Post by STORMDANCER on Jul 16, 2011 21:19:41 GMT
Poppets are doll-like representations of the human form used for magical and spiritual purposes. They appear in the history of almost every culture throughout the world. the ancient Egyptians believed that magical powers resided in certain persons, and the greater the person, the greater the life-force: Ana, or magic. As the Egyptians had theoretic monarchs, this belief makes
sense-their King was the representation of God on Earth. To make a statue of him and put it in your living area was to bring the divine light to the supper table. The egyptians also believed that if you were to make a statue of a powerful person, then you could share in the power too, because the image formed a link between the worshiper and the divine energy of the universe as manifested in that person.
Ancient Egyptians used soft substances such as clay, wax, animal fat, and bread dough’s to create figures of gods and enemies alike. One of the earliest discussions on poppet magic occurs in an Egyptian text of the Middle Kingdom- 2133-1786 B.C. - which means that the formal use of poppet magic is at least four thousand years old. These small images were stuffed with herbs and tiny magical scrolls, indicating the spell casters intent. In some case, the desire was written on papyrus and attached to the neck of the doll by a cord. Later in the ancient world, Greek city officials in the fourth century B.C. used poppets in public binding ceremonies in an effort to overcome their enemies- and yes, this is a good look at early propaganda.
Animal poppets also figured in Egyptian magic, including a spell for a scorpion bite that required the wax image of a cat to be placed onto a person who had been bitten by the scorpion. As cats were the natural enemies of the scorpion, and sacred to the Egyptian pantheon, it was believed that the cat would destroy the dangerous venom and assist in the healing of the patient. Life was breathed into the poppet through the use of sacred breath and various incantations.
In other cultures, poppets were made from straw, cloth, corn husks, willow, and vegetable material including, carrots, turnips, potatoes, and mandrake root . or fruits such as lemons. oranges, mangos and apples.
Today’s Witch's often use photographs in place of a poppet, where others believe that the energy spent handcrafting the poppet is as important as the photograph and use both (as I do). Skill in sewing is not required as the intent is more important than the quality of the finished product. If you don't want to venture into needle thread territory, you can always get ready made dolls on line which you can fill with the herbs etc needed. In modern Witchcraft, poppets are used primarily for healing and workings of harmony and personal success. Corn dollies figure prominently in the harvest festival as representations of the Lord and Lady.
It is important to note that the Voodoo doll is a direct product of Hollywood and the tourist trade of New Orleans. You will not find this interesting little beastie in others forms of voodoo, However, you will find money Dollies and packets (stuffed geometric objects representing the gods, covered with sequins) in Haitian and Louisiana Voodoo.
General Rules of Poppet magic
* You should have a tag lock (something belonging to the individual for whom you are working the magic). If you can't get your hands on something, use a photograph. Last ditch: use their name, and be sure it is correctly spelled and you have spent time holding the paper and visualizing the face of your friend or family member in an effort to make a good connection.
* Choose herbs, oils, and incense that match the intent of the working (love, money, health, protection, and so on).
* Always work in a magic circle, especially if you are performing healing magic. The cleaner the area, the purer the magic.
* Once a link has been forged between the person and the poppet, keep the poppet in a safe place. finding it in your pet rat's nest would not be a good thing * !!
* When your magic has reached the desired end, de-magic the poppet by cutting the tie between the person and the poppet and sprinkle the doll with holy water. Dismantle the doll and burn everything, asking that harmony and healing continue for that person.
* Money Dollies are stuffed with at least three pieces of paper money and one each of the coinage used in your country, as well as your name, herbs associated with money and success, and a lodestone or magnet. Each week (or month) , the doll should be reactivated with incense and prayer, and a fresh piece of paper money should be safety-pinned to the body of the doll. This doll should be hidden for two basic reasons: To protect the integrity of your work, and to keep people from tearing off the money. If for any reason someone does take some money off the doll...dispose of it ASAP and make a new one as this will reverse the spell and you will loose money.
sense-their King was the representation of God on Earth. To make a statue of him and put it in your living area was to bring the divine light to the supper table. The egyptians also believed that if you were to make a statue of a powerful person, then you could share in the power too, because the image formed a link between the worshiper and the divine energy of the universe as manifested in that person.
Ancient Egyptians used soft substances such as clay, wax, animal fat, and bread dough’s to create figures of gods and enemies alike. One of the earliest discussions on poppet magic occurs in an Egyptian text of the Middle Kingdom- 2133-1786 B.C. - which means that the formal use of poppet magic is at least four thousand years old. These small images were stuffed with herbs and tiny magical scrolls, indicating the spell casters intent. In some case, the desire was written on papyrus and attached to the neck of the doll by a cord. Later in the ancient world, Greek city officials in the fourth century B.C. used poppets in public binding ceremonies in an effort to overcome their enemies- and yes, this is a good look at early propaganda.
Animal poppets also figured in Egyptian magic, including a spell for a scorpion bite that required the wax image of a cat to be placed onto a person who had been bitten by the scorpion. As cats were the natural enemies of the scorpion, and sacred to the Egyptian pantheon, it was believed that the cat would destroy the dangerous venom and assist in the healing of the patient. Life was breathed into the poppet through the use of sacred breath and various incantations.
In other cultures, poppets were made from straw, cloth, corn husks, willow, and vegetable material including, carrots, turnips, potatoes, and mandrake root . or fruits such as lemons. oranges, mangos and apples.
Today’s Witch's often use photographs in place of a poppet, where others believe that the energy spent handcrafting the poppet is as important as the photograph and use both (as I do). Skill in sewing is not required as the intent is more important than the quality of the finished product. If you don't want to venture into needle thread territory, you can always get ready made dolls on line which you can fill with the herbs etc needed. In modern Witchcraft, poppets are used primarily for healing and workings of harmony and personal success. Corn dollies figure prominently in the harvest festival as representations of the Lord and Lady.
It is important to note that the Voodoo doll is a direct product of Hollywood and the tourist trade of New Orleans. You will not find this interesting little beastie in others forms of voodoo, However, you will find money Dollies and packets (stuffed geometric objects representing the gods, covered with sequins) in Haitian and Louisiana Voodoo.
General Rules of Poppet magic
* You should have a tag lock (something belonging to the individual for whom you are working the magic). If you can't get your hands on something, use a photograph. Last ditch: use their name, and be sure it is correctly spelled and you have spent time holding the paper and visualizing the face of your friend or family member in an effort to make a good connection.
* Choose herbs, oils, and incense that match the intent of the working (love, money, health, protection, and so on).
* Always work in a magic circle, especially if you are performing healing magic. The cleaner the area, the purer the magic.
* Once a link has been forged between the person and the poppet, keep the poppet in a safe place. finding it in your pet rat's nest would not be a good thing * !!
* When your magic has reached the desired end, de-magic the poppet by cutting the tie between the person and the poppet and sprinkle the doll with holy water. Dismantle the doll and burn everything, asking that harmony and healing continue for that person.
* Money Dollies are stuffed with at least three pieces of paper money and one each of the coinage used in your country, as well as your name, herbs associated with money and success, and a lodestone or magnet. Each week (or month) , the doll should be reactivated with incense and prayer, and a fresh piece of paper money should be safety-pinned to the body of the doll. This doll should be hidden for two basic reasons: To protect the integrity of your work, and to keep people from tearing off the money. If for any reason someone does take some money off the doll...dispose of it ASAP and make a new one as this will reverse the spell and you will loose money.
