Jessie Taylor
Despite their negative portrayal in Hollywood movies, voodoo dolls are not tools of malevolence but tools of intentionality. They are used to channel positive energy to help the person the doll represents. To use a voodoo doll, one must place it on an altar and light a candle. The colour of the candle used in the ritual holds significance. For instance, a blue candle represents love. One can also stick pins of different colours into the doll, each colour representing a different intention. For example, a red pin symbolises power.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Channeling positive energy or invoking harm |
| Materials | Felt, embroidery thread, sharp scissors, buttons, anointing oils, herbs, hair, clothing, photographs, pins |
| Steps | Decide on intention, create doll, place on altar, light candle, petition spirits, insert pins, communicate with spirits, close ritual, dispose of doll |
| Caveats | Voodoo dolls are not a part of the Voodoo religion, only initiated practitioners have the right to use them |
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What You'll Learn
How to make a voodoo doll
It is important to note that voodoo dolls are not prominent in the African diaspora religions of Haitian Vodou nor Louisiana Voodoo. Members of the High Priesthood of Louisiana Voodoo have denounced the use of voodoo dolls as irrelevant to the religion. The association of the voodoo doll and the religion of Voodoo was established through the presentation of the latter in Western popular culture.
Voodoo dolls are believed to work best when made by the person that intends to use the doll. The doll will not be a true Voodoo doll if it is not made by a practitioner of that religion. Proceed with caution and understand that the following instructions are for creating a doll for entertainment purposes only.
To make a voodoo doll, you will need to decide on your intention for the doll. Who do you want the doll to represent? What do you want to accomplish with the doll? Your doll can be as plain or elaborate as you wish.
Next, create your template on a sheet of paper and cut it out. Find a simple, person-shaped template online or draw one yourself. The template doesn't need to be realistic or proportionate to a real person and can be as big or small as you desire. As a reference, most voodoo dolls are small enough to fit in your hand. Secure the template to two sheets of felt with sewing pins. Keep the pins inside the template so they don’t get in the way when you’re cutting. Cut the felt, using the template as a guide, then remove the pins.
Once you have the felt cut out, sew a button onto one of the felt pieces for the right eye. Thread a needle with black embroidery floss, then use it to sew a button onto the right side of the head. Finish sewing on the back of the felt, but don't cut the floss yet. Stitch an X for the left eye. Keeping your needle threaded with the same embroidery floss, stitch an X shape onto the left side of the head to make the second eye. Make a horizontal line for the mouth.
For a more authentic voodoo doll, use Spanish moss. Finish sewing the doll. Once you have the doll stuffed to your liking, finish sewing it shut using the same technique as before. When you reach the left armpit again, knot the floss, then snip the rest off. Your doll is now complete!
To use the voodoo doll, place it on an altar, then light a candle. Ask the Loas or one of your ancestors to harm this person on your behalf. Then, offer a sacrifice, like food, a drink, coins, or a crystal. After you sacrifice something, bury it in the earth or leave it on your altar if it’s nonperishable. You can also prick the doll with different pins representing your desires. For instance, a blue pin represents love, so sticking a blue pin into the doll’s heart would indicate your wish for the person to find love.
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Choosing the right candle
Candles are an important part of voodoo rituals. They are used to light up an altar on which a voodoo doll is placed and to honour the spirits of Voodoo, called Loas.
When choosing a candle for a voodoo ritual, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the type of wax used in the candle can be important. Different types of wax, such as paraffin wax or soy wax, may have different burn times, scents, and smoke levels. It is important to choose a candle made from wax that aligns with your preferences and the specific requirements of your ritual.
Secondly, the colour of the candle may be significant. Different colours are associated with different intentions or desires. For example, a light green candle may be used for money intentions, while a red pin in a voodoo doll represents power. Choosing a candle in a colour that symbolises your intention can help reinforce your desires.
Additionally, you may want to consider the size and shape of the candle. Candles come in various sizes, from travel-sized to pillar candles, and different shapes, such as round or tapered. The size and shape of the candle can impact the burn time, the amount of light it emits, and the overall aesthetic of your altar.
Finally, you may want to choose a candle that is already anointed or energised. These candles are infused with specific intentions, such as love, healing, or protection, and can be a powerful addition to your ritual. They may also come with special gifts or blessings from the seller, adding extra symbolic value to your practice.
