∆Cleansing Yourself Masterpost∆

Rainwater 

Rain from a lightening storm

this has the greatest energy

used in a bath to re-energize your being and aid in a ritual of clearing and cleansing your energies of negativity by soaking in it

used to clear and cleanse an object or area 

store in a white glass bottle

Rain from thunderstorms, tornadoes or hurricanes

Used to empower spells for moving things forward such as letting go of the past and moving forward in life

used to help move a project forward and get beyond current blocks in life

used to change a pattern or habit you don’t like

store in a blue glass bottle

Sun and Rain

Used to balance energies when feeling weighed down

helps gather your thoughts when they are flighty and scattered

store in a dark green bottle

Hail storm

collect in a metal bowl but dont let it sit in the bowl for more than 6 hours

allow the hail to melt before bottling it

store in a black or dark brown bottle

used to dispel psychic attacks or negative energies

best used for black magic to get rid of your enemies or negative forces that stand in your way

Spring Rain

used to empower new ventures such as new relationships, new business ventures, a new job

rain collected on the spring equinox or the first rain after the spring equinox is good for empowering spells for relationships

stored in a light green bottle

Summer Rain

used to encourage growth whether it be personal, spiritual growth or growth of a business venture or relationship

used to break bad habits

great to water indoor plants

rain collected on mid-summers eve and day is especially mystical

store in a sky blue bottle

Fall Rain

used for giving thanks and showing gratitude for the abundance the year has given you

store in an orange or fall colored bottle

Winter Rain

can be used for blessing a person, relationship, family or object

can be used to bless an event such as a birth, wedding or new business venture

to be able to survive the hardships of winter one is able to survive the hardships of life

Full Moon Rain

Used to honor the Goddess

a small glass can be added to a cleansing bath

add a couple of drops to your bath before an important event or ritual

used for a blessing during a full moon ritual

used for blessing a child or pet 

rain collected during the full moon according to that season will have the energies of that moon according to month and season

clean altar spaces and other things by putting an ounce of rain water into your cleaning products

also very good for divination

Waning Moon Rain

good for getting rid of things, banishings, and purging negative energies

used like a banishing oil

also can be added to your bath for relaxation, clarity or promoting self love

use to prepare for lunar rituals

anoint your money with it to increase your wealth 

anoint yourself to increase your psychic awareness

New Moon Rain

good for workings in which something needs to be brought in 

used when starting a new project

Waxing Moon Rain

used to bring in good energies and blessing

used at the start of a new project or a new beginning

Rain collected from trees or roses will have different energies depending on the type of tree or color of the rose you collect it from

Use 1 cup of rain water to 1 tub size of water

For rituals use 1oz of rain water in a glass bowl or cauldron, to add effects to the water pour over crystals energized with your intent

For a spell place all your spell items in your bowl or cauldron and add 1tablespoon of rainwater

For cleansing or anointing ritual take 1/2oz of rainwater into a glass bowl and as you recite your incantation dip your fingers or wand/athame into the water then mark your physical body, the mark can be any spiritual symbol that has meaning to you

To anoint a tool, pout 1oz of rainwater onto the tool as you state your incantation to empower the tool for its intended purpose.

@autumnwitchesx i hope this helps you some!!!

also the bottles you store in dont have to be a specific color unless you want them to be, im all for using what you have first and foremost 

Be aware that this blog may touch on sensitive topics regarding death so read on at your own discretion.

Death Energy

Death energy is just energy that comes from death and death symbolism, but as simple of an answer as that seems to be, don’t be fooled by the much deeper complexities that this topic harbors. When we really dig into it we discover some darker truths about our existence and the hereafter. Truths that many people are more comfortable ignoring because they force us to face the inevitable.

Death energy is about stillness, endings, and about the deconstructing and reconstructing processes. It’s about using what’s passed to fertilize what’s new and grow something that has purpose in the next step of your life. It’s about the acceptance of inevitability and what we can’t change to bring about what we can. All in all it’s a very unique energy that can open many new doors for any witch willing to try.

