Yesterday at 12:40 pm I performed an experiment to test the potential
of a device known as a Ghost Box. This instrument also known as a
Frank's Box is simply a radio that quickly scans multiple AM/FM
stations. Normally these are apparatuses modified from old RadioShack
technology, however I wished to immediately find the answer to the big
question. Can a Ghost Box allow one to have a two-way conversation with
the spirits of the dead in real-time? If so, this would make the process
of necromancy quite a bit easier.
The device I settled on using
was a Nokia cellphone, it might be an unusual choice but it is
incredibly easy to transport. For the experiment I did not bother to
leave my house, choosing to rely on the idea that ancestor spirits are
almost always near the vicinity of the descendents who wish to
communicate with the dead. I asked three questions which would allow me
to gauge the veracity of the matter. Here are the questions I asked
along with the answers I received while scanning.
Q. Is there anybody there?
A. Yes, yes, yes (Song Lyric)
Q. How are you?
A #1. Patient (Radio Host Speech)
A #2. Mending my broken heart (Song Lyric)
Q. Is there anything I should know?
A. Tools to help you find out... (Various Radio Hosts) ... the good times we know... (Song Lyric)
From
this I have drawn a couple of hypotheses regarding this manner of
communication. Firstly there seem to be genuine responses to the
questions asked. Secondly longer messages seem to be broken up between
different sources and sometimes are incomplete. However until I have
accumulated more data through repeated testing it is not safe to
conclude that experiences gained from this method are legitimate
messages. Furthermore there seems to be no way to determine the
identities of the speakers (if there are any) because of the limited
number of full proper names used in Radio broadcasts.
Showing posts with label spirits of the dead. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spirits of the dead. Show all posts
Friday, 10 January 2014
Monday, 23 December 2013
The Necromancer's Cauldron
The cauldron of a necromancer... it evokes a certain grim image in
one's mind. I can guarantee you however that whatever you are imagining
is completely wrong. Firstly the vessel in question is small (usually 3
1/4 inches tall, by 3 inches wide), made of cast iron with a lid of the
same material). Secondly none of its uses involve macabre ingredients
such as parts of corpses, innocent blood, dead animal parts, etc.
Thirdly you won't ever see one being used in a graveyard. So how is it
used? Well in number of ways such as shown in the examples I will give.
Well the most common use is in offering blessings or to ask requests of the dead. In order to do this the cauldron is partially filled with dried necromantic herbs. The blend I suggest is a combination of wormwood, marshmallow (althea), and dandelion root. This will attract benevolent spirits and will make communication easier. The papers on which the blessings or requests are written are then laid on-top of the herbs. The bottom layer is then lit and when everything is consumed the message has been relayed to the dead. Be sure to use a fire-proof base or you will likely lose your base of operations.
Another common use for a cauldron by a necromancer is to hold offerings for chthonic gods and spirits of the dead. Usually these take the form of liquid libations such as wine, olive oil, ale, mead, etc. The libations are poured into the vessel during the course of a ritual of worship. They are subsequently disposed after a period of time by digging a hole and emptying the cauldron into it. After this is done the hole is refilled and the ground smoothed over. The cauldron can also be used to hold food offerings. In such a case the procedure for disposal is the same.
Divination by fire is the third most frequent use for a cauldron owned by a Worker of the Dead. This process is performed by once again filling the cauldron partially with necromantic herbs or wood shavings from trees of the dead. These are then lit on fire and the flames are watched closely for images or shapes. These are then interpreted by the necromancer according to his/her personal symbol system. If using the smoke from the fire to divine then the necromancer blows the smoke away from him/her after asking a question. If the smoke twists clockwise (deasil) the answer is NO. If it twists counterclockwise then the answer is YES. As with the message delivery a fire-proof base should be used. Another form of divination that uses a cauldron is done with olive oil (which is sacred to the dead) and water. The vessel is filled with warm water and then the oil is added. The shapes formed are interpreted symbolically.
A less common use for the cauldron is for the mixing of magical oils. In necromancy magical oils are used for a variety purposes though they are generally are less important than other tools. The oils that a necromancer uses are generally meant for the following purposes: anointing tools, dressing candles and other objects, and anointing the body before rituals or spells. Oils are not used by all necromancers except those who incorporate elements of other magical traditions (such as hoodoo, ceremonial magic, etc.) into their practice.
