qedavathegrey:

This is one of those old-fashioned rituals that is as unsettling as it is informative. As such, it is probably better suited to those seasoned in the mastery of fear or those who fear not the arrival of the dead. For those who are easily frightened or leery of the departed, I’d recommend another means. The intent of this ritual is to bring forth the dead from their place in the night. While quite simple, I, again, stress that it is most undeniably suited to those who do not fear the darkness.

To bring them forth, gather one or a collection of their belongings (if possible), a single, white candle, a paper on which is inscribed their full name and (optionally) a bell. This ritual is best done in an empty house. In the night when the moon has risen, go to the window with your supplies. Arrange the supplies as neatly as you can upon the sill, using the name paper to protect it from the falling wax. Make sure to turn all lights in the house off. That includes TVs and phones! Kneel before the makeshift altar and recite the following:

At my behest – ye wraith, make haste,
Through the curtain now that wanes,
Thou who wakes at sleeping hour,
I call you to this empty place

*knock once upon the floor*

At my behest – ye wraith, make haste,
For it is I who knows your name,
And I recite it fearlessly,
In life it was the same:

*knock three times upon the floor; once on your left, then your right and finally, in the center, each time calling the name of the departed*

At my behest – ye wraith, make haste,
For I hath lit the candle-flame,
A haughty beacon in the night
To lead you to this plane;

*crack the window just slightly, no more than an inch*

Come now breath of icy night,
And bring with you
(name of he/she you seek to convene with)
Sleeping spirit – now alight,
Come ye now from Death’s respite.

*knock a final time*

Leave the pieces there and go to your bed. Lie then, in the candlelight. When it extinguishes, the Spirit has come – perhaps they will knock in return.

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photo source :: from Crimson Peak, because I thoroughly enjoyed the film and have an intense love for Guillermo del Toro’s artistic vision