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Christian Day
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The Witches' Book of the Dead Paperback – October 1, 2011

by Christian Day (Author), Raven Grimassi (Foreword)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 256 ratings
See all formats and editions
Witches are creatures of magic. They cast spells, heal, and foretell the future. What you might not know is that Witches can also commune with the spirits of the dead.
In The Witches' Book of the Dead, modern-day Salem Warlock Christian Day shows how the spirits of our beloved dead can be summoned to perform such tasks as helping you to discover hidden opportunities, influence the minds of others, seduce the object of your affection, and even reach into the dreams of the unwary. According to legend, the Spirits of the dead can confer magical talents, fame, love, and wealth on those brave enough to summon them.
The Witches' Book of the Dead explores the enduring relationship between witches and the dead and teaches rituals and incantations to help readers open doorways to the spirit world.
Topics include: 
  • Legendary Witches who have raised the dead, including The Witch of Endor, Circe, and Erichtho 
  • Creating ancestral altars and building relationships with spirits
  • The tools of Necromancy: the bronze dagger, yew wand, iron keys, graveyard dust, the offering cauldron, spirit powders, the human skull, and more.
  • Methods of spirit contact, including automatic writing, scrying mirrors, spirit boards, pendulums, and spirit mediumship
  • The ancient arts of necromancy as a method of conjuring the dead to assist in magic
  • Ridding yourself of unwanted spirits using rituals of cleansing, banishing and exorcism
  • Ghost hunting techniques that combine psychic wisdom with modern technology
  • Communing with the dead in dreams
  • Sacred holidays and powerful celebrations of the dead
  • Resources on where to ethically obtain the tools of the trade
  • An overview of the feared deities of the Underworld
  • Rituals, recipes, exercises, and more!
Dare to walk between the worlds with Christian Day as he guides you across the River Styx into the shadowy realms where the dead long to connect with us once more!
Previous page
  1. Print length
    288 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Weiser Books
  4. Publication date
    October 1, 2011
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 1 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1578635063
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1578635061
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Dare to take the ancient journey into the realm of the dead, guided by the necromantic knowledge of the Witches and Warlocks of old. This book is not for the fearful but rather for the sincere seeker of the netherworld in all its truth and dark beauty. Stride now into this dark world with necromantic Warlock Christian Day, who has touched the shadowland and now brings it to you within each and every chapter of this well-researched tome. Begin your journey now!” —Reverend Lori Bruno, Hereditary Strega and High Priestess of Our Lord and Lady of the Trinacrian Rose Church

“Christian Day has stirred up all the ancient lore of Majick and placed it in the hands of his readers. Very well researched.” –Reverend Laurie Cabot, High Priestess of the Cabot Tradition and founder of the Cabot Kent Hermetic Temple

“The Witches' Book of the Dead is a well-researched and thoughtful compendium of magical lore, necromancy, spirit contact, and mediumship. It mixes a rich background of historical information with practical applications of ritual and magical practice. Day is not afraid to draw back the veil and peer behind it. Let him show you what he has discovered! A very good read; a volume full of worthwhile information.”—Raymond Buckland, author of Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft

“Impressively researched, compelling, and immensely readable, Day’s first book resurrects the vast power of the spirit world and offers it to modern-day practitioners.”—Fiona Horne, radio and television personalityand author of eight books including Witch: A Magical Journey

“In these pages, you will discover clear, lucid instructions for contacting the dead, as well as explanations for why you might want to do so. While simultaneously emphasizing the sacred nature of his subject, Christian has written a fun, easy-to-read and easy-to-access instructional manual for interaction with the ever-present souls of the dead.”—Judika Illes, author of The Encyclopedia of Spirits, The Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells, The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft, and The Weiser Field Guide to Witches

“Jam-packed with practical advice, easy-to-follow instructions, and covering everything from exorcism to necromancy, The Witches' Book of the Dead truly is the quintessential guide to working with the spirit world. A must have for every magical practitioner's bookshelf!”—Dorothy Morrison, author of Utterly Wicked

