Home of the Spirits, the ideology of the Spirit Vessel spans
countless faiths – and rightly so, for it is an “instrument” matched by few in
the witch’s arsenal. The Spirit Vessel exists for a number of reasons: it is a
grounder – a fetish that binds spirit to our physical plane and builds a bridge
between worlds, but – more than that – it is a home, an abode in which the
spirit energy dwells. Some are used to trap and harness the energy of the given
spirit – so that it may be employed to do practitioner’s bidding, but others
exist to house that sacred energy – not with entrapment, but with respect. That
is not to say the former is not respectful, only that voluntary bonds exists as
oath and agreement. It is a symbiotic, mutual source of power – a hearth by
which to draw the force of the arcane. One that bonds both parties. In this
aspect, I refer to the Higher Spirits – Gods, the Messengers, and Liminals,
though vessels can be employed with equal success to the Dead – specifically ancestors,
as a way to draw from the ancestral power – often relying on blood and earth.
Given the vast differences from path to path, I bring a
stripped set of instructions: general principles that can be built upon to
specialize the vessel for your “camino.”
Begin with the Vessel.
What this vessel is depends heavily on both tradition and personal tastes.
Possibilities are endless, though cauldrons, ceramic vases, wide-mouthed jugs
or basins, even jars can all be utilized effectively. For most, I prefer an
opaque, lidded vessel – though for my Spirit Cauldron dedicated to Rosa
Caveira, I used a non-lidded cauldron (go figure). This is in line with her
fiery energy which lends itself well to iron and sulfur – both of which are
present.
One of the most important steps (and one often glossed over)
is to treat the Vessel. For my
cauldron, I bathed it in high proof alcohol and oils and set it alight. Given
its dedication to Rosa Caveira, I did this in her Land – the Cemetery. I also
lined the inside of mine with graveyard dirt, which I mixed with the same
alcohol (along with flammable oils) and sculpted up the walls, then fired again
to create a ceramic-like liner (in part to prevent rust – as iron will readily
do so).
After treatment has commenced, it is time to bless and bond the Vessel – which can
be as simple or as intricate as you wish it to be. While it was still alight
(and since I went heavy handed on the oils, it stayed lit for quite some time)
I danced with it in the graveyard. Spinning this flaming cauldron and singing
joyfully to the spirits and My Keeper. I explained that this home was forged in
her name, gateway between worlds, and a seat for her energy. I drizzled it with
rose oils steeped with Herbs of the Dead and my own blood to “seal the deal.”
If that wasn’t fun enough, the last portion consists of Decoration
– a term I use loosely, as these same “decorations” will undoubtedly serve a
purpose. I filled mine with herbs, sulfur, curios, all of which corresponding
to her. Every now and again, I’ll take some of the permanent items out and set
the offerings alight. As is forged in fire, so must return. After which, I
return the permanent items and place it back beneath my miniature terreiro –
which then constantly draws from its energy.
As aforementioned, this general process can be employed for
any number of spirits and traditions – even those without a vessel-history. In
a sense, it can be equated in part to an altar – as I leave offerings therein
and use it as a source of power to draw from. However, given its nature, it can
be packed around with me for particularly powerful rituals on the go – which is
a particularly useful facet. I’ve also been known to feed any troublesome
spirits or energies to it, wherein they may be devoured and
purified/concentrated. It is very important to “feed” the vessel, for – as I
said – it is a mutual relationship. If you take, it is only right that you
return – lest you be cut off from its power.
At every witch’s disposal there are spirits – they guide,
they teach, they protect, consciously or otherwise – who are the manifestations
of those who came before you. It is,
of course, important to note that the phrase “those who come before you” is not
restrictive only to your bloodline –
which is a seemingly common misconception about ancestry. The ancestors of the
bloodline are nonetheless important (especially in crafts of the African
diaspora), but it must be remembered that this line is merely one strand in the
many lines of ancestry. It’s further important to note that not all witches
share my own particular cosmology, mythology and experience, and as such, this
work is but a reflection of my own beliefs and experiences in the Craft. Always
read critically – note, reflect and rebuke/assimilate.
While undoubtedly more lines exist based on circumstance
(for instance: religious, adoptive bloodlines, cultural, etc.), the lines I
will speak of today can be narrowed down to three: The Blood, The Spirit,
and The Craft.
The Blood
This, of course, is the one most are familiar with. Familial
ancestry. In some crafts, this line of spirits is sometimes referred to as The Beloved Dead. These spirits are tied
to the blood, to the code that comprises your physical form and thusly, rules
best in matters of the physical. This can extend to family, money, and general worldly
guidance. Individually, they possess the knowledge of a full lifetime (and then
some), but collectively, they represent generations, centuries, sometimes even a
millennia’s worth of knowledge. Inevitably, most lines trace back to the same
sources, though I, personally, have only ever gone back a few hundred years.
