What is Ngang? Part 1: A Basic Understanding

In Part 1 of this article, we will explore the origins of this peculiar amulet and its characteristics. In Part 2, we will explore the different types of Ngang and some Kathas for worship.

Ngang

is an amulet known by many names, with none less powerful than the other. Known separately as Phor Ngang, Phra Ngang, or Ngang Ta Daeng (Ta Daeng means red eyes in Thai), these are but slight variations of the same mystical sculpture known as a Ngang. Ngang refers to a figure formed from metal (usually copper) depicting the form resembling that of a Buddha sans the garb of a monk, wearing only a necklace around its neck. Because of its resemblance to a member of the Sangha, it is also sparingly referred to as a Phra Ngang (“Phra” meaning monk in Thai), although only in title, as it is neither meant to represent an actual monk or Buddha, for whom the term is usually reserved for.

 

It is widely believed that this style of amulet had its roots in the Khmer sorcery of Cambodia, before spreading throughout parts of Thailand and Laos. These peculiar figures bring manifold blessings in two areas of life; Saneh and Kongkrapan. When used in conjunction with the judicious application of katha however, they are also known to grant wishes. People who worship Ngang at home or carry them on their person, are known to be exceedingly lucky at love. The blessings are foolproof, readily available to anyone willing to receive them, even showering themselves upon the spiritually-inept, and heralding love and compassion everywhere they may roam. The spells imbued in each Ngang, render their owners immeasurable charm, turning them from regular people into objects of desire and affection, inspiring widespread attraction and in some extreme cases, lust.

Great care should be taken to ensure that your Ngang, whether in amulet or statue form, should never be placed on the same level with a Monk or Buddha effigy, as this will cause their powers to diminish. Curiously, should your Ngang decide to go missing under mysterious circumstances, searching for it in the nearest lingerie drawer would be a good start. Ngang are known to be drawn to lust and other intense sexual energies.

Hanging your Ngang from the waist is an efficient way of basking in its spiritual energies. Taking it a step further, many men even carry their amulets in their pockets, nestled close to their genitalia. Women keep them in their brassiere, or in a pocket near their genitals. Rumour has it that abstaining from washing one’s underwear, kicks the Ngang’s powers into overdrive. The proximity, smell and essence of bodily fluids, especially from arising from intimacy, increase the potency of the spells.

These days, it is commonplace for makers to craft male and female versions of the same Ngang; Ai Ngang

, the male version, and E-Per, the female version. In Thai culture, these Ngang are considered a baser form of spiritual aid, catering to the carnal desires of humans.

Creating Ngang

In days of yore, an adept would seek out a deserted well on the grounds of an old pagoda. (Such wells are legally protected from any form of desecration these days.) These wells were considered to be a natural source of spiritual energies. Using invocations and incantations, and, oddly enough, a woman’s sarong, the practitioner would seek to lure the entities out of the well, in order to test if the spells are properly imbued into the amulets.

Once the summoning and imbuing is complete, the final owner, and not the creator, may then test whether or not a spirit has successfully inhabited the Ngang, by holding it in his hands and meditating over it late at night. While doing this, it is vital that the owner sits in complete isolation, with no curious onlookers. Should a Ngang manifest in this manner, the owner’s demeanour should remain calm and measured. The Ngang may appear differently to each individual. Once its existence has been verified, the owners may slowly open their eyes, and carry on with the requisite steps in its care.

In modern times, many of these abandoned wells lie on the grounds of heavily restricted areas, and trespassing carries heavy penalties, making the ceremonies harder to perform. Many of these are even demarcated as archaeological sites of significance and are protected by law. In our research, this seems to have led to the prevalence of practitioners venturing further afield, seeking out similar wells deep in the jungles, fields, or forests. The method of creation has also expanded to include a plethora of personal customs unique to each creator.

 

Ngang vs. Other Amulets

Ngang are a very different animal, compared to other classes of amulets. The blessings they bestow are a duality, excelling in enhancing commonly-sought attributes, but also funnelling them through a lens of desire and sexuality. As a result, they differ greatly from other forms of sorcery in terms of the stipulations observed:

Here are some examples:

1. Owners may freely walk under clotheslines and women can walk over the amulet as the Ngang loves to peep up at the undies. The amulet itself can touch menstrual blood. These are stipulations that are expressly prohibited when wearing other more holy amulets. Because of the devious, sexual nature of Ngang, their power will not be diminished in the same manner, by breaking these observances. In fact, quite conversely, these will serve to enhance the Ngang, making it even more powerful.

2. Ngang may function at full strength in pubs, clubs, casinos, brothels and bars; places generally considered taboo for owners of other amulets.

3. Ngang’s powers are imbued within, as opposed to being drawn from a higher power in small doses. They are known to be volatile, sometimes shaking and vibrating entirely of their own volition, and even sneaking off on their own to hide in underwear drawers.

4. Many owners are under the mistaken notion that it is perfectly acceptable to be disrespectful and dismissive to their Ngang, owing to their lower standing in the spiritual hierarchy, and perceived “dirty” status. The more they are revered and regarded with faith, respect and adoration from the heart, however, the stronger and faster their effects may be seen. Ngang are perfectly capable of the full spectrum of human emotions, just like the charges they watch over. A dedicated, loving owner is more likely to be taken care of, than an owner who kicks them to the curb whenever they are not needed.

5. Ngang tend to take on the persona and habits of their owners, learning as they go. Their prowess and pursuits are shaped by the habits of their owners, and even Ngang created at the same time by the same master will vary quite vastly in their spiritual prowess over time. If an owner consistently requests blessings of Saneh, for example, the Ngang will excel at Saneh. Owners who are varied in their pursuits will result in Ngang who divide their power and influence over many fronts. It is thus recommended that owners focus their Ngang’s energies on one specific pursuit, to ensure the potency of application.

6. Ngang owners are known to be fearsome brawlers when embroiled in altercations, regardless of their physical stature or prowess. This has been confirmed through countless accounts from owners past and present.

7. Ngang may be used to channel Metta Mahasaneh for purposes of trading, get-rich-quick schemes involving gambling and speculation, solving unexpected problems, deflecting black magic upon aggressors, removing curses and hexes, guarding property (similar to a Hoon Phayon

), and protection from protecting against dangers and beasts. They may also bestow Klaew Klad. Among these, however, which capabilities will shine through are largely dependent upon the cultivation of their owner.

 

In Part 2, we will explore the different types of Ngang and some kathas for worship. Follow us on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/wikiwicca/) for more information.