Why is it forbidden for anyone but a priest to visit the dead places in By the Waters of Babylon?

Answer 1

Because they have to be purified.

Answer 2

In "By the Waters of Babylon," it is forbidden for anyone but a priest to visit the dead places because the priests are believed to have the knowledge and power to understand and interpret the spirits of the dead. The dead places are considered sacred and dangerous, and only those with the training and wisdom of a priest are deemed capable of handling their mysteries.