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Praise forThe Witches' Book of the Dead“Dare to take the ancient journey into the realm of the dead,guided by the necromantic knowledge of the Witches andWarlocks of old. This book is not for the fearful but ratherfor the sincere seeker of the netherworld in all its truth anddark beauty. Stride now into this dark world withnecromantic Warlock Christian Day, who has touched theshadowland and now brings it to you within each and everychapter of this well-researched tome. Begin your journeynow!”—Rev. Lori Bruno, Hereditary Strega and High Priestess ofOur Lord and Lady of the Trinacrian Rose Church“Christian Day has stirred up all the ancient lore of Majickand placed it in the hands of his readers. Very wellresearched.”–Rev. Laurie Cabot, High Priestess of the Cabot Traditionand founder of the Cabot Kent Hermetic Temple“The Witches' Book of the Dead is a well-researched andthoughtful compendium of magical lore, necromancy, spiritcontact, and mediumship. It mixes a rich background of

historical information with practical applications of ritual andmagical practice. Day is not afraid to draw back the veil andpeer behind it. Let him show you what he has discovered! Avery good read; a volume full of worthwhile information.”—Raymond Buckland, author of Buckland's Complete Bookof Witchcraft“Impressively researched, compelling, and immenselyreadable, Day's first book resurrects the vast power of thespirit world and offers it to modern-day practitioners.”—Fiona Horne, radio and television personality and authorof eight books including Witch: A Magical Journey“In these pages, you will discover clear, lucid instructionsfor contacting the dead, as well as explanations for why youmight want to do so. While simultaneously emphasizing thesacred nature of his subject, Christian has written a fun,easy-to-read and easy-to-access instructional manual forinteraction with the ever-present souls of the dead.”—Judika Illes, author of The Encyclopedia of Spirits, TheEncyclopedia of 5000 Spells, The Element Encyclopedia ofWitchcraft, and The Weiser Field Guide to Witches“Jam-packed with practical advice, easy-to-followinstructions, and covering everything from exorcism tonecromancy, The Witches' Book of the Dead truly is the

quintessential guide to working with the spirit world. A musthave for every magical practitioner's bookshelf!”—Dorothy Morrison, author of Utterly Wicked“A powerful modern manual for practitioners seeking to addnecromancy to their repertoire, rooted deeply in history andtradition.”—Christopher Penczak, co-founder of the Temple ofWitchcraft and author of The Plant Spirit Familiar“This book is an invaluable text that can open pathways tosubjects otherwise deemed unapproachable in a way thatmakes necromancy understandable to all.”—Leilah Wendell, author of The Necromantic Ritual Book,Encounters with Death, and Our Name Is Melancholy“Christian Day presents every aspect of necromancy clearly,practically, and matter-of-factly. From start to finish, this is afascinating compendium of necromantic lore, and Irecommend it highly!”—Oberon Zell-Ravenheart, headmaster of The Grey Schoolof Wizardry and author of Grimoire for the ApprenticeWizard“This book is fresh, exciting, and like nothing you have ever

read before!”—Rosemary Ellen Guiley, author of The Encyclopedia ofGhosts and Spirits“A shocking, witty, and scholarly thesis offers the historian,the sorcerer, and the curiosity seeker something to ponderand something to remember—we do not walk alone.”—Bloody Mary, Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, occulthistorian, psychopomp, and owner of Bloody Mary's Tours“This book delivers a call back to an often-neglected sourceof power, wisdom, and guidance: necromancy andcommunion with the unseen side of humanity. It is afascinating compendium and a useful tool but definitely acontroversial challenge. Read and enjoy, but apply thetechniques with care and caution!”—Orion Foxwood, co-founder of the House of Brigh FaerySeership Institute and author of The Tree of Enchantment“Filled with mystery and magick, The Witches' Book of theDead is deliciously dark, edgy, thought provoking, andbeautifully crafted.”—Ellen Dugan, author of Practical Protection Magick“Christian Day is an amazing resource when it comes to

magic and Witchy legend and lore. Day breaks downWitchcraft history, humanizes the folks who have alwaysstood casting and conjuring at the outskirts of society, andthen celebrates them like one would cheer a rock star. Agreat book and mystical look into connecting with the otherside and transforming the universe around us.”—Jeff Belanger, founder of Ghostvillage.com, author of TheWorld's Most Haunted Places, and host of 30 Odd Minutes“Christian writes with wisdom and authority, and makes thereader feel safe and secure, knowing they are being leadthrough advanced ritual practices by someone who knowshis stuff A-Z.”—Edain McCoy, author of Advanced Witchcraft: Go Deeper,Reach Further, Fly Higher“Without a doubt this is the most useful and unambiguousbook available to the modern practitioner.”—Peter Paddon, author of The Book of the Veil, Through theVeil, and A Grimoire for Modern Cunningfolk“You may not agree with all that Day proposes—and youget the sense he'd probably welcome a good intellectualbrawl—but you can't deny that this passionate, personaltake on the meaning and practice of magic is thoughtful,bravely-drawn, and fascinating.”

