Charlie Chong, 38, has worked in the renovation industry for 10 years. When he is not fixing offices and remodelling homes, this son of a tile expert offers himself as a conduit between the spirits of the netherworld and living souls who seek their intercession.
Which deities do you most frequently channel?
Qítiān Dàshèng, commonly known as the Monkey God, calls me frequently. Ji Gong (the “Drunken Monk”) is also very popular, sought after by believers. I seem to have the best chemistry with these two gods, but I also let other gods like Dua Ji Ah Peh (“Big Uncle” and “Second Uncle”) possess me to speak to people.
Were your parents apprehensive at first?
Oh yes, they were very afraid and against the idea of me becoming a medium. It’s a long story, which started when a spirit possessed me at a prayer meet at a friend’s house when I was 25. They only finally came to accept my lifestyle after I had practiced for almost seven years. Now, the altar and prayer meets are housed in my parents’ flat. My wife hated temples and mediums at first too, but after she saw, she slowly came to believe and accept what I did.
Some tang-ki turn themselves over to the will of the supernatural in a two-way deal to cure themselves of a serious illness. Was yours a similar case?
No. I was just accepting of my fate. There are also some people who specially learn how to become mediums. For me, it just felt natural.
What is it like when you are possessed?
It’s like I’m in a different place and not present anymore. During which, I am completely unaware of my surroundings.
Charlie after channelling Dua Ah Peh
Other tang-ki have given accounts of being more sentient during their state of trance, such as feeling the invisible hammer of the thunder god in their clasps when they channel him, mutilating themselves but not feeling pain nor suffering grievous hurt, and eating and drinking copious amounts but not feeling any effects after.
Yes, there are also some mediums who feel very awake and self-aware throughout these visitations of the gods. I too drink enormous amounts when I channel the old Uncles or Ji Gong, but do not feel the effects. I can still drive myself home after and even pass a breathalyser test. (He shows us a large cabinet of cognacs and Chinese wines, all of which are thanksgiving offerings from devotees.) I’m not much of a drinker myself. Even at wedding dinners, I might only drink half a glass of wine.
As a spirit medium, do you have to keep a strict regimen?
I used to frequent pubs, but I am now not allowed to anymore. I meditate every night and have undergone courses overseas.
How do you prepare before a possession?
Prayer meets are held every Saturday night, so I usually go vegetarian for the whole day. I bathe thoroughly and also cleanse myself with incense paper, which has to be folded in thirds. I pray to the different gods and inform them, “today, I would like you to grace us with your presence.”
What is the possession process like? Do your helpers bang drum and clash cymbals to help you fall into a trance?
For our group, we do not use loud instruments. In the evening, I just sit in the ceremonial chair and wait for that certain feeling to arrive. The moment I lapse into a trance, the prayer volunteers figure out which god I am channelling and dress me in his clothing.
Charlie channelling Ji Gong
Is it always old Chinese folk who come seeking divine intervention?
No, there are sometimes, Indians, Christians and Catholics who come to our meets. Some devotees are in their twenties and we recently had a lawyer visit too.
Must they present red packet offerings?
No, it is up to the individual. They give donations to the society and our associated temples our of their own free will.
Do you have peak periods, say Hungry Ghost Month?
Not really, but we hold thanksgiving prayer meets at the beginning and end of each year. Qítiān Dàshèng’s birthday also falls on the 8th month of the lunar calendar. We celebrate it under a large tent in an open field, where we hold charity lunches for the old folks of 10 to 15 homes for the aged. We spend Hungry Ghost Month visiting cemeteries like those in Lim Chu Kang, making offerings at graves of children and the uncared for. Come next Tuesday, it will be commonplace to see at least five or six mediums in each cemetery over the Hungry Ghost Month weekends, trying to recruit “unwanted” ghosts to be their spiritual helpers.
A guest arriving at one of Charlie’s charity lunches
What are the most common intercession requests?
Believers often seek help for the illness of a loved one. Sometimes these illnesses cannot wait and I have to perform a séance on a Sunday or weekday. They also come to the deities I channel with family problems and other issues like the success of their children in schools. A couple having trouble conceiving for a few years came to me recently, and the wife is now happily pregnant.
Do you have a special connection with deities even on your off days?
I usually have many dreams and visions of deities, but have to keep all that I see and all that they tell me to myself. I had a dream while my wife was pregnant with our third child too. He is my only son and a god appeared to me telling me that the child was ready to be born soon. Perhaps he might be chosen to take over me in future, but I would most prefer him not to, because being a medium is a heavy cross to carry.
Photos: Andre Frois
Jessie Viva la Musica says
感恩!