“A powerful modern manual for practitioners seeking to add necromancy to their repertoire, rooted deeply in history and tradition.”—Christopher Penczak, co-founder of the Temple of Witchcraft and author of The Plant Spirit Familiar

“This book is an invaluable text that can open pathways to subjects otherwise deemed unapproachable in a way that makes 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 a fascinating compendium of necromantic lore, and I recommend it highly!”—Oberon Zell-Ravenheart, headmaster of The Grey School of Wizardry and author of Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard

“This book is fresh, exciting, and like nothing you have ever read before!”—Rosemary Ellen Guiley, author of The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits

“A shocking, witty, and scholarly thesis offers the historian, the sorcerer, and the curiosity seeker something to ponder and something to remember—we do not walk alone.”—Bloody Mary, Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, occult historian, psychopomp, and owner of Bloody Mary’s Tours

“This book delivers a call back to an often-neglected source of power, wisdom, and guidance: necromancy and communion with the unseen side of humanity. It is a fascinating compendium and a useful tool but definitely a controversial challenge. Read and enjoy, but apply the techniques with care and caution!”—Orion Foxwood, co-founder of the House of Brigh Faery Seership Institute and author of The Tree of Enchantment

“Filled with mystery and magick, The Witches' Book of the Dead is deliciously dark, edgy, thought provoking, and beautifully 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 down Witchcraft history, humanizes the folks who have always stood casting and conjuring at the outskirts of society, and then celebrates them like one would cheer a rock star. A great book and mystical look into connecting with the other side and transforming the universe around us.”—Jeff Belanger, founder of Ghostvillage.com, author of The World's Most Haunted Places, and host of 30 Odd Minutes

“Christian writes with wisdom and authority, and makes the reader feel safe and secure, knowing they are being lead through advanced ritual practices by someone who knows his stuff A-Z.”—Edain McCoy, author of Advanced Witchcraft: Go Deeper, Reach Further, Fly Higher

“Without a doubt this is the most useful and unambiguous book available to the modern practitioner.” —Peter Paddon, author of The Book of the Veil, Through the Veil, and A Grimoire for Modern Cunningfolk

“You may not agree with all that Day proposes—and you get the sense he’d probably welcome a good intellectual brawl—but you can’t deny that this passionate, personal take on the meaning and practice of magic is thoughtful, bravely-drawn, and fascinating.”—Lesley Bannatyne, author of Halloween Nation: Behind the Scenes of America's Fright Night

“Christian Day has outdone himself with this rare, beautifully written, brilliant work. If you are tired of reading regurgitated, watered-down 101 books or have found yourself in a place where you wish to delve deeper into the core 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 the notion that magick is exclusively about love, light, and life, and death is a subject to be avoided, put this book down. It is neither for the faint of heart, weak of mind or the fear enslaved soul.”—Mulysa Mayhem, priestess of Hekate, Magickal Tattoo Artist, and Owner of Good Mojo Tattoos, Beverly, MA

“The Witches' Book of the Dead offers contemplative, genuine methods, while written in a gratifying narrative style. Read it for the information other manuscripts have lacked.”—Sabrina The Ink Witch, artist and founder of www.theinkwitch.com

“From Altars to Yew wands, no (grave) stone was left unturned in this well researched and beautifully written compendium of necromancy.”—Marla Brooks, author of Workplace Spells, Animal Spells and Magick, and host of Stirring the Cauldron Radio

“A rare gem on the proverbial bookshelf of any working Witch!”—Rev. Jonathan Sousa, Southern Italian Traditionalist and author of WitchHeart: Essays in Traditional Craft Philosophy

“The Witches' Book of the Dead is without a doubt one of the most in depth works on darker magic I have ever had the pleasure to read.”—Corvis Nocturnum, author of Cemetery Gates: Death and Mourning through the Ages

“Destined to be a classic in occult literature.” —Denise Alvarado, author of The Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook

