The Mighty Dead
In the hush between the worlds, we call to those who came before—the witches, poets, seers, and agitators whose breath still stirs the circle. These are the Mighty Dead of the Craft: beloved ancestors of spirit, whose lives lit the way and whose words still echo in our rites.
This invocation was written for the 30th anniversary of the Spiral Dance, Reclaiming’s great Samhain ritual. It is a call across time and shadow, a weaving of names and memory into the fabric of the night. It is not a full roll call, but a gathering of voices who walk close when the veil is thin.
Let the words be a threshold. Let memory be a spell. Let us remember—and be remembered.
Calling the Mighty Dead of the Craft
Mighty Dead of the Craft, we call you. We know you’re standing with us. We feel your gaze, and your breath tingles our skin.
Doreen Valiente
I call Doreen Valiente. You gave us the precious words that every Witch holds dear: “I am the soul of Nature that gives life to the universe.” May these words carry meaning beyond our lives.
Gwydion Pendderwen
I call the bard Gwydion Pendderwen. In your too-brief life, you composed our “Pagan national anthem.” “We won’t wait any longer. We are stronger than before. We won’t wait any longer. We are stronger ….” We come together to do strong work tonight.
Judy Foster
I call Judy Foster. Your legacy lives in the glorious North altars, and your spirit walks with us in the streets. I call you by the name Calypso Iris. Come dance with us tonight.
Victor Anderson
I call Victor Anderson, grandfather to many. You once said, “White magic is poetry, and black magic is anything that actually works.” We want your help to make pitch black magic tonight.
Alison Harlow
I call Alison Harlow. Your passion for fostering Pagan solidarity has made us stronger. Bring us your optimism tonight, Tana. Hear us and come.
Mighty Dead of the Craft, I call all of you. Come to the edge of the veil. Reach out. We’re here. Join with our hands and hearts, and let us dance the endless spiral of renewal together.
Blesséd be.