POPPETS (Magical dolls)
- by Carola D'Angelo | RumboMistico
- Published on
Magic with dolls
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Poppets are handmade dolls created to represent a person, a spiritual guide, or even yourself. The word Poppet comes from English, but in Spanish they are sometimes called muñeca quitapena or monigote.
They are usually made of fabric, since this material is easier to customize, but they can also be crafted from clay, wax, or even crocheted. A common mistake is to confuse them with voodoo dolls, but they are not the same.
Inside the poppet, we place our intentions along with different elements such as crystals, drawings of runes and symbols, sigils, pieces of paper with written intentions, dried herbs, and of course, some stuffing material. The stuffing can be cotton, fabric scraps, seeds, rice, or anything that gives volume to the doll. However, the most important element inside is the Taglock. This is a witchcraft term that refers to something connecting the spell or charm directly to a specific person—for example, hair, nails, bodily fluids, or threads from clothing.
Before creating a poppet, you must be very clear about the purpose of the spell and decide which elements you will place inside. It is also important to give the doll an identity, usually by writing its name either on the sole of its feet or where its heart would be.
Keep in mind that this article is not intended to teach how to dominate or control another person. I am not responsible for the misuse of this information.
What do you need?
Note: Cleanse and bless all the elements before starting. You can use a spray of water mixed with salt or incense smoke. To bless them, choose a prayer or words of power that resonate with you.
- The doll’s template: Draw the outline of a human or humanoid shape as you wish. (At the end you will find a Pinterest board with ideas).
- Fabric and sewing thread: Preferably in the color that represents your intention. If you are unsure, use white.
- Interfacing: To protect your drawings and improve embroidery (optional).
- Needle for sewing
- Stuffing: Cotton, fabric scraps, seeds, rice, beans, or anything you have on hand.
- Magical elements to mix with the stuffing: Crystals, herbs, sigils, runes, symbols, and the taglock. If something doesn’t resonate with you, leave it out. If you feel like adding something meaningful, go ahead.
- Sharp scissors
- Marker or pen: Ideally matching the color of your intention (black works universally).
- Optional decorations: Beads, sequins, buttons, charms, ribbons, embroidery threads, etc.
- For the hair: Wool, embroidery thread, or anything similar you have available.
- Written spell
Example of a spell
“I conjure you, (name of the doll), so that you may (e.g., protect and guide me / bring me luck / give me courage / bring me peace / heal me) now and always. I order you to become my talisman.”
How to make the doll
- Cut out the doll silhouette twice (front and back). Remember to leave at least 1 cm outside the outline.
- Draw runes, sigils, or symbols on the inner side of the fabric.
- Decorate the outer side of the doll.
- Sew about ¾ of the edges, including the hair, but leave one side open for stuffing.
- Snip the edges slightly so the doll curves better.
- Turn the fabric right side out.
- Stuff the head with filling and the taglock (the taglock always goes inside the head).
- Fill the arms with regular stuffing.
- At neck level, place your chosen crystal (if any).
- At heart level, insert the written spell mixed with stuffing.
- In the stomach area, add dried herbs mixed with filling.
- Continue stuffing until complete.
- Sew the remaining opening.
- Add final decorations, symbols, or hair. Don’t forget to write, embroider, or glue the doll’s name where its heart is or on the sole of the foot.
- If you like, you can make clothes, hats, or shoes for your doll.
How to activate the poppet
To activate it, breathe life into the doll by gently blowing on its face. Then, call it by its name and remind it of its purpose with words such as:
“Awaken, (name of the doll). My name is (your name), and I created you so that you may (e.g., protect me, bring me luck, give me courage, heal me). You are now complete, and I welcome you.”
Tradition says you should empower the doll by placing it above the fireplace. However, if you don’t have one, you may place it on your nightstand or under your pillow.
How are poppets used?
Poppets are part of sympathetic magic—the idea that “like attracts like.” Therefore, for your doll to manifest your wishes, you must treat it with love. Talk to it kindly, give it offerings, keep it warm if it is cold, and always maintain it in good condition.
Do not allow others to handle your poppet. If they do, cleanse it with incense smoke, salt water spray, or moonlight.
Never stick pins or needles into the doll. That practice is meant to harm, and it is not recommended. If you ever think that inserting pins could work like acupuncture therapy, let me assure you it will not. However, you can give Reiki to your doll if you wish.
Basic correspondences
These correspondences are only a starting point. Use them as inspiration, but always research and trust your intuition when choosing your materials.
Poppet for Protection:
Colors: Black, gray, dark blue
Symbols: Keys, locks, Triquetra, Eye of Horus, Witch’s knot, Infinity
Runes: Inguz, Algiz, Eihwaz, Othila
Herbs: Basil, rosemary, rue, bay leaves, chamomile, hyssop, sage, black salt
Crystals: Black tourmaline, obsidian, tiger’s eye, amethyst
Poppet for Money:
Colors: Silver, gold, green, yellow
Symbols: Coins, dollar sign, elephant, Cho Ku Rei
Runes: Ansuz, Fehu, Jera, Othala
Herbs: Mint, lavender, bay leaves, basil, cinnamon
Crystals: Citrine, aventurine, pyrite, clear quartz
Poppet for Love:
Colors: Pink, red
Symbols: Hearts, roses, love rune, Celtic knot
Runes: Gebo, Othila, Kano, Laguz, Inguz
Herbs: Rose, jasmine, lavender, mistletoe, red salt
Crystals: Rose quartz, jade, garnet, rhodochrosite
Poppet for Healing:
Colors: White, silver, light blue
Symbols: Water signs, Antahkarana, Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen, Dai Koo Myo
Runes: Sowelu, Uruz, Dagaz
Herbs: Rosemary, eucalyptus, chamomile, thyme
Crystals: Clear quartz, amethyst, carnelian, rose quartz
Poppet for Luck:
Colors: Green, gold
Symbols: Four-leaf clover, horseshoe, dice, ladybugs, infinity
Runes: Othila, Fehu, Dagaz, Sigel
Herbs: Star anise, cinnamon, rose, clover, dandelion
Crystals: Citrine, turquoise, jade, pyrite, aventurine
Poppet for Peace:
Colors: White, light blue
Symbols: Peace symbol, doves, hearts, clouds, suns
Runes: Sigel, Jera, Hagalaz
Herbs: Lavender, violet, rosemary, chamomile
Crystals: Fluorite, lapis lazuli, amethyst, carnelian
Poppet for Banishing:
Colors: Black
Symbols: Swords, bells, dragons
Runes: Hagalaz
Herbs: Rue, nettle, rosemary, peppermint, cayenne, benzoin, black salt
Crystals: Amethyst, black obsidian, fluorite
Poppet for Creativity:
Colors: Orange, yellow
Symbols: Fire signs, suns, flowers, lightbulbs, sparks
Runes: Nauthiz, Laguz, Inguz, Kano, Ansuz
Herbs: Sunflower, bay leaves, lavender, cinnamon, orange
Crystals: Citrine, carnelian, tiger’s eye, lapis lazuli
Frequently asked questions:
No, it would be too complicated and confusing.
On either one.
Yes, you can.
Yes, the design of the doll is completely up to you.
Leave the areas you want to attach without stuffing, so you can sew them more easily. Shoulders are a good example. You may also use Velcro or glue, though glue is not highly recommended.
Yes, you can.
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