i visited a traditional faith healer in siquijor & here’s what happened.
When I visited a faith healer on the island of Siquijor by the name of Annie Ponce, I was welcomed into what seemed like her family home.
Annie Ponce took us into her healing practice room, where Catholicism were prevalent, and depictions of Jesus Christ adorned the walls.
I sat down, and she asked me and my friend a few questions about ourselves. The usual; our names, where we were from. Then, the healing ceremony began.
Annie selected an oil from her cabinet of healing; and blessed each wrist with a small amount of it.
A white sheet, emitting a vapour, was placed over me; I inhaled its fumes.
She muttered a few words over my head while rubbing more of this oil onto my temples.
It felt like a massage when the healer rubbed some of her herbal oils onto my back and shoulders. I felt at ease, and any tension in my body was set free.
When she proceeded towards my lower back, I saw a vivid blue light in my eyelids, which I didn’t give too much thought to, although I did take note of this strange phenomenon.
The ceremony concluded with another whispered prayer, and Annie blew a light breath across my neck as if to blow out a candle. I felt refreshed.
Our experience must have been quite a general procedure, as Annie didn’t ask if we had any specific symptoms or issues we’d come to her for. We didn’t; but maybe she already knew that, could sense it.
Overall, our experience was definitely a culturally enriching one. Annie’s practice gave us an insight into the cultural customs, traditions and beliefs in Siquijor. I must say, I felt rather light and relaxed afterwards - who knows if that’s the power of Annie’s healing hands, the massage, mere placebo, or a combination of them all.
