Recently, I was asked to put together a series of resources on death work, so this article is the beginning of many resources to come.
What is Death Work?
An overview of death work
Death work is a vast topic in the spiritual space and covers everything pertaining to the death and rebirth cycle that we go through either as human beings or as spiritual beings. From a human perspective, this may look like literally dying and crossing over to the next portion of our lives after our current material existence. In a spiritual context though, we go through many deaths and rebirths at various stages throughout our journey when we release what's no longer serving us, heal, embrace change, and so on. Death work may include any of the following: working with ancestors (those who walked our path before us and have already departed the material plane of existence), helping humans nearing death peacefully transition from this life to the next, helping those who are already deceased cross over if they're unable to move forward on their own, healing generational patterns of abuse and trauma,
Death Energy — Though many people exclusively think of death energy as the "end" of one thing, it is better understood as the force of change or transition. It is the shedding of the old to make way for new beginnings. The Ouroboros symbol is one of the best representations of this energy, depicted as a serpent eating its own tail. This imagery showcases the concept of infinity, wholeness, and the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. As the serpent consumes itself, it symbolizes the endless nature of creation and destruction, where death is not an end but a part of a continuous cycle.
Death Workers — These are individuals who work with death energy on a recurring basis to bring about change in their lives and in the lives of others.
Death Doulas — These are individuals who help human beings prepare for and transition from the material realm to what awaits them on the other side. They may take on roles as hospice workers, home-based palliative care workers, and funeral or end-of-life planners. Their goal is typically to bring peace of mind to the individual nearing the end of their life and comfort to their families to ease the transition.
Death Walkers — These are individuals who help deceased people spiritually cross over. They may work in paranormal investigator roles, make house calls for "hauntings", or host seances or mediumship sessions to communicate with the deceased. Their goal is typically to receive messages from the spirits of the deceased and help them find closure so they do not remain trapped in limbo but are able to move forward spiritually speaking.
Death Witches/Practitioners — These are individuals who work with death energy and use its force in their intentions and spiritual practices to heal themselves, transmute energy for the purposes of growth, and unwind generational patterns of abuse, trauma, and more. They may simultaneously take on roles as death walkers, death doulas, and death workers too.
Who typically dabbles in death work?
People who understand that death is a transition of one thing ending in order for something new to begin and who do not fear death itself, but rather recognize its important role in the universe. For without death, we cannot have life; and without endings, we cannot have beginnings.
Clairvoyant Individuals — Those who are naturally gifted with or who have worked to develop their clairvoyant abilities, have the capability to see things spiritually that the majority of people are blind to. That can make working with the liminal and transitionary energy of death a natural draw for clairvoyance individuals.
Mediumship-gifted Individuals — Those who are able to see and communicate with spirits and beings on "the other side" in a mediumship capacity, may be naturally drawn to death work as they are already able to make contact with the dead.
Empathic Individuals — Those who are naturally empathic or sensitive to energy and spiritual activity, may be particularly drawn to various forms of death work as it allows them to help others in times of confusion and frustration, whether it be helping humans at the end of their life, or helping those who are already deceased cross over if their death occurred unexpectedly, tragically, or under extreme circumstances.
Healthcare-focused or Healer-type Individuals — Individuals who are drawn to working in healthcare or healer-type lines of work are often drawn to helping people in times of sickness and crisis, which often naturally overlaps with working with death energy, even if the person is not physically dying. Death energy is tapped into every time a person releases what is no longer serving them and welcomes in healing and rebirth energy.
How will I feel once I start dabbling in death work?
Imagine shedding old, heavy layers of the self, like a snake shedding its skin, making way for new growth and healing energy to flow in.
As you walk this path, you may feel a sense of liberation as you let go of emotional baggage and limiting beliefs. It’s like standing in a dark forest, feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders, only to emerge into a clearing bathed in moonlight, feeling lighter and more connected to your true self.
Remember, this is just the beginning of your journey toward healing and self-discovery. There are infinite layers to explore and mysteries to uncover as you continue your exploration of death work. Embrace the process with an open heart and a curious mind, for there is always more wisdom waiting to be revealed.
Is Death Work Dangerous or Evil?
Absolutely not. Can it be difficult and uncomfortable? Yes, of course. Can it be used to cause destruction and harm to others? Certainly. But is it inherently dangerous or evil? No, not at all.
How is death work different from necromancy?
Death work and necromancy are two distinct practices that involve working with the dead, but they have different intentions and methods.
