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This is a small essay I wrote in regards to a question from one of my students. I thought I'd share it here to get some discussion from different angles.
Please note:
This was originally written by a Pagan to a Pagan and so makes use of statements which we consider factual in that context. For discussion in a mixed faith environment please consider that anything in the essay which is of the substance of faith and is stated as if it were factual should be read as a statement of belief.
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The use of Blood in Ritual.
This subject has come up from time to time and seems to be somewhat divisive in the Pagan community. I doubt there really is one good answer to the dilemma, since so much of the difficulty is driven by the attuitudes of a society that is constantly changing. This, then, is my opinion on the use of human blood in Magick and ritual.
I choose not to use my blood, or anyone elses, in Magick and ritual for three reasons.
1. Blood is not a terribly good ingredient for most uses. Blood clots just when you need it to pour. Blood flakes off in brittle shards when you really need it to stick. Blood stains when you don't want it to and is never colourfast when you need it. Blood spoils faster than any other ingredient I'm aware of. Blood, moreso than any other bodily fluid, has the potential to carry disease, quite often without the knowledge of the infected person. The use of human blood in a group setting is dangerous in the extreme. The use of human blood as a magickal ingredient is both dangerous and unsanitary.
2. Blood is almost always associated with pain. Whether by a pinprick or a slashed wrist, it is practically impossible to extract blood without causing at least some pain. Whether inflicted upon oneself or upon another, pain is the sensation most closely associated with harm, and is 'almost always' negative. Negative energy when incorporated in spell work usually results in at least some negative effects. There are bodily fluids which are easily as powerful as blood, which do not have the negative attachments. Two obvious exceptions to this premise would be birth blood, in which the pain is not negative, and menstrual blood, in which "pain" is not really a factor (no, I'm not saying menstruation cannot be painful).
And the most important reason, IMHO, for not using blood in magick and ritual...
3. The use of blood promotes the stereotype of the evil, devil worshipping, baby killer Witches that we have been fighting for so long. A single quote, taken out of context, from any number of these discussions weve had over the years could be enough for the fundies to "prove" that we're actually what they've been accusing us all along. Nothing screams evil Satanic worship to these people more than the use of blood. Why? I don't know for sure. Perhaps it's the symbolic use of blood in their own rituals and sacraments that make it so reprehensible for anyone else to use it?
Is it right, this attitude? Is it reasonable? No, of course not. But those who would declare us the enemy of "God" are not reasonable people. Those of us who lived through the "Satanic Panic" of the 80's know full well that these people will not use reason or honesty to strip us of our rights and steal our children.
A good example is the use of the Swastika. Is the swastika historically a symbol of evil? No. Prior to it's use by the Nazi's it was used throughout all of Europe and Asia at least as far back as 3000BCE, and no evidence of it having any sort of "evil" meaning. Yet it's use for a miniscule period of a few decades by one of the most harmful regimes in history has rendered it a detestable thing in the eyes of modern civilisation. Is it wrong for me to use it in it's historical perspective? Perhaps not, but to use it at all would brand me, and by association my faith, with an association I do not widh to have. People seeing me use it would think me a Nazi, and I can't blame them for I tend to make the same association myself. Is it right that I cannot use a swastika? No. It is however expedient for me to avoid it's use for the good of the faith and the Craft.
The same holds true with the use of human blood, IMHO. It is not wrong for me to use it, but it is not expedient. By using it I risk exposing myself and my peers to the predatory machinations of a zealous minority who not only seek to eradicate us, but who still hold a degree of political and social power well in excess of their numbers or their rights. If we appear to be, even in the least context, what they say we are, mainstream people will likely pay heed. After all, tales of devil worship are much more fascinating than tales of herbal tea. If we promote the stereotype, even with the best of intentions, we run the risk of losing all the rights and the good will of reasonable people, that we've fought so long and hard for. Anyone who thinks this is not a real risk should have a look at Witchvox news clippings.
In conclusion there is no theological reason for not using blood in Magick and ritual. There are some health, logistical, and Magickal issues to contend with, but the real reason I will not use blood is social and this is the most critical reaon of all IMHO. The risk to the Faith, the Craft, and the Pagan Community is too great for me to risk it all by using a fluid that can be easily and safely substituted.

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What is a good substitute. Seems blood is fairly unique.
As a side note. Your not trying to tell us you dont sacrifice babies, black cats?, and most importantly virgins.

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In best Homer Simpson voice:
Mmmmm. Sacrificial virgins. Mmmmm

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Nothing wrong with using blood. Given from an agreable volunteer of course.

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I tend to agree with the author of the essay.
However, what are everyone's SERIOUS (smart alecks are ignored) thoughts on Vampires, not just those who drink blood but psychic vampires as well.

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Depends on what you're referring to. If you referring to the mythology of the vampire, I've always found it an interesting read. If you're referring to living, breathing not-dead individuals that practice vampirism, I think they've got more than a few screws loose. Using blood in a ritual, as Havoc is describing, is quite a different concept than imbibing it.
Psychic vampires? I've met more than a few people that can suck the life right out of a room full of conversation.
Sorry, couldn't resist.

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