Witchcraft Basics: Binding and Poppet Magic

Image credit: Fine Mayer, Pixabay.

What is Binding Magic?

Binding magic is used to stop someone from doing you or others harm. Since this is a debated subject, I will provide the following definitions of the word bind from Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition:

1. To confine, restrain or restrict as is if with bonds.
2. To hamper free movement or natural action.
3. To exert a restraining or compelling effect.

These definitions may induce a knee-jerk reaction, but bear with me. This form of magic is generally considered self-defense rather than attack. There are those who will disagree and believe that it hinders the free will of another. They might even invoke the harm none rule of Wicca. Others, including many Wiccans, will tell you that the ability to protect yourself is one of the most important magical concepts to be mastered. I personally consider self-defense important but will leave it up to the reader to decide whether to perform binding spells.

Timing of Binding Spells

As with most magic, binding spells can be adapted to any religious tradition or not used within a religious context at all. If you like to time your spellwork to the moon, then the new and waning moons are the best times to perform bindings as they deal with the release of unwanted influences. You can learn more in my post Moon Phases in Magic.

Poppet Pattern and Techniques

Both candles and poppets can be used as representations of the person you want to bind. Poppets have a bad rap as they are often associated with Hollywood B-movie depictions of voodoo dolls with pins sticking out of them. In actuality, they are used for many forms of magic. One purported origin of poppets is African-American hoodoo and some names for them are doll babies or conjure dolls.

Below is a simple pattern idea to use for making a poppet.

Idea for basic poppet pattern.

Simply cut out two pattern pieces and sew them together leaving an opening at the head. Turn inside out and stuff with pillow stuffing or quilt batting. Herbs appropriate to the spell can also be added. While making the poppet, visualize that it is the person you want to bind. Candles, incense and ritual can all be added to aid the visualization process. Anointing it with banishing herbal or essential oils will add to its effectiveness.

Tie a ribbon around the poppet several times making sure that it can be untied later. Visualize all ties to this person being cut or any other binding purpose of the spell, i.e. stopping harassment at your job or school, etc. Store the doll in a safe place. When you feel the spell has worked, release the binding by untying it and destroy the poppet. Different traditions vary how they dispose of ritual items including burial, fire and water.

Poppet magic can be used for positive purposes such as healing. It is a very effective way to visualize your loved one in need of healing. Instead of binding them, anoint with healing oil, sending healing energy and prayers and lay stones and herbs of good health on the doll.

How to Use Candles in Binding Spells

As mentioned, candles can be used to represent the person you want to bind or as a focus of the binding itself. Instead of tying a ribbon around a candle, anoint it with banishing oil or carve appropriate symbols such as a banishment pentagram or rune.

Meditate on the image of the person being bound in an ethereal rope that keeps them from harming you. Affirm that as the flame burns away, the affect this person has on you dissipates. If you wish, make a statement that when the person has stopped their attack against you, they will be unbound and free to go on their way so long as they leave you alone.

*This is a repost of my original article previously published on Hubpages. My main source is from memory of years of personal practice, but I know books by Scott Cunningham, Doreen Valiente, and Catherine Yronwode have informed my practice.

© Trish Deneen