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by the consultant ("What are you saying my friend? No, no, never, impossible") as he vigorously beats on the stone with the knob end of the stick for emphasis. The adviser goes on to more general possibilities, suggesting that matters are confused and that he would like to understand why: "It is this that mixed everything up like this and I do not see it?" (7:490). "My friend, in my house it is as if the grains got all mixed up. I have come like this so that you will clear up this and I will be able to see" (12:36). |
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The adviser finally turns to more specific things by asking in various ways what the sources of the problem are: "This thing hurts me everyday. What did I say so that it hurts me so much?" (12:37). "What is not going well with me, my friend? What are you telling me to do?" (10:4057). The consultant responds by indicating a particular problem through the signs discussed above. At this time the adviser may also ask about the symptoms that are bothering the person who is sick: "My friend, tell me if it is a stomach ache that she has?" (4:62). ''What is the problem, my friend? You say it is her soul that attacks her like this and she falls. Is it her soul that did this?" (11:2224). Throughout these discussions the adviser continually suggests alternatives to what the consultant is proposing, often rejecting the signs given by the consultant and offering new possibilities instead. |
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Finally, questions turn to the actual solutions indicated by the consultant and the various details concerning those who will do the work, those who will be there, where it will be done, what will be needed, what day it will take place, and at what time it will be held. |
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It is important to note here that if the problem or solution is not brought up by the adviser in his questions, the consultant usually takes it upon himself to indicate that there is another "road" that should be pursued. He often, in turn, offers clues (again pointing to certain body parts) concerning the direction the adviser should take in his questioning. |
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Once the problem and treatment have been defined, the adviser asks if there is anything else. The consultant may bring up a second ailment that should be cared for or may indicate that another family member should be treated at the same time. The adviser may ask what other consultants told him previously and what work he has done or is preparing to do. This serves as a test of the veracity of the consultant's answers. In the course of this latter part of the consultation, the adviser also reveals his optimism about breathing freely and sleeping well (10:575). Additional statements make reference to the fact that one will thank the consultant later when the veracity of the consultation is known. The consultation ends with a rhythmic tapping on the stone. Sometimes the consultant indicates verbally that the session has ended. Often he repeats: "I will leave the stick because I should not continue to pound in this way bothering the sun and the earth" (10:417). |
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After the consultation, the adviser must decide whether to act on the advice given. At times the family does not have the ability to pay for a particular gathering. For this reason, in less than grave situations the adviser may simply keep |
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