Note: the cauldron can also be be used to hold libations of olive oil, wine, or other liquid libations meant for the dead or chthonic gods. Additionally it can be used for holding things such as: bone dust, consecrated water, graveyard dirt, etc.
That's all for this post!
Slainte!
Well the most common use is in offering blessings or to ask requests of the dead. In order to do this the cauldron is partially filled with dried necromantic herbs. The blend I suggest is a combination of wormwood, marshmallow (althea), and dandelion root. This will attract benevolent spirits and will make communication easier. The papers on which the blessings or requests are written are then laid on-top of the herbs. The bottom layer is then lit and when everything is consumed the message has been relayed to the dead. Be sure to use a fire-proof base or you will likely lose your base of operations.
Another common use for a cauldron by a necromancer is to hold offerings for chthonic gods and spirits of the dead. Usually these take the form of liquid libations such as wine, olive oil, ale, mead, etc. The libations are poured into the vessel during the course of a ritual of worship. They are subsequently disposed after a period of time by digging a hole and emptying the cauldron into it. After this is done the hole is refilled and the ground smoothed over. The cauldron can also be used to hold food offerings. In such a case the procedure for disposal is the same.
Divination by fire is the third most frequent use for a cauldron owned by a Worker of the Dead. This process is performed by once again filling the cauldron partially with necromantic herbs or wood shavings from trees of the dead. These are then lit on fire and the flames are watched closely for images or shapes. These are then interpreted by the necromancer according to his/her personal symbol system. If using the smoke from the fire to divine then the necromancer blows the smoke away from him/her after asking a question. If the smoke twists clockwise (deasil) the answer is NO. If it twists counterclockwise then the answer is YES. As with the message delivery a fire-proof base should be used. Another form of divination that uses a cauldron is done with olive oil (which is sacred to the dead) and water. The vessel is filled with warm water and then the oil is added. The shapes formed are interpreted symbolically.
A less common use for the cauldron is for the mixing of magical oils. In necromancy magical oils are used for a variety purposes though they are generally are less important than other tools. The oils that a necromancer uses are generally meant for the following purposes: anointing tools, dressing candles and other objects, and anointing the body before rituals or spells. Oils are not used by all necromancers except those who incorporate elements of other magical traditions (such as hoodoo, ceremonial magic, etc.) into their practice.
Note: the cauldron can also be be used to hold libations of olive oil, wine, or other liquid libations meant for the dead or chthonic gods. Additionally it can be used for holding things such as: bone dust, consecrated water, graveyard dirt, etc.
That's all for this post!
Slainte!
Friday, 20 December 2013
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.
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.
Sunday, 8 December 2013
Thanatic Herbs: Plants of the Dead
There are a number of plants which can be extremely useful to the necromancer. Among these are the following.
Mullein: Erroneously described as a substitute for graveyard dirt, this in fact is a misconception. Known as the "Hag's Taper". The soft leaves are used as candle wicks and the dried stalks are soaked in beeswax or tallow to make a torch for rituals of necromancy. It is also burnt to see manifestations of spirits of the dead at night, to see into the Otherworld, and communicate with the spirits and deities that dwell there. Can also be used in talismans.
Wormwood: Used for summoning spirits and to help them manifest.
Cedar: The dried needles when smouldered serve both as a sustaining feast and call for the blessed dead, and the smoke is used to exorcise malevolent shades. The wood works for this purpose as well when turned into a fetish or as a staff.
Dittany of Crete: Used to aid in the manifestation of the spirits of the dead. Also has somewhat of a nasty reputation because of where it tends to grow. Harvesters tend to fall from the cliffs and crags where it grows and plummet to their death.
Aconite: Also known as Wolfsbane or Monkshood. Because of its incredible toxicity it is better to not to harvest it. If one has the dried root it can be preserved in order to serve as a tutelary spirit. Not to be used by amateurs.
Yew: Known in European countries as the Death Tree, it is a symbol of death, reincarnation, and longevity. Is planted in graveyards to protect the spirits of the dead. It can be used to banish malevolent spirits of the dead. Often associated with sorcery and dark magic. It is considered the sister of the Tree of Life, the birch. One of the traditional wand woods used for thanatic magic.
Apple: Considered the food of the Irish dead and the inhabitants of the Otherworld. Can be added to incense blends or as offerings to feed the spirits of the dead and ancestors.
