Wicca is a modern pagan, witchcraft religion that emerged in the mid-20th century. It is based on ancient pagan practices and is centered around the worship of nature, the gods, and goddesses. Wicca emphasizes the balance of energies and the worship of a Divine Duo, consisting of a god and goddess. One of the core beliefs of Wicca is the belief in the immanence of divinity. Wiccans believe that the gods and goddesses are not distant, but rather present within all of nature. They believe in the interconnectedness of all living beings and the earth.
Filipino witch doctor
7th South and Southeast Asian Association for Culture and Religion (SSEASR) Conference
Publication Date
Abstract
Filipinos are naturally inclined to animism. This inclination leads some of them to depend their health problems to something spiritual and cultural. When the health of a family member is at-risk, the urban poor seek traditional healing (Salenga, 2012). The researchers seek to enumerate the motivational factors that led the urban poor families to avail the services from the traditional healers specifically the albularyos. Likewise, this study identified the significance of these motivational factors in the exercise of their faith. This study employed qualitative method of research and utilized the focused-group discussion. Using purposive sampling method, the researchers convened 10 individuals from the urban poor in Manila particularly in Brgy. 719, Leveriza St., Malate Manila who sought healing and were healed by the so called albularyos. This barangay is situated at the heart of the city near Philippine General Hospital (PGH), the biggest government-owned and controlled hospital in the country. Based from the study conducted, Filipinos believed in the supernatural power of the albularyo. This created Juan’s mindset of a positive outlook in life which led to their wellbeingness and deepened their faith- life. They also consider that the albularyo is a divine instrument whom God sent to make them well.
Recommended Citation
Cabatbat, K. M., Camarines, T. M., Eballo, M. B., & Vicente, N. E. (2017). Filipinos bilib kay albularyo: Its implications on one’s faith-life. 7th South and Southeast Asian Association for Culture and Religion (SSEASR) Conference Retrieved from https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/8668
Disciplines
Medicine and Health | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Keywords
Spiritual healing—Philippines—Manila; Healers—Philippines—Manila; Poor—Health and hygiene—Philippines—Manila; Well-being—Religious aspects
Understanding My Mom’s Unorthodox Healing Practices
They believe in the interconnectedness of all living beings and the earth. It is this belief that guides Wiccans to see the divine in everything around them, from the plants and animals to the moon and stars. Another important aspect of Wiccan belief is the celebration of the Wheel of the Year, which consists of eight festivals known as Sabbats.
Healing through tawas and hilot
Sheets of newspaper cover a portion of the floor of our house in Manila, and on top of those thin pieces of paper sit a white candle, a box of matches, a metal spoon, and a metal basin filled with water. The doors are locked. We’re huddled around the basin, and the room plunges into silence.
Rest assured, this is not some scene from a B-rated supernatural horror movie. This is just what happens whenever anyone in my family gets sick. We call an albularyo—Tagalog for witch doctor or folk healer—to come and conduct either tawas or hilot depending on the degree of illness (more on those in a bit).
I’ve known our albularyo since I was little, when she was still juggling between working for us and training to become a folk healer. She’s seen me grow up, and I’ve seen her grow older. Now, she always asks us how we’re doing whenever she comes into the house, beaming her wide chipped-tooth smile, always joking, always laughing.
But not during tawas. The air assumes a solemn and still quality as she cuts off a small piece from the candle and waves it in circles around the patient, eyes closed, concentrating, and chanting words under her breath. She then places the candle wax on the spoon, melts it, and drops it into the basin filled with water. As it cools down, the candle wax forms into an image which reveals the engkantos or evil spirits that have bewitched the patient. She does this five times so that by the end, we have five images forming a narrative. Having now identified the cause of disease, she anoints the patient with water from the basin and says a prayer to counteract these engkantos.
But for mild coughs, colds, or fevers, we turn to hilot. Slathering her hands with massage oil, she locates the cold spots in our bodies (those pesky causes of disease!) and massages them away, relaxing the muscles and curing our ailments. I’ve always loved this one because it makes me feel like I’m in a spa.
And if we’re still sick after all these interventions, maybe we’ll finally go to the doctor. The doctor is always the last resort.
Trust me, I know how this all sounds. How can wax images and massages cure something so biologically based, right? I used to scoff at these treatments when I was younger too, priding myself on my scientific outlook and “rational” mind.
All my life, I’ve never really understood nor tried to understand why my mom rarely sends us for check-ups, opting instead for tawas, hilot, and the occasional pharmaceutical drugs we self-medicate ourselves with.
That is, until I took an Introduction to Anthropology course, where I encountered the term “structural violence” and the whole world of medical anthropology.
These celebrations mark the changing seasons and honor the cycles of nature. Wiccans see these festivals as times of transformation and renewal, and they often include rituals and ceremonies to honor the deities and the earth. Wiccans also practice magic, which they see as a way to harness and direct natural energies. Magic is used for healing, protection, and personal growth. It is important to note that Wiccan magic is not about controlling others or manipulating events, but rather about working in harmony with the natural forces. The sense of Wiccan is rooted in a deep reverence and respect for nature and the divine. Wiccans see themselves as co-creators and caretakers of the earth, striving to live in harmony with the cycles and rhythms of nature. They seek to find balance in their lives and promote love, compassion, and understanding. Overall, the sense of Wiccan is about embracing the interconnectedness of all things and finding a spiritual path that aligns with the natural world. It is about honoring the divine in all its forms and seeking a balance between the physical and spiritual realms. Wicca offers a way for individuals to connect with nature, find their own sense of spirituality, and live in harmony with the world around them..
Reviews for "The Power of Intention in Wiccan Spellwork"
1. Emily - ★☆☆☆☆
I found "What is the Sense of Wiccan" to be extremely disappointing. The author's writing style was convoluted and difficult to follow, making it hard for me to grasp the concepts they were trying to convey. Additionally, very little practical information was provided, and the book seemed to focus more on the author's personal experiences rather than providing a comprehensive understanding of Wiccan beliefs and practices. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking to learn about Wicca.
2. Robert - ★★☆☆☆
As someone who was curious to learn more about Wicca, I was excited to read "What is the Sense of Wiccan." However, I found the book to be lacking in depth and substance. The author jumps from one topic to another without providing any meaningful explanations or insights. The writing is repetitive and the ideas are often unclear. While the book may be suitable for those who already have some knowledge of Wicca, it falls short when it comes to providing a comprehensive introduction to the subject.
3. Laura - ★★☆☆☆
"What is the Sense of Wiccan" left me underwhelmed. The book lacked structure and coherence, making it difficult for me to follow the author's train of thought. Moreover, I found the information to be too superficial and general, failing to provide a deep understanding of Wiccan beliefs and practices. The author seemed more focused on sharing personal anecdotes rather than delving into the core principles of Wicca. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would recommend seeking out alternative resources for those interested in learning about Wicca.
4. John - ★☆☆☆☆
I regret purchasing "What is the Sense of Wiccan." The author's writing style was overly verbose and self-indulgent, making the book a tedious read. I found it difficult to connect with the author's experiences, as they lacked relatability and applicability to everyday life. Furthermore, the book lacked a clear structure and failed to provide any practical guidance or insights into Wiccan practices. I would advise anyone seeking a comprehensive and informative book on Wicca to look elsewhere.