Magic beans are a fascinating subject, often associated with folklore and fairy tales. The idea of beans possessing magical properties dates back centuries and has captured the imaginations of people across the globe. The concept of magic beans is particularly prominent in the story of Jack and the Beanstalk, where Jack acquires a handful of enchanted beans that grow into a massive beanstalk reaching the sky. This tale has been retold countless times and has become a staple of children's literature. In reality, magic beans do not exist, at least not in the literal sense. However, there are certain types of beans that hold significance in various cultures and traditions.
“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.
However, there are certain types of beans that hold significance in various cultures and traditions. For example, in Mexican cuisine, the black bean is often referred to as the "magical" bean due to its versatile nature and nutritious value. It is a staple in many traditional dishes and holds cultural importance in Mexican culture.
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.”
Furthermore, the term "magic beans" is also sometimes used metaphorically to represent something extraordinary or fantastical. It can be a symbol of limitless possibilities, where ordinary objects or actions can have extraordinary outcomes. This concept is often found in literature and movies, where magical items like beans hold the power to transport characters to different worlds or grant them special abilities. Overall, while magic beans may not exist in a literal sense, they hold a special place in folklore and popular culture. They represent imagination, wonder, and the belief in the extraordinary. Whether in the form of fairy tales or symbolic representations, magic beans continue to captivate our minds and remind us of the power of imagination..
Reviews for "Infuse Your Home with Magic Energy using Bead Decorations"
1. John - 1 star - I was really disappointed with "Magic Beabs Maix Cosi". The storyline was weak and confusing, and the characters were poorly developed. The special effects were also subpar, and I found myself bored throughout the entire movie. Overall, it was a waste of time and money.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Magic Beabs Maix Cosi", but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The plot was predictable and cliché, and the acting was lackluster. The comedy elements felt forced and didn't make me laugh at all. I was also hoping for more depth and complexity in the storyline, but it was disappointingly shallow. Definitely not worth the hype.
3. Mike - 2.5 stars - "Magic Beabs Maix Cosi" didn't live up to my expectations. The humor was juvenile and didn't resonate with me, and I found the characters to be one-dimensional and unrelatable. The pacing was off, with some scenes dragging on unnecessarily. The film lacked originality and felt like a rehashed version of other similar movies. Overall, it was just an average and forgettable experience.