The Creation and Use of Ancestor Dolls

The ancestor doll is a type of spirit vessel meant to anchor your ancestors in this world and allow them to manifest. They are also used as a portable ancestral altar. Many people find ancestor dolls easier to manage then a actual altar to deceased family members for a number of reasons. Firstly since they are dolls they are more covert than a altar thus allowing one to practice ancestor veneration in areas hostile to such beliefs. Secondly they don't require the same amount of upkeep as actual altar. Thirdly it is sometimes easier to talk to a physical representation of a person than apparently empty air. It is important to note that ancestor dolls are NOT toys for children. They are meant to be treated as people. They are talked to, offered food/drink/incense, taken with you when you travel, introduced to new family members such as children and spouses, etc. They are also filled with a number of ingredients that are assuredly dangerous if ingested.

So, how does one make an ancestor doll? The process is fortunately not complicated, and only the following items are needed. These are: clothes belonging to a deceased family member (or white cloth), two patterns (one male, one female), rosemary (for remembrance), althea leaves or root  (aka marshmallow, for benevolent spirits), wormwood (calling spirits), dandelion root (communication with the dead), your hair/nail clippings/dead skin/teeth/etc. (anchoring and connection). Balm of Gilead (for spirit manifestation), and graveyard dirt (from a crossroad in a cemetery). Additional requirements are a pair of scissors, needle and thread, and some pieces of paper. These pieces of paper are the most important ingredient in the creation of ancestor dolls. Upon them will be written the names of all ancestors you are aware of in your family tree. Any additional information such as their relation to you, likes and dislikes, favourite foods and drinks should be included if known. It is important that they be separated by gender as both a male and female doll should be made.

To begin, the patterns are pinned to the folded white cloth, making sure that a total of four pieces will be cut out. Once cut the two parts of each doll will be almost completely sewn together, creating an internal cavity. Next the ingredients are placed inside each doll in whatever order you desire. When the dolls are filled the sewing is completed sealing the herbs, dirt, personal concerns, and slips of paper within. The dolls will be left without faces when completed so each can represent multiple generations. They also should not be dressed in clothing with the exception of the dress included in the female pattern. This is to prevent the ancestors from being confused or offended upon finding their vessel strangely dressed. Cloth hair can be included in the designs.

Once the ancestor dolls are completed they should be consecrated in the name of your ancestors and charged with prayer (to the ancestors as well as other spiritual entities depending on your beliefs) and intent. From that point on they should be treated with respect. Don't get them dirty, don't swear in front of them, and don't mistreat them.
That's all for this post. Slainte mhaith!

Wands in Necromantic Practice

Proper Length = 21.75 inches or 55.254 centimeters (Calculated using the average of 6 lengths from the following texts: The Avesta, The Grand Grimoire, The Book of Abramelin, Epitome of Supernatural Magic, Les Veritables Clavicules de Salomon, and The Key of Knowledge reference point 73)

Iron Wand: Steel is not an acceptable substitute, it MUST be iron. This wand is used to raise the spirits of the dead from their grave and summon them to your location. It can also be taken into a cemetery, then pointed at a grave while asking a question. The holder of the wand should be able to hear the answer of the spirit soon after. Lastly it can double as a weapon against angry spirits.

Yew Wand: The yew as mentioned in another post is known as the Tree of Death. It also symbolizes immortality/longevity (because it possible may be the longest-lived tree in the world) and rebirth (due to its uncanny ability to regrow from terrible damage). On account of this it can be used in spells of life and healing as well as in death curses. Since it was frequently planted in graveyards, it can also be used to summon the spirits of the dead.

Dogwood Wand: A Christian legend tells that this tree was used to crucify the White Christ and so was cursed to dwindle from its former size. The necessary information concerning this plant's connection to necromancy is hard to find but I was able to locate it. Dogwood can be used in ancestor workings both to draw upon their power and to call them to your aid.

Cypress Wand: Another tree connected with death. It can be used in spells of binding and release, increasing longevity, and for healing grief. Cypress also happens to be one of the sacred trees of the Greek god, Hades. It is likely it that it can be used to draw upon his power.

Willow: The willow is a tree with a connection to death that is overshadowed by its more upbeat aspects. This tree can be used in workings related to burials, summonings, and grief. 

The First Step: Constructing the Altar of the Dead

Over the holidays while I am at home I will be gathering the materials I need for the construction of an Altar of the Dead. This will mesh a necromantic working altar with one for the Ancestors and Donn, Irish God of the Dead. The following materials will be needed: Anointing oil, ancestor dolls, good wine glasses, white horse statuette, black altar cloth, incense, spirit vessels, necromantic herbs, small cast iron cauldron, black candles (unscented), air-tight containers for holding graveyard dirt, spirit powder, rusted nails (substitute for coffin nails), bell, ritual knife, bamboo or elder flutes, and a iron wand.

Hopefully by the time my roommate and I move into our new place I will have the materials required and I will be able to begin my practice. There is already a work bench in the basement of the new house that I will be using for this purpose. Having it located beneath the ground seems to be the proper place for it. I will be using ancestor dolls in place of pictures and personal objects because the latter simply takes up too much space. An additional reason is that not many personal belongs from my ancestors have been kept. Anyways that's all for now, thanks for reading.