Death, it’s a heavy topic but a beautiful part to the tapestry of life that gets woven each and every day. Death has always been a part of my craft, for as long as I can remember. I embrace it, accept it, welcome it into my life. It is the balance necessary to enjoy the here and now, to look forward to our futures, to simply love.
American Physicist and comedian Aaron Freeman said “You want a physicist to speak at your funeral. You want the physicist to talk to your grieving family about the conservation of energy, so they will understand that your energy has not died… You want the physicist to remind your sobbing mother about the first law of thermodynamics; that no energy gets created in the universe, and none is destroyed”. Energy, in a sense, is not infinite however energy transforms and changes into other things. so with this theory when we die our energy transforms into something, or someone, else.
I work with my ancestors and spirits of both the deceased and the land as I'm sure most of you who read this do too. As a witch we know spirits are never too far away and they play a vital role in our craft to help or to hinder others on our behalf. We call forward their energy to aid in spell work or divination, for finding lost things or even reassuring someone that they are not alone. Whatever it is, energy is required and so we give offerings not just as thanks but to also keep their spirits alive and well energised. Offerings are an integral part of working with spirits: It's a way of honouring them whilst supplying them with the much needed energy for them to consume (Remember, spirits consume the energy of the offering, not the physical thing). Offerings can include things like incense that they love, tobacco, alcohol, breads, a meal you have prepared, anything that resonates with them and they enjoy will energise them and also keep that bond between you. I usually give offerings of incense and booze and occasionally hand baked goods such as my lavender and lemon shortbread skulls that I usually make around Halloween or Samhain.
Now, you're probably wondering why the Title is called "Rebirth" when I Haven't spoken about that at all yet? Patience, dear reader. We are about to delve into that area for it is a difficult, and extensive subject.
When a person, or animal, or plant, dies the soul is released from the vessel it was contained in. There have been many different ways this has happened in my experience so I want to take the time to honour the different experiences that some of these souls have been through carefully and respectfully.
The first way I have experienced is the "natural" death. One that comes with old age, illness, those types of things. Things which were not influenced by man but only by natures way. This soul transferral is usually peaceful, easy, and quick. The soul has a clear path for it to follow and then the choice can be made whether to move on into the next life or stay to watch and guide loved ones and those who wish to honour and respect them. This is the case for MANY souls you will meet and usually result in "positive" spirits and energies.
Another way is through murder, suicide, accident, etc and I call those "sudden" deaths. These passings are not as smooth for the soul and can leave it scarred or "damaged". These souls can become lost, frightened, confused, or even angry. I do not advise working with these spirits unless you are aiding them along into the next life or to find peace. Spirit work needs certainty and a strong foundation of support and trust so having a spirit which can be confused or lost isn't one that is able to work with you. A lot of these spirits are found with animals that get killed by the hands of man or hit by vehicles or a tree that gets cut down without permission but obviously this isn't just limited to animals and plants only. There have been a few souls that I have helped to move on because they were taken too soon and the soul was lost. An angry spirit can be moved on but unless you are experienced with spirits and energies I recommend seeking a professional to aid them instead as they will get to the root cause of their anger and frustration and find ways to bring peace to them.
Along with offerings I like to provide a vessel for the spirits which I make and sell also on my shop! This clay creation makes the perfect tool for spirits to reside and work alongside you in your craft with its powerful sigil to protect the spirit. I also craft an ancestor totem which can be used to honour and receive messages from your ancestors. Available to order!
Rebirth and the cycle of life is something we will all experience one day and so we should never fear the end, for nothing truly ends and nobody ever leaves for good. Enjoy what life has to offer even during the darkest times for without darkness there cannot be light. Remember that energy moves and changes, it could take form as an animal to deliver a message from a loved one, it could appear as a sequence of reoccurring numbers, it could also appear in a dream.
If you are feeling lost in life or wanting to do self harm please get in contact with friends, family or reach out to organisations which are there to help you. You are not alone.
Suicide helpline numbers for UK and US & Canada
Samaritans (UK) - 116 123
Suicide Prevention Bristol (UK) - 0800 689 5652
Childline (UK) - 0800 1111
Shout Crisis Text Line - Text "SHOUT" to 85258
Canada Suicide Prevention Service - 1-833-456-4566
Trans Lifeline (Canada) - 1-877-330-6366
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (US) - 1-800-273-8255
The Trevor Project - 1-866-488-7386