When selecting a candle for a voodoo ritual, it is important to consider the type of wax, colour symbolism, size, shape, and whether the candle is anointed to ensure it aligns with your intentions and the atmosphere you wish to create.
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Using pins for good or evil
While voodoo dolls are often associated with horror movies and black magic, they are not inherently tools of malevolence. In fact, they are used to channel positive energy and help the person the doll represents. To do this, one can hold the doll and concentrate on their wishes for the person, such as prosperity, happiness, or good health.
Voodoo dolls can also be used for invoking harm. For example, sticking a red pin in the doll's head while focusing on the type of power you want over them.
The practice of using pins in voodoo dolls is believed to bring either good or evil, depending on the intention. For example, a blue pin represents love, so sticking a blue pin into the doll's heart would indicate a wish for the person to find love. On the other hand, a black pin can be used for blocking someone, and a red pin can be used to gain power over someone.
The use of pins in voodoo dolls is part of a spiritual tradition that is deeply rooted in African spirituality. It is important to approach voodoo doll rituals with respect and a positive mindset, as they are not instruments of evil or malicious intent but rather tools for manifesting intentions and communicating with the spirit world.
The creation of a voodoo doll typically involves using felt, embroidery thread for sewing, sharp scissors, and other decorations such as buttons for eyes. The doll can be personalized with items such as hair, clothing, or photographs to create a stronger connection with the person it represents.
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Communicating with the spirit world
The use of candles is a common feature of voodoo rituals, and voodoo dolls are often used in conjunction with these rituals. The practice of voodoo is centred around the intention of the practitioner, and the use of dolls is one way to focus their intentions and energies on a tangible object.
Voodoo dolls are used to communicate with the spirit world, specifically the spiritual beings of voodoo, called Loas (or Lwas). The Loas are spirits who act as intermediaries between people and God, and voodoo practitioners believe that the dolls can be used to appeal to the Loas for guidance or aid.
To communicate with the Loas, a sacred space should be set up. This involves choosing a quiet, private space, and cleansing the area with sage or other purifying herbs. Candles can be lit to create a peaceful atmosphere. The voodoo doll should then be placed on an altar, and a candle lit to appeal to the Loas. A small sacrifice, such as a snack, drink, flower, or crystal, can also be offered.
The voodoo doll itself can be created or personalised to represent the practitioner's intentions. For example, a red voodoo doll may be used to represent love, and the doll can be adorned with symbolic items such as beads, feathers, or personal belongings. The doll can also be stuffed with herbs, which can be activated with each puncture of a pin.
It is important to note that voodoo is a peaceful religion that prioritises positive energy, healing, and well-being. The use of voodoo dolls for negative purposes is generally discouraged, and they are more commonly used for healing, protection, and guidance.
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Closing the ritual
Closing a Voodoo doll ritual is a sacred process that involves several steps. Here is a detailed guide on how to respectfully close the ritual:
Thank the Spirits
When you feel that your ritual is complete, express your gratitude to the spirits for their assistance. This is an important step, as Voodoo practitioners believe in showing respect to the spiritual beings, known as Loas or Lwas. Thanking them for their presence and guidance is a way to honour their role in the ritual.
Close Your Sacred Space
After giving thanks, it's time to close your sacred ritual space. This involves symbolically ending the ritual and returning the space to its original state. It signifies that the interaction with the spirit world has concluded.
Dispose of the Voodoo Doll Appropriately
The proper disposal of your Voodoo doll is essential. It ensures that the doll's energy is respected and contained. There are different ways to dispose of the doll, such as burying it in a remote location or burning it in a safe and controlled environment, like a fire pit or fireplace.
Cleanse and Purify
After disposing of the doll, it is a good practice to cleanse your space and yourself to remove any residual energy. You can use smudging techniques with sage or other cleansing herbs, or you can use incense to purify the area and invite positive energies.
Reflect and Honour the Experience
Take time to reflect on the ritual and honour the experience. Voodoo doll rituals are deeply personal and spiritual. Respect the process and acknowledge the power of your intentions. This reflection can help you integrate any lessons or insights gained from the ritual into your understanding of the spirit world.
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