Funeral Rites for Witches, Occultists, and Left-Hand Path Practitioners: A Theistic and Polytheistic Approach
Funeral Rites for Witches, Occultists, and Left-Hand Path
Practitioners: A Theistic and Polytheistic Approach
Death is a sacred transition, and for practitioners of the Left-Hand Path
(LHP), this transition is not merely an end but a transformative journey
through realms of spiritual evolution. Unlike mainstream funerary practices,
LHP rituals reflect an embrace of personal power, the reclamation of one's
sovereignty, and communion with deities and spirits that govern the realms of
death, chaos, and transformation. This article explores specific funeral rites
for witches, occultists, and LHP practitioners, emphasizing theistic and
polytheistic approaches that celebrate the deceased’s unique spiritual path.
1. Invocation of Lilith: The Dark Goddess
Lilith, a prominent figure in many LHP traditions, symbolizes liberation,
independence, and defiance of conventional norms. Known as the "First
Woman" and Queen of Demons, Lilith's role in the LHP funeral rite is to
guide the deceased through the darkness and into the unknown.
Preparation:
- Black altar cloth
- Candles in black, red, or purple
- Symbols of Lilith (e.g., serpent,
owl, or sigil)
- Offering of blood, red wine, or
pomegranate
Ritual:
- Chanting Lilith’s Names: The invocation of Lilith begins
with repeating her names, invoking her presence to guide the soul into the
abyss.
- Anointing with Oils: Oils associated with Lilith
(e.g., patchouli, myrrh) are used to anoint the body or altar, symbolizing
her transformative energy.
- Offering of Blood or Red Wine: Blood or red wine is poured onto
the altar or offered to Lilith, representing vitality and life force.
Final Words:
“Lilith, I call upon your wisdom, to guide this soul into the abyss and grant
them the strength of their will.”
2. Invocation of Hecate: Queen of Witches
Hecate is a goddess of death, magic, and transformation. As a guardian of
the crossroads, she is the ideal guide for the deceased on their journey
between worlds.
Preparation:
- Three candles (black, red, white)
- Symbols of Hecate (e.g., keys,
snakes)
- Offerings of honey, garlic,
mushrooms
Ritual:
- Calling Upon Hecate: The candles are lit, and a
prayer is spoken: “Hecate, Triple Goddess, Keeper of the Crossroads, I
call to you to guide [name] through the realms of darkness and rebirth.”
- Crossing the Threshold: A symbolic act of crossing over,
such as moving the body across a threshold or doorway, marks the passage
from life to death.
- Offering to Hecate: Foods like honey cakes and
garlic are placed on the altar as offerings to the goddess.
Final Words:
“Hecate, guide this soul into the unknown, through your wisdom and protection,
to their rebirth.”
3. Invocation of Set: God of Chaos and Transformation
Set, the Egyptian god of chaos and destruction, governs the realm of
transformative death. Known for his strength and ability to break boundaries,
Set’s energy is invoked to help the deceased transcend the limitations of the
physical world.
Preparation:
- Black candles and incense (myrrh,
frankincense)
- Symbols of Set (e.g., statues,
amulets)
- Bowl of water or salt
Ritual:
- Invocation of Set: The ritual begins with chanting
Set’s name and offering a prayer: “Set, God of Chaos, guide [name] through
the underworld of transformation.”
- Symbolic Destruction: A symbolic act of destruction,
such as breaking an object or cutting a cloth, represents the breaking of
physical limitations.
- Offering of Wine or Blood: A cup of red wine or blood is
offered, honoring Set’s power over life and death.
Final Words:
“Set, guide this soul into chaos, where they shall be reborn into the power of
transformation.”
4. Invocation of Baphomet: The God of Duality
Baphomet represents the union of opposites—masculine and feminine, light
and dark. This deity is revered in LHP rituals for its ability to transcend
dualities and bring enlightenment and unity.
Preparation:
- Candles in black, white, and gold
- Symbols of Baphomet (e.g., the
goat-headed figure, caduceus, pentagram)
- Offerings of incense or sacred
oils
Ritual:
- Calling Upon Baphomet: The ritual begins with lighting
candles around Baphomet’s image and reciting: “Baphomet, great reconciler
of opposites, guide [name] through the unity of all things.”
- Balancing the Energies: The practitioner balances
opposing energies, such as lighting contrasting candles or offering foods
that symbolize duality (e.g., light and dark foods).
- Offering of Incense or Oil: Sacred incense like frankincense
or oils (e.g., myrrh) are offered, invoking Baphomet’s power of synthesis.
Final Words:
“Baphomet, guide this soul into the eternal flame of unity, where all opposites
cease and they are reborn in your infinite light.”
5. Invocation of the Black Moon: Lunar Deity of Darkness
The Black Moon, representing the darkest phase of the moon, governs the
hidden, mysterious forces of death and rebirth. Honoring the Black Moon
symbolizes embracing the void and the unknown aspects of existence.
Preparation:
- Black candles
- Dark stones (e.g., obsidian,
onyx)
- Offerings of dark fruits (e.g.,
blackberries, pomegranates)
Ritual:
- Invocation of the Black Moon: The ritual begins with lighting
black candles and chanting: “I call upon the Black Moon, the silent
watcher of the void, to guide [name] into the abyss where all things are
reborn.”
- Offering of Darkness: A dark offering, such as red
wine or dark fruit, is made to symbolize the descent into darkness and
renewal.
- Moon-Phase Ritual: If the ritual is conducted
during a New Moon, the energy of the Black Moon is invoked for spiritual
rebirth.
Final Words:
“Black Moon, veiled goddess of the void, guide this soul into your darkness,
where they shall be reborn in your hidden light.”
Conclusion
For those who walk the left-hand path, death is not feared but embraced
as a natural part of spiritual evolution. The funeral rites described above
draw from the most powerful deities and spiritual forces associated with
transformation, chaos, death, and rebirth. By invoking figures such as Lilith,
Hecate, Set, Baphomet, and the Black Moon, LHP practitioners honor the deceased
with rituals that guide them through their final journey and into spiritual
freedom. These rites affirm that the end of life is not an end at all, but the
beginning of a new phase of transformation.
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