How to Destroy a Voodoo Doll

If you’ve spent time in Louisiana, you may have noticed a culture of paganism that is prevalent in certain regions. Some people have been cursed by modern ‘witch doctors’ and are left with one question–how do you destroy voodoo dolls? New Orleans, in particular, is full of mystics with ties to the dark arts. Voodoo dolls are iconic within the mythos, and they freak us out to be perfectly honest. But still, people are asking–should you burn them? Better yet–is it even possible to destroy them?

Common folk don’t fully understand the rules of the supernatural, so it’s time to break it all down. Here’s a lesson on how to destroy voodoo dolls, from the ancient history all the way to current best practices.

History of Louisiana voodoo

Louisiana voodoo, sometimes called New Orleans voodoo or Voodoo-Catholicism, is a combination of Roman Catholicism and Haitian practices. Slave trade exposed the people of Haiti to Catholicism, and as belief systems were intertwined, Vodou become the dominant religion of the Haitian people.

Haitian Vodou features strong ideas about spirits and nature. Spells, divination, and sacrifices are all used to connect with deities, known as Iwa, and influence the natural world. While the religion has many distinct elements, spirit possession and soul division are core aspects which have influenced voodoo doll lore. It’s believed a soul can be split in two and half can possess an effigy–the hallmark of the voodoo doll curse.

During the Haitian Revolution of 1792, many slaves fleeing the country moved to New Orleans, and their practices mixed with those of NOLA residents. The syncretism of religions from both sides has led to what we now know as Louisiana Voodoo.

Frequently asked questions

What are voodoo dolls?

These days, voodoo dolls in Louisiana are used by believers to inflict curses upon others. They’ve been depicted in literature and on film as effigies used to inflict pain and punishment. It’s said that voodoo dolls can be manipulated to control the victims they represent, acting as miniature representations when a soul is divided and captured inside. Bobby pins are often poked into them to torture victims.

What are anti-voodoo dolls?

While there are websites which speak of ‘anti-voodoo dolls,’ the fact is that there is no such thing. They never appear in Louisiana voodoo history, and trying techniques involving them will not negate or reverse a curse. The methods we discuss in this article are based on research and the only true ways to destroy voodoo dolls.

Do voodoo dolls work?

It depends on who you ask. Voodoo dolls are mysterious objects, and their inner workings are a mystery to many. Some say they’re legit while others claim they’re just dolls.

It also depends on what you mean by ‘work.’ If your interpretation is ‘creep people out,’ then the answer is yes. But if you’re looking for supernatural power, you may be disappointed.

Should you burn a voodoo doll?

Some skip necessary steps and burn voodoo dolls immediately, but this is not the best method. While the dolls may disappear, the curses will still exist. If you want to truly rid yourself of a voodoo curse, it’s important to follow the steps listed below. They are methods independent practitioners and researchers have come up with.

Methods for destroying voodoo dolls

Coming into contact with a voodoo doll can be frightening, but the key thing to remember is everything has an equal and opposite. Logic says if dark magik exists, there is also ‘light magik’ you can use against it (prayer, meditation, etc.). Furthermore, voodoo lore (as well as the internet) offers a few techniques you can use to dispel the magik and return life back to normal.

Artifact removal

Some believe you don’t even need to destroy voodoo dolls to void their power. The effigies sometimes contain personal items such a hair, finger nails, or pieces of clothing you can remove to stop a curse. This is an excellent non-destructive method you can test before resorting to more drastic measures.

Drowning

Another technique for dispelling a voodoo curse is drowning the doll. Place it underwater, and once it’s submerged, turn around, walk away, and never look back. This method is brought up quite often and seems to work if done correctly. Unfortunately, there are those who can’t resist the urge to turn around and check to see if the doll is still underwater, and doing so disrupts the process. If you return home to find the doll has also returned, you may need to take extra measures.

Holy water + burning

Holy water has been used for centuries to combat all sorts of evil. It’s been used against spirits, vampires, and other supernatural beings to completely eradicate them. This particular technique can be carried out in 3 steps.

1. Begin by dowsing your voodoo doll in holy water. Make sure it’s 100% saturated for best results.
2. Let it dry out, allowing the holiness molecules in the water to bond with the doll as the H20 evaporates.
3. Soak it in lamp oil and burn it completely.

This mix of spiritual ‘light magik’ and technical destruction is the best method if you have holy water on hand. It will erase the curse and ensure the doll is never seen or used again.

Mental disillusion

The biblical story recorded in 1 Samuel 28 speaks of a time when King Saul asked a medium to raise the spirit of Samuel. The medium’s summoning worked, and some scholars believe God only allowed this to happen because of Saul’s belief in witchcraft.

With this in mind, there’s a school of thought that says the power of voodoo dolls rests in your own mind. This means you may be able to overcome voodoo dolls and their curses by believing they have no power.

Conclusion

Voodoo dolls are mysterious and dangerous, but the dark magik they embody can be overcome. Can you destroy a voodoo doll? Absolutely. Just remember to use these techniques step by step if you want the best chances of success. It’s impossible to estimate the strength of the dark arts, so be careful when dealing with evil.