Let’s just get this out of the way first: image magic isn’t all about creepy dolls, justice, or protection spells, although those are fun. In fact, it’s one of the oldest, weirdest, and most misunderstood forms of magic. At its core, it’s simple, because what happens to the image, happens to the target.
And yes, before you ask, it is terrifying, fun, lovely and, fortunately, wildly effective.
In this category, you will find articles about image magic; additionally, they’ll appear either to your right or below, depending on your device. Meanwhile, keep an eye out for TIPS, because I’ll also be sharing how-to guides, practical techniques, and importantly, the historical and magical context behind it all.
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Basically, image magic is sympathetic magic, and therefore, like attracts like. As a result, the image becomes a stand-in for someone or something else. For example, you stab a wax heart, and suddenly, someone’s love life implodes.
Similarly, even modern folks still do it: think of vision boards, mood boards, or burning letters to release feelings. Consequently, all those are visual representations of intent. In short, it’s magic with a modern makeover.
Historically? Well… Image magic is all over the board across time and cultures.
They all have their nuances or striking differences, but also it is amazing how much these practices have in common. Over time, I am really looking forward to diving into and writing much more about image magic.
Ancient Egyptians decapitated clay enemies (Ritner, 1993).
Romans sealed wax dolls in lead boxes like magical solitary confinement (Gordon, 2015).
Irish bards hexed kings with one-legged clay stomping, and stabbing (Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh, 2007).
So, don’t let the word “stab” or “stabbing” upset your stomach, because it’s not always sinister. Instead, it’s about piercing the target with whatever energy is called for. Sometimes, those nails or pins are protective, helpful, or even healing, especially when the intent is clear.
So no, this isn’t “woo-woo.” It’s deeply human. Image magic is ancient. In this category I’ll be posting about topics like the following. I’ve only just started this category but did recently finish a lovely bit of work about witch dolls, doll-magic and how to make your own clay doll. I hope you enjoy it.
Let’s talk witchcraft dolls, because obviously, they deserve the spotlight. Personally, I make them often; sometimes they’re cute, and sometimes they’re genuinely disturbing, depending on the goal. These are poppets, effigies, or tiny clay avatars created for specific magical work.
Historically, from medieval Scotland to West African Bocio, doll magic has appeared in nearly every culture; as a result, it proves just how universal the practice really is. Naturally, that’s because it works. You create a figure, intentionally link it to someone, and then you act with purpose.
For example, you might bless it with herbs, pierce it with pins, or whisper your spell over it. Additionally, you can burn it, bury it, anoint it, or cradle it, depending on what the working calls for. If you’re curious, check out my article on witch dolls to learn how to make an authentic clay version, because honestly, it’s easier than most people think.
Types of doll magic include:
Protection dolls: Amulets in doll form, often worn or hidden at home.
Justice dolls: Think thorn-pierced clay figures buried under crossroads.
Healing dolls: Crafted with herbs like mugwort or lavender, used to absorb illness or grief.
And yes, ethics matter. Don’t be that witch; consent is still a thing, even in spell work. I’m saying be thoughtful.
Black scrying mirror and scrying bowl.
Ever stare into a mirror and feel like it’s staring right back at you? If so, then you know the vibe.
TIPS: Mirror magic, on the other hand, focuses on reflection: both literal and symbolic. Therefore, practitioners often use it for scrying, for banishing unwanted energies, and for building powerful spiritual defenses.
Image magic with mirrors for example:
Place a mirror facing a window to bounce back negative energy.
Use black mirrors or obsidian for spirit communication.
Etch sigils on compact mirrors and tuck them into charm bags.
Historically, mirror scrying shows up in ancient Greece, Egypt, and Renaissance Europe. Even Queen Elizabeth I had a court scryer, Dr. John Dee, who stared into a polished obsidian disk from Mexico (Glynne, 2005). Let’s not forget about Nostradamus and his scrying bowl. So, let’s also not leave out using mirrors for scrying and scrying bowls, a form of divination which goes hand-in-hand with divination.
Personally, I love reading Tarot and also throwing the bones, see? More images and divination, they’re buddies. You can book in-person readings or live video tarot readings with us. Safe, secure and affordable.
Before we had voodoo dolls in movies, we had wax figures. These babies melt. Fast.
