Do I Have to Wear Black

"Do I Have To Wear Black is a deeply personal and yet utterly relatable book that guides the reader through a process that many in the modern world fear: Death. From dying and the afterlife, to planning funerals and funerary rites, to the grieving process this book is an essential guide to everything we usually look away from. Here we are invited to dive deep and find comfort in what for many is the most frightening part of the cycle of the soul. Truly a must read."—Morgan Daimler, author of The Morrigan: Meeting the Great Queens and A New Dictionary of Fairies

"Do I Have To Wear Black? is a much-needed guide to navigate the many choices encountered when a loved one dies. I think it will also inspire you to have discussions about what you and the people in your life may wish for the concluding chapter in their story. Mortellus speaks from her personal and professional experience which brings a sense of comfort and strength to the book that makes difficult material accessible and inviting. The best time to read this book is long before you need it. The second-best time to read this book is in your time of need."—Ivo Dominguez, Jr., author of Spirit Speak, Practical Astrology for Wiccans and Pagans, Keys to Perception, and Wiccan Elder

"This book fills an important need in Pagan literature. Unique in its point of view, Do I Have to Wear Black? is a vital guide for Pagans on a road we will all, eventually, travel."—Deborah Lipp, author of Tarot Interactions and Magical Power for Beginners

"Mortellus escorts us behind the veil of our own primal fears and our modern squeamishness, sharing guidance and hard-won wisdom with grace, sensitivity, and gentle humor."—Misha Magdalene, author of Outside the Charmed Circle: Exploring Gender & Sexuality in Magical Practice

"Do I Have to Wear Black is a comprehensive and unique collection of rites and rituals for the death and dying process, specifically for Witches, Wiccans, Pagans, and death workers. Mortellus touches on the uniqueness of our spirituality in a way that is accessible and easy to understand. Truly an excellent book for any human that will be touched by death."—Phoenix LeFae, author of What Is Remembered Lives

"There's practical information on the funeral industry here, tremendous insight into Pagan views on death, and several heartfelt and complete passing over rites for a number of Pagan traditions. This book is a must for Pagan clergy and coven leaders."—Jason Mankey, author of Transformative Witchcraft

"A diverse, practical, and much needed guide to the funerary mysteries of death, dying, and bereavement."—Christopher Orapello, coauthor of Besom, Stang & Sword

"Can a book about death and dying be uplifting? This one certainly is! This book is a much-need guide to the mythology and ritual around death in the pagan religions. It covers everything a pagan and his/her family, the funeral director, clergy and guests could need or want to know when planning, conducting or attending a pagan funeral."—Nicole Evelina, USA Today bestselling author

"Mortellus's gorgeous prose is both informative and moving, filling a significant gap in Pagan literature and promising to serve as a critical reference for years to come. A must for Pagan clergy as well as those interested in that age-old question: what about when we die? And who isn't curious about that?"—Thorn Mooney, author of Traditional Wicca

"From rituals to an in-depth look at mortuary science, Do I Have to Wear Black? is a valuable resource for readers who follow Pagan and earth-based spiritual belief systems."—Patti Wigington, author of Badass Ancestors