A Simple Barrier and Protection Ward - The Symbol "â" and "â"
Disclaimer:
As these are based on my fam's Traditional Khmer beliefs and practices, what your family does may vary. The following practices mentioned are a mix of local beliefs, along with historical influences from Hinduism and Buddhism. A simple barrier and protective ward from our great-godfather. This is in relation to spirits, ghosts and the third eye.
A Quick Family Oral Story:
My Ba said that during the 1940s to 1960s, people in my grandparents' village would draw the symbol "X" outside of their doors and would sometimes, also have the symbol hanging sideways inside their stilted longhouse.
A few Christian missionaries at that time automatically assumed that it was in relation to Christ but it's not lol
Long story, short----the villagers never corrected them because they were always rude to them.
Background Info
These "â" and "â" symbols are an old, traditional Khmer/Khmer-Mon practice. It is interwoven with the cycles of life and death across the spiritual realms and/or the different planes.
It relates to our fam's folk magic and Hindu-Buddhist influences.
According to my parents, these symbols were mainly developed:
1. For the average person who did not have expertise with spiritual practices and/or rituals 2. For folks who do not have a strong expertise and emphasis in spirituality like a "Kru Khmer" (aka Traditional Healer) 3. For anyone to utilize as a simple ward (but not without also paying reverence to the deities and all that for protection)
Required Items:
Our family specifically only utilizes "black residue" and "red limestone paste" to create these symbols. Per their words, anything outside of those materials cannot be used and the way these symbols are drawn have a very specific method to it.
FYI, red limestone paste is made out of: turmeric, cockle shells, water, garlic, chili, lime juice, etc.
But back to the basics, the usage of "â" and "â" symbols all have a different meaning to it.
The usage of the symbol "â"
Item Required: Red Limestone Paste Meaning: Think of the symbol "X" as blocking something out. Kind of like subtraction of energy of some sort. So, family-wise, they would would only draw this "X" symbol on doors, boundary markings and/or structures with "red limestone paste". Intention: The "X" symbol is supposed to act as a barrier where it is mainly to halt wandering spirits (who don't have a designated place to go) from entering the house. This is also to prevent the wandering spirit from attaching itself to the house and also onto children as children are said to be sensitive to spirits. Cultural Symbolism: The lines drawn in the ordinal direction relates to cosmology and astrology where it is in association to the deities who rule said directions, along with the great elements of: earth, water, fire, air and space. Per fam's beliefs, this "X" symbol divides the "universal space" from the spirit as in repelling them but in general, this symbol is commonly drawn and only utilized in rituals and architectural structures. In this context, it relates to balance and harmony as every direction has a different purpose but it is all intertwined with life, spirituality and the universe. Since this symbol is drawn in red limestone, the color red has symbolism with deities and elements where it embodies "fire and life force" Method: When drawing the first diagonal line (NW to SE), you must hold your breathe until that line is complete. Then you would do the same when drawing the 2nd diagonal line (NE to SW).
The usage of the symbol "â"
Item Required: Black Residue (from the bottom of a pan/skillet) Meaning: Think of the plus symbol, "+" as adding energy of some sort. In this case, protection.So, family-wise, they would would only draw this plus symbol "+" between the forehead and the glabella with "black residue". Intention: The plus symbol, "+" is supposed to be drawn quickly in the event that someone dies unexpectedly, out of nowhere. It relates to the 3rd eye but this is also, especially drawn on children to block them off from seeing spirits. Cultural Symbolism: The lines drawn in the cardinal direction also relates to cosmology and astrology where it is in association to the deities who rule said directions, along with the great elements of: earth, water, fire, air and space. Per fam's beliefs, this plus symbol, "+" is the main focal direction but in general, this symbol is commonly drawn and only utilized on the skin. Since this symbol is drawn in black residue, it is important to note that in relation the family beliefs and practices, the color black has symbolism with deities where it embodies "depth, darkness and the state of liberation". In this context, it allows for detachment from spiritual existence. Basically, more connection with the divine. Method: When drawing the first line (horizontal), you must hold your breathe until that line is complete. Then you would do the same when drawing the 2nd line (vertical).
To be Continued...as there's also boundary markings involved

















