‘Tis Necromancy season! Autumn – the Dying Time – when the
lines that bissect fade into a liminal channel. Of course, the Dead are never
far from me, but not all share my inclinations. For those of you seeking
temporary “admittance” into the world of the Dead, I’ve brought to you a ritual
that might allow you to ride the boundary. In essence, it is similar in part to
me previous post Walking on Water (about hedgeriding), though with the specific
purpose of contacting the Cold Ones.
The process – in theory – is quite simple, though some will
undoubtedly find it easier than others based on their own innate talents.
Regardless, it should allow for contact in one form or another.
Things You Will Need:
A Shovel/Spade
Mugwort, dried
Wormwood, dried
Mullein, dried
Rolling Paper/Emptied Cigarette
Liquid Oil (of your choosing)
Preparation:
- Begin by drawing the following sigil on a square of paper.
Burn the paper in a fire-safe dish or your working vessel – such as a pot or
cauldron. Collect the ashes and add them to a few tablespoons of oil, mixing
thoroughly. If you desire, you can warm the oil and add in some black wax
shavings to give it a more robust, black color. - Take your rolling paper/empty cigarette tube and roll or
stuff with a mixture of the above herbs. Don’t worry – wormwood has a
surprisingly light taste when smoked, nothing
like its brewed taste. Feel free to add in lavender, bay, marigolds, or thyme
for added flavor and effectiveness. Tobacco may also be added, as it too has
connotations with the dead. If you are unfamiliar with rolling, smoking (though
this blend – sans tobacco – should have little to no longstanding effects on
health, as none are addictive, mullein has even been used to aid smokers in
quitting) or prefer otherwise, they can be burned as a loose incense on a
briquette – if you choose the latter root, I’d say opt as well for a bit of
sandalwood.
Ritual:
- When night has set in and you’ve made your preparations,
take your oil, smoke/incense and shovel/spade to a nearby graveyard – one that
is comforting and secluded being the best, though if you wish to make contact
with a particular spirit, it would be ideal to go to their grave (if possible).
Pay the Gatekeeper, and make your way to the center or a crossroads if one
exists. Once you have found an appropriate location that suits you, take your
shovel (this is why seclusion is best – you don’t want to get thrown in the
pokey for “attempted grave-robbing”) and dig into the earth. You don’t need to
dig far, only six inches or so, loosening the dirt. Remove your shoes. - Center yourself, taking a few deep breaths. Light your
cigarette/incense, breathing in the smoke (for those of you who aren’t seasoned
smokers, do not breath the smoke directly into your lungs – first draw it into
your mouth, then into the lungs…
unless there also happens to be marijuana involved, in which case, straight to
the lungs). Close your eyes, calm yourself and relax. Don’t let the graveyard
intimidate you. When you feel ready – slip your feet into the earth, covering
them with the removed dirt. Pat the oil onto the lids of your eyes – using it
in moderation. It will makes your eyes feel strange and your lashes stick
together – but only momentarily. - Verbalize your request. Ask that you might be allowed (temporary)
entry into realm of the Dead. If you wish to speak to a specific person, ask
them (nicely) to present themselves. The Dead are not seen with the eyes –
remember that. And pay close attention to your intuition. You will feel their
presence when they arrive. Trust yourself and your abilities and you should
have no problem. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring an offering to leave for
their help. - When you are finished, remove your feet from the soil and
replace the moved dirt. Drizzle the remaining oil over the earth, and thank
them again for their help and guidance. As is customary, take three steps back,
turn around and do not look back as you walk away.
The Qedavian Apocrypha 