Mugwort: Ingested as a tea to aid in divination and talking to the dead. Also boiled in water and, then the liquid is used to wash divination tools.
Copal: Serves as a offering to the dead and can be used to appease the spirits who remain in states of trauma or confusion after death.
Willow: The wood of the willow is used in incenses and in the construction of fetishes dedicated to the dead. Also symbolizes the emotion of grief.
Tobacco: May be presented as a herbal offering upon a ancestral altar or a grave in the form of a incense or sacramental smoke to honor the shades of the dead.
Cypress: The oil of this tree serves as a great addition to incenses and formula of the underworld. It is the second traditional wand wood used for thanatic magic.
Myrrh: The oil aids in all blends of a necromantic design. Can also be mixed into incenses.
Graveyard Mold: Technically no folklore or magical traditions associate this herb with necromancy of any kind. However I have included it here because I believe it can be used as a compound in necromantic incenses. Since it grows on graves it should contain some of the essence of the dead.
Mandrake: According to legend King Solomon carried a piece of this root in his seal ring to give him sovereignty over souls. Since one of its names is the "Little gallows man" it can be used as a poppet for laying curses of death, illness, pain, etc.
Birch: Petitions and blessings are written on the bark of this tree which is then burnt or buried in the grave of the spirit.
Bay Laurel: Used to communicate with the dead, possibly through use as an incense. Easily available in the form of bay leaves.
Chervil: Also known as garden chervil or "gourmet's parsley" a tea or other drink made with it can be imbibed to aid in rituals of communion with the dead.
Lavender: Burnt as incense in order to bring peace of mind to the dead.
Marigold: Associated with funerals and used in funeral sprays.
Asphodel: In Greek legend is connected with the dead and the underworld. Sacred to Hades, Persephone, and Hekate. The roots were eaten by the poor of Greece and hence thought good enough food for the dead. Could be burnt as incense or the roots could be given as food offerings.
Thyme: Burnt as an incense helps ease the soul of a person who died a violent death.
American Sycamore: Known as "Ghost Trees" for their distinctive patchy appearance. Associated with the dead and poverty.
Elder: In Norse mythology the tree is considered the Guardian of the Road to Hel (and thus sacred to Hela, Goddess of the Dead). Also associated with the ancestors. The third traditional wand wood used for thanatic magic.
Mullein: Erroneously described as a substitute for graveyard dirt, this in fact is a misconception. Known as the "Hag's Taper". The soft leaves are used as candle wicks and the dried stalks are soaked in beeswax or tallow to make a torch for rituals of necromancy. It is also burnt to see manifestations of spirits of the dead at night, to see into the Otherworld, and communicate with the spirits and deities that dwell there. Can also be used in talismans.
Wormwood: Used for summoning spirits and to help them manifest.
Cedar: The dried needles when smouldered serve both as a sustaining feast and call for the blessed dead, and the smoke is used to exorcise malevolent shades. The wood works for this purpose as well when turned into a fetish or as a staff.
Dittany of Crete: Used to aid in the manifestation of the spirits of the dead. Also has somewhat of a nasty reputation because of where it tends to grow. Harvesters tend to fall from the cliffs and crags where it grows and plummet to their death.
Aconite: Also known as Wolfsbane or Monkshood. Because of its incredible toxicity it is better to not to harvest it. If one has the dried root it can be preserved in order to serve as a tutelary spirit. Not to be used by amateurs.
Yew: Known in European countries as the Death Tree, it is a symbol of death, reincarnation, and longevity. Is planted in graveyards to protect the spirits of the dead. It can be used to banish malevolent spirits of the dead. Often associated with sorcery and dark magic. It is considered the sister of the Tree of Life, the birch. One of the traditional wand woods used for thanatic magic.
Apple: Considered the food of the Irish dead and the inhabitants of the Otherworld. Can be added to incense blends or as offerings to feed the spirits of the dead and ancestors.
Mugwort: Ingested as a tea to aid in divination and talking to the dead. Also boiled in water and, then the liquid is used to wash divination tools.
Copal: Serves as a offering to the dead and can be used to appease the spirits who remain in states of trauma or confusion after death.
Willow: The wood of the willow is used in incenses and in the construction of fetishes dedicated to the dead. Also symbolizes the emotion of grief.
Tobacco: May be presented as a herbal offering upon a ancestral altar or a grave in the form of a incense or sacramental smoke to honor the shades of the dead.