I will be the first to admit that my bloodline is the one I
most often neglect. I honor them, but I do not work closely with them – which is
something I try to remedy, but every time I do, I tend to get lead astray by
one relative or another, and most often those who were rather unsavory. Which leads
me to another point – just because they are your ancestor, does not always mean
they want what is best for you. They
may, instead, do what they think is best for the line or what is best for them,
but it is your job to play mediator and, more importantly, be the one with the
final say. You might seek guidance from them, but your strength is in your
autonomy. Do not let them make your
decisions for you.
The Bloodlines may be honored in countless different ways –
I, personally, recommend making an Ancestral Spirit Vessel (you may also enjoy this tutorial).
Many honor their Bloodline/Beloved Dead through altar work and shrines –
whereupon photos and possessions of the departed are arranged and food
offerings are routinely made.
The Spirit
This line echoes that of the Bloodline, but manifests not as
physical ancestors, but spiritual ones – the spirits that make up your
collective soul: the lives that came before you. Herein you might find a mirror
into your own life, for those things not yet learned, or those lessons failed
by the lives that came before will be presented again. From them you can learn
of your own strengths, your own short-comings, and your own destiny. These
spirits can offer you a wealth of wisdom for your unique spiritual journey, one
unlike any other – and that’s what makes this line so unique. While the
Blood-Ancestors may guide you in the ways of life, and the following Mighty
Dead might help you hone your abilities, the line of the Spirit is the only
line (save perhaps the religious line) that can get you to exactly where you
need and wish to be. They know what it is you seek, for they have sought the
same, a collective working toward common goals with common principles. This is
where I garner much of my knowledge, for there happens to be quite a bit of
overlap for me with this and the following line. As they say, “Once a witch,
always a witch.”
I have found, however, that some people have more luck with
this line than others – as I have met a number of witches who, try as they
might, cannot connect with previous lives. I always say: There is probably a
reason for that. Not everyone is meant to work with their lives, for just as
they can bring great wisdom about destiny and your spiritual path, this wisdom (when
overanalyzed or sought religiously) can readily spell your own downfall. As far
as fate/destiny go, you can, in fact,
know too much. On a bright note, the lives are very much “on your side,” for
your progression means their progression – as such, they will always do their
best to help or at least guide you to someone who can. Not all lives are “good”
or “morally savory” – know that it is because of their short-comings that your
soul has been bettered. Do not condemn them for their “sins,” for from them you
have learned.
I have always found this branch easiest to work with, for
they come readily to me. They can be accessed through the mind with great ease.
And, for those mediums, they can be accessed in the same way as any spirit of
the deceased. For my applicable views of reincarnation, see Hierarchy of the
Soul.
For a more physical working for the lives, either a Spirit Vessel (mentioned
above) or a spirit-doll (mentioned below) can be used – my Past Life
Recollection Gris Gris might also be of use. An altar may also be arranged.
The Craft
Sometimes referred to as The
Mighty Dead, this line houses the spirits of those witches that came before
us – a collective force of knowledge and power in the esoteric arts and rites.
Here you find the great witches of yore, known and unknown, and each with their
own unique story and ideologies. As with any spirit work, one must be very
in-tune with one’s intuition, for not all spirits have in mind your own best
interest. It is no secret that even now, witches can be a particularly
malicious and manipulative breed – and this is a time when practicing won’t get
you killed (in the majority of the world), so you can only imagine how secretive
and vindictive some of the spirits herein may be. Trust your gut, it will warn
you of coming danger. That being said, this “house” also holds within the most
powerful witches and magic-workers that have walked this earth and their
collective knowledge is unparalleled. Many can be secretive, but so long as you
are open, honest, genuine and have an insatiable desire to learn, you should be
perfectly fine.
Another point that should be made (and a topic discussed
here, actually) is the use of fear in witchcraft – as it is one of the most
powerful and primal emotions. This “house” and the Mighty Dead are no stranger
to employing fear in their workings and will almost surely test you in many
ways so that you might prove your willingness to learn and your adaptability.
So long as you trust yourself and remember that you are powerful – you should
do fine.
For working with a specific spirit, I recommend creating a
spirit-doll, or a Muñeca de Tutela – a doll that houses and binds the spirit to our plane and allows for much
simpler access to both the spirit and his/her knowledge. The tutorial also
outlines proper care, offerings, and guidance in maintaining a mutual respect. An
altar may also be arranged.
Misc.
The Line of Religion – These represent religious “Ancestors”
such as: saints, prophets and spirits that yet Guide the living from the Dead,
connected via religious principles.
In many faiths, spirits serve a greater purpose – for example,
within Quimbanda, Pomba Gira is comprised of a legion of like-spirits that
represent the facets of the Pomba Gira archetype. These spirits represent their
own “ancestral” line, but also intermingle with lines of other faiths and
doctrines. As with most lines, their numbers are what make them so powerful,
for it is the collective that sustains and empowers them.
Lines are not mutually exclusive. For example: You could
theoretically have a life within the same bloodline who also happened to be a
powerful witch. As such, he/she would fall into all of these ancestral lines,
and as such, could be summoned through any of these channels. Interestingly, it
is when they cross many lines that they often seem to develop different (metaphorical)
“faces” or “costumes”.
The Qedavian Apocrypha 
