While other forms of magic require years of intense training, to avail of relic magic one need only be in possession of an active anting-anting. Most often visualized as medallions with religious/mystical iconography, most anting-antings are a part of a complex belief system which must be understood if the full potential of the anting-anting is to be realized. Students will be given a grounding in the mythology of the anting-anting, as well as in the language of the oracion, before being instructed as to the manner by which individual anting-antings may be empowered and maintained. Advanced courses will breakdown the multifarious types of anting-anting (at least those common in the Tagalog parts of Luzon), based on the Pambid Categories.
Primary textbook:"Anting-anting: O Kung Bakit Nagtatago sa Loob ng Bato si Bathala", by Nenita D. Pambid; University of the Philippines Press, 2000.
Secondary textbook:"Pasyon and Revolution: Popular Movements in the Philippines, 1840-1910", by Reyndaldo Clemeña Ileto; Ateneo de Manila University Press, 1979.
RLC 101 Anting-Antings Throughout History
Of all forms of magic, it is the anting-anting that has made the most visible mark on our history. We will tackle fictional characters such as Jaime del Prado, but focus on the useage of anting-antings by historical figures--such as Emilio Aguinaldo, Antonio Luna, and Ferdinand Marcos--as well as groups such the Santa Iglesia, and the ill-fated Lapiang Malaya, who were massacred in 1967 in spite of their anting-antings. Before we begin the actual study of anting-antings, we must re-examine the successes -- and the spectacular failures -- of those who claim to wield them.
RLC 102 The Retablo of Faith
The power of anting-antings is based on faith, and that faith is intertwined with the understanding of an intricate and sometimes counterintuitive hierarchy of divinities. At the pinnacle is the Atardar, Bathala of the Tagalogs, the Infinite God, who created twenty four spirits, which include the Trinitarian God worshipped in Catholic doctrine, Uph Madac (who holds the light of the Sun), Abo Natac (who holds the light of the moon), seven archangels, and Becca (known as Lucifer by Catholics.). But the Atardar also manifests as the Santisima Trinidad--Father God, Mother God and Child God--the aspects which are most commonly seen in anting-antings.
This organization of divinities is sometimes referred to as the Retablo of Faith (based on two images that illustrate the hierarchy), and this course provides an overview to understanding the relation of the divinites to each other.
RLC 103 Anting-anting Mythology and Iconography
The particular powers of many modern (talisman-type) anting-antings are based on the words and symbols drawn upon the material of the relic. These symbols are plentiful and diverse: the winged eye, to symbolize the Atardar; The letters "AEIOU" to represent the secret names of Atardar; the whale-like dragon that is a symbol of evil. To decipher these icons, students will be taught the meaning of individual symbols, as well as the myths and stories that tie them together.
RLC 201 Material Forms of Anting-anting
Anting-anting can come in many forms (even, in one famous case, two human twins), but in the main they can be divided into two broad categories: those that primarily made of raw natural materials (stones, parts of animals), and those that use man-made or processed materials (paper, cloth). The former are called amulets and the latter are called talismans, and for the most part, they follow distinct rules. Amulets are best worn against bare skin, and are frequently used for protective magic. Talismans are usually kept out of sight, and may be used to create luck or positive characteristics. A talisman is also more powerful if it is crafted by the bearer him/herself. This course further distinguishes the two types.
RLC 202 Acquisition of Anting-anting
This course tackles both modern and ancient methods of acquiring an anting-anting. Ancient methods require that the search occur during holy days, particularly Good Friday, and usually at a cemetery. What follows is a trial of strength or skill against a supernatural opponent that varies depending on the region: in some places, one contends with a kapre, in others a lamang-lupa, and in yet others, a demon. Modern times have brought about easier ways to acquire an anting-anting, through the purchase from those savants who have learned the secrets of creating their own, but such a search can require even more skill than the ancient techniques, as one must learn which stores are to be trusted and how to test their wares. This course will also deal with the subject of the inheritance of anting-antings--some anting-antings must be cleansed by exposure to the four elements and re-consecrated before they can be passed on, while others grow stronger as they are passed from one generation to another.
