1001 Uses Of A Woodpecker

 

 

Not many people realise the benefits of a woodpecker except for a handful bird lovers and some old folks. The Malay calls a woodpecker by many names: “Burung Pelatuk Bawang”, “jelatuk” and “belatuk”. Accordingly there are many species of woodpecker in SEA reagion, only this “Pelatuk Bawang” is of the interest of an occultist.

 

According to Sahibul Hikayat, woodpecker is one of God’s blessed animals. It always sharpens its beaks with “yellow iron” or “besi kuning”. “Besi kuning” is a type of rare metal only found in old bee hive on a mountain top.

 

The Javanese community believe that a woodpecker has a strong standpoint, diligent but quite impatient. Once upon a time, many Malays keep woodpeckers in their home due to this belief.

 

According to some old Malays, the upper beak of a woodpecker when pulverized can be used to sharpen weapons. It is believed by doing so the weapons will become very potent against the strongest enemy; it is said that by a single cut in the hand alone suffice to kill a person.

 

The tongue of a woodpecker when consume together with “pisang emas” (banana), will make a person good in articulation and on top of that, this person will become more diligent and better.

 

A woodpecker’s eyes can be made into talismans. The method is that the eyes are wrapped with a piece of white cloth and put on the main door. In this way, intruders are afraid to enter this house as they will feel frightened immediately. If there are brave ones enter this house forcefully, then he will feel confused and will be easily catch by the house tenants.

 

The head feathers of a woodpecker are commonly used as talismans to ward off sickness. These feathers are wrapped with white cloth and inserted in the waist level. The wearer of this talisman is believed to be free from all types of illness even at the time of death.

 

A woodpecker’s brain when dried can be made into eye medications. The method is to soak the dehydrated brain into water together with Jasmine flower. After that the water is used to wipe onto the affected eyes.

 

If the heart of a woodpecker is eaten, then a sick person can be cured and all his wishes can be fulfilled. It is also believed that one can open the door to the spiritual realm if he consumes the heart of a woodpecker.

 

A woodpecker’s chest meat when consumed will cure any disease and this person will always be rational throughout his life.

 

If a man consumes the testicles of a woodpecker, then he will be loved by women and the teachers; he will become very cleaver. This man will also become so brave as to defeat all his opponents.

 

 It the tail of a woodpecker is eaten by a woman, then she will be loved by her husband and she also has the power to defeat any evil forces. All her wishes will be granted, praised and loved spiritually and physically.

 

The neck and tail feathers of a woodpecker when burnt and consume together with food can be made into sex drugs.

 

The furs of a woodpecker can be knitted into bracelet or waist belt. Whoever wears them will have a good memory, sharp mind and good conduct.

 

The viscera of the woodpecker if dried can be made into talismans for war against enemies. The enemies will become timid and disperse.

 

The right wing feathers of a woodpecker can be used as a ‘neutralizer’ for a haunted place. One has only to bury one of the feathers in north-eastern corner of the haunted area and it is believed that all of the ghosts and goblins will vanish by themselves.

 

It is believed that the blood of a woodpecker can be made into medications for eyes and ears. The blood needs to be mixed with fennel (a type of herbs) and palm wine (a type of liquor), then these mixtures are then soak in water. After that the water is wiped or drops on the eyes or ears. The woodpecker’s blood can also be made into offering dish to ward off bad lucks or black magic.

 

Before anyone can make use of a woodpecker, the Malay believes that one must first fast for three days and perform prayers to God. As to how effective are the above tips, I only record down this knowledge as the treasure heritage of our forefathers. Follow if you believe them, otherwise; just treat them as your bed time story.