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Scream (directed by Wes Craven, 1996)

The Spirit Vessel

Home of the Spirits, the ideology of the Spirit Vessel spans countless faiths – and rightly so, for it is an “instrument” matched by few in the witch’s arsenal. The Spirit Vessel exists for a number of reasons: it is a grounder – a fetish that binds spirit to our physical plane and builds a bridge between worlds, but – more than that – it is a home, an abode in which the spirit energy dwells. Some are used to trap and harness the energy of the given spirit – so that it may be employed to do practitioner’s bidding, but others exist to house that sacred energy – not with entrapment, but with respect. That is not to say the former is not respectful, only that voluntary bonds exists as oath and agreement. It is a symbiotic, mutual source of power – a hearth by which to draw the force of the arcane. One that bonds both parties. In this aspect, I refer to the Higher Spirits – Gods, the Messengers, and Liminals, though vessels can be employed with equal success to the Dead – specifically ancestors, as a way to draw from the ancestral power – often relying on blood and earth.

Given the vast differences from path to path, I bring a stripped set of instructions: general principles that can be built upon to specialize the vessel for your “camino.”

Begin with the Vessel. What this vessel is depends heavily on both tradition and personal tastes. Possibilities are endless, though cauldrons, ceramic vases, wide-mouthed jugs or basins, even jars can all be utilized effectively. For most, I prefer an opaque, lidded vessel – though for my Spirit Cauldron dedicated to Rosa Caveira, I used a non-lidded cauldron (go figure). This is in line with her fiery energy which lends itself well to iron and sulfur – both of which are present.

One of the most important steps (and one often glossed over) is to treat the Vessel. For my cauldron, I bathed it in high proof alcohol and oils and set it alight. Given its dedication to Rosa Caveira, I did this in her Land – the Cemetery. I also lined the inside of mine with graveyard dirt, which I mixed with the same alcohol (along with flammable oils) and sculpted up the walls, then fired again to create a ceramic-like liner (in part to prevent rust – as iron will readily do so).

After treatment has commenced, it is time to bless and bond the Vessel – which can be as simple or as intricate as you wish it to be. While it was still alight (and since I went heavy handed on the oils, it stayed lit for quite some time) I danced with it in the graveyard. Spinning this flaming cauldron and singing joyfully to the spirits and My Keeper. I explained that this home was forged in her name, gateway between worlds, and a seat for her energy. I drizzled it with rose oils steeped with Herbs of the Dead and my own blood to “seal the deal.”

If that wasn’t fun enough, the last portion consists of Decoration – a term I use loosely, as these same “decorations” will undoubtedly serve a purpose. I filled mine with herbs, sulfur, curios, all of which corresponding to her. Every now and again, I’ll take some of the permanent items out and set the offerings alight. As is forged in fire, so must return. After which, I return the permanent items and place it back beneath my miniature terreiro – which then constantly draws from its energy.

As aforementioned, this general process can be employed for any number of spirits and traditions – even those without a vessel-history. In a sense, it can be equated in part to an altar – as I leave offerings therein and use it as a source of power to draw from. However, given its nature, it can be packed around with me for particularly powerful rituals on the go – which is a particularly useful facet. I’ve also been known to feed any troublesome spirits or energies to it, wherein they may be devoured and purified/concentrated. It is very important to “feed” the vessel, for – as I said – it is a mutual relationship. If you take, it is only right that you return – lest you be cut off from its power.

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