The other day we did our annual Guide To The Gods event and upon my display was a package that was labeled "Crushed Human Bones". Which was not the only bone themed item displayed upon my table as you can see below. But it did arrise the question of how bones are used in practice. Now for me as someone who works a lot with spirits and the dead, while utilizing the energy of items used. This isn't shocking to me as it can be for others,Which brings Many questions that will arise when it comes to these types of bones being displayed. This is to be expected and I want to take time to spread some knowledge on using bones within spiritual practice.
Is this Legal?
This is one of the most asked questions when it comes to the sourcing of human bones and for good reason. When it comes from sources such things you need to do your research in how these items are sourced. Now the bones that I had with me on display actually come from an online occultist shop called The Luciferian Apotheca. These are a crushed-up variety rather than a whole piece of human bone. But when the questions of sourcing come into play there are things one must take into mind.
Laws- When it comes to the use of human remains for sale there are limitations based on the laws. It can depend upon the Country of origin and state in which the items are being sold at. In relation to animals bones there are some laws that prohibit some items from being sold. But down below is focused on more human bones than animal bones. As there are currently two states that prohibit or have limitations, While other have the ability to sale just with limitations. But when it comes to the United States federally with human remains there isnt laws against owning or buying them. But rather on how the bones are acquired.
Louisiana: Owning human remains (with exceptions to teeth, fingernails, gall stones, or cremated remains) is completely prohibited. This means you can not own ANY human bones if you live in Louisiana.
Georgia and Tennessee: In these states, you can own, buy, sell, and trade human remains within the state, but you cannot import or export any parts in or out of the state. This means if you live in Georgia or Tennessee and want to buy a human skull, you will have to find one for sale within your state, and if you ever move out of the state, you legally cannot take the skull with you.
New York and Virginia-where 2 separate shops have gotten in trouble for selling human skulls. However, there is no written legislation in either of those states specifically prohibiting selling human BONES. The laws were twisted to include skulls in the laws that prevent the selling of viable human tissue in those two separate cases.
Now here in Ohio I have not found any laws that restrict the buying and sale of human remains within Ohio. But what Ohio does have is the donation distribution laws for body parts donated to an individual. This brings us to the next question on the list is it ethically sourced?
Ethically Sourced
When it comes to ethically sourced bones and obtaining of those bones. When it comes to this there is one thing that remains true. You will not find any native american bones for sale in the United States due to them being protected by the Native American Graves and Repatriation Act enacted in 1990. There are many stories about people who have robbed graves and decided to sell the parts they acquire online. Now how can one find ethically sourced bones?
Donated to science- Bones donated to science are only used for 18 months up to ten years. Once they have hit their mark they can be bought either by knowing someone or getting rid of it within a university. Some can be found online as well such as Skulls Unlimited. Along with a few oddity shops that specialize in obtaining human remains such as https://www.clevelandcuriosities.com
Private donations- When it comes to your body you can have your remains left to an individual.
Amputated/Removed- When you get limbs amputated or even organs removed you can ask for those back. When it comes to amputated limbs it will depend upon the hospital and if the limb was infected based on my research. As weird as it sounds it is known to be a thing, as some will keep it as a fun oddity such as Violet. Violet is someone who has cystic fibrosis and needed a lung transplant. After their transplant in 2018 from the video in which she spoke it was a year prior to the video posted in 2019. She had stated that she had requested to have her lungs that were given to her back. Which was taken home and placed inside of a jar adding to her beautiful gothic display which was featured on Gothic homemaking by Aurelio Voltaire. If you look at the reference links you will find it down below for anyone curious on her story. As of January 2023, she has had her surgery again since the once she originally got were starting to be rejected by her body. If you would like updates on her and the journey follow the link to their gofund me. Fundraiser by Jeffrey Sharpe : Violet's Bilateral Lung Transplant (gofundme.com)
Burial Rights and Traditions
When it comes to burial in the united states and cemeteries there are a lot of things people may not be aware of that is important. Normally cemeteries have limited on time that the body is kept. In certain European countries, you will have a lease that can vary from 20- 50 years and once that is reached and not renewed it's taken to what is known as the ossuary. Which is where bones are stored and in some cases could be sold. This is why generally unless a body is donated to science in America. Most bones do not come from America as our customs normally here is a forever grave. In countries like those that do leases, it's up to the family as to what happens with the bones. This makes them more easily to identify the age, and sex ext of the person's bones you are buying. There are many forms of burials or body disposal methods in this day and age. So burials in themselves are just one way the body can be carried on and some of the others include.
