Anting-anting Power

A mystical system of magic and sorcery has been practiced throughout the Philippine archipelago that predates the arrival of Spanish colonizers. This occult practice called Anting-anting (un-TING-un-TING) incorporates the use of power objects, amulets, charms, or talismans known locally as anting-anting, agimat, bertud, and galing. In the predominantly Muslim population of the southernmost island of Mindanao, an Islamic version of the Anting-anting also exists.

There are a variety of these anting-anting or power objects that are used for a specific issue or a particular part of a person’s life. From the counteracting of hexes, to the exorcism of spirits, to love charms, to protection from all kinds of harm, as well as for empowerment, for virility, and to endow supposed superhuman powers such as making the person invisible, the ability to deflect bullets, and not being cut by a knife or a sword, anting-anting comes in various forms. There are the various medallions that are commonly associated with anting-anting, but it also comes in the form of symbols and illustrations on paper or clothing, as tattoos, and as incantations.

Anting-anting is an interesting facet of Filipino culture. A system of belief and tradition that has survived and flourished after the Christianization of the majority of the population through syncretism, taking on features and characteristics of the religion and culture that was imposed by the colonizers.

Anything can be a power object, an item or memento that gives you strength; that you draw energy and power from emotionally and spiritually. It is an object that you keep that is a constant reminder of our inherent strength and ability to face life’s challenges that gives us the inspiration and the motivation to push through the difficulties that come our way.

This coming spring, KULARTS will be offering workshops and classes in conjunction with 2022-2023 project Anting Anting Soul Dance.