—Lesley Bannatyne, author of Halloween Nation: Behindthe Scenes of America's Fright Night“Christian Day has outdone himself with this rare,beautifully written, brilliant work. If you are tired of readingregurgitated, watered-down 101 books or have foundyourself in a place where you wish to delve deeper into thecore of the occult, then this is a must read.”—Starrfire Price, founder and webmistress, PaganSpace.net“If you're one of those of the living who subscribes to thenotion that magick is exclusively about love, light, and life,and death is a subject to be avoided, put this book down. Itis neither for the faint of heart, weak of mind or the fearenslaved soul.”—Mulysa Mayhem, priestess of Hekate, Magickal TattooArtist, and Owner of Good Mojo Tattoos, Beverly, MA“The Witches' Book of the Dead offers contemplative,genuine methods, while written in a gratifying narrativestyle. Read it for the information other manuscripts havelacked.”—Sabrina The Ink Witch, artist and founder ofwww.theinkwitch.com“From Altars to Yew wands, no (grave) stone was left

unturned in this well researched and beautifully writtencompendium of necromancy.”—Marla Brooks, author of Workplace Spells, Animal Spellsand Magick, and host of Stirring the Cauldron Radio“A rare gem on the proverbial bookshelf of any workingWitch!”—Rev. Jonathan Sousa, Southern Italian Traditionalist andauthor of WitchHeart: Essays in Traditional CraftPhilosophy“The Witches' Book of the Dead is without a doubt one ofthe most in depth works on darker magic I have ever had thepleasure to read.”—Corvis Nocturnum, author of Cemetery Gates: Death andMourning through the Ages“Destined to be a classic in occult literature.”—Denise Alvarado, author of The Voodoo HoodooSpellbook“This beautiful tome piercingly reaches to the psyche ofgenuine magickal practitioners, reminding us that we havealways, and shall continue to, work with forces beyond ourimmediate consciousness. For those exploring the serenity

of shadow and the deeper levels of Craft, this book is mostdefinitely for you.”—Raven Digitalis, author of Shadow Magick Compendiumand Goth Craft

First published in 2011 byRed Wheel / Weiser, LLC665 Third Street, Suite 400San Francisco, CA 94107www.redwheelweiser.comCopyright 2011 by Christian DayAll rights reserved. No part of this publication may bereproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,recording, or by any information storage and retrievalsystem, without permission in writing from Red Wheel /Weiser, LLC. Reviewers may quote brief passages.ISBN: 978-1-57863-506-1Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data isavailable on request.Cover design by Jim WarnerSkull image on cover Christian DayCandles on cover Shutterstock / dragasanuInterior by Kathryn Sky-Peck

Typeset in Garamond BEPrinted in CanadaTCP10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1The paper used in this publication meets the minimumrequirements of the American National Standard forInformation Sciences—Permanence of Paper for PrintedLibrary Materials Z39.48-1992 (R1997).

DedicationsThis is a book of the dead and so only the dead shall behonored here:Mary Elaine Taeger, 1950–2008Mom, you always encouraged me to be strong, to standup for what is right and true, and to believe that I coulddo anything.John Day, 1947–2000Uncle Johnny, you were a father to me throughout mychildhood. You were Santa, the Easter Bunny, and thevery embodiment of compassion.Shawn Poirier, 1966–2007Shawn, you were my first true mentor and the bestfriend I've ever had. You taught me to believe in magicand that the spirit world is real indeed.

Rebecca Larivee, 1969–2011Becci, you were my cousin, my soul sister, my friend,and coven-sister. Your kindness, laughter, love, andferocity will be with us always.Patricia Ann Tadiello, 1963–2008Cousin Patty, your warmth, humor, and your ability tosee the good in others continues to inspire thosewhose lives you touched.Catherine Larivee, 1950–1986Auntie Cathy, you were an adventurer and one of thestrongest people I've known. Thank you for helping mymother find strength to survive.Roscoe F. Day, 1920–1993Grampy, your entrepreneurial spirit lives on in me.Witches were the original pharmacists, so, in a way, I'mstill keeping it in the family.Dr. Leo Louis Martello, 1931–2000Leo, we've never met, but your courage to say whatmust be said inspires me. I wield your ritual sword withgreat honor and reverence!

ContentsForeword by Raven Grimassi1 A Covenant with the DeadThe Witch in Myth and HistoryThe Witch as NecromancerModern Wicca: Witchcraft RenewedSpirits in the Modern Age: Today's Witches2 Opening the DoorwayThe Shroud and the Veil: Living WitchcraftThe Body, Mind, Spirit ConnectionLetting Your Inner Witch OutKeeping One Foot in the Real WorldTools, Places, and Times of PowerThe Death CurrentThe Dangers of Spirit WorkThe Visionary StateExercise: Entering the Visionary StateMaking Pacts with the SpiritsRitual: Making the Pact3 The Altar of the Dead

Finding an AltarWhere to Put the AltarRitual: Blessing the AltarPersonalizing Your AltarThe SkullRitual: Blessing Your SkullSacred Offerings and Daily Devotions4 The Witches' Tools of Spirit WorkThe Bronze DaggerThe Yew WandThe Pentacle of ProtectionThe Chalice of LibationThe Spirit Rattle or BellThe CauldronSpirit Incense and BurnerSpirit PowderA Jar of HoneySkeleton KeysAnointing CandleCandles5 Banishing and ExorcismUnwelcome SpiritsEliminating Natural CausesSpirit of Place Residue versus Hauntings

Spirit Attachments to ObjectsSpirit Attachments to PeopleSimple Solutions for Ridding Yourself of UnwantedSpiritsRitual: CleansingRitual: The Roman Ritual of the BeansRitual: The Ritual of ExorcismGet Help from Others6 Methods of Spirit ContactAutomatic Writing and AutomatismsExercise: Automatic WritingThe PendulumThe Ouija BoardSpirit ScryingExercise: Spirit Scrying by Crystal Ball or MirrorExercise: Spirit Scrying by Bowl DivinationExercise: Spirit Scrying by Candle Flame7 Spirit Mediumship: Speaking with the DeadStyles of MediumshipAncient MediumsThe Witch as Spirit MediumSpiritualism and the Resurgence of MediumshipSpirit Medium Helen Duncan Frees the WitchesBasic Mediumship