302 The Tinguian 



chosen, are made aware of the fact by having trembling fits when 

 they are not cold, by warnings in dreams, or by being informed by 

 other mediums that they are desired by the spirits. A woman may live 

 the greater part of her life without any idea of becoming a medium, 

 and then because of such a notification will undertake to qualify. She 

 goes to one already versed, and from her learns the details of the 

 various ceremonies, the gifts suitable for each spirit, and the chants or 

 d'mms which must be used at certain times. This is a considerable 

 task, for the diams must be learned word for word ; and, likewise, 

 each ceremony must be conducted, just as it was taught by the spirits 

 to the "people of the first times." The training occupies several months ; 

 and when all is ready, the candidate secures her piling. This is a 

 collection of large sea-shells attached to cords, which is kept in a 

 small basket together with a Chinese plate and a hundred fathoms 

 of thread (Plate XIX). New shells may be used, but it is preferable 

 to secure, if possible, the piling of a dead medium. Being thus supplied, 

 the novice seeks the approval of the spirits and acceptance as a medium. 

 The wishes of the higher beings are learned by means of a ceremony, 

 in the course of which a pig is killed, and its blood mixed with rice is 

 scattered on the ground. The liver of the animal is eagerly examined ; 

 for, if certain marks appear on it, the candidate is rejected, or must 

 continue her period of probation for several months, before another 

 trial can be made. During this time she may aid in ceremonies, but 

 she is not possessed by the spirits. When finally accepted, she may 

 begin to summon the spirits into her body. She places offerings on 

 a mat, seats herself in front of them, and calls the attention of the 

 spirits by striking her piling, or a bit of lead, against a plate; then 

 covering her face with her hands, she begins to chant. Suddenly she 

 is possessed ; and then, no longer as a human, but as the spirit itself, 

 she talks with the people, asking and answering questions, or giving 

 directions, as to what shall be done to avert sickness and trouble, or to 

 bring good fortune. 



Certain mediums are visited only by low, mean spirits; others, by 

 both good and bad ; while still others may be possessed even by 

 Kadaklan, the greatest of all. It is customary for the spirit of a 

 deceased mortal to enter the body of a medium, just before the 

 corpse is to be buried, to give messages to the family ; but he seldom 

 comes again in this manner. 



The pay of a medium is small, usually a portion of a sacrificed 

 animal, a few bundles of rice, and some beads; but this payment is 

 more than offset by the restrictions placed on her. At no time may 



