Blood Substitutes

Sometimes in necromancy and other forms of magic there is the need for blood in a spell or ceremony. Not everybody is thrilled with the idea of drawing blood in one form or another. Therefore there need to be available options for the squeamish and faint-hearted. So, what else can one use in place of one's own blood? There are at least 7 possible stand-ins that I am personally aware of through my research. These are: Bloodroot, Red Wine, Apple Cider, Beets, Pomegranate, and Red Ochre.

Apple Cider- Highly valued by the Ancient Celts, this substance represents Otherworldly life-force. Consuming the fruit or the juice was thought to be able to transport the imbiber to otherworldly realms. Hard cider works just as well as the non-alcoholic drink.

Beet- The juice from this is used, but be careful it can stain.

Bloodroot- Symbolizes the ties of blood. Use only if you are not planning to consume it or rub it on your body because it has caustic properties. To use it, simply pound the root into a fine powder and mix with water until it reaches the desired consistency.

Dragon's Blood- In older times it was believed that this resin was collected from slain dragons. It is a coagulant and can so be used to stop bleeding. In other words it acts like the platelets in human blood.

Pomegranate- This was mentioned in at least one document, however I imagine that it would be rather hard to use. The only parts that are usable are the seeds, but the amount of juice that can be gathered from these in one fruit is minimal at best.

Red Wine- The symbolism of this liquid is obvious due to its use in Christian religious ritual.
Remember that this kind of wine is capable of staining many things.

Red Ochre- Symbolizes blood as life-force, a connection to the ancestors, and a element of rebirth.

I suggest keeping a supply of most of these substances on hand (excepting the beets and pomegranate) as blood can be used in several forms of magic. These include bindings, hexes/curses, protections, contracts, reddening runes or bones, ritual sacrifice/workings, writing charms/talismans/seals, magical inks, etc.

That's all for now, until next time.