REAL VOODOO DOLLS FOR LOVE, PROTECTION, AND MONEY
The real history of Voodoo dolls
Traditionally, the dolls used by Voodoo priests and priestesses were meant to represent a Voodoo deity or contain a spirit summoned during a ritual. Nowadays, and as far as magic is concerned, it is often believed that Voodoo dolls are used as a means to get revenge and thus are used for evil purposes.
Despite that mistaken belief, it is acknowledged that more than 90% of spells cast using a Voodoo doll target healing, fertility, finding true love, and spiritual guidance. Therefore, we can say that Voodoo dolls are created for positive outcomes.
The authentic African fetish
The first use of dolls in Voodoo appears in Africa, specifically in Congo, where they are known by the name Nkisi, which means “sacred medicine.” The fetish was carved in a single piece of wood. It was used during rituals to cast away bad energies and negative spirits, although there are several reports of Nkisis being used for revenge and evil purposes. This is known as Bokor voodoo or sorcery when it targets negative aims. Collectors of primitive art now value these spiritual statues.
The use of dolls in Haitian Voodoo
In Haiti, dolls were often used ceremonially. During rituals or spellcasting, the doll is seen as a messenger between our world and the world of spirits. As a matter of fact, dolls were brought to graveyards and nailed to trees with a written message and an old shoe. The doll is believed to carry the sorcerer's message directly to the spirit world.
Dolls and puppets in New Orleans Voodoo
In Louisiana, the dolls are used as magic talismans, prepared during rituals done by Voodoo priests. These carefully prepared talismans have different categories of power: love, domination, finance and luck, and protection against evil spirits or curse removal.
It is amongst the slaves in Louisiana during the 18th and 19th centuries that the use of dolls became prevalent, not only as a talisman but also as a part of a ceremony to cast a Voodoo spell. The American Voodoo doll is remarkable for its resemblance to the African Bocio. The Bocio is a magic talisman used in Togo and Benin. These simple objects are nailed with different materials, such as cloth, coins, nails, or rope, to activate the power of the Bocio and invoke a helpful spirit.
Additionally, the Bocio figurines used by New Orleans Voodoo priests answer the specific needs of Voodoo believers and the community. The dolls may be used to attract love and economic success, and they can protect against violence and evil spirits.