Reviews
"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 , author of The Tree of Enchantment , primary teacher of Faery Seership and Co-Founder of the House of Brigh Faery Seership Institute., "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, "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 stirred up all the ancient lore of Majick and placed it in the hands of his readers. Very well researched." - Reverend Laurie Cabot H.P.s of the Cabot Tradition and Founder of the Cabot Kent Hermetic Temple, "If you are looking for yet another book from a new age ninny, feel-good guru or pathetically positive pagan, keep looking. Christian Day has written a book that that those who seek a connection to their dearly beloved dead will understand. There has been a trend in our society to sanitize death to the point where there is a service and three days of mourning. Christian sees this as a grave mistake to assume that the connection dies once biological functions cease. He taps into normal psychological and spiritual needs that occur after a devastating loss. Having known Christian for over a decade, he does not just write about how to communicate with the dead, but he has practiced these methods as he has experienced the deaths of close loved ones. He has learned that it can make one stronger and is brave enough to share his philosophy and practices with others. This book is empowering to those who feel that they have suffered a great loss, as they will learn just what can be gained. This is a book long awaited by those who have always believed that love was stronger than death before they saw movies like Bram Stoker's Dracula or The Crow . Through his superb writing, Christian brings to life the words of Jack Lemmon: 'Death ends a life, not a relationship.'" - Lillee Allee , authorLeft and Right of Center: Finding Balance in Your Mundane and Magical Life, "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, "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, "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, "As the long-time presenter of Salem's renowned Festival of the Dead, Christian Day has already proven that he is a man not afraid to venture into shadowy realms. Now, as the author of the ground-breaking The Witches' Book of the Dead , Day escorts readers to the frontiers where the living and the dead intermingle, offering both mystical and practical advice for safe, happy coexistence. The Witches' Book of the Dead is packed with old lore, as well as information on cutting-edge technology. 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, " The Witches' Book of the Dead was like taking a journey back in time into the days of the old where the hints of sorcery and myth lingered in the air and witches were still very much shrouded in the veil of mystery and secrecy. Christian brings detailed and concise knowledge and research of necromantic lore, history, spirit communication and magic. The author's unique writing style and ability is as magical and creative as the text found within the pages of his book. I have always taught and found that the darkness is equally as beautiful as the light, and The Witches' Book of The Dead has brought this truth back into the realm of modern witchcraft. 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, "I have known Christian Day for several years, and am proud to call him friend. That friendship - with its trials and triumphs - has only enriched me as a person and as a Witch. Thus, when offered to review his literary offering, I must confess to being truly honored. Sentimentality aside, and giving in to my innate bibliophile tendencies, I set to work. Christian's book explores oft-ignored and much maligned aspects of the Craft. In reading its pages, I had the mental image of reading from one of the Black Books of antiquity. Contrary to popular McWiccan and PopPagan advocates, in all true persuasions of the Old Craft, we find the old Chthonic Powers holding court. The Cult of the Dead is the very life-blood of all true sorcery. His manuscript does much as an antidote, laying aside the Shadowed Veil in challenge to common assumption. This book offers us an opportunity to regain our full place as men and women of power. True, power can be scary, it can be dangerous, it can be addicting. But power with wisdom are the two key attributes of a Witch's identity. As both a practicing Witch and an amateur historian I was impressed by the seamless synthesis of magical expertise, personal experience, the latest trends in paranormal, and a solid academic foundation. In itself, that makes this book a rare gem on the proverbial bookshelf of any working Witch! To that end, I invite you to read, to ponder, to apply, and to expand upon the material contained within. You will not always agree with the author's perspective or the practices of the ancients. But in entering that crucible, in confronting your own fears, you will grow and be the better for it. Therefore, to the Work, And the glories of the Art!" - Rev. Jonathan Sousa , author WitchHeart: Essays in Traditional Craft Philosophy Southern Italian Traditionalist, "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, "Kudos to Christian Day! 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 book shelf!" -- Dorothy Morrison , author of Utterly Wicked, "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, "Through all the ages and all the lands, man has breached the horizon in search of understanding the watery depths of the soul. Learn this history, understand the present and even dabble in the arts, if you dare all within Christian Day's expose of Witches and the Dead ... (a marriage made in h...) 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, "Christian Day effectively reminds us that as Witches we belong not only to a Cult of Sex and Fertility, but just as importantly to a Cult of Death. 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, "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, " 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 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 beautiful tome piercingly reaches to the psyche of genuine magickal practitioners, reminding us that we have always, and shall continue to, work with forces beyond our immediate consciousness. For those exploring the serenity of shadow and the deeper levels of Craft, this book is most definitely for you." - Raven Digitalis , author of Shadow Magick Compendium and Goth Craft, "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 , author of The Tree of Enchantment , primary teacher of Faery Seership and Co-Founder of the House of Brigh Faery Seership Institute., "Without a doubt this is the most useful and unambiguous book available to the modern practitioner, one that is sure to become an occult classic." -- Peter Paddon , author of The Book of the Veil, Through the Veil, The Crooked Path, A Grimoire for Modern Cunningfolk , and Visceral Magick, "Employing the powers of the Sphinx: To Know, to Will, To Dare and to Keep Silent, we're grateful that Christian has ignored the "Keep Silent" part. Finally a decent book that brings a perceived malevolent practice into the light in an open, honest and very blunt fashion--the only way he knows how! Although necromancy is another useful magickal practice, it has been much maligned and avoided as taboo for centuries. This tome is a refreshing take on the balance of nature in working with the spirits of our 'dearly departed' as well as the Cthonic deities and entities from around the world who guide, guard and keep them. 