states exactly the opposite, for the Mandaya of Cateel, _i.
e._, the right side is bad, the left good.

The people do not make offerings to this bird, neither do they regard it
as a spirit, but rather as a messenger from the spirit world. The old
men were certain that anyone who molested one of these birds would die.

Another bird known as _wak-wak_ "which looks like a crow but is larger
and only calls at night" foretells ill-fortune. Sneezing is also a bad
omen, particularly if it occurs at the beginning of an undertaking.
Certain words, accompanied by small offerings, may be sufficient to
overcome the dangers foretold by these warnings. It is also possible to
thwart the designs of ill-disposed spirits or human enemies by wearing a
sash or charm which contains bits of fungus growth, peculiarly shaped
stones, or the root of a plant called _gam_. These charms not only ward
off ill-fortune and sickness, but give positive aid in battle and keep
the dogs on the trail of the game.[111]

[111] The use of these magic sashes, known as _anting-anting_, is
widespread throughout the southern Philippines both with the pagan and
Mohammedan tribes.

There is in each community one or more persons, generally women, who are
known as _ballyan_. These priestesses, or mediums, are versed in all the
ceremonies and dances which the ancestors have found effectual in
overcoming evil influences, and in retaining the favor of the spirits.
They, better than all others, understand the omens, and often through
them the higher beings make known their desires. So far as could be
learned the _ballyan_ is not at any time possessed, but when in a trance
sees and converses with the most powerful spirits as well as with the
shades of the departed. This power to communicate with supernatural
beings and to control the forces of nature, is not voluntarily sought by
the future _ballyan_, but comes to the candidate either through one
already occupying such a position or by her being unexpectedly seized
with a fainting or trembling fit, in which condition she finds that she
is able to communicate with the inhabitants of the spirit world. Having
been thus chosen she at once becomes the pupil of some experienced
_ballyan_ from whom she learns all the secrets of the profession and the
details of ceremonies to be made.

At the time of planting or reaping, at a birth or death, when a great
celebration is held, or when the spirits are to be invoked for the cure