The practice of necromancy is regarded most strictly as consorting with and gaining knowledge from the dead, and more broadly as sorcerous work conducted by means of such shades. It has enjoyed a treatment in "the West" as the preserve of wicked black magicians, devilish witches, and other ghastly ne’er-do-wells.

This course seeks to look beyond this spooky reputation to the valuable, responsible, and nourishing work that can be done with the dead: from veneration of ancestors, to the conjuration of great ghosts to teach one things, to taking care of your local churchyard and asking the occasional favour from the residents, to dealing with the intrusive and disturbing impact of restless shades.

This course is taught by diviner, consultant, historian and –yes – necromancer Dr Alexander Cummins, who draws on both his academic research and professional experience as a spiritual reader and worker to draw together these examinations and explorations of how the living and the dead may aid each other.
 
Class III: The Great Dead
The Great Dead, perhaps better known as the Mighty Dead, can be considered a somewhat catch-all term for ancestors of one's magic: the influential figures in one's tradition or personal lineage of occult practice, the luminaries in their sorcerous fields who shed the light by which we ourselves have learned. These may be historical priests, semi-legendary teachers, or even wholly mythic heroes: the demi-gods and -goddesses from whom one's tradition draws and celebrates its origin.

More broadly, the Great Dead however might be considered to apply to any inspirational soul who one might feel has (albeit indirectly) guided and galvanised our understanding and accomplishment of an art, craft, or practice. Artists, writers, bakers, musicians, designers, dancers, and accomplished workers of every human endeavour may thus join the ranks of the Great Dead alongside witches, seers, priestesses, and ceremonialists. Our heroes need not be in Greek myths to deserve our praise, respect, and love. Guilds of such Great Dead even cohere around professional and trade secrets, and one may seek to work with dead doctors, artisans, lawyers, soldiers, or other leading lights in their fields for particular assistance and support.

In this class, we will explore venerating ancestors of lineage and inspiration, and consider how working with such tutelary shades - of the artistic, of the professional, and of the magical - can deepen your magical practice. We will consider shrines, working tools, offerings, services, and enriching your understanding and engagement with your own work through the guiding words and spectral guidance of the experts and workers who came before you.
 
About the Presenter:
Dr. Alexander Cummins (@grimoiresontape) is a professional diviner, consultant sorcerer, &  historian of magic.  His work focuses on grimoires, divination, & folk necromancy. He co-hosts Radio Free Golgotha, & can be booked for talks, workshops, readings, coaching & consultation at www.alexandercummins.com/. His recorded classes can also be obtained from The Cauldron Black archives.
 
THIS CLASS IS ONLINE ONLY! You will receive the class recording links via email within 3-5 business days of your purchase. You will have access to the class recording link for 30 days from the date of receipt. You must be 18 years old to purchase this class recording. There are no refunds or exchanges. 
 
By purchasing this class you agree to the following Non Disclosure:
This Agreement is between The Cauldron Black (“OWNER”); & the Purchaser (“RECIPIENT”). WHEREAS, OWNER has developed through substantial effort, research, time, & expense certain inventions, design concepts, methodologies, technical know-how, copyrightable material &  trade secrets directed & related to this class. (“INFORMATION”); WHEREAS, OWNER desires to disclose the INFORMATION on a confidential basis to RECIPIENT. The OWNER wishes to maintain the confidentiality of the INFORMATION & the protection of OWNER'S intellectual property rights. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants, &  conditions contained herein, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows: I. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION A. OWNER agrees to disclose INFORMATION to RECIPIENT for the purposes of an online class. B. RECIPIENT agrees to receive such INFORMATION & to refrain from copying, disclosing, using, selling, or offering for sale any & all of said INFORMATION. RECIPIENT agrees to keep confidential & refrain from disclosing any & all of the INFORMATION, & to take all necessary &  reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized disclosure or use of any & all of the INFORMATION. Failure to uphold this NDA may result in legal action.