TIPS: Romans loved them. Some even filled theirs with hair and bone fragments, then buried them at cursed sites. Egyptians used clay, crude, chunky, deadly. They were often inscribed with names or intentions and then mutilated with gusto.
I go through a lot of beeswax, so I buy whole beeswax by the pound for carving. For special ritual and spell candle making I get beeswax pellets by the pound.
Why wax and clay?
Easy to mold.
Easy to destroy.
Holds symbolic value of earth and transformation.
One Roman example? A doll found in a temple in Germania with six stab wounds, twisted arms, and a broken body (McKie, 2017). Subtle.
And how about figure candles? Those are huge especially now, because making even simple candles back in the day was a pain in the arse. Imagine carving your own figures, but that’s still a wonderful undertaking. But in today’s fast-moving world, you can buy them, carve upon, oil, powder, dress and enchant them to suit.
Love spell using a photo.
Now, let’s get modern. Ever printed a photo of your ex and burned it with a candle? Or, taken a picture of someone you were in love with but shy about it and set it next to a red candle? You, my friend, have done image magic.
Photographs are powerful. They capture more than light—they can anchor intention.
TIPS: Ways to use them:
Love magic: Pair a photo with rose quartz, petals and a spell or honey jar.
Banishing: Freeze someone’s photo in a jar of water and vinegar.
Protection: Place family photos in a charm circle with herbs and sigils, or perhaps in the middle of a crystal grid that includes black tourmaline.
And if you want something even more abstract? Use sigils. They’re compact, customized symbols, visual prayers made into magic.
Because sometimes, less is more. And weird symbols are just plain cool. Elder Futhark, Theban and witches’ runes are often carved into spell candles, wax, wooden or clay figures.
Corn Husk Dollies and Harvest Dolls.
I know, I know, some love a petty revenge spell. But image magic can bless as much as it can curse.
Examples include:
Fertility and Harvest figures: From Venus of Willendorf to corn dollies and harvest dolls, these dolls celebrate life and abundance.
Healing poppets: Stuffed with herbs, oils, and your best intentions.
Protection effigies: Hung over doors, worn on necks, or buried at thresholds.
Even votive offerings count. Iron Age folks tossed thousands of mini limbs into sacred springs for healing (Hammersen, 2017). That’s image magic, baby. These various dolls in creation ranged from very crude and simple to beautiful and very ornate depending on time, skill and materials available.
So, don’t just hex your enemies. Heal your friends. Heal yourself.
TIPS: Let’s be clear: image magic is powerful. But with great doll-making comes great responsibility.
Before you break out the pins:
Be specific – Generic curses go sideways fast.
Use ethical judgment – Justice, not cruelty.
Clean up after – Burn, bury, or cleanse the materials.
Protect yourself – Mirrors, sacred space, salt circles, or spiritual armor.
Remember, just because ancient people did it doesn’t mean it’s always okay. Think twice before stabbing that doll.
Here’s the truth: image magic is fascinating, weird, and incredibly effective. It’s art, ritual and it’s your deep intuition sculpted into form.
From Egyptian temples to your cluttered craft table, this form of magic hasn’t changed much. Why? Because it taps into something primal. We see an image, and we believe. Our subconscious kicks in, and the world bends just a little.
So whether you’re blessing, banishing, or simply exploring; image magic is yours to wield. Responsibly.
Gary, Gemma. Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways. Troy Books, 2008.
Gordon, Richard. “Showing the Gods the Way: Curse-Tablets as Deictic Persuasion.” Religion in the Roman Empire 1, no. 2 (2015): 148.
Glynne, Charles. The Secret Mirror: Dr. Dee’s Magical Obsidian. Museum of London Archives, 2005.
Hammersen, Lauren. Indigenous Women in Gaul… Bangor University, 2017.
McKie, Stuart. “The Social Significance of Curse Tablets…” The Open University, 2017.
Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh, Ailís. Satirical Narrative in Early Irish Literature. NUI Maynooth, 2007.
Ritner, Robert. The Mechanics of Ancient Egyptian Magical Practice. The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago, 1993.
Wulf, Andrea. The Art of the Fetish: Ritual Objects in West Africa. HarperCollins, 1997.
I’m not saying I have a favorite craft, but if I did, it would be making a witch doll. I love clay, wax and mud dolls the most. Consequently, they’re like poppets on steroids (to me). Moreover, there’s something delightfully primal about sculpting a little figure, naming it, and giving it purpose. As a result,…
