Brief History of Necromancy

Let us begin into the taboo subject of working with the dead. This first lesson will focus on learning the history and the role it has played in different religions.

The word necromancy "nigromancy" root is within the Ancient Greek language meaning divination of the dead; the practice of acquiring knowledge about the unknown or the future through supernatural means. One of the most popular techniques of the necromancy during this time period was going through an oracle who would use a crystal ball. The Oracle reader would act as a medium so the spirits can communicate their messages. This is still popular technique among modern witches.

Necromancy is just a word that explains a type of divination; keeping this in mind we can understand the history more. In early Necromancy, it was practiced by the ancient Shamans. The practice entailed altering your state of consciousness to allow yourself to see and communicate with the spirit world. Much like the Oracle for the Greeks, the Shaman was believed to have special gifts to act as a medium.

The Ancestor Cult (Pre-Christian Era) is the use of necromancy for the purpose to obtain good fortune and protection. This entails the veneration of the dead; based on love and respect for the deceased. In Europe, Asia, and Oceania, and in some African and Afro-Diasporic cultures, the goal of ancestor veneration is to ensure the ancestor's well being. These traditions may be ancient but have carried through the times into the modern age known as the Day of the Dead. This is known as Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico rooting from the Aztecs. This celebration can also be found in Hati Vodu practice and before Samhain was turned into Halloween was a day to honor the spirits.

During the Middle Ages Necromancy was seen as a practice of astral magick using the astral plane to perform an exorcism. The goal for the Medieval practitioner is to manipulate ones will, create illusions, and gain insight/knowledge. This is where the practice evolved more into conjurations, creating circles, and even sacrifice. (Mostly done by the xian clergy)

This is just the beginning of understanding what necromancy is.

Darkest Blessings