The Magical Power of Căluș Against Ieleʼs Possession in Dolj County
The Magical Power of Căluș Against Ieleʼs Possession in Dolj County

Summary/Abstract: Analyzing the female mythological beings Iele [They], we follow the theoretical body of work opened by Mircea Eliade, Anca Giurchescu, and Bogdan Neagota. It is important to observe the period when Iele are very active, that is the transitional period between Strodul Rusaliilor (celebrated in spring) and Rusalii [Pentecost] that is seven weeks after the Orthodox Christian Easter. The paper investigates the relationship between Căluș dance, Iele, and people who fall ill under their spell. The article explores the Căluș ritual, especially the practice of healing the person luat din Căluș [“taken by Iele”], which is a neurological disorder. In Dolj County, healing relates with trance when the illness of the sick person is transferred to a călușar who is “knocked down.” The enactment of “death and resurrection,” the rhythm of the dance, the bells, the use of prophylactic plants, and the sticks are specific elements of the ritual. I analyse the particularities of the “death and resurrection” (recuperarea din transă) episode and the magical rite it is part of in different groups of călușari in Dolj County.

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