A voodoo doll, also known as a "poppet" or "puppet," is a small figurine or effigy that is often associated with the practice of voodoo or hoodoo. It is believed to be imbued with magical powers and is used in rituals to represent a specific person. The doll is typically made from materials such as cloth or wax and is fashioned to resemble the targeted individual. Various items like pins, needles, or personal belongings of the person are often attached to the doll to establish a sympathetic connection. The origins of voodoo dolls can be traced back to African religions that were brought to the Americas by enslaved Africans. In these traditions, the use of dolls was already present as a means of affecting someone from a distance.
Colleen Mondor, Contributing Editor, is a writer, historian, and reviewer who co-owns an aircraft leasing company with her husband. She is the author of “The Map of My Dead Pilots: The Dangerous Game of Flying in Alaska” and reviews regularly for the ALA’s Booklist. Currently at work on a book about the 1932 Mt. McKinley Cosmic Ray Expedition, she and her family reside in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. More info can be found on her website: www.colleenmondor.com.
In fact, much as Philip Pullman exposed the more hypocritical aspects of orga nized religion in the His Dark Materials series, Schoffstall plays with the idea of unquestioning subservience to religious power in Half-Witch. After everything else they have accomplished, putting things to rights in heaven seems like just the sort of job they are suited for and John Schoffstall is certainly up to the challenge as well.
In these traditions, the use of dolls was already present as a means of affecting someone from a distance. Over time, voodoo dolls became associated with Haitian Vodou, a syncretic religion that combines African spiritual beliefs with elements of Catholicism. In popular culture, voodoo dolls are often portrayed as instruments of revenge or harm.
Colleen Mondor Reviews Half-Witch by John Schoffstall
Half-Witch, John Schoffstall (Big Mouth Press 978-1-61-873140-1, $18.99, 322pp) July 2018.
There is something deeply satisfying about a traditional fantasy with plucky protagonists, nefarious villains, hungry goblins, tricky witches, and a dangerous and difficult quest. In John Schofstall’s Half-Witch, everything you expect to find is present, plus a lot of unlikely twists and turns that make this adventure a classic read. The novel’s most unusual plot device is the presence of God, who serves as an occasional sounding board to main character Lisbet. Remarkably, for all that God (and occasionally Jesus) chime in to offer opinions on Lisbet’s struggles, the plot is not terribly religious. God is simply an authority that people can briefly consult, via a communion wafer. He is in fact the top of the authority pyramid, the “Great Chain of Being” in Lisbet’s world, as she explains to her witch-friend Strix:
“At the top is God,” she said… “The angels answer to God. The Pope answers to God. The bishops and priests obey the Pope. Nobles obey the Pixie Queen. Commoners obey the nobles. Children obey adults. Horses and dogs obey people. Everyone has their proper station.”
Strix, who has a decidedly acerbic nature, is not impressed.
“Children obey adults or they get beaten,” Strix said with a shrug. “Commoners obey nobles or they’re hanged. The Great Chain of Being is obviously just an excuse for the strong to exploit the weak, dressed up in fancy language.”
It’s logic that Lisbet cannot refute and, in the end, will come to question with increasing fervor.
Lisbet and Strix end up together on their quest because of a problem and a witch. The problem is that Lisbet’s conman father has run afoul of the Margrave, the president-like leader of their alpine province. Forced to flee after her father is imprisoned, Lisbet seeks assistance from the witch who made (and thus controls) Strix. The two girls are thus thrust together in less than favorable conditions, but as they face down a bad man, cross a great mountain range, and enter the part of the world dominated by witches and goblins (and ruled by the terrifying Pope of Storms), they become friends. Lisbet nearly dies, Strix does die, a goblin bonds with them over books, a sewer full of defeated humans must be traversed, a moat full of crocodiles avoided, and the Pope of Storms outwitted, but everyone gets saved (even though they die) and the quest is successful!
(This is not a spoiler as quests are always successful in tales such as this.)
