A voodoo doll with needles is a significant aspect of the voodoo religion and its associated practices. Voodoo, also known as Vodou or Vodun, is a syncretic religion that originated in West Africa and has various forms across the African diaspora, particularly in Haiti, Louisiana, and other parts of the Caribbean. Voodoo dolls are commonly used as a spiritual tool in rituals and spell casting. The voodoo doll itself is typically a small figure made out of various materials, such as fabric, clay, or corn husks, and is often personalized to represent a specific individual. It is believed that by creating a physical representation of someone, practitioners can influence or manipulate their destinies, well-being, or actions. The use of needles with voodoo dolls is sometimes associated with harmful intentions, such as causing pain or discomfort to the person the doll represents.
The first section of the book presents an author—which I assume is the fictionalized author of Baba Yaga Laid an Egg though some reviewers have referred to this section as being about Ugresic herself—who is not only trying to come to terms with the death of her mother, but also with her mother’s slow decline in her old age. The second section deals with three old women going to a health spa. The third section is glossary turned manifesto on the folklore of Baba Yaga, apparently written by Dr. Aba Bagay, a character in the first section of the book.
This prologue ends with a warning, You will slide into a world that you had no intention of entering, because your time has not yet come, your hour, for God s sake, has not come. Katerina had tracked Baba Yaga to the area, but had no exact location for her, and knowing this, Sani informed Kat that the witch had attacked, and the woman could not leave fast enough to face the Baba Yaga and avenge her sister, Yulia, whom she thought was dead.
The use of needles with voodoo dolls is sometimes associated with harmful intentions, such as causing pain or discomfort to the person the doll represents. In this context, the practitioner inserts the needles into specific parts of the doll's body with the intention of inflicting harm upon the corresponding body parts of the individual. This aspect of voodoo has been sensationalized in popular culture, often portraying voodoo dolls with needles as tools for causing suffering or revenge.
Becoming Baba Yaga
When I was a child my favorite picture books was Bony-Legs by Joanna Cole and illustrated by Dirk Zimmer. The villain is a witch called Bony-legs who wants to eat the heroine, Sasha. Bony-legs has iron teeth and lives in a house on a pair of chicken legs. Years later while reading some Russian folktales, I met her once again. Only she was called Baba Yaga.
Baba Yaga is a strangely ambiguous character. Here in the U.S. we are more familiar with the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm, where evil character tend to be purely evil. The witch in “Hansel and Gretel” is a cannibal, nothing more. The evil queen in “Snow White” is envy and vanity incarnate. From the perspective of that tradition, Baba Yaga would, at first glance, seem pure evil. She’s old, ugly, her house is bipedal, the fence surrounding the house has skulls on it. And in some stories, that pure evil is exactly what she is. But in many stories, she is also the benefactor—she gives the hero the necessary information to win the hand of a beautiful Tsarina, or she helps obedient and beautiful Cinderella-type girl escape a bad home and marry royalty. Baba Yaga is one of the few multi-dimensional characters that I’ve come across in folklore (though I admit I still have a long way to go in my studies). Because of this depth, I’m always on the lookout for more materials on the witch.
Recently I came across the book Baba Yaga Laid an Egg by Dubravka Ugresic. I love this book, but Baba Yaga Laid an Egg is a deep read and has several layers to explore. The primary focus is what it means to be an old woman. The book opens with a sort of lyrical prologue, which states, “You don’t see them at first,” and describes the way we over look elderly women and the details that seem to define them when we finally do take notice: “They roll by you like heaps of dried apples. They mumble into their chins.” This prologue ends with a warning, “You will slide into a world that you had no intention of entering, because your time has not yet come, your hour, for God’s sake, has not come.” Ultimately, we all feel that we grow old too quickly.
The first section of the book presents an author—which I assume is the fictionalized author of Baba Yaga Laid an Egg though some reviewers have referred to this section as being about Ugresic herself—who is not only trying to come to terms with the death of her mother, but also with her mother’s slow decline in her old age. The second section deals with three old women going to a health spa. The third section is glossary turned manifesto on the folklore of Baba Yaga, apparently written by Dr. Aba Bagay, a character in the first section of the book.