• What Does Death Energy Feel Like? •

Everyone feels energy differently in the basic of ways but even still, it should go without saying that death energy has a different pull to it entirely then life energy. Sometimes those who aren’t used to connecting with it can have a hard time. It’s been described as heavy, or even smothering by some. Others have said it feels cold or chilling in a way. The funny thing here is that these definitely describe what naturally comes with death. Our bodies get stiff and much heavier. We lose our heat and grow cold, and while this definitely sounds unpleasant and shocking to those who aren’t used to spending time with it we must also recognize that it’s a part of a continued cycle. As our bodies further decay the weight becomes less and the shock of the cold against the once warm skin becomes just another room temperature feeling. Another words, things come to feel more natural especially when you understand the process and spend time with it.

All new energy can feel overwhelming to anyone who hasn’t experienced it before. It can bring up a whole plethora of unease, nervousness, even anxiety if you’re not ready for it. Especially death energy. As stated above, it can force us to face certain things. Things that can be heavy and hard to accept. For this reason working death energy may not be for everyone and that’s okay. It deals with subject matter that makes some people uncomfortable and as such if you’re not ready to incorporate it you have every right not to.

• What Can Death Energy Be Used For? •

Death energy is the primary force in death witchcraft and death magick. And as a result each witch is gonna use it in their own unique way. There are so many interesting books and articles published that describe plethora of interesting ways to work with the energy of death. Many of which put their own unique understanding and spin on how it came to be, how it works, and how you can use it. But in my opinion you can use death energy for everything you can use life energy for and then some. It just pulls the magick from a different place and in a different way. Remember each one of us processes things in a different way, especially death energy. Do what makes you feel comfortable and never let anyone push you to cross any lines you’re not ready for. Comfort in magick is very important.

Lastly I want to take this time to emphasize what death energy is not used for. It is not and never will be an excuse to just take human life. Murdering someone is never okay. Nor is it an excuse to unnecessarily torture animals. Now I understand that using animals in general can be a debatable subject, especially when they are killed by the individual. However it should be understood that many believe this is okay during appropriate times and only when you utilize the animal and not waste it. So as an example hunting during deer season or catching a fish. The animal in question can be used for magick but will also ultimately be eaten and many witches see this as an appropriate practice. As long as everything operates within the confines of the law and everything is treated with respect and dignity.

Cemetery Work

For a lot of death witches, doing work in a cemetery or graveyard is a must, although there are those that don’t, a great deal more either do or will do when they get the chance. Lots goes into this type of work though and a thorough study on the subject should be done before pursuing this type of magick. However, some key points to remember are to always be respectful, obey the laws and rules of your land regarding the resting places, and listen to what the dead tell you.

It’s very important to recognize that there are always going to be practitioners that have their own unique rules on this subject, but the best way to know if the dead favor something or not is to ask them. What rules you inevitably believe should revolve around what the dead are comfortable with. That said, some of these rules are shared amongst practitioners. I have compiled a list below with some of them. Remember, this is very basic and what a practitioner adds or changes is up to them.

💀 Always bring an offering for the gatekeeper.

Typically these are the oldest spirits in the cemetery and are in charge of maintaining order. Most offerings include things like coins, drink, bread, or apples.

💀 State exactly what you’ll be doing and ask permission from the gatekeeper.

It’s important to let the spirits know what your intentions are. Will you be doing magick at the crossroads, magick at a grave, or foraging? The gatekeeper should let you know through energy what is acceptable. Remember each Cemetery is different and has different rules over all.

💀 Never take things directly from a grave.

Gifts on a grave belong to the spirit dwelling there. It’s okay to pick up things like trash, or moldy flowers in still water but, rocks, dried or fresh flowers, feathers, etc should be left alone.

💀 Be respectful of the graves and spirits.

Try not to walk near the headstone of a grave (you’re walking on their body. Try to stay near the feet and always say excuse me politely if you have to step on it), always ask for a spirits help never demand it, and always bring them an offering as a thank you.

💀 When foraging never take what a spirit tells you not to.

If you’re gathering dirt, sticks, or plants from a cemetery, even if it’s not on a grave, and you get a feeling like you shouldn’t touch it, then don’t. Spirits will always let you know what they want to keep. Obey that or it’s theft.

💀Always give thanks for hospitality before you leave.

Being polite and thanking your hosts is always a must in general and can bring good energies between you and the dead. Especially if you intend on going back to work at that Cemetery.