Death work typically involves rituals and practices aimed at honoring, communicating with, and assisting the deceased. On the other hand, necromancy (necromancy also should not be confused with the word necrophilia which is to engage sexually with the deceased and is completely unaffiliated with everything we are discussing on this page) is a form of magick that focuses on summoning and controlling the spirits of the dead for personal gain or power through manipulation.
While death work often involves showing respect and reverence for the dead, necromancy is commonly associated with darker intentions and may be viewed as unethical or dangerous by some practitioners. It's important to approach both practices with caution and respect for the boundaries between the living and the dead.
Can death work be good/positive/helpful?
Most definitely. Though the intentions for how death work is used is ultimately up to the spiritual practitioner, if your goals are to heal and grow personally and help others as well, then it can certainly be used for good. Alternatively, as with any spiritual practice, the knowledge and wisdom that comes with dabbling in death work can certainly be used to bring about greater destruction and harm to both the living and the dead.
Should I be scared of death work?
While it can sound scary to dabble with something so deeply misunderstood, like death energy, we do not need to fear death work itself, as long as we are educated on what it is, know how to properly ground, cleanse, and protect ourselves before practicing, and are clear on our intentions.
Practicing Death Work
What to know before getting started
As with any spiritual practice that aims to connect with the other side, spirits, or the deceased, it is important to understand that there are beings in existence that are malicious or malevolent in nature. If at any point you find yourself dealing with an entity that is parasitic, know that this is NOT the spirit of a deceased person, commonly referred to as ghosts, the dead, apparitions, etc. but rather an entity whose only intention is to feed off the lifeforce of whatever host it can latch onto. If you are unfamiliar with these types of entities, I would strongly caution you against dabbling in death work until you are well-educated on them, as you can put an unnecessary target on yourself. You can learn more about parasitic entities here.
If you're already familiar with the fundamentals of grounding, cleansing, protection, banishing, and parasitic entities, you'll have a good basis for everything that we'll dive into relating to death work.
Always Start with Grounding, Cleansing, and Protecting Yourself and Your Space
How to Ground Yourself
Grounding before any form of death work is incredibly important as it ensures that you are connected to your body, the material realm, and very much present for everything that is to follow. You can ground your energy in several ways including, spending time in nature, walking barefoot on the grass or soil to feel the connection to the earth, sitting crisscross on the ground to connect your root energy source to the earth, imagining roots growing from your feet into the earth anchoring you firmly, practicing intentional breathing exercises, and more. Remember that grounding is a personal practice, so feel free to explore different techniques and find what works best for you.
How to Cleanse Your Space
To cleanse the energy of your space before performing any type of death work, you can smoke cleanse with sacred dried herbs, sound cleanse with bells or singing bowls, or utilize energy-clearing sprays like Florida water or other cleansing blends. Each method has its unique way of clearing negative energy and creating a positive environment for your death energy work, so use whatever method is easily doable and works best for you. Remember to be intentional through the process, so if you are going to cleanse with burning dried herbs, for example, do not simply wave the burning herbs and smoke around, but set your intentions and focus on cleansing the space you’ll be working in of any negative or stagnant energy so that you have a neutral starting point.
How to Protect Your Space
After cleansing the space to bring it to a neutral state energetically speaking, you’ll then want to protect yourself and the space from any additional unwanted energies from entering. This is a critical step as it helps minimize the risk of parasitic entities or malevolent beings from sneaking their way into your space while spiritual doorways or portals are "open" — do not ever skip protective steps when performing any type of death working, even if it's a seemingly simple or straightforward practice. Protection can be implemented by setting an energetic boundary, such as casting a circle, if this aligns with your spiritual path and beliefs, wearing protective crystals, such as black obsidian, black tourmaline, or hematite, or casting a protection spell, or utilizing a protective ward.
You can protect your space and create a protective circle with the support of the elements using the steps below.
Facing East, speak: "Thank you to the East and the element of Air for protecting and assisting me through this death working and preventing any energies that aren't aligned with my highest good from entering this sacred space. Hail and welcome!"
Turning right and facing South, speak: "Thank you to the South and the element of Fire for protecting and assisting me through this death working and preventing any energies that aren't aligned with my highest good from entering this sacred space. Hail and welcome!"
Turning right and facing West, speak: "Thank you to the West and the element of Water for protecting and assisting me through this death working and preventing any energies that aren't aligned with my highest good from entering this sacred space. Hail and welcome!"
