Twilight Greetings! Exploring the Sorrow and the Ecstasy of the Death Entity Updated on September 23, 2006 Created and Operated by Sappho Wolf CANOSSA I owe everything to Leilah Wendell, the founder of Westgate (home for so much wonderful necromantic art and literature) and the House of Death, formerly in New Orleans, and Chosen One of Azrael, the entity known as the Angel of Death. If not for her writings on her experiences courting this entity, I doubt I ever would have found an adequate guide for such a journey. This journey has been more enriching than anything I could imagine, and I feel a debt to Leilah. What I write for you here is an echo of Leilah's teachings in her books Our Name Is Melancholy: The Complete Book of Azrael and The Necromantic Ritual Book. I hope what you discover here will encourage you to seek out Leilah's work, for I am but a shadow in her enlightenment. What exactly is Thanatropism? Leilah Wendell's original "Twylite Arts" were called necromantics. Since my own version is not necromantics, I didn't think it right to call it such. In addition, the Greek prefix nekro puts up several red flags in the popular mindset, such as necromancy and necrophilia, neither of which have any place in necromantics. Thanatos is the Greek name for the death entity, and it is in his name that the School of Thanatropism is founded. That takes care of semantics, but still, what is Thanatropism? The philosophy is twofold. Death exists, that we know ipso facto. Thanatropism not only acknowledges the existence of death, but proposes that living human beings may benefit from communing with the energy of death--the energy of ultimate transformation and change. Why would someone want to attune with the death energy? Admittedly, Thanatropism is not suited for everyone. Myself, I have had several personal experiences with what I am calling the death energy. I know that in this practices lies a greater peace and understanding than any I have experienced. There is an ecstasy in confronting and communing with the death energy. It is what we most fear, and yet we are all heading relentlessly towards it. Why not learn to greet death with open arms, as a friend rather than as an enemy? Read the following pages in sequence for your beginning lessons in Thanatropism. Of course, you can read just for information's sake. You are in no way dedicating yourself to this path. However, should you be touched and desire your own communion with the death energy, the way shall be open for you. A Note to Readers: In this place I originally took the name of Anubis, the Egyptian god of funereal rites and burial procedures. Elsewhere on the Web you may see me under other names, but we are all one in the same, all Brides of Azrael. You may think me mad for the path I here present. You may believe that I must be absolutely out of my mind. But I would ask why the path of Azrael is any more insane than any other path. In walking with Azrael you cross none, you harm none. You share an experience with an entity which is uniquely your experience. There is always room for growth, for new ideas. But you don't have to take my word alone for it. You can explore more about Azrael at the Westgate or at the Temple of Azrael. I would like very much to expand the offerings of the School of Thanatropism to include personal experiences, a shrine of love for Azrael, techniques of communing and meditation, and perhaps even a message board or chat room. I would also like to stop using the term "death energy" and replace it with what I really mean to use--Azrael, the Dark Angel. These changes will come in time. For now, the School exists to help open your eyes to the bliss and beauty of twilight. May your journey into the amethyst twilight give you joy! Books by Leilah Wendell: Our Name Is Melancholy: The Complete Books of Azrael Encounters With Death The Necromantic Ritual Book Eros In Exile These and Leilah's other books and artwork can be found at the Westgate itself. Wonderful works by Leilah's partner Daniel Kemp are also available through the Westgate. Hey, these are NOT your average reads! Every one is a classic unto itself and unlike anything else. Don't miss them! This work is dedicated to Azrael, my friend and my inspiration. I would also like to offer my deepest thanks to Leilah Wendell herself, who has been so gracious as to send me her kind words via e-mail. It's the mean Celt in me which drives me to align myself with Death and understand that He is nothing to fear, but rather something to understand. In my opinion, Leilah's work represents a humanism of the highest nature, for what could make mankind more joyous than to be free of fear? Thank you, Leilah!