Necromancy

Another common staple amongst death workers and arguably one of the most misunderstood practices. Simply put, this practice is divination with the dead. It’s all about connecting to and asking the dead for answers from the beyond. Lots of that used to be done in the cemetery and as a result many wild and fantastic rumors about zombie creation were formed, but that’s far from the truth. There were indeed many radical understandings within the practices history however, but as science matured so did the knowledge on what this practice actually was.

While necromancy is still done in cemeteries even today, it’s not a must. Calling fourth a spirit can be done a number of ways and will definitely alter and change based on the witch. Some working maybe more cultural than others, and some may be more complex. The uniqueness of these practices can number well into the double digits and is always interesting to learn. Some of the most common spirit summoning techniques (aside from going directly to someone’s grave) are the spirit board, a mirror, and the pendulum. As for how these spirits are called, that too can differ from witch to witch. Most often though, it can involve candles or crystals as an energy source, a personal item or favored item like food, and/or the spirits name. It can be as simple as physically calling out to the abyss, beckoning the spirit forward or as elaborate a ritual as calling in the four directional guardians or a guide to lead them to you.

Regardless of how it’s done, it’s always a good rule of thumb to be respectful to them. Don’t demand from them, ask instead, and offer gratitude and an offering when you end the session.

Deity & Spirit Guides

Lots of death workers may worship deity just like any other practitioner. However the deity they are generally more drawn to are often either associated with the underworld, or a psychopomp, like Osiris, Hades, Anubis, or Hecate. However they may also be a deity tied in some way to the personification of death, much like Thanatos, or the grim reaper.

Even if the witch chooses not to utilize deity they can still conjure up spiritual guides of some sort. These guides can be something as common as ancestral spirits or even animal spirits. Most common animal guides often have some death association and symbolism to them. So animals like Black cats, bats, vultures, owls, crows and ravens are quite popular.

Bones & Body Parts

Its not uncommon to see bones on the altars of death witches. Many beliefs around these tools and what they represent circulate within the community. For some specific animal bones it’s believed you can use that animal spirit and energy. Other beliefs revolve not around the animal itself but rather the type of bone, as each one has its own unique symbolism attached to it, such as a jaw being connected to communication. The possibilities are near limitless and for most death practitioners they are a very necessary tool within the craft. Some practitioners even collect additional things like insect exoskeletons, animal skins, and preserved body parts like a rabbits foot.

DISCLAIMER! People should be made aware that it’s always encouraged for all materials to be ethnically sourced. Any form of unlawful collection or cruelty is frowned upon and not condoned within the community.

Conclusion

As started above, these are just some of the basics of death work within the pagan community and serves as a starting point to bounce off of. It’s very important to do your own research and come to your own conclusions regarding this craft and always remember to obey your local laws. Death work can be very fulfilling but not when it’s done under illegal circumstances.

For some additional reading look to this list below:

• What is Necromancy?

• Working with Bones & Skulls in Witchcraft

• Gods & Goddesses of Death & the Underworld

• Graveyard Magick: A Witches Guide

• Death Witchcraft

All-Purpose Necromancy Powder

Traditional necromantic powders are often used in rituals for spirit communication, ancestor work, or baneful magic. Below is a standard recipe for a necromancer’s powder, which can be adapted based on your tradition and intent.

Needed:

• Bone Dust or Crushed Eggshells

• Graveyard Dirt

• Myrrh Resin

• Dittany of Crete

• Wormwood

• Black Salt

• Dragon’s Blood Resin

Instructions:

Grind all ingredients into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle. Charge the mixture under the moonlight, preferably during the Waning Moon for necromantic work. Store in a dark glass jar or a fabric sachet.

Uses:

• Sprinkle on an altar for spirit summoning or divination.

• Dust onto candles or ritual tools.

• Sprinkle in your/someone’s path to draw spirits close.

• Add to incense blends when performing necromantic rituals.

All the main holidays for ya witchy soul~ each have different goals and activities. Celebrating these holidays can give you an extra kick in all sorts of different spellwork ✨ which is your favorite? (Mines Samhain cause it’s the one holiday where I feel most comfortable being myself)

WITCHY DESIGNS STORE: https://www.redbubble.com/people/lavendulamoon?asc=u

Black Opal Charm

The black opal is widely known as the 'Witches' Stone' and is prized for its magick enhancing properties. To increase your magickal power, change your stone with the following chant and place it on your altar.

