Making and Using Poppets in Magic



I’ve been making dolls since I was just a little freckle-faced kid. I guess it was because I could. I saw faces and personalities in everything.

I made pompom dolls with yarn.
I made corn husk dolls.
I carved faces in apples and let them dry.
I wrapped dried corn cobs in long grass.
I saw people in the shapes of flowers and trees.

I made paper dolls and cloth rag dolls. As an adult I’ve made art dolls, mixed media, beaded, assembled, folk dolls. Most recently, I make Spirit dolls.

So of course I make poppets.

Poppets are awesome little tools with a wide range of uses.

When people see poppets (or any other folk art doll) they think voodoo doll. They’re not wrong…..poppets can be used in voodoo but voodoo has negative connotations. Voodoo Dolls are scary.

For the purpose of this article, let’s just move forward with the assumption that we’re practicing beneficial magic with good intentions.

Magical practice is all about intent! A poppet can be used to harm others or it can be used to heal yourself. (I’m not a big supporter of using magic on others, especially without their permission, I prefer to use magic to adjust the energy around a situation)

A poppet stands in for a person. Usually it’s a cloth rag doll with some basic rudimentary people features; eyes, mouth, heart. It can be as detailed as you want.

It can be stuffed with doll stuffing or herbs or both. You can add gemstones by either stuffing them inside or sewing chips outside. You can add ‘clothes’ by wrapping them with cloth, write words on them on them or decorate them in anyway you see fit.

When you’re happy with your doll you need to add a bit of yourself (or the person the poppet is representing). It’s best to add this inside the doll with the stuffing.

Hair or fingernail clippings are usually the easiest to access. Blood, sweat, spit or other body fluid would work too. If all else fails, a scrap of clothing, an small object that belonged to the person or a picture of the person will work in a pinch.

Once you’ve added the personal touch, sew the opening closed.

Now you need to ‘wake ‘ the doll, give it a name and a purpose. First “breathe” life into it. (I’ve always interpreted this as blowing into its face) Then say something like this:

“ Wake up little poppet. You are complete, I will call you _______. You job is _______.”

So….what kind of ‘jobs’ can you give a poppet? It can be anything you feel is necessary. Healing, love, peace, protection.

Healing Poppets are common and convenient. You can make one to stand in place for a distant loved one who may need healing. (Get permission first) You can perform healing spells or Reiki on the doll, stuff it with healing herbs, anoint it with a healing oil and it will send the energy to its human equivalent.

Do you or a friend needs courage during a trying time? You can stuff it with herbs for courage and instruct it to absorb some of your fears.

Do you need protection from psychic attacks? Add some protective herbs and stones and instruct it to absorb and dissipate any negative energy coming your way.

Do you seek peace? Want more love in your life? Looking for some good luck or more prosperity? You can create a poppet for any of these by adding the right colors, herbs, stones, oils and then giving your poppet a job.

Can’t sew? It’s cool, I can. Check it out.

If you wanted something more personalized, shoot me a line (either here or on Facebook)

About MysticHeatherhttps://www.themysticshaven.comI'm a slightly eccentric, incredibly happy mom, a magic wielding goddess, multi-talented artist, lover of life, knowledge-seeker, light worker, coach, teacher, cheerleader, crystal collecting garden fairy and budding kitchen witch. Hi! How are you!

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