Kwai Tanu

Kwai Tanu (ควายธนู) is a type of talisman in Thai black magic beliefs and animism that combines necromantic practices with agricultural symbolism. The name Kwai means "water buffalo" and Tanu means "arrow," reflecting the belief that this spirit effigy can be directed like an arrow towards any target. In Thai and Lao folklore, the Kwai Tanu is considered one of the highest forms of wicha (ritual art) a sorcerer can master, requiring many years of training.[1]

Kwai Tanu figurines are crafted from various materials, including clay, stone, sacred metals, bamboo, beeswax, and necromantic substances obtained from graveyards and charnel grounds. Some traditions involve weaving bamboo frames and coating them with lac from the butra tree, while others use a mixture of metals such as nails from seven cemetery coffins, iron used to ward off spirits, or iron from the pinnacle of a stupa. In necromantic practice, these effigies may contain prai spirits (lower divinities or ghosts) invoked using incantations such as the "Calling of the 32 Kwan" and the recitation of the Four Elements mantra.[1]

This practice is considered a form of hun phayon (magical effigy-making), which can be in the likeness of either humans or animals. The most common forms are Wua Tanu (magic bull) and Kwai Tanu (magic buffalo).

Uses and Powers

Kwai Tanu are believed to have a wide range of supernatural abilities, including:

  • Protection against black magic, sorcerers, and hostile spirits.
  • Combat against Himavanta forest beings, yakshas, rakshasas, and asuras.
  • Guarding homes, rice fields, and property from thieves and intruders.
  • Being sent to harm or destroy enemies.
  • Removing obstacles and ensuring success in business.

Some versions are associated with merchant magic, being used to subdue suea yen (were-tigers) or to prepare consecrated water for sprinkling on goods to increase sales.

Consecration

Once the effigy is completed, it must be consecrated using ritual invocations. A traditional consecration incantation is as follows:

Om, Grandfather Lord of the Forests, Grandfather Lord of Strength, grant me the making of this buffalo.

Invite Lord Ishvara to be its left eye, Lord Surya (the Sun) to be its right eye. Invite Lord Narayana to be its horns, Lord Indra to be its tail. Invite the Buddha Kineta and Buddha Kinai to be its flanks. Invite the Four Great Kings to be its four legs. Invite all spirits to be its entrails.

Na Ma Sa Ti Ti.[2]

In some local traditions, the Kwai Tanu must be cared for like a living being, with regular offerings of grass, water, and even opportunities to "roam." Neglect is said to risk the Kwai Tanu turning against its owner. In other traditions, smaller talismanic forms are carried on the body for personal protection.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "What exactly are the Kwai Tanu?". Esoteric Theravāda. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  2. ^ Incantation for Kwai Tanu
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