Sacred Tears: A Witch's Guide to Grief

by Courtney Weber, Christopher Penczak (Foreword)

Your Gentle Companion for the Journey of Grief

When loss leaves you reeling, struggling emotionally and spiritually, Sacred Tears offers support from a Witch's perspective. Courtney Weber provides guidance as you navigate the grief spiral at your own pace. She reassures you that grief is not only necessary, but sacred, and need not be rushed.

Providing dozens of rituals, prayers, and journal prompts, Courtney meets you where you are and accompanies you through all kinds of grief. She encourages you to incorporate your own spirituality, sharing stories from her experiences that help you cope in your unique way. Learn how to communicate your needs, comfort others who are hurting, and mourn when you can't get closure. This heartfelt book guides you through something none of us want to endure but all of us will.

Genres: Paganism, Grief

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 8, 2024

Reviews

[Paperback Pagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book. I cried a few times during it. I don't know if the author has a background in therapy but they went about addressing grief in such a great way. It's so hard when people tell you " you'll be ok", "things happen for a reason", "it was their time". This book will not tell you that and it acknowledges all kinds of grief.

[Kim Pfeffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked up this book (and heard Courtney speak) at Mystic South 2025. I've experienced much loss, and this book was such an amazing resource for both my own grief and how to navigate support of those around me experiencing grief. Its authentic, down to earth and easily approachable. Grief is always hard but Courtney makes the process and experience easier to understand and navigate. All of her advice and practices are super approachable and easily implemented. I wish I had this book decades ago when I lost my sister, but I have it now and I can use it as a resource for navigating my various grief journeys and as a guide when those in my orbit experience loss, of all kinds. This book is useful for ALL....anyone, practitioner or not, can find useful information and advice here!! We all could use this book, and I know I'll go back to it again and again. THANK YOU Courtney!!

[TamaraO · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a tricky one. But I hope I'll explain it in a way people will understand where I'm coming from. I went back and forth between 3 and 4 stars and I settled for 4. I did this, because I love Courtney Weber as an author but this book itself was not it for me unfortunately.

While I am currently grieving the loss of a loved one, I don't think I NEEDED it for the reasons I picked it up for.
I wanted this to be a guide for rituals I would perform, suggestions on what I could do when days were particularly rough, etc. When I saw that this book was released right after I suffered my loss I thanked the universe for catching me while falling into this emotional darkness and stepping up once more when I needed it the most. I really thought I needed this book and that it will be the key to my grieving process. It was and it wasn't.

I finished it fairly quickly. I soaked it all up, continued reading, because I felt revelation was on the horizon. It had to be. It started out great. Loved Christopher Penczak's foreword. So I kept hoping for more. Where was the chapter that would save me? Where was the chapter that would help me deal with this pain? I never found it. What I did find instead was a realization that would've taken a lot longer to discover without this book. And that is where my good rating is coming from. It helped me see what I did not need. How I did not want to navigate the grieving process. Courtney Weber described her vulnerable grieving process throughout different situations and (without knowing) she described everything I did and still do not feel. I do not feel guilt, I do not feel resentment towards the gods, I do not feel the universe has left me hanging. I never questioned my ability as a witch or witchcraft per se. It was quite the opposite actually. While reading this book I shook my head quite a few times and at some point I even questioned myself and how I was not able to relate to a lot of what was said. Was I in the wrong? Of course not, and that is where Courtney and I agree 100%, because each grieving process is different. Just like every grieving person is different. Just because you went through the process before doesn't mean the next one will be "easier, since you already know what youre in for". You cannot determine how grief will effect you and how you'll navigate it.

What I appreciate though is the fact that quite a few practitioners gave their take on different subjects around grief. I love the idea behind it, since it's such an individual path it's nice to shine a light on things from many different angles.The bit from Chaweon Koo on "witchcraft and surrender" stirred up a lot of emotions and unfortunately rubbed me the wrong way altogether. It doesn't fit the vibe of the rest of the book, seemed quite judgmental and overall just off-putting.

