These ritual effigies were based on the most part on the binding of evil in hopes that it would be contained. The greek use of these effigies ranges from around the 4th century BC and is like most the ones used through out the Mediterranean area. Although given the different regional aspects involved during this time frame, one characteristic of the Greek version stands out. That difference lies in the use of it, it was primarily a defensive tool that was aimed towards containing oppressive forces rather than killing them. The purpose of the colossi (kaw-lawss-soy)(or the ritual behind it) was to bind something, but the binding itself can be applied to all walks of beings and non-walking as well.

First it is important to know that bindings can be applied to deities which can’t be destroyed, but may be restrained. This must be looked at as ritual in nature and is designed to limit the energy used by such deities. Sometimes the colossi was used to restrain a dangerous deity,that has caused or is causing harm to others or at the very least assisting your enemies. So in theory Ares, who as the God of war, could be bound in order to bring safety in battle, or to seriously lower the chances of battle altogether. This I us not just reserved for evil, protective deities could also be bound to restrain either to prevent them from leaving your favor for that of your enemies or as simply a protector of a nation. There is belief an example of this was Pandora keeping hope in a jar after releasing all the evil into the world. Thus these kolossoi’s are often kept in jars, but without inscriptions it is difficult to know the reasons behind the binding. Second, Kolossoi can be used to restrain non corporal entities as well IE; ghosts and any other Hikesioi Apaktoi (hostile visitors) once again they are used because their target is already dead and merely needs restraint.

Third, Kolossoi are used to restrain a mortal (flesh & blood) danger/enemy which could be anything from a sorcerer who has sent ghosts or phantoms or even mundane enemy such as an unknown antagonist in a lawsuit (it has happened) it was also not an uncommon sight in marriages, used to insure faithfulness. In some cases where permanent protection is required, a rebinding is required. This means that be very year the kolossos is rebound. This yearly binding (again not blaming) Ares for the protection of say, Syedra; He is unbound once a year during a period of license analogous to the Saturnalia (ritual dedicated to Saturn and it’s meaning to ancient Greece). This could also be symbolized within the story of book 5 of the Iliad, the one where Ares is bound for thirteen months in a cauldron. Other deities that are regularly bound include Artemis, Dionysus, Hera, and Athena.

OK, after that brief history lesson I was going to go into the construction of a Kolossos (poppet). However upon reflection I have come to question the wiseness of this. In the wrong hands these tools can be very, very, very bad. Even in the right hands, I would say that unless you are a trained mage of one of the numerous practices out there that utilize these, then don’t try it at home kiddies! So with that in mind we move along.

The disposition of a Kolossos is varied, sometimes it is ritualistically destroyed. For bindings the more common disposition involves confinement and burial. First it is placed tightly into a box of lead with a tight cover or wrapped in it, of course in absence of this a copper or brass cauldron or box but lead is the supreme symbol for fixation. Often an inscription is placed on the inside or outside of the container usually with names, spells, bands, and or bound figures. When you can’t inscribe on the container, you can opt to write it on papyrus, which is then used as wrapping paper for the container so to speak. Finally you must dispose of the Kolossos in its container. They may be thrown into deep water such as a well or ocean. The more common method is burial however in either sanctified earth such as a graveyard or uncultivated land. Earth and water are paths to chthonic deities.

Unfortunately with this particular type of binding the removal is dependent upon two things. The first is that in general only those who placed the bond or the Gods invoked are capable of dissolving the bonds. The best those affected can do is pray and sacrifice (giving up something near and dear such as a favorite item or trip or something you consider inseparable)to the Gods or to those who applied the binding to begin with. There it is what I know on the subject from reading I’ve been able to do on the subject. I hope you gain something from it and should you want to know more on the topic of construction I’ll be glad to discuss it one on one in private.