Spirit Dolls
A Representation of What Is Needed or Wanted
By Maureen Murdock, LMFT
Presented in “The Heroine’s
Journey Workbook”
"Recently, I began a 10 session Women's Group, based off of Maureen Murdock's workbook "A Heroine's Journey". She uses a great deal of art therapy in her workbook (which I'm thrilled about), and the women in the group have taken it on, completing the directives and coming to group to share about what they have created. This particular activity, the "Spirit Dolls", was incredibly impactful for them. These figures took on a great deal of meaning for each woman that created them, and in some cases the women would make more than one doll. They took all different shapes and forms, each unique and special. It's a very impactful tool to use when embracing a certain aspect about Self, or role created for self in the world."
- Deborah R. Davis, ATR-BC, LPC,
"Creativity Matters: Art and Therapy, LLC"
Process
•
Define your
purpose for the Spirit Doll…what does she represent?
•
Gather Materials…
•
Once you decide
that you’re going to make a spirit doll, the materials will begin to present
themselves to you.
•
You may wish to
make her body out of canvas, fabric, gauze, rusted metal, bones, shells,
gourds, or cactus scabs (to name a few).
•
Her body can be
made from sticks and bones and dressed with symbols and objects from nature or
you may choose to make a soft body from canvas or fabric and stuff it with
fiberfill.
•
You can then
paint it with mud, or sew objects on it.
Materials
Gather paints, brushes, glitter, sequins, feathers,
buttons, glue, scissors, yarn, raffia, needles, thread, and any other desired materials.
Creating Your Spirit Doll
•
Once you have all
the materials you would like for your doll, begin by establishing a basic
structure or frame of your doll.
•
Add pieces as you
feel they are needed on the doll frame.
•
Incorporate
objects you find in nature as well as from your personal collection.
•
You can sew
photographs or poetry or journal entries directly on to the doll, or hide
prayers and intentions within the doll.
•
The making of the
Spirit Doll is a deeply personal ritual to bring to form a part of yourself
that is emerging from your unconscious.
•
Trust the
process; let go of your preconceived notions of how your doll should look and
assist the form it wishes to take.
Important
•
Work on turning
off the inner critic.
•
Start the doll
only when you feel ready.
•
Relax and “allow”
it to come.
•
Have fun with
this process, rather than “make” it happen.
•
Let it flow out
of you without filtering.
Resources
•
Bohemian Spirit
Art Dolls http://www.etsy.com/shop/awesomeart
•
Spirit Doll
Wisdom http://spiritdollwisdom.com/
•
New Moon Spirit
Dolls http://silverravenwolf.wordpress.com/2012/02/21/new-moon-spirit-dolls-the-journey-of-magickal-design/
Suggestions
Before you begin making your spirit doll, take five
minutes or more and walk outside. Find a place, preferably in nature, where you
can be by yourself and relax your mind and focus inward. Ask yourself the
following questions:
What do I need from my Spirit Doll?
What color is she?
What does she feel like?
What does she smell like?
What is her sound?
What is my intention for birthing
her at this time?
Prepare a sacred space in which to
make your doll. You may wish to burn sage, light a candle, play inspiring
music. Give yourself at least two or three uninterrupted hours to begin your
process. Let your doll evolve at her own pace.
Oh I am so thankful to have found this post! I am about to teach a class of art teacher about how art and counseling are tied together, spirit figures are a beautiful way of doing this. I will credit you, of course, and refer them to you for follow up as they desire. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI am so grateful for this post. My art therapy masters thesis incorporates doll making and guided conversation for PTSD symptomology.
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you, thank you... just what I needed :-D
ReplyDelete