It is certain that most of the time the exigencias of the saint do not pass the sacrifice of a fat cock, or a goat whose head is consumed by the flames (while the father of the community eats the rest of the victim), but cases have presented where the dagger or poison, have been ordered to remove some obstruction from the path of private individuals, whose money has influenced the saint to decree their death.
Sacrificial dances are always at night and the weird, scantily clad figure of the officiating priest can easily be likened to that of some demon tending the infernal fires.
After the sacrifice, the low monotonous moaning of the tom-tom announces that the ball has opened.
Twisting his body in painful contortions, the brujo dances about the sacred fire, gaining momentum with each round until he at last resembles a human pin-wheel; now slower and slower he dances, scanning the faces of his fear-stricken followers for a victim, until at last his hypnotic eye fixes upon an aged negress, who falls screaming to earth in convulsed fear. She is possessed of a Mabruja or Evil Spirit, who has inconsiderately taken possession of the old lady’s person, without her leave, and the “doctor” wants to extract it; apparently the operation becomes painful to the old lady, who would doubtless have much rather been left in quiet possession of his satanic majesty.
After much manœuvring, the doctor announces that the Mabruja was vanquished and has left his country woman, who still sits in comical amazement where she had fallen; to one who has really entered the inner life of the country districts of Cuba this is no strange sight.
One of the most abhorrent practices of witchcraft is the use of Love Philters composed of ingredients of a nature too horrible to mention. It is needless to say that this custom is practiced almost solely by the lowest class of society, but in so great respect and fear are its results held that almost the first advice one receives on arriving in Cuba, is to never accept refreshments in a strange house, for fear that they may contain this concoction; many tales are told of young men who by means of this drug have been lured into attachment for women of shady complexion and still more shady reputation.
The Piedra Imán, a sort of lodestone, plays an important part in the practice of witchcraft; sacrifices of animals are made to this stone whose absorbent qualities cause it to greedily suck the blood of the victims. In sickness and love this stone is always in evidence. Are you dying of unrequited love? No need to worry while a dozen old witches are aching for the opportunity of relieving your heart (and pocket). For gold a small stone will be placed in your possession and if you carefully follow directions, luck will attend your affairs with Cupid.
To succeed it is necessary to secure a strand of hair (pulled, not cut) and the parings of your loved one’s nails; these are mixed with steel filings and placed with the “stone” in a metal box. On Mondays the “stone” is strictly teetotal and only water may be offered, but as Friday draws near, the “God” develops a taste for strong liquor and wine must be given it. Woe betide the mortal who neglects the “little God’s” taste in drinks.
Has disease laid its foul hand on your person? No need to worry; any witch doctor will recommend the following recipe.
| ℞ | 1 Pair half burned candles. |
| 7 Grains of corn. | |
| 7 Copper pennies. | |
| 7 Clean pebbles. | |
| 1 Head of a black cock. | |
| 7 Pieces glass. |