Witches

When creepy dolls showed up on the curb outside the homes of eight girls, a California community feared the worst and the mystery continues as the maker of the dolls claims she meant it as a “kindly” gift.

Eight elaborate dolls designed to resemble each of the eight girls appeared on their doorsteps in the middle of the night with no notes or message in San Clemente, California this week.

The girls, all ten years-old and all friends who attend the same church cannot be identified for their safety but photos of the dolls, shown here, have been widely distributed online.

Police investigating the incident have identified a neighbour they describe as a kindly old lady, who categorically denies being a witch and claims that her intentions were good.

But the supernatural survivology community today is asking the obvious question, can a creepy doll delivered anonymously at night ever be truly good? Even if the non-witch in question has good intentions? And what should you do if you wake up to find a creepy doll that looks like you on your doorstep?

Leaving aside the distinct possibility these dolls could be demon-possessed like the doll discarded on a curb in Singapore earlier this month, the tradition of old non-witch women and creepy dolls has a terrifying tradition that’s worth remembering.

Okay sure, the famous American Voodoo queen and Catholic non-witch Marie Laveau was known to use her dolls for good, as carriers of charms that could allegedly cure illness, grant desires and destroy enemies. Not to mention the fastest way for her to receive pound cake from the grateful people she helped. Marie Laveau continues to receive more visitors to her graveside in New Orleans than Elvis.

But not even an avowed non-witch can deny the Hoodoo trail of bad juju delivered by creepy toys just like this one. Hoodoo healing and luck comes at a price that goes far beyond pound cake and the destruction of ones’ enemies is always a messy business.

So if you receive a doll that looks strangely like you on your doorstep, what should you do?

How to Deal with a Doppleganger Doorstep Doll

1. Do not bring the doll into your home 

In fact, don’t even touch it. Toss a white sheet or plastic box over it and then call the authorities immediately.

In the San Clemente doll case, the eight families involved did the right thing by alerting the police – and the world – immediately.

2. Find out who delivered the doll and exactly why

Even if the doll came from a non-witch neighbour, it’s not enough to know that his or her intentions were, quote unquote, kindly. Kindly TO WHOM and WHY are the obvious follow-up questions that were never asked in San Clemente. If these dolls delivered a spell to restore health or wealth or luck to somebody, it’s highly probable these girls were NOT the intended recipients of said health or wealth but rather the raw material to be spiritually sapped for the benefit of a third party.

And if the doll carries a destruction of enemies spell? Clearly all bets are off. Who doesn’t have enemies?

But demanding to know who paid for the doll delivery might tell you who wants you off the team or out of the show – or it might not. Non-witches are nothing if not discreet about their clients and will be unlikely to divulge the details.

3. Inspect the doll for telltale talismans  

The doll will bear certain magicked objects that can reveal the recipient of the magic. These talismans can be anything from hair and fingernails to beads and jewels to articles of clothing. They may be sewn into the doll’s clothing or part of the doll itself so you’ll need to examine every inch of the doll, including any objects that came with it, as in this creepy doll case, the mouse slippers and a fluffy bunny companion.

In the past, such talismans would be contained in a so called gris-gris, or leather bag like this one, but as the world got wise, witches became much craftier.

Oh and don’t forget to wear protective gloves and eyewear as you inspect the doll, even if you do suspect a witch and not a demon and there’s likely no immediate threat to looking the doll square in the eyes.

3. Demand the dolls’ removal

Yes even if you believe the doll was not sent to sap you of your health, wealth or power. If the original recipient won’t take it away, contact your city and inquire about possessed toy collection programs. Although often operated by a third party, most cities will have one.

4.  Above all, do not attempt to bury, behead, blindfold or re-gift the doll

If there’s anything we learned last week from the Singapore possessed doll case or the California beheaded doll discovery, it’s that passing the problem on to somebody else is supernaturally irresponsible. While it may protect you temporarily, you may only be delaying the effect of the doll on your life and the lives of others.

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, please read about these cases here.

And please, keep on keeping on!