Cypress: The oil of this tree serves as a great addition to incenses and formula of the underworld. It is the second traditional wand wood used for thanatic magic.
Myrrh: The oil aids in all blends of a necromantic design. Can also be mixed into incenses.
Graveyard Mold: Technically no folklore or magical traditions associate this herb with necromancy of any kind. However I have included it here because I believe it can be used as a compound in necromantic incenses. Since it grows on graves it should contain some of the essence of the dead.
Mandrake: According to legend King Solomon carried a piece of this root in his seal ring to give him sovereignty over souls. Since one of its names is the "Little gallows man" it can be used as a poppet for laying curses of death, illness, pain, etc.
Birch: Petitions and blessings are written on the bark of this tree which is then burnt or buried in the grave of the spirit.
Bay Laurel: Used to communicate with the dead, possibly through use as an incense. Easily available in the form of bay leaves.
Chervil: Also known as garden chervil or "gourmet's parsley" a tea or other drink made with it can be imbibed to aid in rituals of communion with the dead.
Lavender: Burnt as incense in order to bring peace of mind to the dead.
Marigold: Associated with funerals and used in funeral sprays.
Asphodel: In Greek legend is connected with the dead and the underworld. Sacred to Hades, Persephone, and Hekate. The roots were eaten by the poor of Greece and hence thought good enough food for the dead. Could be burnt as incense or the roots could be given as food offerings.
Thyme: Burnt as an incense helps ease the soul of a person who died a violent death.
American Sycamore: Known as "Ghost Trees" for their distinctive patchy appearance. Associated with the dead and poverty.
Elder: In Norse mythology the tree is considered the Guardian of the Road to Hel (and thus sacred to Hela, Goddess of the Dead). Also associated with the ancestors. The third traditional wand wood used for thanatic magic.
Saturday, 7 December 2013
The Instrument of the Dead
The flute is perhaps the most useful instrument a necromancer could
possess as it allows him/her to summon the spirits of the dead without
the need of a long fancy ritual. According to instructions the flute is
to be made of either elder wood or bamboo. The elder wood flute is used
to summon all the spirits of the dead within range when it is played.
The bamboo flute on the other hand has the name of a deceased person
carved into its side and can only summon that individual. The same sort
of location must be chose for the performance regardless of which flute
is to be played. It must be quiet, free of people, and relatively
isolated. Along with the flute the necromancer should bring summoning
incense and a censor, a iron knife, anointing oil, and possibly an
offering for the dead.
To use the instrument, the necromancer should start playing at a slow speed. I have been reassured that one does not need to be able to actually carry a proper tune. Gradually the necromancer should increase the speed of his/her playing until it reaches a fever pitch. During this time he/she should be thinking of their intent to contact the spirits of the dead. Eventually the spirits or spirit should arrive drawn by the combination of noise and summoning incense. At this point playing should be stopped and the necromancer should negotiate with the spirit(s) for information or the performance of a task. If it is the first time they have been summoned then they should be given an offering as a sign of friendship but not asked for anything. To dismiss the spirits they should first be told that business is done, then the flute should be played again. This time however the necromancer should start playing at a fast pace and gradually get slower until they stop. The process of playing the flute is similar to invoking sylphs to increase or decrease the wind. If any of the spirits does not leave when dismissed and starts causing trouble, standard banishing procedures should be followed.
Please note that as normal for necromantic operations, the summoning should be performed during full dark.
To use the instrument, the necromancer should start playing at a slow speed. I have been reassured that one does not need to be able to actually carry a proper tune. Gradually the necromancer should increase the speed of his/her playing until it reaches a fever pitch. During this time he/she should be thinking of their intent to contact the spirits of the dead. Eventually the spirits or spirit should arrive drawn by the combination of noise and summoning incense. At this point playing should be stopped and the necromancer should negotiate with the spirit(s) for information or the performance of a task. If it is the first time they have been summoned then they should be given an offering as a sign of friendship but not asked for anything. To dismiss the spirits they should first be told that business is done, then the flute should be played again. This time however the necromancer should start playing at a fast pace and gradually get slower until they stop. The process of playing the flute is similar to invoking sylphs to increase or decrease the wind. If any of the spirits does not leave when dismissed and starts causing trouble, standard banishing procedures should be followed.
Please note that as normal for necromantic operations, the summoning should be performed during full dark.
Friday, 6 December 2013
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.
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.
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