must be used at certain times.  This is a considerable task, for the diams must be learned word for word; and, likewise, each ceremony must be conducted, just as it was taught by the spirits to the “people of the first times.”  The training occupies several months; and when all is ready, the candidate secures her piling.  This is a collection of large sea-shells attached to cords, which is kept in a small basket together with a Chinese plate and a hundred fathoms of thread (Plate XIX).  New shells may be used, but it is preferable to secure, if possible, the piling of a dead medium.  Being thus supplied, the novice seeks the approval of the spirits and acceptance as a medium.  The wishes of the higher beings are learned by means of a ceremony, in the course of which a pig is killed, and its blood mixed with rice is scattered on the ground.  The liver of the animal is eagerly examined; for, if certain marks appear on it, the candidate is rejected, or must continue her period of probation for several months, before another trial can be made.  During this time she may aid in ceremonies, but she is not possessed by the spirits.  When finally accepted, she may begin to summon the spirits into her body.  She places offerings on a mat, seats herself in front of them, and calls the attention of the spirits by striking her piling, or a bit of lead, against a plate; then covering her face with her hands, she begins to chant.  Suddenly she is possessed; and then, no longer as a human, but as the spirit itself, she talks with the people, asking and answering questions, or giving directions, as to what shall be done to avert sickness and trouble, or to bring good fortune.

Certain mediums are visited only by low, mean spirits; others, by both good and bad; while still others may be possessed even by Kadaklan, the greatest of all.  It is customary for the spirit of a deceased mortal to enter the body of a medium, just before the corpse is to be buried, to give messages to the family; but he seldom comes again in this manner.

The pay of a medium is small, usually a portion of a sacrificed animal, a few bundles of rice, and some beads; but this payment is more than offset by the restrictions placed on her.  At no time may she eat of carabao, wild pig, wild chicken, or shrimp; nor may she touch peppers—­all prized articles of food.

The inducements for a person to enter this vocation are so few that a candidate begins her training with reluctance; but, once accepted by the spirits, the medium yields herself fully and sincerely to their wishes.  When possessed by a spirit, her own personality is submerged, and she does many things of which she is apparently ignorant, when she emerges from the spell.  Oftentimes, as she squats by the mat, summoning the spirits, her eyes take on a far-away stare; the veins of her face and neck stand out prominently, while the muscles of her arms and legs are tense; then, as she is possessed, she assumes the character