My conclusion: I needed this book, but at the same time I didn't. It scooped me right up and made me realize that I am quite content with my practice and my viewpoint on grief. That trusting my own intuition will be the key to navigating this process. This book tickled my brain, but not in the way I expected it.
If I had a physical copy (I bought the E-book) I'd probably give it away and hope somebody else would benefit from it, because personally I can't see myself coming back to it.

[Ian Lovecraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

as someone who has been dealing with a lot of grief and depression for over the past year due to several losses (loved ones, friendships, community, etc) I wish I could have read this book sooner. I would have changed the way I handled a lot of things which may have saved a friendship or two. I also enjoyed seeing that I did some of the things suggested in this book on my own. everyone should read this book as we all will experience losses.

[Salem Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adore this book from start to end. Brings up witchcraft without it being pushed harshly in a particularly way around a certain belief system, like some other witchy resources end up being riddled with. This is just a great book overall for going through or assisting others in grief, witch or not.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only criticism for this book is that it did not exist sooner.

Courtney Weber does it again. A book that should be in every practitioner's hands and should be added to the recommended reading list for beginners in the Craft. Advanced practitioners should also pick up a copy.

'But I'm not currently grieving'

Aren't you? This doesn't only cover the death of loved ones. Grief is the eventual price we all pay for experiencing the wonders of love. She covers the death of a pet, the end of romantic relationships, end of friendships, how to best help when someone you care for is grieving, even going as far as when you feel like you've lost faith itself. At one point in your practice, you will wish you had this book on hand.

Throughout the book, Courtney gives perspective by opening up about her own grief and how she processed it. I respect her for it, as it could not have been easy to write about something so personal to be published for the world to see.

I wish I had this a couple years ago, but it was gratifying to see that some of the steps I took and the emotions I gone through were transcribed in these pages. You feel understood and seen.

For the rituals themselves, she gives enough of an outline for a beginner to feel comfortable giving it a try, but loose enough for the more experienced to make it their own. Achieving that balance of having a gentle guided hand that anyone could use in trying times. Supportive but not suffocating. Again, this should be on every witch's bookshelf.

[Carla Cilvik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came at the right time. After losing my aunt and my mom this past year, I was looking for a book to offer guidance/advice on the grieving process as I’ve never lost anyone this close to me, never mind two in one year. I had a small handful, and started reading one, yet put that one down when I started this one. Such soulful, graceful, purposeful and deeply personal writing that went straight to my heart. I believe it’s Courtney’s ability to share her personal experiences in such openness that made this book so compelling and relatable. I immediately felt seen and understood— by a complete stranger! While I had already done a few of my own rituals, I was also in search of some simple rituals or spells to use during my grieving process. While I haven’t tried any yet from this book, I definitely plan to, as again, like the writing, they resonated. This is a book I will be revisiting through my grieving process. Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart for sharing your stories, wisdom, and profound insights. Blessed be!

[Nanci Moy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm coping with the recent death of my husband, so when I saw my friend Courtney's newest book was available I knew I needed to read it immediately. It's an excellent insightful heartfelt account of her personal journey through grief, loss, and pain, as well as a crisis of faith similar to what I had suffered myself. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone in the Pagan community -- or, indeed, of any faith or without religious beliefs -- who has suffered the loss of a loved one. You are not alone. We all hold space for one another as the sacred tears fall.

[Granddaughter Crow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to interview Courtney on my podcast about her book Sacred Tears. Wow. It is amazing how she was able to transform her loss into bridging a gap for others who are morning. She speaks about the process of grief, not from a Christianize or Religious formula, moreover from a position of a pagan or a witch within the natural process of grief.
Great book, pick it up now... because when you actually need it, you will have it right there. Highly Recommend.

[April Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I didn't have to read this but unfortunately loss doesn't let you decide you're ready. A friend gifted this book to me and I am glad she did. I'm sure I will continue to pick this book up to sit with as grief continues to drown me in unpredictable waves.

it felt like Courtney was sitting with me in my grief and I appreciate that. So very much.

