Communion With the Dead By Jay Barrymore Samhain is the day when the veil between this world and the next is thinnest. It is the time when conditions are best for those who have passed on to communicate with those still alive. Halloween is a traditional time for seances and spirit channeling. There are a variety of ways to communicate with the dead. The first rule is to attempt to interact only with those who have a desire to do so. Do not summon anyone to appear, but do invite them. Some people long to communicate with a recently deceased relative or loved one that may still reside in the Summerland waiting their next incarnation, but it is important not to insist. In the past, some Irish people would leave offerings of food, gifts and chairs by a lighted fire as a sign of hospitality to any departed spirit friends who may drop in for a visit. Other images come to mind of family gatherings that have an empty plate set for a deceased relative while the rest of the family enjoys their meal. Other ways of communing with the dead involve necromancy. Originally, necromancy meant the actual physical animation of a dead body. The necromancer would go to a graveyard, dig up a body, perform a set of rituals and conjurations, and bring the body back to life. Of course, digging up someone's grave is illegal and unethical, and is within the realm of black magick. Today, however, necromancy for most people means the spirit-communication with the dead. Some rituals still involve the practitioner actually doing a ceremony in a cemetery, but the focus is on having the spirit of the deceased materialize in physical (or at least visible) form. Still, some of these rituals may involve questionable elements that may deter many white magicians from performing them. Another form of necromantic activity involves communion with the Angel of Death, Azrael. Again, some of these rituals rely greatly on medieval and crude techniques, such as gaining entrance to a mausoleum or graveyard, and using a corpse as an altar. The magician's intent is to gain union with the entity, Azrael, and to obtain insight into that being's enlightenment. One probably could reflect upon this information while they sit in jail. These types of rituals are not recommended (and not just because of social standards). Many of the rituals found in Wiccan Books of Shadows regarding communion with the dead are benevolent and involve no shady workings. For the ethical practitioner, these rites are very effective without the black magickal trappings associated with other types of necromantic activities. To help a deceased loved one (or any other spirit entity) to take on a physical form, one must provide material which it can use to form a body. A very heavy incense smoke is often used for a physical manifestation. The Spirit can give itself a form by using the physical matter found within the smoke. Dittany of Crete is one of the several herbs that can be burned to provide such a vehicle. Bringing a spirit to physical manifestation can be a very taxing and dangerous experience. It should not be taken lightly, and if there is no need, then it shouldn't be attempted. For a visual experience, magicians often use a Triangle of Manifestation. The magician places the Triangle outside the magickal circle and materializes the spirit being. Another form of visual manifestation is through an instrument such as a crystal ball. This again the magician will place within a Triangle of Manifestation; however, this Triangle can be on the altar within the circle. The only other difference is that this visual appearance will not be physical. Most magicians will also describe this type of conjuration as much safer. Both of these operations may take up to two weeks of preparation before beginning the actual work; this includes meditating on the event and its goal, acquiring magickal paraphernalia (including sigils and seals of protection), and much more. Necromancy can also conjure apparitions of those who are alive. The magician can then gain insight into a future event and discover what person(s) may be involved, such as in a romantic situation. Using necromantic techniques helped unmarried Irish women to divine their future husbands during Samhain. Remember: when conducting a rite that involves those who have passed on, always remember to invite (not command) them back! And as when doing any type of ritual, after you finish, always release or give license to depart whomever or whatever you have invited forth. Necromancy should be carried out in a loving and caring aspect. Reunion with loved ones who've passed on can be a very emotional and rewarding experience. Communion Rite This simple Spiritualist operation requires at least two people. It can either be the sole purpose of a ritual, or an act of communion with the departed during a Cakes and Wine ceremony. For best results, attempt this during Samhain or at the dark of the moon. It should be done indoors unless suitable outside arrangements can be made. It must be dark. Make a sacred space by casting a Circle or defining the limits of the safe area by usual means. Then suspend a white bed sheet in front of an open doorway. Participants should all gather on one side of the gateway. Light a taper candle and place it on the opposite side of the sheet so that it lights the sheet from behind. Use no other light source. The distance of the candle from the sheet can affect the quality of the operation, so experiment with its placement. It is now appropriate to make an invocation or prayer to the gods, asking for the shades of departed loved ones to appear and commune with those present. Then each person takes a turn standing in front of the sheet, being illuminated from behind by the candle. The other person(s) should focus their attention on the outline of the body of the person standing in front of the sheet (similar to looking for the aura). If the operation is effective, etheric images, faces, outlines of people, etc., should appear over the face and body of the subject. Allow everyone sufficient time for observation. When it's time to end the rite, license all shades and apparitions to depart, and close the ritual area. This is a simple form of scrying. As with most things, the more practice the better the results. | 