"Opal black of burning fire,

Add the power that's required,

To make my magick hit its mark,

By light of day, or night so dark."

.

Bones & Witchcraft

This post is 100% UPG (unverified personal gnosis), meaning that while other people may also do it - I came up with these methods myself and don’t claim that they are the only way to do it!

Spirit work:

Animal bones are a great way to connect to the spirit of that animal.

I typically do this by smoke cleansing the bone and myself, making the lighting dim and using my energy + intuition to connect me with the animal’s spirit/it’s past.

Holding energy:

I’ve found that bones are great at holding energy in a way that is long-lasting and doesn’t need to be recharged often.

It is powerful and transmits the energy with strength and subtlety.

I use water or soil to aid me, and while holding the bones in my hands, fill them with energy.

Using the animal’s energy:

Once I’ve established a bond with the animal’s spirit and feel comfortable with it, I will use the animal’s energy to aid me.

Some examples…

Deer bones for things like finding my way, moving quietly, awareness.

Antlers for strength, standing my ground, being intimidating.

Rodent bones for having a low profile, and more specific correspondences based off each species.

This involves either holding them and absorbing the energy or carrying them with me in a little pouch or bottle.

Using as wards:

Once I’m confident the bones are cleansed and able to hold energy, I perform a ritual to make them part of my wards.

It usually involves some combo of sigils, smoke cleansing, herbs, and the elements.

I then bury the bones or hang them in my room or the trees. (I make natural cordage if I hang them in the trees, when it breaks it shows I need to redo that part of my wards).

Connecting to their home:

As a nature-loving chronically ill person, I often am trapped inside.

I’ll use bones to transport me to where they laid before I found them or where their animal frequented usingvisualization.

Other ideas:

I do not do these, but they’re worth mentioning!

“Throwing the bones” divination.

Making a bone into a wand.

Using as a sigil amplifier.

Enchant them.

Use to connect to deities.

Utilize correspondences/energy for curses.

Quick note: Please ensure your bones are ethically sourced (don’t support people who get them using methods harmful to animals basically). ALL of mine are ones I found myself in the forest because that’s what feels best to me!

Related Posts:

On finding (animal) bones

On cleaning bones

Animal parts laws (external site)

Some Uncommon Tools in Death Witchcraft

I feel like some materials that are commonly used in other paths are often overlooked by death witches. For example:

Bloodstone is not often mentioned, but has incredible potential for death work. It represents blood flow in the human body, and therefore can be used in spells in the same vein as actual blood is used. I mainly use it to connect to ancestors, but you may also use it for grounding, protection, and energy work.

Cascarillla (ground eggshells) have potential in the craft; they represent death of a conceived chick, and the protection of new life. It can be used in place of salt if you’re scattering it around plants, as it won’t harm the surrounding nature. You can even make a black salt out of it by grinding it with ash or charcoal, or dying the egg before the grinding it.

Banana bread can technically be a good offering, since it uses brown bananas oftentimes. Bread is also a common offering for the dead.

Many witches recommend harvesting plants when they’re still alive. For death witchcraft, there may be more power in harvesting dead plants. For example, fallen eucalyptus leaves would make a fine addition to any protection powder against malevolent spirits, due to its association with both protection and death.

Sea shells and snail shells are traditionally common in bone throwing for representing the bones of the sea and the bones of the earth, respectively. If you don’t have actual bones on you, these would make a nice substitute.

Although blood is often recommended for linking yourself to a spell, you may also use nail clippings, hair, saliva, or even tears.

Paper clips are an accessible, cheap source of steel, which is mainly iron. A great ingredient in protection spells.

Dawn is a great time to work with beginnings and afterlife, while dusk has potential for spells about endings.

Dirt from crossroads or the gate of a cemetery helps one connect to spirits, and cross over into the afterlife.

Don’t want to use bones? Use nail clippings, talons, teeth, or even snakeskin or furs.

Death Witchcraft: An Exploration

Death witchcraft is a branch of occult practice deeply connected with the mysteries of life, death, and the transition between the two. It involves working with the energies surrounding death, the afterlife, ancestors, spirits, and the unseen realms that lie beyond physical existence. The practice is often misunderstood due to its association with darkness, fear, and taboo. However, death witchcraft is a deeply transformative and powerful path, one that offers healing, guidance, and a deeper understanding of existence and mortality. It is not necessarily about harming others, but rather engaging with the sacred and mysterious forces of life and death in ways that can lead to empowerment, spiritual growth, and the honoring of those who have passed.

