One question that has long intrigued me is whether two different species can mate and have children. The science of Biology will say, "No! That is impossible!" And I tend to agree.
Yet there are cases when such clear division or dichotomy may not be so clearcut.
Let us consider some examples and see where such discussion leads us.
In the mid-80s, I met an interesting but somewhat strange man in mystical Mount Banahaw in Dolores, Quezon. Ben claimed to be half-human and half-engkanto (enchanted being, elemental, or nature spirit). He was very knowledgeable about Philippine occultism, local alternative healing practice, oracion (power words), and amulets or talismans. In fact, he had several talismans tattooed on his back.
His proof that he is half-engkanto is that he does not have that indentation in the middle of the upper lip that we, ordinary humans, have. Medically, it is called a philtrum.
The belief that he was half-engkanto and half-human is the reason, according to him, he can communicate with elementals (or nature spirits) such as dwendes, engkantos, etc., and could command or "kill" them.
I once witnessed him exorcize a young woman possessed by dwarves. He commanded them to get out of the body of the woman or he would "melt" them. After some struggles and bargaining, the elementals left the body of the woman in fear!
My rational mind could not make sense of what I just witnessed. It was too surreal!
But what are elementals? Where do they belong in the scheme of things?
It was the great 15th century alchemist, physician, metallurgist, scientist, and mystic Paracelsus who first named, classified, and described such elemental creatures. He said there are four elemental creatures corresponding to the four basic elements of earth, water, air, and fire.
According to him, elementals protect the treasures of the earth existing in these four elements. Dwarves (or elves or leprechauns) are elementals of earth; undymes are elementals of water; sylphs are elementals of air; and salamanders are elementals of fire. These salamanders are not the same as the animal. They live in volcanoes and hot springs, and are not consumed by fire.
According to Paracelsus, elementals differ from human beings in two aspects: First, they have a body composed only of one element and second, they do not have a soul because the soul itself forms compound bodies. They are also undifferentiated because they have not been individualized like men. Elementals do not possess a moral nature. They live longer than men, and they also reproduce and die.
Elementals are divided into races and kingdoms. They have their homes and are ruled by kings and princes. They guard the treasures of the earth, water, and hot lavas. They perform innumerable tasks.
Elementals cannot be earthbound in the same way spirits of the dead can be earthbound. It is not true that we cannot harm them — we can. That is why when this happens and we destroy their habitat, for example, they retaliate against humans.
Since they do not have a soul, they do not reincarnate. Neither do they have soulmates and, unlike men, are not subject to karma. When elementals die, they simply dissolve into their respective elements.
They possess strong senses and paranormal or supernatural powers. That is why they can predict what is going to happen, and can warn humans of dangers ahead of time.
Paracelsus believes an elemental, a nymph, for example, can assume a human form of a beautiful maiden and marry a man. Elementals always want to attract and unite with man because they want to be "ensouled" like him. Only humans who come from Adam are composed of body and soul.
I find it hard to understand or accept this thesis of Paracelsus. But then, he was probably the greatest intellectual of the 15th century. How could he believe such a thing? And so, I started researching. Are there similar ideas believed in by other cultures or ancient civilizations?
I discovered that, yes, there are other cultures that also believe such mating or cross breeding between different species is indeed possible. Read part two in next week's column.