THE CAULDRON REPORT

The Original Voodoo Doll Came from Europe

The use of poppets in European folk magic—particularly within English, Scottish, Welsh, and Irish traditions—was rooted in sympathetic magic: the belief that what is done to a representation of a person can influence the actual person themselves. These figures were not toys, stage puppets, or decorative dolls. They were private ritual objects used in folk healing, protection, cursing, love magic, and communal justice. Most were handmade in secrecy and intended to be hidden, buried, burned, or concealed within homes rather than displayed publicly.

The word poppet comes from the Middle English popet, meaning a small doll or human figure. By the late medieval and early modern periods, the term became associated with magical effigies used by folk practitioners often described in records as witches, warlocks, cunning folk, charmers, or wise women. It is where we also get the word Puppet.

When being used for…

An Omen of Flies:

Not always a Evil Sign

Sometimes a Fly is Just a Fly

Flies can feel symbolic or eerie, especially when their behavior seems targeted or unusual—but before going deep into interpretation, it’s important to keep one foot grounded: flies are strongly tied to scent, moisture, heat, and decay. That said, across cultures and symbolic systems, they’ve also been read as messengers, interrupters, or warning signs rather than threats themselves.

Seeing flies around someone as they enter a location could signal an attached presence draining energy or, conversely, a protective warning of incoming danger—such phenomena are often misread, so consider both angles before assuming malice.