Core Principles of Death Witchcraft

Death witchcraft revolves around several key principles:

• Honor and Respect for Ancestors: Ancestor veneration is an integral aspect of death witchcraft. Practitioners often work with ancestral spirits, seeking guidance, wisdom, and protection from those who came before them. Through rituals, offerings, and prayers, death witches maintain strong connections to their ancestors, ensuring their spirits are honored and respected. This work can help heal generational trauma, discover hidden family wisdom, and preserve the energy of the ancestors within the practitioner’s own lineage.

• Reverence for the Cycle of Life and Death: Death witchcraft embraces the natural cycle of life, acknowledging that death is as much a part of life as birth. It does not seek to control or avoid death, but rather understands and respects its role in the cosmic order. Death witches work with death as a transformative force—whether through spiritual transformation, endings, or transitions. Their practice includes rituals for rebirth and regeneration, as well as rituals to honor the dead and assist them in their journeys to the afterlife.

• Communion with Spirits: Death witches frequently engage in communication with spirits, especially those of the deceased. This can include ancestral spirits, beloved departed, and even spirits who may still be trapped between worlds. Communication is facilitated through divination tools like spirit boards (ouija boards), pendulums, scrying, or simply invoking spirits during meditative or ritual work. Some death witches work as mediums, facilitating communication between the living and the dead.

• Working with the Underworld and Deities of Death: Many death witches also work with deities or spirits associated with death and the underworld. In various cultures, these deities are seen as guides for the dead, as well as rulers of death and the afterlife. Deities such as Hecate (Greek goddess of the underworld), Hel (Norse goddess of the dead), Anubis (Egyptian god of mummification and the afterlife), and Baron Samedi (Haitian Vodou loa of the dead) are frequently invoked in death witchcraft for their wisdom, protection, and assistance in working with death-related energies.

• Rituals and Ceremonies: Death witches often perform rituals and ceremonies to mark and honor death. These may include funeral rites, memorial services, or specific rituals that allow the practitioner to connect with deceased loved ones, guide souls into the afterlife, or work through personal grief. Rituals can be solitary or communal and may take place in sacred spaces such as graveyards, cemeteries, or even the practitioner’s home altar.

Magickal Practices in Death Witchcraft

• Necromancy: A cornerstone of death witchcraft is necromancy, the practice of communicating with and working with the spirits of the dead. Necromancers—often considered to be death witches—may use tools like spirit boards, pendulums, crystals, or scrying mirrors to summon and communicate with spirits. Necromancy can also involve rituals to help spirits move on, protect the living from malevolent spirits, or gain insight into future events by consulting the deceased.

• Spirit Work: Spirit work goes hand in hand with necromancy, though it is not always about divining or commanding spirits. Spirit work in death witchcraft involves developing a deep relationship with the spirits of the dead, listening to their messages, and sometimes offering spiritual assistance. Death witches may dedicate spaces on their altars or in their homes to honor these spirits, offering food, trinkets, or symbolic items to maintain good relationships and receive guidance.

• Psychic Development: Many death witches develop their psychic abilities to perceive spirits, energies, and otherworldly dimensions. This may involve cultivating clairvoyance, clairaudience, or clairsentience (the ability to perceive spiritual energy or communicate with the dead). Through meditation, divination, and dream work, practitioners can enhance their sensitivity to the spirit world and develop the skills necessary to work with death in a more intimate way.

• Death-Related Divination: Death witches often use divination to understand the mysteries of life and death. They may practice tarot, runes, or bone reading, methods in which the symbols or objects used represent the interconnectedness of life and death. For example, certain tarot cards like Death or The Hanged Man symbolize transformations, endings, and rebirths. Practitioners may turn to these tools to gain clarity on matters of life transitions, cycles, and endings.

• Baneful Magick: Some branches of death witchcraft include working with baneful magick—spells meant to harm, curse, or protect against malevolent forces. This can involve using death-related symbols, graveyard dirt, or other elements connected to death. However, these practices should be approached with caution, as they are often considered ethically and spiritually dangerous, carrying consequences that may affect the practitioner.

