Necromancy for Beginners: An Easy Guide to the Basics - Ancestor Altars (2024)

Necromancy may evoke thoughts of shadowy rites and forbidden spells, but it’s a multifaceted practice that has existed for hundreds of years.

At its heart, necromancy is about seeking communication with the dead. This is done with the aim of unlocking knowledge, gaining insights, or keeping in touch with departed souls.

If you’re new to this ancient art, it’s understandable that you might feel overwhelmed.

Necromancy is more than just spells and incantations; it’s a discipline that necessitates a profound comprehension of the mystical and the mortal realm.

Embarking on this journey calls for a thoughtful and reverential approach. As you prepare to explore diverse methods such as divination and spirit summoning, remember to do so with patience and respectful practice.

With patient learning and respectful practice, you’re not just dabbling in the occult but connecting with a storied tradition that offers deeper insight into life’s greatest mystery—death.

To get started on this path, take a step towards understanding the Origins of Necromancy and familiarize yourself with the Methodologies and Techniques that have been honed over centuries.

Origins of Necromancy

Necromancy’s roots stretch back to antiquity. The term itself comes from Greek origins, meaning the prophecy from the dead. Here’s a snapshot of its inception:

• Ancient Greece: Sites like the Necromanteion of Ephyra were visited for communing with the deceased.
• Ancient Rome: In Rome, practicing necromancy was considered a severe offense, often resulting in capital punishment.

When you look further back:

Today, necromancy is still present in some cultures:

• Africa & Caribbean: It’s a part of religious practice to connect with the ancestors and spirits.

Remember, necromancy has always been enveloped in debate. While some condemn it, for others, it remains a profound source of wisdom and solace.

History of Necromancy

Ancient Necromancy

In your journey to understand necromancy, you encounter the ancients—Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans—who embraced this practice. They reached out to the departed, seeking their wisdom and guidance.

• Notable Practice:
• The Oracle of Delphi, believed to channel the dead to unveil prophecies.

Middle Ages

Moving deeper into history, you find that necromancy’s nature shifted during these ages. The Church cast it as Maleficium, a dark art, pushing its practice into the shadows. Scholars of the era still explored these realms, often documenting their insights.

Modern Era

Fast forward to today, and you’ll see necromancy more in books and films, characterized by mystery and the macabre. Yet, hidden practitioners uphold the old ways, keeping the thread alive in corners unfazed by taboo.

Methodologies and Techniques

Rituals

To begin communicating with the deceased, setting up a ritual space is crucial. This process typically involves the following steps:

• Clearing the area: Use sage or palo santo to purify the space.
• Establishing an altar: Place candles, incense, crystals, and other tools on the altar.
• Calling upon the spirits: Invite the presence of ancestors or spirits.
• Offer respect: Leave food, drink, or flowers as offerings.
• Closing the ritual: Express gratitude and allow the spirits to depart.

Spells

Spells require concentration and a clear purpose. Here’s how to perform basic necromantic spellwork:

• Select your spirit: Decide on the entity you wish to contact.
• Collect your items: Acquire candles, herbs, and crystals associated with your spell.
• Create a protected space: Formulate a circle or a consecrated area to cast your spell within.
• Summon the ancestor: Verbally invite the spirit into your space.
• Clearly state your intent: Make your requests known.
• Release with gratitude: End by showing appreciation and letting the spirit go.

Summoning

Summoning is an elaborate process and should be approached with caution. Follow these guidelines for a safe experience:

• Choose wisely: Pick the spirit or ancestor to engage with.
• Prepare thoroughly: Amass candles, herbs, and crystals linked to your summoning.
• Formulate a sacred circle: Establish a protective boundary to operate in.
• Call forth with respect: Reach out to the chosen entity.
• Be explicit: Articulate your purpose for the summoning.
• Conclude with thanks: Convey your gratitude and gently dismiss the entity.

Tools and Implements

Sigils

Sigils are potent symbolic representations designed for communication with various entities or harnessing their powers. To effectively utilize sigils during your necromantic practices:

• Draw or print sigils on paper.
• Etch them onto candles or talismans.
• Focus on the intention behind the sigil to enhance its effect.

Talismans

Talismans serve as your magical allies, imbued with properties to safeguard or amplify your necromantic capabilities. To make the most of talismans:

• Craft them from metals, stones, or herbs.
• Inscribe with meaningful sigils or symbols.
• Keep them close to you or set them in pertinent locations.

Candles

The flicker of candlelight sets the mood for your rituals and act as a beacon for otherworldly energies. Here’s how to use candles effectively:

• Choose colors aligned with your goals, such as black for banishment or white for attraction.
• Position candles to outline your space or direct energy.

Incense

Incense can purify your ritual area and establish a resonant ambiance for spirit communication. To incorporate incense:

• Use sage for space cleansing and negating unwanted energies.
• Burn frankincense to facilitate spirit communication and enhance psychic insight.

Remember, each tool you use becomes an extension of your will and intent. Treat them with respect and care, and they will serve you well in your practices.

