Philippine Magic: A Course Catalog

MAJOR in PHILIPPINE SORCERY

A major in Philippine Sorcery involves the study of the principles behind da-ut­, a term used here to denote forms of sorcery, without a specific cultural lineage, primarily intended to effect harm on other living creatures (or "Malign Magic" as Lieban might put it). It also entails the application of the principles of at least one of the recognized Sorcery Techniques in real life, in a manner befitting a strict code of ethical conduct. To acquire these skills, students will be sent on regular field work rounds, and we will be bringing in an array of guest lecturers who are actual practitioners. Sparring will take place in a controlled laboratory setting, with professional mananambal on stand-by.

Primary textbook:"Cebuano Sorcery: Malign Magic in the Philippines", by Richard W. Lieban; University of California Press, 1967.

Secondary textbook:"Encyclopedia of Folk Beliefs and Customs", by Fr. Francisco Demetrio, S.J.; Xavier University, 1991.

FLK 101 Introduction to Da-ut

An introduction to sorcery, focusing on the role and view of sorcerers in society today, distinguishing between the public perception in the provinces and in the cities, as well as the forms of da-ut that require spirit sponsors (as not all require them). The course will provide a brief overview of the different techniques, which will be dealt with in greater detail in the succeeding courses.

FLK 102 Ethics and Efficacy

While the debate still rages as to whether or not sorcery is effective at all on an innocent, studies show that the success of any technique is increased dramatically if it is applied in retaliation for a wrong done to the client. This course teaches students to determine the guilt or innocence of the prospective target. This course also details the obligation to the soul of the victim, if killed, and the difference between letting the client take responsibility for the soul, or the sorcerer taking on that responsibility.

FLK 201 Awog

Awog is a kind of magic used in Central Panay to guard homes. It prevents an intruder from leaving when he enters a specific place, acting like a magnet. Students will not only learn the spell requirements, but the manner by which to choose the most likely areas of intrusion.

FLK 202 Sampal

Sampal is a spell that causes extreme swelling of the victim's stomach. This ritual involves the hair of a dead woman and a particular class of creature that has the ability to expand, such as the sea cucumber. The course details the proper means of inserting the representation into the creature, and the binding with the hair before it is returned to sea.

FLK 203 Dungan Techniques

Dungan techniques involve practices that inflict harm due to the strong willpower of the sorcerer, coupled with some action toward the victim. In Buyag/Usog this action is a verbal compliment; In Sumpa it is a curse or insult; In Mantala the effect is caused merely by staring at the victim. All three will be discussed in this course.

FLK 301 Hilo

Hilo is the creation of a magical poison that can infect anyone who steps atop the ground on which it is buried. It is distilled from the blood of poisonous snakes. The course walks students through the selection of the place for the ritual, the crafting of the bamboo blades, the right offering for the spirit sponsor, and the best types of snakes to lure.

FLK 302 La-ga

La-ga is a ritual that causes severe illness. Something from the body of the victim--clothes, hair, blood--is mixed in a cauldron and boiled with a "noxious potion" called igdalaut. The course details the intricate material requirements for the spell, including the preparation of the igdalaut, and the seven trees whose wood must be used to heat the cauldron.

FLK 303 Paktol

This course covers the distinct techniques of either using a skull to summon a spirit, or using a representation of the victim (such as a baptized doll, or a photograph) in order to cause harm or death. The two methods are distinguished and the ritual ingredients (such as the nito vine), including the spoken commands, are detailed.

FLK 401 Barang

Barang is a type of magic where the sorcerer sends insects or animals to appear inside the body of the victim. The sorcerer needs to use special insects and animals (also called "barang") usually raised by a sorcerer, to make the magic work. The course details the identification of barang animals (for instance, the insect-type have seven legs), their breeding and upkeep, the preparation of the special bamboo tube in which they are stored, and the proper means of commanding them during the period called himatayon ("the dying moon").

FLK 402 Usik

This course deals with the special, alternative forms of barang. It will detail the use of animals which are smaller than those used in barang (such as the usik daginut, which uses insects small enough to enter through pores), as well as the introduction of non-living things--for instance, needles, or glass--into the victim.

FLK 403 Sorcery Defense

This course deals with possible counter-measures to sorcery which do not involve the use of anting-anting. These include the use of the wood of the balikbalik tree and the leaf of the badyang plant, or the use of hand gestures or ritual phrases to defend from sorcerous attacks. Also discussed are retaliatory measures, such as the extraction of the barang animals from the victim to send back against the sorcerer who used them.