LONTAR issue #1 by Jason Erik Lundberg (editor) Read Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Jason Erik Lundberg (editor)
world of Philippine magic is deep and wide—something that is to be expected of a land with anywhere from sixty to a hundred indigenous cultures, each with their own cultural heritage and oral traditions. I've limited my scope to the three general categories of magic that are most well known in Philippine pop culture (although I tried to shed some light on some of the more obscure aspects of each). The rich worlds of magic of particular indigenous communities, as well as magical feats performed in regional epics, are not considered here.
I'm presenting my discussion of magic in the form of a "course catalog" for an imagined school of Philippine magic (named after the Visayan goddess of charms). I'm doing this for two reasons. First, I'm not an expert or a scholar, merely an enthusiastic amateur with a penchant for compiling sources, and a straight up article would appear too authoritative for my comfort (I have, however, cited my sources as the "textbooks" in each Major). Second, well, it was more fun this way.
UNIVERSITY OF ABYANG DURUNUUN
COLLEGE OF MAGIC
COURSE CATALOG for SY 2013-2014
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 , Richard W. Lieban, University of California Press, 1967.
Secondary textbook: Encyclopedia of Folk Beliefs and Customs , 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, as well as detailing 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
I'm presenting my discussion of magic in the form of a "course catalog" for an imagined school of Philippine magic (named after the Visayan goddess of charms). I'm doing this for two reasons. First, I'm not an expert or a scholar, merely an enthusiastic amateur with a penchant for compiling sources, and a straight up article would appear too authoritative for my comfort (I have, however, cited my sources as the "textbooks" in each Major). Second, well, it was more fun this way.
UNIVERSITY OF ABYANG DURUNUUN
COLLEGE OF MAGIC
COURSE CATALOG for SY 2013-2014
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 , Richard W. Lieban, University of California Press, 1967.
Secondary textbook: Encyclopedia of Folk Beliefs and Customs , 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, as well as detailing 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
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