Famous Practitioners and Their Works

John Dee

Key Contributions:

• Monas Hieroglyphica: Dee’s significant tome on mystical numerology and its ties to necromancy.

Brief Overview: John Dee, your sixteenth-century guide to the ethereal, was not just a man of science but also deeply rooted in the occult. His scrying sessions aimed to connect with celestial beings and may just be the key to understanding how to reach beyond the veil.

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa

Key Contributions:

• De Occulta Philosophia: Agrippa’s detailed volumes covering magic, including sections on necromancy.

Brief Overview: When you dive into Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa’s works, be prepared to uncover the complexities of communicating with spirits. His protective rituals are particularly noteworthy, providing a shield against any dark entities you may encounter on your journey.

Aleister Crowley

Key Contributions:

• Liber Samekh: Crowley’s ritualistic blueprint for invoking the spirits of the departed.

Brief Overview: Aleister Crowley invites you into a twentieth-century magical experience, blending necromancy with ceremonial practices. Delving into Crowley’s works could offer profound insights and unearth the wisdom of those who have crossed over.

Myths and Misconceptions

Necromancy often comes with a handful of misunderstandings that shape how people view the practice. Here’s a brief look to set the record straight:

• It’s a myth that necromancy is fundamentally evil; intentions matter, and it can be used for beneficial purposes just as much as any other magical practice.
• Dark magic is not the sole domain of those who practice necromancy. In fact, practitioners also engage in healing and various forms of divination.
• While it’s largely believed that necromancy is strictly about communicating with the dead, its scope extends to interaction with a range of spiritual entities.
• Safety concerns are valid for any form of magic, including necromancy. With the right knowledge and precautions, it is possible to practice necromancy without undue risk.

Ethics and Considerations

When engaging with necromancy, you’re dealing with powerful forces, and it’s crucial to take ethical considerations seriously.

• Consent: Make sure any spirits you’re contacting have agreed to the exchange.
• Spells like Revivify rely on the soul’s willingness, emphasizing respect and consent.
• Safety Measures: Be cognizant of the dangers undead beings may pose.
• Their actions are often unpredictable and could lead to harm.
• Respect for the Deceased: Honor the autonomy of the dead.
• They are not tools to be wielded for personal gain but rather should be approached with dignity.
• Knowledge is Key: Fully understand the magic you’re attempting to use.
• Necromancy has its boundaries, and overlooking them could result in unintended consequences.
• Avoiding Abuse of Power: Use necromancy for positive connections and enlightenment, not as a means to exert control or dominance over others.

Performing a Necromancy Ritual

Inviting Spirits

To commence your necromancy ritual, create a sacred space to welcome the entities.

• Begin by:
• Lighting candles to set the ambiance.
• Burning incense to purify the space.
• Reciting an invocation to call forth spirits.

Construct an altar featuring personal items that resonate with the particular spirits you’re drawing upon.

For instance, include a photograph and personal mementos if reaching out to a departed loved one.

Communicating with Spirits

Communication with the spirits is a delicate process. Engage with them using:

• Divination tools: Tarot cards or pendulums can act as a medium.
• Meditation and visualization: Focus your mind to receive spiritual messages.

Maintain a posture of openness and expectancy while being clear about your boundaries and queries.

Be respectful and patient, as communication isn’t guaranteed.

Closing the Ritual

Conclude your session with gratitude and an offer of thanks to the spirits. To properly close the ritual:

• Extend a final gift or blessing.
• Recite a closing prayer or engage in a visualization to safeguard against lingering energies.
• Extinguish all candles and** incense** that have been used.

Post-ritual, ground yourself and contemplate the experience to assimilate any spiritual insights effectively.

Safety Precautions for Necromancy

When engaging in necromancy, your wellbeing is paramount. Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Protective Gear:
  • Wear gloves, masks, and goggles to safeguard against contact with physical materials.
• Proper Disposal:
  • Dispose of materials and remains respectfully and in accordance with local regulations.
• Clear Intentions:
  • Approach your practice with clarity about your goals. Steer clear of harmful purposes.
• Set Boundaries:
  • Define limits for interactions with spirits and maintain those boundaries firmly.
• Protection Spells:
  • Cast protection spells or rituals to secure your safety before and after your practice.
• Respect the Dead:
  • Honour the deceased and communicate with spirits courteously, never imposing your will.

Conclusion

Engaging in necromancy involves more than just the rituals; it’s an exploration of deeper understanding.

Here are key points to remember:

• Respect is Key: Always approach practices with the utmost respect for the dead and the art of necromancy itself.
• Educate Yourself: Begin with the history and principles of necromancy, then advance to hands-on techniques.
• Ethical Considerations: Be mindful of the legal and ethical concerns surrounding necromantic practices. These boundaries are there for a reason.
• Positive Intentions: Utilize necromancy for healing, insight, and introspection, not for quick solutions or control over others.
• Safety First: Learn and adhere to safety precautions to safeguard your well-being during practices.