Turning right and facing North, speak: "Thank you to the North and the element of Earth for protecting and assisting me through this death working and preventing any energies that aren't aligned with my highest good from entering this sacred space. Hail and welcome!"
How to Practice Death Work
After effectively grounding yourself and cleansing and protecting the space you’ll be working in, here are a few different methods that I have personally used to practice death work as taught to me by my deities and spirit guides. Remember, after the death working is performed, you will want to close out the ritual in reverse order by re-protecting yourself and your space, re-cleansing yourself and your space from any lingering negative or stagnant energy, and re-grounding yourself to diffuse built-up energy from the working itself.
- Ancestral Lineage Healing — This entails working both "backward" and "forward" in your ancestral line to unwind and heal trauma, patterns of abuse, and things that you no longer wish to carry in your DNA or bloodline. When we work to heal this portion of who we are, we can change the trajectory of our lives and our familial connections. Begin by setting a clear intention to heal and bring peace to your ancestral lineage. Keep in mind that your protective ancestors of love and benevolence will want to partner with you on this working and ancestors who were responsible for perpetuating cycles of abuse will stand in opposition to your working. Create a sacred space for your work, light a candle, and take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Call upon your protective ancestors and invite them to join you in this healing process. Take time to reflect on the history and experiences of your ancestors. Acknowledge any pain, trauma, or unresolved issues that may be present in your lineage. Through meditation, visualization, or journaling, release any negative emotions or burdens that you may be carrying from your ancestors. Allow yourself to feel these emotions fully and then release them with love and compassion. Remember, healing your ancestral lineage through death work is a deeply personal journey that requires patience, compassion, and dedication. By honoring your ancestors and doing the necessary inner work, you can bring healing not only to yourself but also to those who came before you and those who may come after you.
- Inner Child/Teen Healing — Our younger selves hold many of the repressed feelings and experiences that cause fragmentation within our current selves due to traumatic events, unprocessed emotions, and more. When we work to heal these aspects of ourselves, accept the truth for what it is, and reintegrate these pieces of ourselves back into our whole selves, we can live more freely. Begin by recognizing the existence of your inner child or teen within you. This is the part of you that carries the wounds and unmet needs from your younger years. Find a quiet and safe space where you can connect with your inner child or teen without distractions. You may want to light a candle, play soothing music, or use whatever helps you feel comfortable and secure. Close your eyes and visualize yourself as a child or teen. Imagine them standing in front of you, looking for your attention and love. Start a dialogue with your inner child/teen. Ask them what they need, what they are feeling, and offer them comfort, reassurance, and love. Allow yourself to feel and express any emotions that arise during this process. It's okay to cry, feel angry, or experience any other feelings that come up. As you communicate with your inner child/teen, release any guilt, shame, or pain that you may be carrying from the past. Let go of negative beliefs or patterns that no longer serve you. Show yourself compassion and understanding as you navigate this healing journey. Healing your inner child/teen through death work can be challenging, so don't hesitate to seek support from a therapist, counselor, or support group if needed. Remember, healing is a process that takes time and patience. Be gentle with yourself as you explore this deep inner work and allow yourself to embrace healing and transformation at your own pace.
- End-of-Life Care Assitance — This entails working with individuals who are quite literally on death's door. They may be dying of old age, natural causes, illness and disease, or something else entirely. When we work with these individuals, we help bring them peace of mind, smooth the transition from the material realm to the spiritual, and empower them to exit earth as gracefully as possible. Be present with the person and listen to their thoughts, fears, and feelings without judgment. Encourage them to express their emotions and concerns. Offer physical touch, such as holding their hand or giving a gentle hug, if appropriate. Comforting words and reassurance can also help alleviate anxiety. Dim the lights, play soothing music, or light a candle to create a calm and serene environment. This can help the person feel more relaxed and at ease. Encourage the person to reflect on their life, memories, and relationships. Help them find meaning and closure in their experiences. If the person is open to it, provide spiritual support by praying or meditating together, reading comforting passages from their favorite book, poem, or sacred texts, or engaging in spiritual practices that are meaningful to them. Respect the person's wishes and preferences regarding their end-of-life care and final moments. Be sensitive to their needs and boundaries. If needed, involve a hospice care team, counselor, or spiritual advisor to provide additional support and guidance during this challenging time. Remember that each person's journey towards finding peace in their final moments is unique. Your presence, empathy, and support can make a significant difference in helping them navigate this profound transition with grace and dignity.
