Possessed or Precious? The Truth About Haunted Dolls

Haunted dolls. The very words send a shiver of fascination—or fear—down the spines of most people. Whether you're a paranormal enthusiast, a practicing witch, or simply someone who has ever side-eyed a doll in an antique shop, you're not alone in your curiosity. Dolls that blink when they shouldn't, move when nobody's watching, or whisper in the dark are the stuff of legend—and, in some cases, real-life experience.

As a psychic medium and a "good witch," I've worked with spirits my entire life. But there's something uniquely powerful, and deeply personal, about working with dolls that house spirit energy. Whether they're haunted by a human soul, charged with residual energy, or intentionally enspirited for magical use, dolls are more than innocent toys. They are vessels. And sometimes, they are companions.

Why Dolls?
There's a reason spirits—and spiritual workers—are drawn to dolls. Think about it: dolls are already shaped in our image. They're human-like in form, and often created with emotional energy: gifts to children, tokens of love, or relics of grief. Over time, they become energetic sponges, holding onto memories, emotions, and even entities. In many cultures, dolls are revered or feared as spirit-holders. From ancient effigies to Japanese ningyo to African nkisi, the idea of a doll as a vessel for spirit is as old as humanity itself.

Some dolls become haunted through trauma—being present at emotionally intense events, like death or despair. Others are purposefully invited to house a spirit, sometimes with permission... and sometimes without. And once they're haunted, they often want attention, recognition, or even healing.

Peggy the Doll and the Power of Connection
One of the most famous haunted dolls I've ever worked with is Peggy. Formerly owned by UK investigator Jayne Harris, Peggy gained international notoriety for allegedly causing nausea, chest pain, and even heart attacks in those who viewed her photo or video. I was invited to lead a séance with Peggy at Zak Bagans' Haunted Museum in Las Vegas, where she now resides.

This wasn't your average spooky séance. It was an act of compassion. One participant, Katrin, believed Peggy had become attached to her—and was causing real physical harm. Our work that night involved cord cutting, release, and healing for both the spirit and the living. It wasn't about fear; it was about connection, boundaries, and understanding. And that's what working with haunted dolls is really about.

How to Tell If a Doll is Haunted
Not every old or creepy-looking doll is haunted—but some are. Here are a few signs that a doll might carry spirit energy:

• You feel an emotional shift around the doll (good or bad)
• Pets avoid it—or are unusually drawn to it
• You notice cold spots, electrical interference, or movement
• You have dreams, visions, or mental impressions after encountering it

If you suspect a doll is haunted, approach with respect. Introduce yourself. Listen. Use your intuition and tools like pendulums or spirit boards if you're experienced. And if it doesn't feel safe, it probably isn't—trust your gut.

Living with Spirit Dolls
Living with a haunted doll isn't necessarily scary. In fact, it can be beautiful. Some spirits simply want acknowledgment. Others want purpose. I've lived with dozens of spirit-infused dolls over the years, and many have become allies in my magical and mediumship work. I keep them on altars, give them names and offerings, and set clear boundaries about how (and when) they can interact.

Think of it like living with a roommate who doesn't always use the same dimension. Respect goes a long way.

Final Thoughts
Haunted dolls are not horror movie props—they're spiritual beings. In my book Dollcraft: A Witch's Guide to Poppet Magick & Haunted Dolls, I explore these stories in greater depth—how haunted dolls have shaped spiritual practices around the world, and how you can safely connect to, work with, or protect yourself from them. And while not every haunting is friendly, many dolls are simply misunderstood. Whether you're a witch, a medium, or just curious, remember that you have the power to engage with spirit safely and compassionately.

So the next time you see a doll that makes your spine tingle... don't run. Say hello.