Graveyards vs. Cemeteries: What’s the Difference?

While people tend to use these words interchangeably, there’s a subtle but important distinction.

• Graveyards: These are usually attached to a church and tend to be smaller. The energy here is often more connected to spiritual ancestors, especially those with a religious or community tie to the area.
• Cemeteries: Larger and often not associated with a church, these places can hold a mix of energies, from ancestors to wanderers and forgotten souls. They’re a bit more neutral and can have a more “public” energy compared to the more intimate graveyard setting. 

Understanding the energy of where you collect your dirt is key, because you’re not just picking up some soil—you’re gathering the essence, protection, or even wrath of the spirits attached to that land.

Graveyard Dirt vs. Cemetery Dirt: Different Energies, Different Uses

Graveyard dirt and cemetery dirt can be used for different types of work, and the spirit energy attached to the dirt will influence how it affects your spell or ritual.

• Graveyard Dirt: Since graveyards are often tied to religious or spiritual communities, the dirt can be used for workings around protection, healing, and ancestral communication. When you collect dirt from a specific grave, you’re also inviting the spirit of that person to assist you in your work—but keep in mind, you don’t have to take dirt from a specific grave. Dirt from the entrance of the graveyard will still hold the energy of the space.
• Cemetery Dirt: Cemetery dirt is more neutral, and because of that, it can be versatile. It’s great for banishing, reversal work, or any spell where you want the energy of the dead on your side. It can be used for both protection and destruction—just make sure you know what you’re asking for, because you’re tapping into energies beyond your control.

The Spirit of Death and the Gatekeeper 

When you’re working with dirt from a graveyard or cemetery, you’re not just interacting with individual spirits—you’re engaging with the spirit of death itself. This is a powerful force of nature that shows up differently depending on the tradition or culture you’re working with, but it’s universally respected across practices.

• Astrologically, death is associated with Pluto, the planet of death, transformation, and rebirth. Pluto teaches us that death is not an ending, but a transition that brings power & renewal through destruction.
• In Haitian Vodou, it's Bawon Samedi and Maman Brigitte.
• In Orisa tradition, it’s Oya, the powerful orisa of winds, storms, and the cemetery.

The spirit of death presents itself to me as Santa Muerte, so that’s primarily who I work with. Regardless of the pantheon, the spirit of death is an ever-present force, and it should be honored according to the traditions that align with your practice or culture.

The Benefits of Working with the Spirit of Death 

When you hear “spirit of death,” it’s easy to think only of literal death, but in magic and spiritual work, the spirit of death brings so much more. Working with this energy isn’t just about endings—it’s about transformation, renewal, and powerful change. 

Benefits of working with the spirit of death:

1. Transformation: Just like Pluto, death is a force of transformation. When you work with this spirit, you’re inviting in change that goes beyond the surface. The spirit of death will help you shed old layers so you can emerge stronger.
2. Renewal and Rebirth: Death clears the way for new beginnings. When you work with the spirit of death, you’re not just asking for something to end—you’re asking for space to be made for something new. This can apply to all areas of your life: emotional healing, career shifts, spiritual awakenings, or even manifesting new opportunities.
3. Empowerment and Protection: The spirit of death is a powerful protector. Spirits tied to death often stand guard between worlds, making them strong allies in protection work. They’ll shield you from harm, reverse ill intentions, and keep destructive forces away. When you call on them, you’re invoking a force that is respected and feared.
4. Necessity of Release: Death teaches us that nothing lasts forever—and that’s a good thing. Whether you’re clinging to old pain or stuck in a situation that no longer serves you, the spirit of death helps you release. By embracing this force, you can cut ties with the things holding you back.
5. Control Over Transitions: When you work with death, you learn how to navigate and control transitions in your life, whether that be literal loss, relationship endings, career changes, or a personal transformation.
6. Connection to Ancestors and Spirits: Death is the gateway to the spirit world. By working with this force, you deepen your connection with your ancestors and spirit guides, allowing for clearer communication, guidance, and protection in your spiritual practice.

Who Is the Gatekeeper?

 Every cemetery or graveyard has a gatekeeper spirit, typically the oldest or first person buried in that space. This spirit watches over the graveyard and makes sure those who enter are respectful of the spirits. If you can locate this grave, that’s the ideal place to leave your offering—but if you can’t find it, leaving an offering at the entrance is perfectly fine.

How to approach the gatekeeper respectfully:

1. Announce Yourself: When you enter the cemetery or graveyard, quietly introduce yourself out loud. Say your name, state your intentions, and let the gatekeeper know why you’re there. A simple greeting like, “I come with respect. My name is [your name], and I ask permission to gather dirt for spiritual work,” goes a long way.
2. Bring an Offering: The gatekeeper should always receive an offering. This can be a silver coin, whiskey, or tobacco—things traditionally enjoyed by spirits. Place your offering at the gate, entrance, or near the grave of the oldest buried person if you can locate it.
3. Ask for Permission: After offering, ask the gatekeeper for permission to enter and work with the spirits of the cemetery or graveyard. Pay attention to the feeling you get—if it’s welcoming and peaceful, you’ve likely been granted permission. If you feel uneasy or receive a clear “no,” it’s best to leave and return another time.
4. Thank the Gatekeeper: Before you leave, thank the gatekeeper for allowing you to work within the space. This keeps the relationship respectful and maintains good spiritual energy for any future visits. 

How to Collect Dirt Respectfully

One of the most important parts of working with graveyard or cemetery dirt is knowing how to approach the spirits with respect. 

1. Dress in All Black: You should dress respectfully and in all black to avoid confusing or disturbing the spirits. Dressing in bright colors can attract unnecessary attention or give off the wrong energy. Think of black as your way of blending in.
2. Spend Time With The Spirits: Walk around for a little while, leaving your offerings, saying hello, connecting with the energy of the graveyard or cemetery. It's a two way street, so you want to build the relationship.
3. Ask for Permission: You’re dealing with spirits—this is not a place to just take what you want. Stand by the grave or dirt you want to collect, introduce yourself, and respectfully ask for permission to take the dirt for your working. Listen and feel for a response. If the energy feels off or resistant, leave it be. You can bring your preferred divination tool, if you'd like.
4. Collect Only What You Need: Don’t get greedy. You’re only taking what you need for your work, no more, no less. A small jar or baggie is perfect.
5. Thank the Spirits: After you’ve collected your dirt, make sure to leave your offering and thank the spirits for their assistance. This keeps the relationship harmonious and ensures the spirits are willing to work with you again in the future. 

Types of Workings for Graveyard and Cemetery Dirt 

• Protection Spells: Collect dirt from the grave of an ancestor or a protector figure to create a powerful protection jar or charm for yourself or your home.
• Ancestral Communication: Use graveyard dirt from a family member’s grave to enhance your connection with your ancestors during divination or spiritual rituals.
• Banishing and Reversals: If you’re dealing with some heavy negative energy or want to return someone’s ill will to them, cemetery dirt is a great choice for banishing or reversal spells. Mix it into a spell jar or sprinkle it at the threshold of your home to keep negativity away.
• Hexing or Cursing: While I always recommend being careful with this, cemetery dirt can be used in hexes or curses to call upon spirits to do your bidding in a destructive way. Make sure you’re ready to handle the consequences before you take this step.

Final Thoughts

It's definitely not as scary as it seems at first, but it's still a place we should treat with honor for the dead. Always approach the spirits with respect, know the energy you’re working with, and be clear about your intentions.

And remember, not all spirits are friendly—so always be cautious when collecting and working with this dirt. But when done right, it can be one of the most powerful tools in your magical arsenal.