RLC 203 Oracion: Consecration and Feeding of Anting-anting
Crucial to the activation of any anting-anting, as well as the maintenance of its strength, are prayers of power or "oracion". These prayers are frequently contained in small booklets, libritos, and are a mishmash of pidgin Latin and Hebrew. The prayers are also frequently written as acrostics, shortened versions created with the intent to mislead the uninitiated. There are oracion called Llave which invokes the aid of the divinities, and those called Palakas which unlock all power. Anting-antings must also be regularly "fed" prayers, or they lose their powers. This course will also deal with the concept of "loob", or "inner being", the requirement that users of an anting-anting be purified through rituals/abstentions that prove self-control.
RLC 301 Father God Anting-anting
This course tackles in detail anting-anting that bear the symbols of the Father God aspect of the Atardar, but it also deals with those that carry symbols particular to the Atardar as a whole. These include those bearing the images of the Unbaptized God, the Alpha-Omega, the Sun, the Tetragramaton, the San Zibar, the Dignum Crucis and the Sagrada Familia. Powers borne by the anting-antings of the Father God include those that protect from bullets, aid in healing, grants good fortune, and control over the emotions of others.
RLC 302 Mother God Anting-anting
This course tackles in detail anting-anting that bear the symbols of the Mother God aspect of the Atardar, one which itself manifests in different personas, through the divinities known as the Seven Virgins, and via reincarnation throughout history, primarily in women who become religious leaders. The symbols of the Mother God aspect include the Three Crowns, the Immaculate Conception, the Solam Mitam o Matum, the Three Virgins, and the Breastfeeding Virgin. Powers borne by the anting-antings of the Mother God include those that aid in study, prevent rape, ease delivery, and protect against sorcery.
RLC 303 Child God Anting-anting
This course tackles in detail anting-anting that bear the symbols of the Child God aspect of the Atardar, who is equated with the person of Jesus Christ of the Christian faith. The symbols of the Child God aspect include the Santo Niño, the Cross of Stars, the Ecce Homo, the Iresumad, as well as a deified version of Jose Rizal. Powers borne by the anting-antings of the Child God include those that protect against treachery, and those that protect against evil spirits.
RLC 401 Angel Anting-anting
This course tackles in detail anting-anting that bear the symbols of the angels. This includes the images of the seven archangels (as a group or individually) or the cherubim. Powers borne by the anting-antings of angels include those that ensure a good catch, protection from wild animals, and for the gift of eloquent speech.
RLC 402 Saint Anting-anting
This course tackles in detail anting-anting that bear the symbols of the various saints. This includes the images of individual saints such as Anthony of Padua, the Trumpet, or the Crossed Keys. As may be expected, each saint has specific areas of patronage. Powers borne by the anting-antings of saints include those that helps the bearer determine truth, and ensure fortune in business dealings, as well as one which can open locked objects.
RLC 403 Followers of Becca Anting-anting
This course tackles in detail anting-anting that bear symbols associated with Becca (Lucifer) and other evils. This also includes anting-anting that bear the images of folklore monsters such as the tiyanak or tikbalang. Powers borne by the anting-antings of the followers of Becca include those that cause sleepless nights in the target, and those that harm the child of an enemy. There are also special rules that set these "evil" anting-antings apart from others, such as a specific time that they can be tested, and the effect on the morals of the bearer if they are not regularly "fed" oracion.
RLC 404 Anting-anting Outside the Retablo
This course tackles in detail anting-anting that bear symbols that are not associated with the Retablo of Faith and the Atardar Hierarchy. These include symbols from the Kabbalah or other faiths (the Buddha, Masonic icons, the Wheel of Fortune) or those with no religious significance (Siamese Twins, the Eagle).