God gets into a bit of a sticky situation in heaven, however, and his image takes a hit. “It was discouraging to find, in her hour of utmost need,” Lisbet notes at one point, “that God’s advice sounded depressingly like that of any other grown-up.” In fact, much as Philip Pullman exposed the more hypocritical aspects of organized religion in the His Dark Materials series, Schoffstall plays with the idea of unquestioning subservience to religious power in Half-Witch. Lisbet finds disappointment sometimes with God (and Jesus, who disappears when the going gets tough), but she does not lose faith. God does not have all the answers, but neither does anyone else. The challenge is simply to not stop looking for answers.
As they continue their quest, Lisbet and Strix become the very definition of plucky, and it is hard not cheer them on. They are charming characters who overcome all sorts of fantastical obstacles and forge a powerful friendship. In the end, they just might be up to saving God and, really, why shouldn’t they? After everything else they have accomplished, putting things to rights in heaven seems like just the sort of job they are suited for and John Schoffstall is certainly up to the challenge as well.
Colleen Mondor, Contributing Editor, is a writer, historian, and reviewer who co-owns an aircraft leasing company with her husband. She is the author of “The Map of My Dead Pilots: The Dangerous Game of Flying in Alaska” and reviews regularly for the ALA’s Booklist. Currently at work on a book about the 1932 Mt. McKinley Cosmic Ray Expedition, she and her family reside in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. More info can be found on her website: www.colleenmondor.com.
This review and more like it in the August 2018 issue of Locus.
While you are here, please take a moment to support Locus with a one-time or recurring donation. We rely on reader donations to keep the magazine and site going, and would like to keep the site paywall free, but WE NEED YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT to continue quality coverage of the science fiction and fantasy field.
- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
This idea stems from the belief that by manipulating the doll, one can also influence the well-being or fate of the person it represents. Hollywood movies and literature have perpetuated this perception, depicting voodoo dolls as tools for inflicting pain or even causing death. However, it is important to note that voodoo dolls, in the context of actual religious practice, are often used for positive intentions, such as healing or love spells. Voodoo dolls are also encountered in other forms of folk magic, such as hoodoo and folk magic traditions. In these practices, the dolls are used for a range of purposes, including attracting love, gaining wealth, or protecting oneself from harm. The dolls' effectiveness is believed to be dependent on the intentions, energy, and focus that the practitioner puts into the ritual. While voodoo dolls remain deeply ingrained in popular culture's perception of voodoo, it is crucial to differentiate between the Hollywood portrayal and the actual beliefs and practices of voodoo practitioners. Voodoo dolls hold significant cultural and religious significance, and their use extends beyond the misconceptions often perpetuated in media. In conclusion, voodoo dolls are symbolic representations used in various spiritual and magical practices. They have a longstanding cultural and religious significance, particularly in Haitian Vodou and African religious traditions. Despite their portrayal in popular culture as instruments of harm, voodoo dolls can be used for a variety of positive purposes depending on the intentions and beliefs of the practitioner..
Reviews for "Voodoo Dolls and Love Spells: Can They Really Attract Romance?"
1. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really excited to try the Voodol doll tightw, but I was quite disappointed with the results. The doll didn't provide the tightness that was advertised, and I didn't notice any improvement in my skin texture either. It also had a strange smell that was quite off-putting. Overall, it didn't live up to the hype for me.
2. Mark - 1 out of 5 stars - I regret purchasing the Voodol doll tightw. Not only did it not tighten my problem areas as promised, but it also caused irritation and redness on my skin. The instructions were not clear, and the product seemed to have no effect whatsoever. I would not recommend this product to anyone looking for actual results.
3. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really hoping that the Voodol doll tightw would help with my sagging skin, but unfortunately, it didn't deliver. I followed the instructions diligently, but didn't notice any significant difference in the tightness of my skin. The product also felt quite sticky on my face and left a residue that I had to wash off. Overall, it was a disappointing purchase for me.