In a world connected with the rapid development of technology and communication, the mystical and arcane shaman or bomoh continues to be popular even till today! Their spells are often the center of numerous lucky (or unlucky) humans, families and even politicians who seek help from the supernatural to fix their problems or shower them with wealth. Yet, with so many of them, what exactly are Bomohs able to offer that most cannot? Brace yourself, as we dive into what bomohs are, as well as the types of “services” you can get from them…
If your first thought of a bomoh or shaman is a man dressed in a suit holding two coconuts, we don’t blame you for thinking that way! The media has portrayed bomohs, mostly in negative light, as people with the power over the supernatural. A bomoh is a type of Malay shaman and traditional medicine practitioner who uses mystical methods or traditional items for their services. The term is mainly used in Malaysia as well as parts of Indonesia but is sometimes called “Dukun” there. The “job scope” of a bomoh or shaman usually revolves around many different areas, from healing, to making one look attractive to even casting a sinister evil spell on someone. Here are just some of the few “services” one can get from a Bomoh.
Probably the most common reason that some bomoh services are used for. Bomohs are reached out in order to put a curse on an unsuspecting human. People would get their services in order to get revenge on someone they hated or to ensure a rival business goes bankrupt. Bomohs also offer healing or miracle cures on humans with terrible diseases and can cater to healing these diseases usually by charging a “small fee”. Some Bomohs also offer “services” that allow their followers or supporters to look pretty, handsome or irresistible! Some lonely people may reach out for the services of bomohs in order to find the “lucky” one or to find themselves a partner. In fact, some modern Bomohs have started employing online stores such as Carousel to offer their services.
If you see some major outdoor TV live shows such as concerts or even weddings, usually the live telecast is uninterrupted by bad weather. It's believed that bomoh is hired by major outdoor event companies to cast some spell to ensure that it doesn’t rain during the event. There are religious elements to this, as some bomohs have the power to communicate with gods or deities who control the weather. They might call upon them to help temporarily stop the rain from coming until after the event is over.
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Bomohs can also be seen performing during traditional performances to add some “spice” to the performance. The bomoh would use their body as a sort of “vessel” where after commanding spirits to enter the bomoh’s body, said bomoh will start speaking or chanting wildly. It is then up to another performer, such as his assistant to decipher or interpret the bomoh’s chants. The spirits inside the bomoh’s body would start talking through the bomoh whereby the assistant would then assist during the ritual. The bomoh can feel, hear and see the spirits but everyone watching the experience would not.
Like many things in the world, the question of whether you should reach out to a Bomoh is hotly debated. It is best to not do something that you are unsure would do any harm or if you are uncomfortable to practice. It is also up to you to believe whether there is magic involved or that it is a string of coincidences when it comes to bomoh spells. Ultimately, it’s always best to do good in this world, and of course, to seek professional help and advice when it comes to health and problems in life rather than relying on mysticism and magic.
Unfortunately, it is perhaps best not to reach out to a bomoh for help.. It’s better instead to be truthful, kind and to make an effort to pursue something meaningful in life through hard work rather than relying on black magic for help.
If you are into the world of bomohs and mysticism, here at Hauntu, we can transport you into the dark, fantasy world of an ancient timeline, complete with magic and mysticism!
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