#anituo

Hey y’all! So I wanted to let any of my followers on this blog and those who come across it while researching our precolonial beliefs, that I created a Facebook group specifically dedicated to those who are Filipino Reconstructionists, Animists, and Polytheists. 

The group is called Anituo: Reviving the Animistic & Polytheistic Beliefs of the Philippines. As the group name says, its purpose is to have a space for Filipino Reconstructionists reviving and practicing our ancestral animistic and polytheistic beliefs to the modern day. It’s a place where we can post our altars, any offerings, discuss our ancestral beliefs based on historical records and academic research, and so forth. 

Keep in mind, while some of us may practice witchcraft, this group isn’t focusing on that. For those interested in Filipino witchcraft, there is a Discord server for this called Diwatahan. Whereas the Anituo group is more on the spiritual aspect and of the revival of our ancestral beliefs based on academic research.

So if you are currently practicing our ancestral beliefs as a Reconstructionist or are interested in learning, come join us!

Deity of the day is Anitun Tabu/Tawo/Tauo! 🌬

This deity is one of the Sambal deities that is the deity of the wind. They were in particular one of the deities associated with the process of rice according to the Relation of the Zambals by Domingo Perez (1680).

According to the text, people would offer pinipig to Anitun Tawo for favorable winds. They would also set up an altar and hang some of the rice as an offering, which this practice was called "mamiarag".

Pinipig is the green, immature grains of rice which is flattened and toasted. It is commonly used in dishes such as making halo-halo and pinipig polvoron.

The other deities associated with rice was Dumangan, Kalasakas, Kalasokos, and Damolag.

Currently, Anitun Tawo has been associated as a Tagalog deity, but like many other deities, there is no record of the Tagalog having this as a deity. It's important to acknowledge that many deities claimed as Tagalog are not Tagalog. This gives a Tagalog centric way of thinking and like other instances, erases the identity and culture of other ethnic groups.

While I don't rule out that Anitun Tawo may have been also known to the Tagalog, along with Dumangan, Apo Laki, Ana Golay, etc (though Si Dapa which apparently is also now being spread that he was a Tagalog god when he's Bisaya irks me to no end), and others, this erasure and claiming of everything being Tagalog is an ongoing issue.

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A couple of days ago the Philippine government made the announcement that cemeteries would be closed from Nov 1st to Nov 2nd. (At least, locally. Can't say for certain in other regions.)

And for damn good reason. COVID cases have been increasing everyday despite the quarantine. Even if you're allowed to visit during those days I still highly recommend otherwise.

Our titas, titos, and everyone else won't be happy with us risking our health just to visit.

So. What do we do then?

Visit Early. My family and I are visiting this Sunday, way ahead of the crowds. We plan on cleaning up everyone's gravestones and then leaving a candle.

Celebrate at home. Light your candles and have a feast at your own house, don't forget to invite the family, dead or otherwise. (Practice fire safety and cleanse the day after, don't want any stragglers.)

Try talking to alive relatives. Quarantine means we've all been stuck at home, mostly. Try calling or texting your actually alive relatives and ask them how they've been doing. It'll be awkward, especially if you've been estranged long before COVID, but now is a time for family.

Try some divination or astral work. The veil is very thin these past few days, I'm sure you're family won't be against some chitchat.

Another important thing, what can you offer at the family altar?

Water. Clean water is a luxury many of us are used to. A glass of purified water, even if it's from one of those sidewalk dispensers, would be appreciated.

Suman. Biko is traditional, but rice cakes in general would be a nice treat you can offer.

Favourite foods. If you know someone/s specifically, whether directly or through stories, try making some of their favourite foods or drinks. Even if it doesn't end up quite right, they'll appreciate the effort.

Whatever you're having that day. It's a day to celebrate the family, offering a plate with a little bit of everything would be more than enough.

Mabuhay friend! 

Are you a filipino witch by chance? Do you practice animism? Are you curious about your native ancestors roots, magick, and practices? 

If so, I’m so blessed you found this post. The stars aligned and you were destined to see this.

After much research and exploring on tumblr, after years of being away-- I discovered this platform had a number of filipino witches. Before yesterday, I was convinced filipino witches were nearly non-existent. 

Now why are you here?

I want gather as many filipino witches as I can, so we may grow and learn from one another. So we may strengthen our craft through kapwa. That we may find solidarity in reviving the ways and practices our native ancestors, before the colonizers erased our indigenious ways. So may find freedom and light in gathering as one. 

I have made a discord, for us to all gather: learn, discuss, and share. If you are interested, or even know of any filipino witches-- please like and repost this. To being a coven, or community. Salamat. And blessed be. 

my grandfather has just passed away this morning. i won’t be able to go to his funeral because its in the philippines and i still have a final exam coming up, but my mother is going to be leaving this weekend to go. 

i’m still very new to practicing anito so i....i guess i’m asking, what can i do or give in regards to this? is there diwata i should be looking out for to consult with? any customs or rituals i should look into? i’m really lost on what i can do for my umpa, especially since i can’t be at the funeral physically