About the Author

Christian Day is a modern-day Warlock living in the "Witch City" of Salem, Massachusetts. He is the creator and coordinator of the annual Festival of the Dead, the owner of Salem Witch shops HEX and OMEN, and has appeared on The Travel Channel, Showtime, TLC, MSNBC, TMZ, and CNN.com, and has been widely quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, and USA Today. Visit him at: christianday.com, festivalofthedead.com or salemhex.com

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Weiser Books (October 1, 2011)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1578635063
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1578635061
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 256 ratings

About the author

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Christian Day

Christian Day

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Christian Day is a modern day Warlock living in the “Witch City” of Salem, Massachusetts. A practitioner of the ancient arts of Witchcraft—a spiritual path devoted to old world folk magic, healing, and veneration of the dead, Christian owns two occult shops in Salem: HEX: Old World Witchery, dedicated to the practices of Witchcraft, Hoodoo, and Conjure, and OMEN, a psychic parlor and Witchcraft emporium which features a staff of gifted psychic readers. Each October, Christian hosts Salem’s annual Festival of the Dead, an event series that includes such popular events as the Official Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball, an Annual Psychic Fair and Witchcraft Expo, and an authentic séance. Among his many media appearances, Christian has been featured on The Travel Channel, Showtime, TLC, MSNBC, Biography, Dish Network and in The Chicago Tribune, The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald, CNN.com, USAToday.com and, of course, The Salem News.

Christian was born one town north of Salem in Beverly, Massachusetts, where his aunt is a city councilor and his late grandfather was a pharmacist—heirs to the legacy of the potion-makers of old—for many years. He always had a keen sense of the mysterious growing up, and was always intrigued by paranormal phenomena, mystic places, and Ouija boards. While never fully embracing the occult, he was never very far from it.

At the age of 17, Christian bought his first deck of Tarot cards and so began the path of magic that would continue for over two decades. At 18, he dedicated himself fully to the practice of Witchcraft, a vow he made during a thunderstorm when the moon was full. He collected dozens of magical books, attended classes in Witchcraft and psychic development, and took advantage of the knowledge available throughout Salem’s many occult and metaphysical shops.

In 1995, Christian founded SalemTarot.com, a site dedicated to exploring the Tarot from a Witch’s point of view. Still popular today, the site offers a three card reading, Tarot postcards, and was Christian’s first foray into networking with a global community of Witches when the internet was still very young. The site led to Christian’s decade-long career in web marketing, working for private clients, startups, and advertising agencies.

In 1995, he was initiated by Salem’s Shawn Poirier into Raven Moon Coven, a family-tradition where Witchcraft was considered to be a survival of old world folk magic, necromancy, and natural wisdom. When Shawn passed into spirit in 2007, Christian and his coven sister, Leanne Marrama, took the helm of the coven, teaching students and helping to guide their coven sisters and brothers through the disciplines of magic.

In 2003, Christian created Festival of the Dead with his business partner and best friend, the late Shawn Poirier. Christian and Shawn realized that the powers that be in Salem were trying to squash the city’s association with Witchcraft and Halloween and so they decided to bring the holiday back to its roots as a celebration of the dead, creating a month-long series of events dedicated to Death’s macabre customs, heretical histories, and strange rituals. Watching Christian’s innate sense for marketing and promotions, the city realized that the Witch had value after all, the tide turned, and now Christian sits on the board of directors of Destination Salem, the city’s official Office of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, where he aids in finding ways to honor the tragic history of Salem’s 1692 Witch trials while celebrating the growing presence of the world’s largest modern-day Witch community.

In 2007, Christian’s best friend Shawn passed into spirit and left him with the crucial legacy of keeping Salem a place of magic for all who visit.

In 2008, Christian decided to create permanent roots in Salem and opened his first Witch Shop, HEX: Old World Witchery, even purchasing the commercial condo space the shop was to occupy. HEX was designed as an answer to what Christian feels is an unnecessary mainstreaming of Witchcraft into just another faith, devoid of the magic and mystery that has made the Craft such a lasting and powerful practice. With HEX, Christian set about to manifest the magical energies of old world Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, and where they intersected with New World Hoodoo, Conjure, and Voodoo. While Christian wanted to have the more commonly used spells for love, money, and healing, he also wanted HEX to offer everything from spells kits for hexing—to be used only in the name of justice—to candles used to stop another woman from snagging your husband. The spiritual heart of the shop is the ancestral altar, where thousands of visitors leave messages and offerings to their beloved dead throughout the year.