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 but will appeal to magickal and mundane of all branches of spirituality from Wicca to Catholicism and beyond. And so, with an open mind, delve into its pages and become "enlightened". 'Imor mortis conturbat me, mortui vivos docent. Mors vincit omnia!' ('The fear of death confounds me, let the Dead teach the living. Death always wins.')" - Mulysa Mayhem , Priestess of Hekate, Magickal Tattoo Artist, and Owner of Good Mojo Tattoos, Beverly, MA, "Christian Day's book is worth the price if only for the new scholarship on Pagan history and etymology. He reminds us of our historical links to the dead and of our role as mediums between the worlds, then goes on to show us how to reclaim that part of our magickal heritage. Even with the impressive scholarly bibliography, he remains easy to read. His practical information is based on personal research and experience, and is complete and clear. This is the only book I've ever read on contacting the dead or on necromancy where I've felt comfortable enough to put the information into action. 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, "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 personality and author of eight books including Witch: A Magical Journey, "Without a doubt this is the most useful and unambiguous book available to the modern practitioner, one that is sure to become an occult classic." - Peter Paddon , author of The Book of the Veil, Through the Veil, The Crooked Path, A Grimoire for Modern Cunningfolk , and Visceral Magick, "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 , author of Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard and headmaster of The Grey School of Wizardry, "Some people believe that witches are heartless. Others believe we have no soul. But Christian Day proves them wrong by putting his heart AND soul into writing The Witches' Book of the Dead . To me, honoring our ancestors and remembering the old traditions are of the utmost importance. The ability to communicate with them and ask for their assistance not only enriches our lives but keeps their magick very much alive. 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, " 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, Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft, "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, " 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, "Christian Day is a refreshing new voice and makes a dynamic debut in The Witches' Book of the Dead , a book devoted to establishing true and meaningful communication with those on the Other Side. Day is a meticulous researcher, a talented and skilled practitioner, and a great writer who shares his knowledge and personal experiences with an engaging style and sense of humor. The history and folklore are fascinating, and every technique and ritual have passed the test of experience. Not only will you be informed and entertained, you will be inspired to action. This book is fresh, exciting, and like nothing you have ever read before!" - Rosemary Ellen Guiley , author, The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits, "Christian Day creates a heady blend of history, lore and real practice in his book on the necromantic arts. Without a doubt this is the most useful and unambiguous book available to the modern practitioner, one that is sure to become an occult classic." - Peter Paddon , author of The Book of the Veil, Through the Veil, The Crooked Path, A Grimoire for Modern Cunningfolk , and Visceral Magick, " The Witches' Book of the Dead reflects the spirit of a Warlock who plays by his own rules (as every great Witch or Warlock should). 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, "Destined to be a classic in occult literature" -- Denise Alvarado , author The Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook, "This beautiful tome piercingly reaches to the psyche of genuine magickal practitioners, reminding us that we have always, and shall continue to, work with forces beyond our immediate consciousness. For those exploring the serenity of shadow and the deeper levels of Craft, this book is most definitely for you." -- Raven Digitalis , author of Shadow Magick Compendium and Goth Craft, "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, " The Witches' Book of the Dead by Christian Day is without a doubt one of the most in depth works on darker magic I have ever had the pleasure to read. The author skillfully describes the wisdom of the old wise ones, from myth and the true historic version, and unlike other writers he is unafraid to touch upon subjects such as Necromancy, the Veil beyond and the dangers of spirit work. I especially found myself enthralled by his section on the Altar of the Dead, as it brought forth the need for not losing sight of those who have gone before us. A true must have for anyone's occult library!" - Corvis Nocturnum , author of Cemetery Gates: Death and Mourning through the Ages, "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 the Complete Books of Azrael, "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, "Christian Day has given the magical community long sought after details on communicating with the elusive spirit world. 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. Reach for it often as an excellent resource book. However, enjoy it for the reading experience alone. Historical information compliments practical techniques, A simple must-have for every pagan. For the pagan who seeks better understanding of spirits they'll be thrilled so much is packed in one handy book!" - Sabrina The Ink Witch , www.theinkwitch.com, "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, "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, "Kudos to Christian Day! 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 book shelf!" - Dorothy Morrison ,author of Utterly Wicked, "This book is fresh, exciting, and like nothing you have ever read before!" - Rosemary Ellen Guiley , author, The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits