Working with Graveyard Dirt: A Guide for Witches

As we get ready for Samhain here at the shop, I thought I’d take a few moments to talk about one of my favorite spell components: Graveyard dirt!

Graveyard dirt (or soil) is an ingredient that is steeped in mystique and possesses potent energy. Graveyard dirt is incredibly versatile. You can use graveyard dirt for so-called “dark” magic—like binding, compelling, curses and hexes—as well as in more benign workings such as connecting with ancestors and coming to terms with the inevitability of death.

When working with graveyard dirt, it is essential to approach it with reverence and respect. Keep in mind that graveyards are sacred spaces, and any actions taken should be done in collaboration with both Earth guardians and the spirits of the dead. Always seek permission from these presiding powers before collecting graveyard dirt and be sure to express gratitude for their energy and assistance. Remember you will be a corpse and/or spirit one day, so practice that good ole Golden Rule!

Metaphysics aside, there are also practical considerations in gathering graveyard dirt. No magical ingredient is worth going to jail for, so check the laws and regulations of your region. In many places, it is illegal to remove anything from a cemetery, including dirt. Many cemeteries also have limited public hours, and to enter outside of these times may qualify as criminal trespassing. If it is illegal where you are, don’t get caught! (Just kidding.) If it is legal, always remember to be respectful, obtain permission if necessary, and take only a small amount.

How can you use graveyard dirt in spellwork? There are countless ways, but here is one of my favorites—a simple spell for protection:

Graveyard Protection Spell

This short ritual is best performed in a graveyard, alone, with your butt on the ground if you are able. If sitting in a graveyard is not practical, you can do this spell at home, “travelling” to a nearby burial place through visualization.

You will need:

Graveyard dirt

Protective herbs (such as rosemary or basil)

Black candle

A small pouch

Offering for the spirits (optional—see below)

The rite:

Light the black candle and meditate on your intention for protection. Visualize yourself as a young green tree, with roots reaching down into the soil where the bodies of the mighty dead lie. Call upon the goodly ancestors and brave spirits who have gone before you. Now visualize their strength flowing up through your roots, giving life and power to your living body.

Mix a pinch of graveyard dirt with the selected protective herbs. Hold the mixture in your hands and visualize a shield surrounding you, repelling negativity and harm. If you are sensitive to spirits, you may feel the presence of those who have volunteered to assist you in this working. Take a moment to absorb some of their power, and listen to any message or guidance they may have for you.

Leave an offering if it feels appropriate where you are. In many traditions it is customary to offer something—a coin, or a drink of whiskey—whenever you take something from a graveyard or ask the spirits for a favor. Graveyard offerings are a BIG topic and out of the scope of this article. Suffice it to say, if you don’t know what to leave as an offering or you didn’t bring anything suitable, your sincere gratitude is enough for this simple rite. As you develop relationships with spirits, they will often let you know what offering(s) they prefer.

Finally, before you leave, thank the spirits for their help and draw your “roots” back into your body. Ground and center. Place the graveyard dirt mixture in the pouch and carry it with you as a talisman of protection.

Purchasing Graveyard Dirt

One question we get at The Witch's Treasure is, can you purchase graveyard dirt for use in spells and rituals? Will it be as powerful as dirt gathered from a cemetery? It is possible to purchase graveyard dirt for use in spells and rituals, but whether or not it will be as effective as dirt gathered from a nearby cemetery is up for debate.

Many practitioners believe that the energy and potency of graveyard dirt is strongest when it is collected directly by the Witch herself. Others argue that the energy can still be harnessed through ethically sourced graveyard dirt obtained from a reputable spiritual supplier. 

Some Witches sneer at store-bought dirt, but we don't care! As merchants, we know that graveyard dirt appears as an ingredient in many spell, and not everyone is able or willing to collect their own. That is why we offer graveyard dirt at a fair price from a trusted supplier. However, we're totally onboard with Witches who prefer to collect their own.

Substitutes for Graveyard Dirt

Many Witches would argue that there is no true substitute for graveyard soil. However, if you’re squeamish about disturbing a cemetery, you can use dark, earthy, or Underworld-associated herbs instead. Valerian, Patchouli, and Mandrake are excellent choices. For extra potency, consecrate them to the spirits of the dead under a dark moon. Voila! You now have herbs that can stand in for graveyard dirt in many spells and formulas.

However you obtain the graveyard dirt for your spells, remember that intention matters. You only need a small amount of an ingredient to harness its energy, and spiritual magic is most effective when you express gratitude to the spirits from whom you seek assistance. May your practice be guided by reverence and honor for the mystery and power of the deceased.