To complete the picture, Christian invited hereditary Sicilian Witch Lori Bruno to take her place in the front window of HEX where she reads for her many clients and helps to define the old world energy of the shop. Born to a Strega tradition, Lori is Christian’s magical mentor and gave him the ritual sword of renowned Witch Dr. Leo Louis Martello, which Christian considers his greatest milestone in the Craft. Lori and Christian have forged a partnership of magic that continues to define the city as a place of authentic Witchcraft.

In 2010, Christian opened his second shop, OMEN, a Psychic Parlor and Witchcraft Emporium that focuses on psychic readings, spiritual counseling, and classes. While OMEN is also a retail shop, the products are more geared towards divination and healing and, where HEX features an altar for the dead, the heart of OMEN is its healing altar, where visitors leave healing requests for those who need it. Christian refers to OMEN as “the softer side of Sears,” and feels that it is a safe introduction for those not quite ready for the hardcore magic of HEX.

Christian calls himself a Warlock rather than a Witch. After much research into the term—used for centuries to describe male practitioners of Witchcraft, necromancers, and those who challenge the authority of the church, he adopted the word in 2010 as a means of celebrating the divine masculine and as a vow to protect and empower his family, tribe, and, of course, his city.

Web Sites

www.christianday.com

www.festivalofthedead.com

www.salemhex.com

www.omensalem.com

www.salemtarot.com

www.psychicsforhire

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
256 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Shelly
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is invaluable
Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2012
Verified Purchase
I originally picked up Christian's book because of some bad and (in my opinion) ill-informed reviews. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. As I read the book, I was floored. First, it was an easy read. Reading the book was like listening to Christian speak. His personality really came through. I didn't feel talked down to and I didn't get lost while reading. The history presented in the book was addressed in such a way that I felt I learned a lot but wasn't lectured. I also enjoyed the personal stories and experiences. I think this brought the topic into the real world and helped me understand it's application.

Necromancy is something that is severely stigmatized and through reading this book I have found that it is not nearly as scary (even if we should use a skull!) as I once thought. I am still a Novice and do not plan on practicing necromancy anytime soon because I am not as experienced as I feel I need to be. However, when the time comes, I plan on revisiting this book and following Christians advice. Unlike some reviews I read, I felt like Christian approaches necromancy from a very respectful stand point. He doesn't sugar coat what necromancy is and is not afraid to tell it like it is. Yes, as a necromancer you will ask spirits to do things for you but you're not shackling them into slavery. There is definitely a large element of respect when asking spirits to do things for you. A relationship must be developed and maintained. At no point did I get the impression that spirits are treated as beings without a face or story. I actually gathered the opposite. I felt as if Christian was saying you should work with familiar spirits you feel comfortable with.

As for Christian's "ego" (which has been addressed in other reviews), I feel like it comes through in this book but not in a stuck up way. The voice behind the book is that of confidence and experience. I felt like the "name dropping" he does solidify's his place in the community and (when it comes to spirits) shows his reverence for his beloved dead.