Death witches can be spiritual guides for those dealing with grief, loss, or personal transformation. In many cultures, they may serve as shamans, healers, or mediators between the living and the dead. They may be called upon to perform rituals for the deceased, help souls find peace, or provide guidance to the living regarding their own mortality or transitions.

They also play an important role in facilitating spiritual healing. Many death witches assist individuals in releasing attachments to loved ones who have passed or help them make peace with death. They may use rituals to help heal grief or even to address fears surrounding death. By acknowledging and embracing death, these practitioners help others live more fully, knowing that death is an inevitable part of existence.

Although death witchcraft can seem mysterious or dark, it is not evil. In fact, it is an inherently respectful practice that seeks to understand, honor, and make peace with the natural world’s cycles. However, as with any form of magick, it is crucial that practitioners approach death witchcraft with respect, responsibility, and reverence for the forces they work with. Working with spirits, especially those of the dead, requires a deep level of discernment, sensitivity, and ethical awareness. Practitioners must be cautious when invoking spirits, ensuring they maintain healthy boundaries and avoid harming others.

Death witchcraft is a deeply transformative and sacred path that connects practitioners with the timeless mysteries of life and death. It is a practice that encourages reverence for the dead, for ancestors, and for the cycle of existence itself. Through communication with spirits, necromantic practices, and rituals focused on transformation, death witches help others understand their relationship with death and the afterlife. The practice offers spiritual growth, healing, and empowerment, guiding both practitioners and their communities to embrace death as a natural part of the human experience—an experience to be honored and respected, not feared.

death witch self-care tips 🖤

- keeping obsidian, a small skull amulet, a pendulum, or smokey quartz with you to squeeze when a confidence boost is needed 

- gently reminding yourself to really live in the moment, as our time here is so short 

- burning a black candle when you feel the need to “power up” your energies

- beginning each day with a positive reminder: “i shall continue to make my strongest mark on the world, to the best of my abilities, during my period on this Earth" 

 - taking a “spirit bath” filled with salt + a black bath bomb, cleansing yourself of negative energies

Necromancer's Tool Kit

A quick run down of tools that facilitate and enhance communication with the dead and spirits as well as helpful deities/entities to work with for this purpose. Always remember, do your research before attempting any spirit/death work. This realm of practice carries real danger for the inexperienced.

Necromantic Herbs:

• Mullein

• Wormwood

• Cedar

• Dittany of Crete

• Aconite

• Yew

• Mugwort

• Copal

• Willow

• Tobacco

• Cypress

• Myrrh

• Apple

• Graveyard Mold

• Mandrake

• Birch

• Bay Laurel

• Chervil

• Lavender

• Marygold

• Asphodel

• Thyme

• American Sycamore

• Elder

• Dandelion

• Marshmallow Root

• Rowan

• Fumitory

Crystals for Necromancy:

• Vivianite

• Iolite

• Corrundum

• Pietersite

• Opal (especially Black Opal)

• Black Moonstone

• Labradorite

• Tourmaline

• Charoite

• Lapis

• Obsidian

• Quartz

Useful Necromancy Tools:

• Pendulum

• Scrying ball or mirror (ideally obsidian or black glass)

• Tarot/Oracle cards

• Salt

• Black Salt

• Athame

• Bones (especially skulls)

• Talking board

• Dowsing rods

• Your blood

• Stang/summoning stave or wand

• Head and neck coverings (such as a cloak)

• Candles

• Coins (as a basic offering)

Necromantic Spirits and Death Gods:

• Hekate

• Melinoe

• Anubis

• Bune

• Lilith

• Osiris

• Hel

• Hades

• Persephone

• Thanatos

• Bifrons

• Eurynome

• Odin

• Murmur

• Pluto

• Freyja

• Yama

• Badba

• Lucifer

• Morrigan

• Azazel

• Donn

• Bael

• Macaria

• Kali

• Ereshkigal

• Santa Muerte

• Atropos

• Samael

• Aminon

• Moranna

• Apollo

• Mania

• Lucifuge Rofocale

• Charron

Relevant Sigils:

To invoke spirits and ghosts as well as banish them.

Easily communicate with spirits.

Cemetery Sigil. Leave at the cemetary gates along with an offering.

The Key of Hell. 18th century symbol that opens spiritual doorways.

Psychopomp sigil for ease of passing for those who have died.