25/10/2025
People often ask me about my bone sets and often are surprised there is a maintenance to them.
I have, of corse met diviners who do not practice anything like this, and it's just my own personal preference, observations and understanding that I'm sharing with you. Some will also do this in a secretrive way, because let's not forget - this is a personal act with divining tools that could be interfered with or enchanted by other practitioners. Even what I share will not be exactly what I do, because there needs to be an element of protection over the tools I work with.
There is a practice called 'feeding the bones'; which is essentially a ritualistic act of cleansing, empowerment and strengthening/maintaining the spiritual connection between yourself, the kit and the energies being consulted. You can use any of these or combine them - whatever works for you!
🦴 Energetic
(The Most Common Method)
This is about infusing the bones with your own energy, life force, or the energy of the spirit/ancestors you work with.
✨ Breath/Spit Your own breath or saliva (spitting, or chewing a herb/root and spitting onto the bones). To infuse the bones with your own personal power and life force (or the person you are reading for). It is a form of purification and connection, letting the bones "know" the person/spirit they are working with.
✨ Smoke/Incense Cleansing or empowering herbs (e.g., sage, cedar, frankincense, mugwort, copal). To clear negative or residual energy and awaken the spiritual nature of the bones. Pass the bones through the smoke before or after a reading.
✨Lunar/Solar Light Moonlight (especially full or new moon) or Sunlight (for a few hours). To charge the bones with celestial energy. Moonlight is often used for psychic insight, and sunlight for clarity and life-force.
✨ Dirt/Earth
Resting the bones on or under clean earth, sand, or a special mat. To re-ground the set and reconnect them to the primal energies of the earth and stability.
🦴 Physical
(Less Common, More Ritualistic)
In some traditions, feeding involves a physical substance that acts as an offering or a spiritual nutrient.
✨ Oils Special ritual oils (e.g., condition oil, ancestral oil, prosperity oil) or natural carrier oils (e.g., mineral oil) sparingly. To consecrate and protect the bones. This is a common practice with folk workers. It also helps to preserve the bones.
✨ Natural Objects
Ash from a ritual fire, special soil, or ritual wash water. To purify or connect the bones to a specific ritual event or element. For example, ash is often used to symbolize purification.
✨ Special Herbs/Roots Certain herbs, roots, or seeds placed inside the bone bag. To draw a specific kind of energy (e.g., placing a coin or a specific herb for prosperity or protection).
Do remember that bones are organic material. Do NOT use food products (like meat scraps) to feed the bones as this will cause rot, odour, and damage. The 'feeding' is energetic, not literal. If using oils, use them sparingly, as too much oil can weaken the material over time.
For many who practice bone throwing, or Osteomancy, the bones are seen as a conduit to the ancestors. 'Feeding' the bones is, therefore, also an act of honoring and communing with the ancestors by setting out offerings (food, water, to***co, or liquor) near the bones, rather than directly on them.
Building your own personal practice is key. The most authentic way to feed your bones is to develop a routine that feels significant to you. You may meditate with them, chant over them, or simply keep them wrapped in a consecrated cloth. The intention and relationship you build are the true source of their power.
You're welcome 🤗
The Whispering Witch
