The Witches' Book of the Dead Paperback – October 1, 2011

I originally picked up Christian's book because of some bad and (in my opinion) ill-informed reviews. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. As I read the book, I was floored. First, it was an easy read. Reading the book was like listening to Christian speak. His personality really came through. I didn't feel talked down to and I didn't get lost while reading. The history presented in the book was addressed in such a way that I felt I learned a lot but wasn't lectured. I also enjoyed the personal stories and experiences. I think this brought the topic into the real world and helped me understand it's application.Necromancy is something that is severely stigmatized and through reading this book I have found that it is not nearly as scary (even if we should use a skull!) as I once thought. I am still a Novice and do not plan on practicing necromancy anytime soon because I am not as experienced as I feel I need to be. However, when the time comes, I plan on revisiting this book and following Christians advice. Unlike some reviews I read, I felt like Christian approaches necromancy from a very respectful stand point. He doesn't sugar coat what necromancy is and is not afraid to tell it like it is. Yes, as a necromancer you will ask spirits to do things for you but you're not shackling them into slavery. There is definitely a large element of respect when asking spirits to do things for you. A relationship must be developed and maintained. At no point did I get the impression that spirits are treated as beings without a face or story. I actually gathered the opposite. I felt as if Christian was saying you should work with familiar spirits you feel comfortable with.As for Christian's "ego" (which has been addressed in other reviews), I feel like it comes through in this book but not in a stuck up way. The voice behind the book is that of confidence and experience. I felt like the "name dropping" he does solidify's his place in the community and (when it comes to spirits) shows his reverence for his beloved dead.All in all this book is invaluable for someone that would like to practice necromancy now or in the future. I feel like I am not bias, seeing as I do not know Christian personally, and I am not involved in the greater witch community. Politics and personal practice aside, this book is a home-run.

This is a book i've been waiting for, Written by Salem Massachusetts own Christian Day with a forward written by the renowned Witch Raven Grimassi. The Witches' Book of the Dead, Is written on the ever forbidden practice of Necromancy & of contacting the spirits of the dead. It's very well written & researched by Mr, Day. One will learn from a to z on how to practice this esoteric & downright frightening art of connecting with the spirits of our dearly departed, & of The dead in general! You will learn about it's history, How to enter altered states of consciousness to be able to "connect" with the spirits. There are also different types of ritual practice for you to delve into as well. Also what To do, & what NOT to do, to conjure those who have passed into the Summerland, A word of caution from someone experienced in these matters, follow the instructions carefully, as they WILL be the deciding factor between success & failure! Christian Day also shows you how to know when you've done a ritual correctly, & what to expect. I remember seeing this book quite a few times on Amazon, but dismissed it as another generic Witchcraft book delving into a subject MANY are to scared to even think about!! I finally bought it, & boy was i wrong, Am I'm not wrong often on Occult matters, as having been a practicing Occultist for 21 years now! Well i'm very glad i got it, very well done! I absolutely recommend it to anyone wanting a clear, concise, & at times humor full experience wanting to learn about Necromancy & speaking with those dead. This is a quintessential read for anyone seeking correct information about the aforementioned topics. Very well done!Sincerely,Moonsadden

It was strange how I happened upon this book. I had a dream one night and my Patron told me that there was something that would be coming my way, and I needed to read it. (Of course, in my dream I had to have certain steam-punk made spectacles to do so, but that's besides the point). When I awoke, I did my usual routine hopped on Facebook with a cup of coffee in hand I scrolled the Newsfeed pages, and there it was...Robert (the skull's name on the front of the book) peering out me. As if to say "Elinor Read Me". I ordered the book with my next paycheck I got. Within the first Chapter I was hooked. I couldn't put it down. My Patron was visiting me frequently in dream state while I was reading it. There is no one favorite chapter, to do that would be like choosing a favorite child. I could not put it down. I am now doing a Year and A Day based on this book. My book has a colorful array of posted notes stuck in each time there is a suggested rite/ritual. I suggest this book to anyone that wants an equal balance of the "night" along with their "day". Or to those that have death around them constantly...he helps to try and alleviate some of the "sadness" by letting you know that you can still communicate with those from the "beyond". He shines light on a subject that has lurked in the shadows for far to long. A lot of people tend to forget that death is a part of life...in order to experience one you have to know the other. So Kudos and Granola Bars to you, Christian Day for having the inspiration to write and publish this book. I love it!!