What is death witchcraft? I personally define death witchcraft as working with and honor spirits of the dead (ghosts, ancestors) as well as the power of death itself (endings, resurrections). Death witches reflect upon the concept of death, come to terms with their own death, and work through spiritual “deaths” in our lives. We also communicate with the dead regularly. Many of us heal and help the dead, and in return, they aid us in our magical workings. Rather than fearing death, we embrace it as a pivotal point in the cycle of life. How is this different from necromancy? Necromancy comes from the Greek words nekrós ("dead body") and manteía ("divination by means of"). Literally, it means speaking to the dead through divination. Most necromancers receive insights about the past, present, or future through the dead. Necromancy is part of death witchcraft, but it isn't all of that path. Death witchcraft also involves working with death as a force, dead plants, healing the dead, and other aspects of the end of life. Some death witches also call themselves necromancers; others do not. Today, the term necromancy is often reserved for ceremonial magicians who work with the dead. Some modern-day practitioners prefer to avoid the term because of its association with fantasy. On this blog, I will often use the terms necromancy, death magic, and death witchcraft to describe my path.
Yunan Kirkbride
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