- Deceased Spirit Crossing Over Assitance — When deceased individuals pass unexpectedly, such as in a freak accident, tragic event, natural disaster, murder, at a young age, or by taking their own life, there can be a great deal of confusion, frustration, anger, and lack of closure that can keep them trapped in a liminal space rather than naturally crossing over. When we work with these individuals, we give them an opportunity to share any messages they didn't get to convey prior to their death, allow them to receive a sense of closure, and ease their fears about crossing over. Start by creating a safe and sacred space where you can communicate with the spirit of the deceased person. This space should be peaceful, calm, and free from distractions. Begin by opening communication with the spirit of the deceased person. You can do this through meditation, prayer, or any other spiritual practice that you feel comfortable with. Call upon higher beings such as deities, angels, spirit guides, or ancestors connected to the person to help guide them to the other side. Ask for their assistance in helping the spirit move on peacefully. Use energy healing techniques such as Reiki or visualization to clear any energy blockages that may be preventing the spirit from transitioning to the other side. Offer guidance and support to the deceased person, letting them know that it is safe for them to move on and that they are not alone. Encourage them to release any attachments or fears that may be keeping them stuck. You can perform rituals such as lighting candles, burning sacred herbs, or offering prayers to help facilitate the transition of the spirit to the other side. Finally, help the deceased person find closure and peace by expressing gratitude for their presence and encouraging them to let go of any earthly attachments. Encourage them to move towards the light and embrace their journey to the other side. Remember to approach this process with love, compassion, and respect for the deceased person's journey. Trust in the guidance of higher beings and believe in the power of spiritual healing to help facilitate a peaceful transition for the spirit.
How to Re-Protect Yourself
After the death working, you’ll want to re-protect your energetic field to repair any places where vulnerabilities may have arisen following connecting with death energy and liminal space. Take a moment to visualize your energy being slowly mended and strengthened before closing out the protective circle that was created with the support of the elements. These steps will be done in reverse order from how they were first performed.
Stand up and facing North, speak: "Thank you to the North and the element of Earth for protecting and assisting me through this death working and preventing any energies that aren't aligned with my highest good from entering this sacred space. Thank you and farewell."
Turning left and facing West, speak: "Thank you to the West and the element of Water for protecting and assisting me through this death working and preventing any energies that aren't aligned with my highest good from entering this sacred space. Thank you and farewell."
Turning left and facing South, speak: "Thank you to the South and the element of Fire for protecting and assisting me through this death working and preventing any energies that aren't aligned with my highest good from entering this sacred space. Thank you and farewell."
Turning left and facing East, speak: "Thank you to the East and the element of Air for protecting and assisting me through this death working and preventing any energies that aren't aligned with my highest good from entering this sacred space. Thank you and farewell."
Be intentional going forward to protect your energy. Find what works best for you, whether it be veiling (wearing a head covering), wearing protective crystals, wearing a protective talisman or amulet, shielding through glamour magick, or whatever your preferred method is.
How to Re-Cleanse Yourself
To cleanse your energy (and space if you feel it’s necessary) after performing this death working, you can utilize the same method you did at the beginning of the ritual, such as smoke cleansing with sacred dried herbs, using sound cleansing with bells or singing bowls, or utilizing energy clearing sprays like Florida water or other cleansing blends.
Alternatively, you also might opt for something that’s more personal to cleanse yourself, such as a ritual cleansing shower or bath. Remember to be intentional through the process, so if you are going to cleanse with burning dried herbs again, for example, do not simply wave the burning herbs and smoke around yourself or your space, but set your intentions and focus on cleansing your energy so that you feel clean, refreshed, and energized.
How to Re-Ground Yourself
Grounding after a death working is incredibly important as it ensures that any excess energy is redirected back to the ground/earth. You can ground your energy utilizing the same method you did at the beginning of the ritual, such as spending time in nature, walking barefoot on the grass or soil to feel the connection to the earth, sitting crisscross on the ground to connect your root energy source to the earth, imagine roots growing from your feet into the earth anchoring you firmly, practicing intentional breathing exercises, etc.
Remember, just as we tend to our physical bodies with care and attention, so too must we nurture our spiritual well-being. By cultivating a practice of grounding, cleansing, and protecting ourselves we can fortify our energetic boundaries and safeguard our essence from anything who seeks to drain it.
May you walk your path with wisdom and prudence. Blessed be on your journey of spiritual growth and healing.