EPISODE 22: GOT 2 BELIEVE (IN MAGIC) Part 1 | Anting-Anting, Agimat, and Talismanic Beliefs in the Philippines

In a special 2-part episode, we talk about the origins, myths, and how-tos of Filipino Talismans: what we call the anting-anting or the agimat. Learn about how bones and teeth, bronze and gold, dirt and cloths, all have the power to transform an ordinary mortal into a god.

This first part tackles pre-colonial beliefs, epic connections, and the magic of everyday items like leaves, mud, and even song.  Sailing warning:  do not listen to this episode while on a boat – you’ll find out why.

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The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology hosted by friends Anama Dimapilis and Ice Lacsamana, avid mythology nerds, and semi-professional gossips. Follow us over at @godsmustbecrazy.pod on Instagram and Facebook for more good stuff. We welcome any suggestions on future topics or episodes.

You can also find us on Youtube – Gods Must Be Crazy Podcast channel, where we post some of our episodes and interviews. For other inquiries, please email us at [email protected]

The intro and outro music is by Brian O’Reilly (@dendriform on Instagram).

Gamelan Song: Kecak by the Kecak Group from the album Music for the Gods: The Fahnestock South Sea Expedition: Indonesia (1941). Licensed to YouTube by The Orchard Music (on behalf of Smithsonian Folkways Mickey Hart Collection)

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References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agimat

You Shall Be As Gods: Anting-anting and the Filipino Quest for Mystical Power Authored by Dennis Santos Villegas

https://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/in-focus/talisman-leadership-and-power-the-belief-in-magical-potency-continues-to-pervade-filipino-life/

https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/193499/where-did-anting-anting-come-from/

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/24690/24690-h/24690-h.htm

Music for the Gods – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WELQBJRiH90