What struck me as I was reading was I couldn’t think of any other book that focuses on elderly women (okay maybe the Miss Marple mysteries, but as I’ve not read the books I don’t know how much of her of character is explored in them). I’ve read books about young woman, young men, middle age women (often trying to remain young), middle age men, and old men (often trying to sleep with young women). Old women have been characters varying from bumbling sweethearts who mean well, to wise grannies dispensing advice, to old crones that everyone wishes would get around to dying already, but never (in my experience) are they the protagonist whose character changes over course of the plot.
Ugresic shows us the weird space that women inhabit once they reach old age. Since they are no longer beautiful, they are viewed with revulsion. While they may have once cared for children and kept the house running, they are often viewed as a drain on their family’s resources. While Baba Yaga never appears in the story—in some ways, she shows how the world views elderly women. All the older women are Baba Yaga. A figure that we abhor but that we need. A figure that we will ourselves one day become.
What was the most revealing part was when the three old women at the spa are trying to help a young masseur romance a girl, one decides that “‘The very fact you [the masseur] like women qualifies you to be an ideal man!…very few people actually like us, women.’” When I read this part, I had to put the book down, because it’s true. A lot of people are attracted to women, but many will complain about not understanding us, not being able to take our mood swings, or not wanting to deal with our frivolous concerns, and myriad of other stereotypes—even other women. This dislike of women is why old age is so terrifying, alienating, and abhorred—when we lose our looks and are no longer able to contribute through money or labor, we’re just some old biddy no one likes dealing with.
However, what the third section, the glossary, makes clear is that the old age for women is more complicated. Baba Yaga may be reviled, but the hero and heroine must earn her good favor to succeed—she still has important and dangerous wisdom to share. In that third section, Dr Bagay wonders what would happen if the sword, which is underneath Baba Yaga’s pillow, was brought out.
Ultimately, my interest in Baba Yaga is because she’s reflection of how society views women, especially those who live on its edges. After all, when I was child reading Bony-Legs, I was interested in the flawed witch rather than Sasha, who was just another too perfect ideal.
However, it is important to note that voodoo is a complex and diverse religion with both positive and negative aspects. Voodoo practitioners, known as Houngans or Mambos, use voodoo dolls and needles in varying ways depending on the intention of the ritual or spell. Voodoo dolls can also be used for positive purposes, such as healing, protection, or attracting love. Furthermore, voodoo is not solely focused on the use of dolls or needles. It encompasses a wide range of practices, including songs, dances, ceremonies, and the worship of deities known as loas. Voodoo is often misunderstood and misrepresented, with its more negative aspects being emphasized in popular culture. In conclusion, voodoo dolls with needles are a notable symbol within the voodoo religion, often associated with the manipulation of destinies and the infliction of harm. However, it is essential to acknowledge that voodoo is a diverse and multifaceted religion, with voodoo dolls and needles serving various purposes depending on the intentions of the practitioner. It is crucial to approach the topic with respect and a willingness to understand the complexities of this spiritual tradition..
Reviews for "Voodoo Doll Spells for Healing Grief and Loss"
1. Mark - 1 star
I was really disappointed with the voodoo doll with needles I received. First of all, the quality was incredibly poor. The doll was made out of cheap materials and it didn't look anything like the picture advertised. Secondly, the needles were flimsy and fell out easily. I expected them to be more durable and securely attached to the doll. Overall, I think this product is a complete waste of money and I would not recommend it to anyone.
2. Lisa - 2 stars
I purchased the voodoo doll with needles hoping to have some fun with it during a Halloween party. However, I was not impressed with the product at all. The doll itself was small and the stitching was coming undone in some places. The needles were also quite dull and didn't have the desired effect when sticking them into the doll. It was a disappointment to say the least. I would suggest looking for a different voodoo doll if you're considering purchasing one.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I thought the voodoo doll with needles would be a creepy addition to my Halloween decorations, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The doll itself was poorly constructed, with loose threads and uneven stitching. The materials used felt cheap and I was worried it would fall apart with minimal use. The needles were also lacking in quality; they seemed more like thin pins rather than sharp needles. Overall, I was not impressed with this product and would not recommend it to others.
4. Jason - 1 star
The voodoo doll with needles was a complete waste of money. The doll I received was much smaller than anticipated and the quality was extremely poor. The needles were barely visible and didn't stick into the doll properly. It was clear that no attention to detail was taken in making this product. I regret purchasing it and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a voodoo doll.