[Maggie Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have done a lot of bereavement work in my professional life. I have also had a lot of grief in my personal life. I feel well qualified to say that this book is That Good. I appreciate that it was written for witches and by a witch. But it could be helpful to a person of any faith.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came very timely in my life and was helpful after a recent break-up. I really like how encompassing grief is explored: not just after the death of a loved one but also relationships, be they romantic or friendly, or pets, or...

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect and necessary book.

[Mizzy Mint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this book. It starts off by saying there will be some very hard life experiences that she brings up. If you are easily triggered by reminders of your grief or pain maybe take this book slowly. Because while I do recommend this book wholeheartedly, I know it will make some readers feel raw emotions over their own loss and so just be warned.
Then it just jumps right in and explains to us that grieving isn't a straightforward checklist or a process that takes place in linear stages. he describes a process of constant spiraling in on itself. But this image immediately makes me think of the grief ritual in the bones fall in a spiral where you draw the grief of others down into yourself. Which is pretty on brand so the fact they connected in my mind is perfect.
She also covers how you begin to question your god or goddess and even you power as a witch when tragedy strikes, because how could a deity allow this to happen? How could you not have the stronger will or power to manifest your desires and stave off tragedy? It's a common occurrence and in time these feelings may abate and you regain connection to your deity and you craft, though not always.
There is a lot of discussion on people who mean well, but hurt you through their joy or through their complaints. The author details a woman who was complaining about some of her feelings and boy changes while being 9 months pregnant and the author who had experienced a very tragic and heartbreaking miscarriage was very put off put by the friend's complaining. She discusses at length having compassion for yourself and others and taking space to communicate what hurt you.
society telling you to get over it. She also reminds the reader to be patient with themselves most of all, since we tend to expect an expedited healing from ourselves, when really can take an indefinite time to heal.
A good example she gives in the book is she broke up with a partner because they were not a good fit. Even though she knew this it still hurt to end that relationship. She had a friend who was also experiencing loss and ended up dating her ex. She felt betrayed and hurt, but the friend was also hurting and seeking companionship, and the author, logically, knows she had no claim to their ex. That didn't diminish the feeling of betrayal. After she cleared up these emotions she went back and apologized to her friend who she demonized and said bad things about.
There's a really good section about adding deceased loved ones to your altar or other forms of loss. For instance, if a relationship ends you can add those to the altar by talking to your altar ancestors or by writing a letter to ancestor spirits about the ending of a relationship or other loss. Since naturally, it is highly discouraged to add a living person to your altar commemorating the deceased. This includes a in-depth discussion of how we all have a different lens of loss. When we think of loss, some people may only relate to feelings of loss where it concerns a breakup, or lost job, but other's have experienced loss of a parent or child. All forms of loss are valid but can affect us each in a variety of ways.
The author mentions how finding people to confide in and share your grief with can be challenging. People will feel uneasy or worry about hurting you which can lead you to feel left out or like a bad friend. This is where feelings of blame or shame towards yourself or others can appear. Either in how you react to other's good news, how long it is taking you to process your grief, or how your change in demeanor affects your daily life. Grief can also anger you. People don't discuss this enough or they demonize the person experiencing loss and anger. I was happy the author mentioned this because while you can be angry, that doesn't mean you are violent.
I love how the author harps on the idea that you shouldn't fear grief. It is a natural and normal part of the human experience, and should it feel right, in many of the rituals and exercises it is encouraged to cry if you need it. It is something we all must process and experience. The author also mentions how we seek closure, but the grief most likely will never go away and the wound can reopen sometimes without notice. But although you may seek closure and want to find a reason for the closure, what you really want is to have the closure framed in a way that you can accept.
The greatest take away from this book is that grief is not a problem to be solved. Though in the quest for closure you might treat it like it is. Grief is a part of you, and once it enters your life it will forever be a part of how you view the world.