Necromancy and Samhain

We are approaching the end of the year as the wheel turns. In Paganism we work alongside our Ancestors and the Divine, but it is at this time of the year when things are kicked up a notch to celebrate death and renewal. The Veil between the living and the dead has , arguably, stalled because of the sheer loss of life overwhelmed the system, we are seeing more and more gifted seers appear across the world and through applied use of Necromancy, the afterlife makes itself known to us. Necromancy is not just about summoning to get answers, it is about ministry to the departed and any souls that have decided to not move on, and with that, Samhain becomes more potent to a degree. With the Veil lifted for one night and one day we are able to fully commune with our Ancestors and troubled souls not just to clarify life's issues but to also minister fully and listen to the messages they have for us. Necromancy is, however, a school of magic that is heavily based in ritual and can be done in Graveyards (as long as you get permission), family homes and locations known to be active. The rituals are designed to bring spirits forth and allow us to listen to their stories and learn from them. Unlike movies and tv, Necromancy is widely practiced around the world, dating back to Ancient Greece, Babylonian society, Rome and Eastern Europe. In the Odyssey, Odysseus uses a blood ritual, under Circe's instruction, to lure the spirits in the underworld. He uses the blood of a ram and ewe to call forth troubled spirits as well as a dedication to Hades and Persephone to guide his journey through the underworld and spend time listening to various spirits about their death and sometimes lack of burial. 100% of the animal was used in the ritual, following Circe's instruction just as in modern times when blood rituals are done no part of the animal goes to waste. Necromancy in the 21st century has moved on from using blood to simple offerings including honey, wine, water and bread (hence, bread of the dead in Latin America). Offerings are to sate the appetite of the dead and allow us to share time with them reflecting our goals of being hospitable. The Babylonians used ceremonial pits to commune with the dead in the same way that we visit Graveyards today as a way to open a gate, briefly, into the afterlife. In Hoodoo, gravedust or red brick dust is used to ward of negative spirits, meaning, no harm can come to a house that has been treated with the dust. During this season, honor the dead and listen well to their stories. Blessings