Green burials- These are preservation sites that allow natural burials on protected land where there are no wooden boxes or vaults but a shroud that covers the body. Normally these are unmarked but can allow others to visit.2021 Guide to Green Burials (Costs, Grounds, Cemeteries, FAQs) (lhlic.com)
Composting- This is the process of becoming compost and has started picking up traction that allows natural decomposition to be beneficial to the earth. While allowing families to become part of the process if they so choose. The video down below you can find them on youtube and tiktok.
Tree Pod burials- Tree pod burials are a new concept in which the body is placed in a cacoon-like state where the tree will begin to start forming as the body decomposes. So thus the body is giving life to the tree and allowing the body of the loved one to carry on as long as the tree remains.
Cremation- Cremation is an old tradition that is still in use today and is normally the cheaper option for families. It allows them to still have the loved one with them just in a different form. This in itself can be used in forms of ancestral work and representation. Myself when I moved into my home and started to plant flowers I took my father's ashes and added them to the soil. Adding the protection from my father to guard our home and have his presence near us always.
Traditions Using Bones
When it comes to the use of bones in spiritual practices versus my own use I wanted to highlight some of the things that have been done.
Musical instruments- When it comes to music it is the thing that all faiths and cultures contain. It is a universal language that no matter what you speak once you hear and feel the vibrations of music played, it speaks to us. A great example of this would be the rhythm bones. Nowadays a lot of people prefer to use spoons or wood shaped to look like the bones of the past. But traditionally the use of animal bones was used to create this instrument.
Jewelry- Many cultures and traditions have used jewelry for amulets of protection either made from human or animal bones.
Cups- When it comes to the use of cups it could be controlled over one's enemy all the way to devotional practice for one's gods.
Horns- The use of horns can be for drinking or for calling forth spirits and depending upon your practice you can utilize these items as well.
Food- When it comes to this I am referring to ANIMALS ONLY(trust me I know someone would say I support cannibalism if i didn't clarify, lol). As we all know bone marrow is within the bones of animals such as cows, lambs, caribou, or buffalo. These are full of vitamins and minerals that are used in recipes. The bones than can be used for art or whatever your heart desires.
What Is the Purpose?
The purpose of using bones in any spiritual practice? When it comes to the use of bones in a spiritual practice it depends on the individual and the practice itself. For some, it is about using the energies attached to such an item to further their work. While for others it is a dedication piece to those they work with. When we look at divination for example the use of bones for divination is wide. When most think of bone divination they think of animals which in turn is using that animal's energy. The same applies to human remains as they well in many different ways in divination by using it in bone-throwing kits or for spirit communication. The use of body parts dictates what its purpose is used for and also in some instances who it came from. If we look at the creation of the hand of glory, it is not only the hand that is needed but who it comes from is important. Another example would be the fragments I have would be used to be infused of creations I make to honor my gods. Down below is a skull I made recently with the use of fragments. The purpose of this was for Hade's altar to connect the spirit of the dead to be connected to him by the incorporation of the fragments within the skull.
So Do I Need To Use Human or animal Bones?
The obvious answer is no, the use of bones in spiritual practice is based upon the practitioner and their need. Bones are just another form of material that can be used in order to achieve a goal in one's magickal practice. For some, it comes from ancestral ties while to others it's a piece of devotion.
How are bones used in your spiritual practice?
When it comes to my use of bones in spiritual practice I utilize not only just fragments of bones that I acquire. I use animal bones as well within my practice as it is part of the representation of the gods I work with. Sometimes the use of the bones is as dedication pieces or used to form magickal tools for use. When it comes to the bones I acquire I do my best to research those I obtain from as everything eventually passes on. So for animal bones, I never buy ones that are done for the sake of getting the bones. But I do acquire animal bones in a few different ways such as from local foragers and farmers. When it comes to human remains I have just started my journey into using them. One is because the price point of acquiring such things is high. Along with I have a very limited need for the use of big pieces of human bone at this time. But one thing I have looked into acquiring for my practice is a human skull. As it can be used in a variety of different magickal practices.
What This Is Not
The use of bones in spiritual practices isn't about aesthetics to grab one's attention but to understand the energies displayed. It is about honoring the life that is no longer here while giving it a new purpose. In our communities we get into a lot of debate on items and uses and what is appropriate. But what we forget about or become blinded to is the historical and spiritual significance. For many these traditions of using bones is a way of life from the hunter to the healer. They utilize the energy of these items and how they are sacred and should be used and displayed with respect. When it comes to my personal practice I have been questioned more than once for items I use. The use of bones is a personal choice that is guided by oneself and their practice. Sometimes this is because of tradition, history, or spiritual guidance we have been called upon by those we work with.
The Devine Witch
Debbie Lewis
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