Spirit Dolls

Perhaps you would like to have a companion for a particular leg of your spiritual journey. Spirit dolls and tree people are brought to life with your intention for the support you need at a given time. They may be very simple in form or elaborate depending upon your intention and the personality revealed by your doll.

The following is a list of suggested materials:

• Scrap fabric
  
  
• Ribbons
  
  
• Decorative trim
  
  
• Buttons
  
  
• Old jewelry
  
  
• Paper clay (for making faces and hands and feet) Your spirit doll does not have to have a traditional face and may not have a face at all. Paper clay works well, however, if you want to create one.
  
  
• Twigs
  
  
• Sequins, baubles, glitter
  
  
• Raffia
  
  
• Silk leaves and flowers
  
  
• Dried flowers
  
  
• Fluff for stuffing if you are making some kind of soft body
  
  
• Needle and thread for hand-stitching if necessary
  
  
• Glue gun
  
  
• Scissors

This kind of doll is very crude and simple. Gather materials that call to you then state what your intention is. Next, simply begin to work with the materials to let them tell you how to breathe life into your spirit doll. You may wish to tuck a prayer or other writing, or a photo, inside your doll, then sew it closed. Allow your doll to guide its creation. Don’t force it. Do this as a meditative sacred practice. You may want to do a series of small dolls that will fit in the palm of your hand for different kinds of support. You may also make a spirit doll as an amulet for someone in need of healing.

Ask your doll what name he/she would like to claim. Create an altar or sacred space for honoring your doll. Make an offering in gratitude for his/her presence in your life.