Beautiful beaches, lush rice fields, and rich culture are among so many reasons that make Bali one of the most popular tropical holiday destinations. While the beauty of Bali is fascinating, how much did you know about the island’s supernatural beliefs and mythical creatures? In our previous article, “A Rooted Bond“, we discussed the existence of Rwa Bhineda, the two opposites. The Balinese acknowledge not only the good but also the bad. In the spirit of Halloween, let us take you to explore this mysterious yet enchanting Balinese sorcery many still believe in the modern world. 

In Balinese mythology, there are two types of magic: white and black. White magic is used to cure people of illnesses, while black magic is to harm others. People who are gifted with the power to perform magic are called Balian. They must be careful who they choose to inherit their power (usually within their family ties), and the chosen ones must bear the responsibility.

Like the magic we see in films or read in fiction books, treatments like love spells and hexes are done in the line of black magic, and some people believe they still exist. The love spell called “pengasih-asih” (a love giver) is used to enchant someone to fall in love with the sender forcefully. However, it is believed that you will not fall towards this enchantment if you have strong faith. Hexes are known as “cetik” (poison). Cetik is classified into two; the one that works instantly and the one that is placed for a certain time, which could be months or even years. Hexes and spells are imbued in clothes, food, or drink. That is why personal items are kept hidden by the Balinese, and there is a ritual of praying and offering food from their plate to Gods before they start eating to neutralise any evil intentions. Hexes come in the form of illnesses, and to be cured, one must seek a Balian to counter them and protect the victim with prayers and mantras. 

Another form of black magic is one of the most known Bali icons you may have seen in paintings and Balinese dances, Leak (pronounced as “Leyak”). Legend has it that a Leak practitioner can look like a regular human during the day and shapeshift at night. Leak hunts people at night for its magic potion, visualised as a hairy creature with glaring eyes, a dangling tongue, and long fangs. Some say Leak is only found in Bali because its magic only works on the island. 

More forms of black magic creatures are Celuluk, Rarung, and Rangda.

Celuluk is the most harmless one; it has big teeth and is bald on its front head. It scares people with its eerie laugh but cannot harm others. Rarung, however, can kill a victim using one look. While Rangda is a leader of the evil witches fighting against Barong and its army of good. Back to the Rwa Bhineda philosophy, when there’s good, there is also evil to balance it, the Balinese live alongside this knowledge and take it as a lesson to always be kind and respect all living beings, seen and unseen, so they are far from evil and all the bad energy. 

Whether or not we believe in magic, understanding these Balinese beliefs illuminate us as visitors to their traditions and why they do what they do. Every culture has its unique story, and it is good to respect it, regardless of our perspectives.

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