Witchcraft water, also known as "Agua de Boñga," is a prevalent belief in the Philippines. It refers to a concoction or potion that is believed to possess supernatural power and can be used for various purposes. This belief has been passed down through generations and is deeply rooted in Filipino folklore and traditional medicine. **The main idea** behind witchcraft water is the belief that it can be used for both healing and harm. It is thought to have the ability to ward off evil spirits, cure illnesses, and bring good luck. Conversely, it can also be used for malicious intent, such as causing sickness or bad luck to others.
“You know,” he said, “you can’t just look at someone and say that fellow is a witch unless they are flying around at night and have a light. When someone is sick in the family, we will take the family to a place where there is water. It’s special water with some herbs. You go there and drink the water. The person the water catches will drink the water continuously. They will not stop, even when their stomach is full, they’ll continue to drink the water. As they drink, they shit everywhere.
With the family gathered at a sacred place in the forest, all swallowed copious amounts of water containing the dissolved poisonous bark of the odom tree sasswood. The island of Siquijor, found in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, is a mysterious other-world of witchcraft, the unknown and to mangkukulam these are practitioners of a form of Filipino witchcraft called kulam.
Conversely, it can also be used for malicious intent, such as causing sickness or bad luck to others. There are several **ingredients** believed to be essential in making witchcraft water, including various herbs, roots, leaves, and even animal parts. These ingredients are believed to possess specific properties that enhance the power of the potion.
Witches in Philippines’ Siquijor province are old hat
At the end of a dirt road deep in the mountains, Consolacion Acay hobbled onto her porch and picked up her tools of the trade: a glass cup, a bamboo straw, a stone the size of an apricot pit and a bottle of potion. Then she began casting spells to heal her client.
“I found this stone while I was swimming near waterfalls in the middle of the island,” the unassuming 86-year-old said later. “That night I had a dream that taught me how to use the stone to heal people, and I’ve been doing it ever since.”
Acay dabbed the potion on certain points of her client’s body, then half-filled the cup with water, dropped the stone in and began blowing air into the water with the straw. The water became murky — a sign, she said, that she was removing the malaise. She repeated the process until the water was clear.
AdvertisementAcay’s magic doesn’t put her on the fringe of society here; sorcery, both for good and evil, is a fact of life in the island province of Siquijor.
Throughout the Philippines, mention of this place instantly conjures images of healers, witches and demons. One gruesome tale features a vampire that splits in two, its upper torso flying from rooftop to rooftop, devouring fetuses out of pregnant women.
Magic in Siquijor consists mainly of traditional beliefs that have existed in the Philippines for centuries. When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century and introduced Catholicism, locals began to blend ancient practices with their newfound religion.
Many witches in Siquijor use Catholic imagery in their sorcery, and almost all regularly attend church. All their potions for the year are brewed in the week leading up to Easter.
Father Larry Catubig, the senior Catholic priest on the island, said he realized the complicated nature of proselytizing to religiously devout witches.
“It’s good that the witches are going to church, and we try to steer them away from magic,” he said. “But when they go back into the mountains, we have no control over what they do.”
AdvertisementDuring Holy Week, vigilance is required at the religious processions because the witches steal parts of the relics on display for use in their potions, Catubig said.
It’s not unusual for gravestones in Siquijor to have pieces missing — stone angels without heads or perhaps a stump where a cross once stood. Often it’s the work of “black witches” looking to enhance their brew.
Although Acay works strictly in healing the sick, other witches here aren’t so benevolent.
Cayetano Umbalsa, 76, has been practicing witchcraft since his father began teaching him almost 60 years ago. Although he is well-versed in the healing spells, people come to him mainly for his proficiency in the dark arts. Jealous spouses and scorned lovers make up the bulk of such clients.
The spells range from one to make your ex-lover constantly remember your face to those to cause sickness and even death.
The black witches command steep fees: $345 to almost $700 in a region where the average annual income is about $2,500. The witches who limit their work to healing often ask for a small donation of a few dollars.
Richard Quezon, the mayor of Siquijor town, the capital of the province, remembers being terrified by stories of evil witches in the mountains that rise from the middle of the island.
“Before, everyone went to healers for things like liver problems or cancer,” he said. “But now, with modern medicine, only those who can’t afford to go to the hospital seek out healers.”
To some, that’s a positive development. Evelyn C. Retana, a retired surgeon at the Siquijor town hospital, has seen sick people spend months hoping to be healed by witches only to eventually seek treatment at the hospital.
But Quezon defends witchcraft. Last month he went to a witch because of a skin condition that wouldn’t go away.
“The medicine from the pharmacy didn’t work, but the herbs and spells from the healer worked right away,” he said. “Some things science can’t explain.”
Haas is an intern in The Times’ Beijing bureau.
“It’s about envy,” she said. “Maybe you’re rich, and the other person is not. If you have children and they are richer than someone else—that person may want to kill you or cause harm so you won’t get anything. Sometimes you might quarrel with someone, and that person may find a way to catch you. Or if a woman is envious that you have a child, and she does not, she can catch you.”
The concoction is usually prepared through a series of rituals and incantations performed by a traditional healer or spiritual practitioner. People who believe in the power of witchcraft water often seek out the help of practitioners or spiritual leaders who specialize in its use. These individuals are believed to have the knowledge and experience to create potent witchcraft water and channel its power effectively. The practitioner may perform additional rituals or ceremonies to imbue the water with specific intentions or outcomes. The use of witchcraft water in the Philippines is deeply connected to traditional rituals and beliefs. It is often used in conjunction with other traditional practices like herbal medicine, amulet-wearing, or spiritual cleansing. Many Filipinos perceive witchcraft water as a tool to protect themselves from evil spirits, curses, or illnesses that they believe are caused by supernatural forces. However, it is important to note that the use of witchcraft water is largely based on personal beliefs and spiritual practices. Its efficacy and scientific validity are subjects of debate and skepticism. Critics argue that the perceived effects of witchcraft water may be attributed to the placebo effect or psychological factors. In conclusion, witchcraft water is a prevalent belief in the Philippines deeply rooted in Filipino folklore and traditional medicine. It is believed to possess supernatural power and can be used for healing and harm. The ingredients and rituals associated with its creation are believed to enhance its potency. However, its efficacy and scientific validity are subjects of debate and skepticism..
Reviews for "Witchcraft Water and Ancestral Magick in the Philippines: Connecting with the Past"
1. Jane - 1 star - I was really disappointed with Witchcraft Water in the Philippines. I had heard so many great things about it, but when I tried it, I found the taste to be really off-putting. It had a strange and unpleasant aftertaste that I just couldn't get past. I also didn't notice any significant benefits from drinking it, despite the claims of its supposed magical properties. Overall, I was not impressed with Witchcraft Water and would not recommend it.
2. Mike - 2 stars - I had high expectations for Witchcraft Water, but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The packaging and marketing made it seem like it was going to be something truly special, but it was just an average tasting water with a high price tag. I didn't experience any of the supposed health benefits that were promised, and overall, I felt like I wasted my money on this product. I would suggest trying other options before resorting to Witchcraft Water.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - Witchcraft Water in the Philippines was a letdown for me. I had hoped that it would be a unique and refreshing experience, but it tasted just like any other bottled water. Additionally, the price was quite steep considering it offered nothing different or exceptional. I didn't notice any magical effects from consuming it, and it left me feeling underwhelmed. I would not purchase Witchcraft Water again.