All in all this book is invaluable for someone that would like to practice necromancy now or in the future. I feel like I am not bias, seeing as I do not know Christian personally, and I am not involved in the greater witch community. Politics and personal practice aside, this book is a home-run.
15 people found this helpful
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phil m.
5.0 out of 5 stars Witches' Book of the Dead review
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2013
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This is a book i've been waiting for, Written by Salem Massachusetts own Christian Day with a forward written by the renowned Witch Raven Grimassi. The Witches' Book of the Dead, Is written on the ever forbidden practice of Necromancy & of contacting the spirits of the dead. It's very well written & researched by Mr, Day. One will learn from a to z on how to practice this esoteric & downright frightening art of connecting with the spirits of our dearly departed, & of The dead in general! You will learn about it's history, How to enter altered states of consciousness to be able to "connect" with the spirits. There are also different types of ritual practice for you to delve into as well. Also what To do, & what NOT to do, to conjure those who have passed into the Summerland, A word of caution from someone experienced in these matters, follow the instructions carefully, as they WILL be the deciding factor between success & failure! Christian Day also shows you how to know when you've done a ritual correctly, & what to expect. I remember seeing this book quite a few times on Amazon, but dismissed it as another generic Witchcraft book delving into a subject MANY are to scared to even think about!! I finally bought it, & boy was i wrong, Am I'm not wrong often on Occult matters, as having been a practicing Occultist for 21 years now! Well i'm very glad i got it, very well done! I absolutely recommend it to anyone wanting a clear, concise, & at times humor full experience wanting to learn about Necromancy & speaking with those dead. This is a quintessential read for anyone seeking correct information about the aforementioned topics. Very well done!
Sincerely,
Moonsadden
13 people found this helpful
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Elinor Gambill
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!!! SKULL AND ALL!!!
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2012
Verified Purchase
It was strange how I happened upon this book. I had a dream one night and my Patron told me that there was something that would be coming my way, and I needed to read it. (Of course, in my dream I had to have certain steam-punk made spectacles to do so, but that's besides the point). When I awoke, I did my usual routine hopped on Facebook with a cup of coffee in hand I scrolled the Newsfeed pages, and there it was...Robert (the skull's name on the front of the book) peering out me. As if to say "Elinor Read Me". I ordered the book with my next paycheck I got. Within the first Chapter I was hooked. I couldn't put it down. My Patron was visiting me frequently in dream state while I was reading it. There is no one favorite chapter, to do that would be like choosing a favorite child. I could not put it down. I am now doing a Year and A Day based on this book. My book has a colorful array of posted notes stuck in each time there is a suggested rite/ritual. I suggest this book to anyone that wants an equal balance of the "night" along with their "day". Or to those that have death around them constantly...he helps to try and alleviate some of the "sadness" by letting you know that you can still communicate with those from the "beyond". He shines light on a subject that has lurked in the shadows for far to long. A lot of people tend to forget that death is a part of life...in order to experience one you have to know the other. So Kudos and Granola Bars to you, Christian Day for having the inspiration to write and publish this book. I love it!!
7 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Michelle K.
5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book!
Reviewed in Canada on January 10, 2017
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This is a fantastic book that explores everything from historical origins to modern day witches and even ghost hunting. It includes practical advice for the beginner and guides one through some basic and highly important practical applications.
2 people found this helpful
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T J Jacobs
5.0 out of 5 stars A controversial subject sensitively handled
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 8, 2013
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Christian Day come across as a warm, immensely likeable man. This book was a pleasure to read, principally because it isn't written as a 'manual' but is filled with solid research balanced by personal anectode and interspersed with rituals on a 'try it and see' approach. The approach is avowedly non-Wiccan and returns the witch to the commanding figure they formerly were: at the very centre of the powers, essentially a shaman who mediates between the worlds (and the author makes a strong case for traditional witchcraft being a survival of ancient European shamanism, not at all the 'religion' it has been reinvented as). Those who object to the modern 'sanistised' version of witchcraft known as Wicca would be well served by this readable and comprehensive account.
12 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written
Reviewed in Canada on October 26, 2019
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Loved parts about Goddess Hecate
And death stories educational
One person found this helpful
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Witchatthebeach
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 22, 2018
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I loved this book so so much! I bought the kindle edition and paper back. I was recommended this book by a necromancer who done a talk in a curio and oddities shop where we could purchase skulls etc.

As soon as I downloaded this book I couldn't out it down! Incredible details, beautifully written with some very inspiring quote's

Can't wait to give this a try!
One person found this helpful
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dbenv
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book!
Reviewed in Canada on June 6, 2019
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I couldn’t put this book down! It was filled with interesting information!
One person found this helpful
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