Necromancy is often linked to black magick and evil practise; although this much depends on how Necromancy is used and to what end. Using Necromancy to trap a spirit into an object or to gain control over a spirit so they can do your bidding would, in my opinion, be evil practise. Spirits need to be treated with respect and their permission should be sought before you start to work with them; after all, you wouldn't barge into someones room without asking their permission or knocking first!!
Some of the tools linked to the Necromancer are a skull, in most cases this is a resin skull, but some do use a real human skull in their practise. Using a skull helps you to connect with the species that skull represents, such as an owl skull to connect with the owl or a wolf skull to connect with the wolf.
Christian Day in his book "The Witches Book of the Dead" discusses the use of a human skull in its representation of the dead and is use as a focus for connecting with the otherworld.
Cthonic Deities are also part and parcel of the tools of the Necromancer, usually placed on the altar or shrine to the dead as the god and goddess representations. One of the most popular deities is Hecate, she can aid in helping you work with the dead and also offer protection too.
The most well known tool of the Necromancer is the Ouija board the history of which dates back to the 19th Century and was made popular during the spiritualist movement. Many people do not like the Ouija board as bad things are often assoiciated with it and I would stress that if you don't use a form of protection, i.e, casting a protective circle or you use the board flippantly then you are asking for trouble. In most cases Ouija boards used at parties, where there has been too much drink and someone fancies a bit of fun often end in tears because it is a simple as this, the spirits have not been treated with respect. The board is just a tool, and is used as a means and way of connection just like automatic writing is.
Scrying is another tool at the Necromancers desposal usually using a crystal ball, a black mirror or water. Using a crystal ball is much prefered by many than the Ouija board, obviously as it has less of a reputation. Scrying is best undertaken in low lighting and by candleflame as this gives a gentler and more relaxing light.
Tarot cards too are also part of the Necromancers tool kit and are probably one of the most popular forms of divination around today. They are popular with witches, psychic readers as well as a good percentage of the general public who when facing a problem seek the cards for their wisdom and advice.
Finally, herbs too are used in Necromancy usually to heighten the psychic senses. Witches flying ointments (see my earlier article) come under this category. Herbs such as Mugwort, Wormwood and Dittany of Crete were used in divination, usually as an incense, but also in soaps and oils too. Mugwort is well known for aiding with sleep and dreaming and is the herb most often assoicatied with diviantion and communicating with spirit.
To sum up, Necomancy is a form of divination involving calling forth the spirits of the dead. The tools the Necromancer uses to acheive that end are the pendulm, Tarot, Crystal ball and Ouija board among others. Necromancy is only dangerous if you do not know what you are doing, or you go into to it without the respect or permission of the spirits you wish to work with. Necromancy can be safe as long as you know what you are doing, you ensure you are protected and most importantly and above all, treat the dead with respect, build with them a rapport and ask permission too, by doing this you will be building trust and a relationship that if you work it right, can be long lasting.
