A Filipino occult book is a literary piece that delves into the realm of supernatural phenomena and practices in the context of Filipino culture. It combines elements of mysticism, folklore, and spiritual beliefs, offering readers an insight into the mystical world of the Philippines. These books often explore the rich tapestry of Filipino folklore and mythology. They may touch upon topics such as mythical creatures, folk healing practices, or ancient rituals performed by shamans and spiritual leaders. The aim is to provide readers with a deep understanding of the supernatural beliefs and practices that have shaped Filipino culture and society. Filipino occult books not only entertain readers but also serve as a repository of knowledge about traditional Filipino practices.
“I was struggling with the word ‘occult’ because of my Catholic background,” he explained. “And since I’m a Filipino Catholic, the word ‘occult,’ especially after reading Fr. Syquia and all these exorcism books―it kind of scared me. So, I moved back a little bit and saw the whole thing as something that made more sense if I looked at it from a Philippine perspective.”
As someone who grew up in a Catholic household, Cervantes recently realized how important it is to explore other spiritualities to strengthen his own faith in God. Created by the psychology graduate Atenista and Colegio de San Juan de Letran Manila professor, the project started back in 2020 as a study on esoteric images.
Filipino occult books not only entertain readers but also serve as a repository of knowledge about traditional Filipino practices. These books may contain spells, charms, and rituals used for various purposes, such as protection, love, or fortune. Some books even provide step-by-step instructions on how to perform these rituals, making them a valuable resource for those interested in exploring the world of Filipino mysticism.
SIKODIWA: Going Deep Into The Filipino Occult and Psyche
Dive into our roots with Carl Lorenz Cervantes’ passion project, Sikodiwa―where psychology meets Filipino pre-colonial and modern spirituality.
As a tarot reader and an enthusiast of all things mystical, I find discussions on the esoteric and the occult interesting. Although many are still uncomfortable with the thought of witches and spirits, these are also seen as a communal part of our human experience and Filipino culture.
This is why Sikodiwa is a haven for curious people like me who are fascinated by the beyond and who seek their individual spirituality. Thus, I gathered the courage to message their Instagram and was given the opportunity to talk with the founder, Carl Lorenz Cervantes, himself. Imagine my glee after that interview!
Consciousness is the state of awareness of both tangible and psychic things within and beyond the physical body. It’s experienced on a personal level, but it’s also a fundamental aspect of the universe.
Carl Lorenz Cervantes, Deep Roots (2022)
What is Sikodiwa?
Sikodiwa came from the blend of two Filipino words sikolohiya (psychology) and diwa (spirit or consciousness). Created by the psychology graduate Atenista and Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Manila professor, the project started back in 2020 as a study on esoteric images. During our interview, he revealed that he originally named that account Occult Psychology, then eventually changed it to Sikodiwa later on.
“I was struggling with the word ‘occult’ because of my Catholic background,” he explained. “And since I’m a Filipino Catholic, the word ‘occult,’ especially after reading Fr. Syquia and all these exorcism books―it kind of scared me. So, I moved back a little bit and saw the whole thing as something that made more sense if I looked at it from a Philippine perspective.”
The name Sikodiwa did make more sense as Cervantes decided to incorporate the local culture and indigenous beliefs with his research on consciousness, psyche, and magic. He began the page with content regarding paranormal experiences and psychic healing in the Philippines. However, he slowly discovered the connection between the psychological and spiritual in Filipino culture. This prompted his transition to a different perspective.
“When I look at the spirituality, then I realized that our culture is inherently spiritual,” he said. “Being that ‘kapwa’ is literally going out from yourself towards the others in a transcendent way. And then the connection between the paranormal, spiritual, transpersonal, and the cultural started to make so much sense to me.”
Religion and Spirituality
He recalled that as a child, he would play as a priest with his friends. However he, later on, took the role of a wizard with the same robe. It really fascinated me, that at such a young age, he already found similarities between priests and wizards. That link between both spiritual practices and beliefs eventually led him to this curiosity.
In his book, Deep Roots, he wrote,
“If we really think about it, there seems to be a lot of magic and superstitions in Catholicism. We hold on to amulets, medallions, and figurines. We have patron saints for various intentions. Saints are essentially demigods, but instead of being born divine, they were human first and earned divinity through their actions. The sign of the cross is an all-purpose spell for blessings and protection. The way we celebrate many holidays come from older pagan traditions. Given these, Catholicism can be deemed as a functioning magical system.”
As someone who grew up in a Catholic household, Cervantes recently realized how important it is to explore other spiritualities to strengthen his own faith in God. With this, he found light in the books of Ateneo’s psychology department’s late founder, Fr. Jaime Bulatao. He openly expressed his affinity towards the known pioneer of Sikolohiyang Pilipino, who greatly influenced his interests in the paranormal and Filipino culture. As both a priest and psychologist, Fr. Bulatao significantly recognized all kinds of spiritual experiences, Catholic-related or not.
“He was so open to understanding that the Catholic experience is one of many metaphors for the spiritual experience.”
Moreover, these books also shed light on the cultural and historical significance of occult practices in the Philippines. They may delve into the origins of certain beliefs or the integration of ancient traditions into modern Filipino spirituality. By studying these books, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the role of occult practices in Filipino society and the diverse beliefs that shape its cultural landscape. While some may view Filipino occult books as mere works of fiction, they hold significant cultural and spiritual value in the Philippines. These books offer a glimpse into a world that exists beyond the realm of the ordinary, where supernatural forces intertwine with everyday life. They provide a platform for exploring the rich folklore and spiritual traditions that have been passed down through generations. In conclusion, a Filipino occult book serves as a portal into the mystical world of the Philippines, offering readers an opportunity to delve into the realm of supernatural phenomena and explore the rich tapestry of Filipino folklore and mythology. These books offer insight, knowledge, and entertainment, making them a valuable asset for those interested in the occult practices and beliefs of Filipino culture..
Reviews for "The Artistry of Filipino Occult Books: From Symbols to Symbols"
1. John Smith - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Filipino occult book. It promised to provide deep insights into the mystical world of the Philippines, but it fell short on many levels. The content was poorly organized, lacking depth, and was filled with grammatical errors. It seemed more like a superficial overview rather than a comprehensive guide. Additionally, the author's writing style was dull and lacked enthusiasm. Overall, this book failed to deliver on its promises and left me feeling unsatisfied.
2. Emily Johnson - 1 star - I regretted purchasing the Filipino occult book. The information provided was incredibly vague and lacked any real substance. It felt like the author just skimmed the surface of the topic without offering any valuable insights or in-depth knowledge. The book also lacked proper referencing or sources, making it difficult to trust the information presented. I was expecting a detailed exploration of Filipino occult practices, but all I got was a shallow and disappointing read. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a genuine understanding of Filipino occultism.
3. David Thompson - 2 stars - The Filipino occult book had potential, but it failed to live up to expectations. While it briefly touched on interesting topics related to Filipino folklore and superstitions, the content lacked depth and detail. The book did not provide enough explanations or examples to fully understand the practices and beliefs it touched upon. Additionally, the writing style was dry and lacked excitement. Overall, I found this book to be a missed opportunity to explore the fascinating world of Filipino occultism.