Black  Dogs, Church Grims, and Gurt Dogs, oh my! 
 
Dogs, and spirit dogs in particular, have been associated with death in many cultures, and although many are regarded as sinister or malevolent, a few are said to be benevolent guardians, protectors, or guides. From the baleful tracking Hellhound to the stalwart guarding Church Grim these ghostly dogs are a reoccurring part of the landscape of the dead and their kingdom.   In this class we will attempt to see that the Mighty Dead need not be the sole province of our fellow humans, but that others also reside within the Kingdom of the Dead and can be sought out, engaged with, and paid homage to for our aid and knowledge. Shaking off a humancentric and anthropocentric view of the dead and how they might be evoked allows us a deeper and more nuanced view of the realm not only of the dead but of spirit as well, and who better to start such a practice with than the oldest of human companions, “man’s best friend” – the noble dog.  
 
This class will look at these ‘dogs of the dead’ in a number of ways: 
Look at the history and context of such Black Dogs throughout history and explore how the belief in them was transmitted primarily from the British Isles to the Americas. 
Discuss the idea of the Mighty Dead not needing to be an ‘only humans’ practice.
Examine the practices of interring dogs in graveyards and cemeteries in both historical and modern practices. 
Finally, discuss an actual case of interacting with a Black Dog, our dear friend Black Jack in the experience of the teacher.   
 
It is hoped that by going over this oft overlooked member of the Mighty  Dead we will open up new horizons to those engaging in such practices as  well as see to it that “every dog has his day.”
 
About the Presenter:
Professor Charles Porterfield is an old-fashioned, Old Testament reader and rootworker. He is the author of A Deck of Spells: Hoodoo Playing Card Magic in Rootwork and Conjure and The Sporting Life: How to Help Yourself with Hoodoo from the Streets to the Sheets. He writes, teaches, and lectures on hoodoo and conjure to help preserve and pass on the roots of the work as well as consults, prescribes, and divines work for those in need. He currently lives in Denton, Texas with his wife, two  cats, and one dead dog. He can be reached at professorporterfield.com
 
THIS CLASS IS ONLINE ONLY! Class recording links will be emailed out within 3-5 business days of purchase. You will have access to all 3 class recordings for 90 days. 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”); and the Purchaser (“RECIPIENT”). WHEREAS, OWNER has developed through substantial effort, research, time, and expense certain inventions, design concepts, methodologies, technical know-how, copyrightable material and trade secrets directed and 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 and the protection of OWNER'S intellectual property rights. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the  mutual promises, covenants, and 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 and to refrain from copying, disclosing, using, selling, or offering for sale any and all of said INFORMATION. RECIPIENT agrees to keep confidential and refrain from disclosing any and all of the INFORMATION, and to take all necessary and reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized disclosure or use  of any and all of the INFORMATION.  
 
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