The following is a beautiful way to honor a loved one who has passed away. It is a touching way to pay homage to cherished memories.

The veil between worlds is the thinnest when we approach Samhain (Halloween) 🎃, so this is traditionally a time to remember and honor those who passed behind that veil. You can perform this simple pagan ritual for remembering the beloved dead if you lost a family member, a pet, or a friend.

The main ingredient of this spell is Sage. As explained in the Green Witch Video Course, sage (also known as salvia from Greek “to heal”), can help alleviate sorrow from the death of a loved one as it is associated with mourning and the passage of life. 🌿

You can customize your spell by adding other ingredients (such as Bay leaves, Cinnamon) or even personal belongings inside the envelope.

Wiccan Spell For Departed Loved Ones

Recipe by Francisco Huanaco

Farewell spell for a deceased loved one, whether it's a family member, friend, or a dead pet. Remember and honor the time spent with a departed loved one.

What you'll need

1 purple candle
3 large sage leaves
1 photo of your loved one (human or animal)
1 envelope
Pen
Paper

How to cast the spell

Light the purple candle on your altar or a table. Take several deep breaths and allow your body to relax.
Take a moment to focus your energy on the person who has passed away. Focus on memories that brought you joy and on characteristics and attributes you most admired about that person.
When you're ready, write a letter to him or her. Allow your feelings to come out onto the paper in whatever form they need to take. The length doesn’t matter, the style should be your own, and don’t hold anything back.
Once the letter is complete, place it along with three large sage leaves, in the envelope.
Seal the envelope with the wax from the purple candle.
Use a garden spade to bury the letter in a place that was special to you and that person (or in your back yard). After burying the letter, place your hands on the raised mound and project your energy deep into the earth.

Recipe Video

Notes

Always practice Candle Safety when casting spells!
🖨️ Scroll down to find a printable version of this spell.

Calm Piano Music for this Spell

Pagan Rituals For The Dead

Farewell rituals are symbolic acts that help us express our feelings about the loss of a loved one. This is one of the most painful experiences that will happen to everyone, leaving just the memory of that person. One way to give closure to this special relationship is to symbolically say goodbye to our friend or relative.

Your loved one is still with you in spirit and will always be with you. ✨

Prayer for the Departed

Watch this video prayer and get a printable page for your Book of Shadows.

A prayer or spell can also provide the relief of knowing that you were able to communicate with them one last time, finally expressing the words you didn’t have a chance to say before.

If you find yourself in this situation, a simple Wiccan ritual or prayer can act as a death blessing to wish them well in the next stage. While we aren’t sure what happens when we die, we know that death is a natural part of life.

Print this Spell Recipe 📄

This PDF version comes with a transparent background so you can print it on any kind of paper you want and add it to your own Book of Shadows.

How this Farewell Spell Works

Writing a letter for a loved one who passed away can help us cope with the grief of loss, whether it’s a deceased person or a dead pet.

Filling this empty space with words that express your feelings and thoughts can bring serenity and peace at this hard time. You may address the letter to the deceased loved one, giving them thanks for the time spent on Earth and for every wonderful memory you have.

Any spells for talking to the dead?

Many believe that Samhain is the time of the year when the veil between worlds is the thinnest. In other words: a great opportunity for talking with the dead.

Purple candles have been associated with their use in making contact with the world of spirits. After writing your letter, try lighting a second purple candle on your altar or desk, and meditate. Take the time to think about this friend or family member that passed away, then try to communicate with him or her.

Wiccan Ritual For Honoring The Dead — Wiccan ritual for honoring the Dead

If you feel a connection, write a second letter answering the one you wrote earlier. Having created the connection with the deceased person, he or she might be able to communicate with you through your own hand. It’s important to have an open mind and let go of fear. Start writing freely. If you’ve channeled their energies, the words will flow without effort.

Just having an extra chance to say goodbye properly to that person can change your perspective and attitude for good. You don’t need to be a Wiccan or pagan to perform any of these rituals for the dead. Whatever your beliefs are (Christian/Catholic, Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim, etc), just keep an open mind and heart.