How to Make a Poppet

Example of poppets made of felt and fashioned from the gingerbread pattern.

Poppets have been used for centuries as tools of magical intent and most often for healing purposes. When people hear of poppets they oftentimes associate them with voodoo dolls. In recent years, pagans have helped to refine the poppet's tarnished reputation. For the purpose of this How To, we will work through the basic poppet construction for a healing purpose.

Things You'll Need

• Green material
• Natural filler (ie: cotton)--nothing synthetic
• Spearmint
• Needle
• Thread (made of natural material)
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Simple human pattern (the generic "gingerbread man" form works well)
• pen or pencil
• marker(s)

Instructions

1. Before you begin, sit for a few minutes and relax. Take some deep breaths and focus on the purpose you envision for this poppet. The emotional energy you put forth will resonate from the poppet along with the magical intent. If you wish, ask Spirit (or whichever Power you feel most comfortable working with) to be with you and to guide you as you make this poppet and that your purpose be accomplished as you intend. Keep healing, positive thoughts as you start this working. Picture the person healthy, happy and energetic with no sign of the illness, or remnants thereof.

2. 

   Cut material to the dimensions needed in order to make the size poppet you wish. Remember to cut the material large enough that you leave some material along the outer edges. Trace the gingerbread form on the material. (Be sure to do this twice, we need two forms to sew together.)

3. Cut the gingerbread forms from the material. Line up the edges of both forms so that they are even. Use the straight pins to hold the forms in place.

4. Stitch the two pieces of material together leaving a large enough opening to insert the filler and spearmint.

5. Fill the poppet with the spearmint and filler (alternating one then the other until the doll is filled). Once you have filled the poppet, you can use the straight pins to hold the area together until you stitch it closed.

6. Use a marker to write the person's name, your intent or to even draw the person's features. Get creative! But ALWAYS have positive intent and purpose while making the poppet. This goes for all poppets, not just those for healing.

7. If you asked for the guidance of Spirit at the start, be sure to thank Spirit.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your intent in mind, and in focus, from the moment you start the poppet til you finish.

• For the purpose of this How To, depending on the size of the poppet you are making, use your discretion as to the amount of filler and spearmint used.

• Other possible herbs for healing: Eucalyptus, Rowan, Cinnamon, Sage, Peppermint, Hops and Sandalwood. (Use alone or in combination.)

• Choose the color of the material and herbs used for future poppets based on your intent.

• You can use one herb alone or in combination with others.

• Feel free to include stones associated with your intent as well.

• NEVER imbue a poppet with anger, spite or any other malignant intent. Remember, that which you send out will return to you in time.

• NEVER conduct any workings that would impose your will onto another person. DO NOT become involved in that person's life without their asking you to and giving their consent. Harm none.

• Such workings as above should NEVER be used in place of seeking the help of a medical doctor. All diagnoses should come from a licensed professional.