught me to conjure the spirits with a wand of the poisonous yew tree, which represents the powers of death and rebirth. The wand is an extension of the Witch's will and is used to channel her energy into the universe. The yew is sacred to the Witch goddess Hecate in her guise as queen of the underworld and helps the Witch to direct the spirits of the dead to go and do her bidding.
    According to lore, the wand must be measured from your elbow to the tip of your middle finger to represent an extension of your power. However, I am flexible about this rule. Whatever size your yew wand, be sure that you feel a connection to it, for it will be among your most frequently used magical tools. Not incidentally, J.K. Rowling, the author of the popular Harry Potter novels, chose yew for the wand of the Dark Wizard Voldemort, whose army of “death-eaters” were competent necromancers. The wand represents the element of Fire.
    The Pentacle of Protection
    Often found on the Witches' altar, the pentacle, or five-pointed star, is typically carved or etched upon a flat platter known as a paten. The pentacle is one of the earliest symbols that humans learned to draw. Within the star are formed the extensions of the human body: head, arms, and legs surrounded by the sacred circle, a symbol of divinity and protection in many cultures. Placing charms and spells upon the pentacle will help to energize them with the power you call up in your rituals; you can also place your offerings to the dead upon it. You should always try to keep the pentacle present during any ritual involving the dead, in case any harmful spirits show up. The pentacle represents the element of Earth.
    The Chalice of Libation
    Traditionally, the chalice is used by Witches to draw down the powers of the gods to be shared among those participating in the ritual. The chalice represents the deepest feminine mysteries of the goddesses of old. In the case of the altar of the dead, however, the chalice is used for offerings of libation for the dead and for the deities who represent them. It can be used to pour small amounts into the cauldron (see below). You must only drink from this chalice when you wish to share in the communion of the dead. Such drink is often accompanied by spirit visions and intense dreams. The chalice represents the element of Water.
    The Spirit Rattle or Bell
    Sound is often used to help call the spirits. In my own practice, I use a papier-mâché rattle that was made by an artist into the head of Anubis, the Egyptian guide and guardian of the dead. In the Voodoo still practiced today in Haiti, the Houngans (priests) and Mambos (priestesses) use the sacred Asson rattle, much like magicians might use a wand, to raise spiritual energy and to invite the spirits to participate in the ritual. In traditional European magic, a bell was the tool of choice for using sound to invoke the spirits. It was also used to banish them in rituals of exorcism, though I prefer a rattle for this as well. Sometimes, Witches will use a drum to raise the spirits. Whatever your preference, it's important to have some ritual sound tool to work with the dead.
    The Cauldron
    In ancient rituals of the dead, a fire pit was often used to make offerings to the spirits. For the altar of the dead, we will use the cast iron cauldron, preferably with three legs. The cauldron is a symbol of the great womb of creation, hearkening back to the days when mother goddesses were worshipped for their creative powers. The cauldron contains the mighty powers of death andrebirth. Your cauldron will be used to burn spells written on parchment asking for the dead to grant your wishes. You will also put some of the offerings to the dead into the cauldron, particularly offerings of your own blood (only a few drops are needed!), honey milk, wine, olive oil, and other offerings, some of which may be poured from the chalice or a libation bottle. You may also create a fire