Book Review: Do I Have to Wear Black? by Mortellus
The Book: Do I Have to Wear Black?: Rituals, Customs & Funerary Etiquette for Modern Pagans by Mortellus
Source: I pre-ordered this book after hearing an interview with Mortellus on The Real Witches of the Endtimes podcast. It was amazing and made me cry.
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (see my review on Goodreads)
I can’t say enough good things about this book. Mortellus has a way of gently drawing you in, letting you feel both comforted and empowered at once (much like, I imagine, any good death worker should). This book allowed me to learn more about death rituals and practices in a safe and informative setting that treated me like an intelligent person with my own unique perspective on life. It provides so many tools for becoming more comfortable with your own death and how to ensure that it is handled in the way that is most important, meaningful, and respectful for you. I came way from that section feeling not only empowered, but also excited to do some things like write my own obituary (tell me a more intimate way to engage in self discovery, self love, and introspection!). Do I Have to Wear Black? also provides a very comprehensive and interesting guide to the death practices of many various Pagan lifestyles and religions. I learned so much about different religions and practices that were not just interesting to read about, but also helped to inform the ways I might want to approach my own death.
I think my favorite section, however, was the part that discussed dealing with the death, loss, and accompanying grief as someone left behind by the dead. What his me especially deeply was the chapter on animal companions, as I happened to reading it on the anniversary of my dear cat familiar’s death. It made me wish I had had this book two years ago when I lost her, and sad that I didn’t provide her with a more meaningful ritual back then. But it also provided me with some rituals and things I can do NOW that will help me grieve, continue my connection with her, and honor her. The same goes for additional chapters on other kinds of deaths, a few of which I have also experienced in the past couple of years. This book was an immense comfort and helped me to find new ways to see, feel, and remember them and their deaths.
Do I Have to Wear Black? is an incredible resource — one that I will be keeping close to me for the rest of my life (and beyond). I think it’s a book that everyone should experience, because it holds so much insight, comfort, and love within.