Weird, True, and Freaky! The Origin of the Modern-day Voodoo Doll

For_Immediate_Release:

United States of America (Press Release) March 4, 2009 --
Mysterious and provocative, the foremost reigning icon of African derived religions in the minds of the Western world is the Voodoo doll. Images of ugly pin-sticking dolls used for hexing your neighbor and summoning evil spirits, satanic evil-doers engaging in bloody sacrifices, brain-eating zombies, rock music and drugs, sexual promiscuity and homosexuality, the occult, Voodoo, and demonism--they all go together in the minds of the general public, thanks to Hollywood and sensational novels. Very few things have the potential to create as much fear, panic, and paranoia as the discovery of a Voodoo doll lying on the front steps of home sweet home.

But how threatening can a doll be? Using a Voodoo doll is not like holding a gun to someone’s head, after all. On the other hand, Voodoo dolls are quite possibly worse, because to the uninformed they symbolize a war waged against your very soul. And, how can you defend yourself against that?
Using dolls and effigies in sympathetic magic rituals is as old as humankind. More often than not, ritual dolls and effigies were used for healing, fertility, and empowerment. In some cultures such as ancient Greece, they were used to bind enemies. European poppets were widely used in folk magic and witchcraft to curse an enemy. Other types of dolls were used in harvest customs and burial rites, made as talismans, or used as teaching aids for children.

In New Orleans, Voodoo dolls are largely sold as souvenirs, curios, and novelty items. For the most part, people who purchase a Voodoo doll will keep it around as a warm and fuzzy reminder of New Orleans, the Land of Voodoo.

So how did we get from objects of empowerment, spirituality, and souvenir to evil minions of hell? To answer this question requires a brief jaunt into the sociopolitical history of our country. And that is exactly what author Denise Alvarado does in her fascinating new book, "Voodoo Dolls in Magick and Ritual."


Voodoo dolls are perhaps the most misunderstood icon of any religion. According to the author, the prevailing negative stereotypes are as much the result of racism as slavery is.

For the first time anywhere, explore the history, mystery, & magick of Voodoo Dolls in this fascinating new book. Tracing the Voodoo doll’s roots back in time, this book provides a fascinating account of the most provocative and mystifying icon of the African-derived healing tradition of Creole Voodoo. The author explains the multicultural history of the Voodoo doll, dispels stereotypes and myths, while at the same time showing the reader how to make and use Voodoo dolls to enhance everyday life. Learn how to make three kinds of Voodoo dolls, find over 40 spells and rituals to find love, attract wealth, offer protection, and promote healing and happiness. The book is richly illustrated with the artwork of the author, whose work was recently featured on National Geographic's Taboo.

To purchase this book as a paperback or instant download, visit Creole Moon.

source: FPR