Espiritismo: Puerto Rican Mediumship & Magic

carved out of stone, and the Taino believed that these stones, called cemis,
became vessels for the spirits. Sometimes these images were also made of
wood, bone, and pottery.
The care and maintenance of the Taino gods and their cemi stones came
under the direction of the behique, or shaman. But ancestral spirits and
nature spirits, which also inhabited stones, were often cared for by
individuals, especially warriors, who usually carried at least one of these
carved stones with them. Cemis were commonly passed down from
generation to generation, and they were also collected as prizes of war that
amplified the victors’ power by adding to the number of spirits working for
them.
When someone receives or finds a cemi stone, it is a major indicator of
the presence of one of the Indians in their cuadro (remember Titi Berta's
tale). It isn't uncommon for brujos to find these stones and they often call
out to them. Cemi stones are also known to whistle, to talk, and to get hot or
sweat. They are commonly used in healing, and they have the power to
draw out illness as well as instill healing medicine. The most prized are
made of stalagmites, stalactites, and green stones.
Rather than have their cemis taken by European invaders, many Indians
went into the woods and buried them. In fact, many of these stones have
been discovered over time and are now in museums all over the island.
Petroglyphs suggesting that secret rituals were performed by the Taino have
been found in caves, which were very sacred to the Indians. The remnants
of the Taínos and their religious traditions have thus left visible marks all
over the Caribbean and in many subsequent cultures.
As spirit guides, the Indios are known for their aggressiveness, their
courage, and their strength. They are possessive about those they guard and
are always very alert, keeping a close watch over their devotees. Although
the spirits in this court share these characteristics, each one has its own
attributes.
Since this court is so large, it is divided into several sub-groups called
legions, or columns by some. Each legion is headed by an Indian who
carries its name, and spirits within each legion share certain qualities or
characteristics.
Indios del agua (Indians of water). Indians in this legion are adept at
clearing curses and providing clarity. When they work through