Good Day or Bad Day in Bali.

In the repository of Balinese knowledge, there is a way to identify the nature of any day - evil and beneficial, ala ayuning dewasa. It is called wariga, and not everyone can master it since it involves spiritually and physically pure conduct. No wonder then that mastery can more often be found in religious figures such as priests or temple caretakers. As the evil and beneficial nature of each day unfolds, Balinese deem it necessary to sanctify certain days and to choose the one considered most beneficial to embark on any activity such as launching a business, constructing a house, spiritually and physically sanctifying themselves, healing the sick and other activities. These activities all begin with offering presentations and other ceremonial rites as dictated by local traditions.

Of the many sanctified days, Kajeng KIiwon , this year on August 30, 2008, is the day to honor the supernatural forces every fifteen days according to Balinese calendar. As an expression of respect, Balinese present the offering of segehan and tetabuhan arak berem (a kind of liquor) in the yards of their houses, entry door and other spots. Segehan is a special offering made of rice in five colours: red, black, white, yellow, and mixed colours, with salt, onion and ginger being laid on the top. All are arranged in a certain fashion and put on a plant leaf. Segehan and its essentials are presented to the supernatural forces to avoid disturbance to the harmonious relationship of man with nature. The Kajeng KIiwon rite has been conducted for hundreds of years and has presumably contributed to the creation of Bali as a safe and comfortable haven. The belief that human life cannot be separated from universal rhythm has prompted Balinese to always observe Kajeng Kliwon rite.

Kajeng Kliwon falling on the dark phase of the moon is called Kajeng Kliwon Enyitan, which is believed to be a lucrative day for spiritual exercises, studying physical invulnerability and witchcraft. Kajeng Kliwon falling on the full phase of the moon is Kajeng Kliwon Uwudan, a perfect moment to conduct physical and spiritual purification, to cleanse the mind, to heal sickness, to supernaturally get rid of evil elements in residential environs through specified ceremony or to wipe out the pest from agricuftural fields.

Kajeng Kliwon is such a sacred day that many Balinese decide to pay a visit to holy men: shamans or priests. In so doing they seek to acquire holy water, medication or instruction related to the development of psychic power. Some prefer going to the temples to pray, meditate or conduct ascetic practice to gain certain psychic power. Kajeng Kliwon is often associated with anything mystical and psychic in nature. For Balinese, this day exerts eeriness upon each soul. Before the introduction of electricity, the villagers were afraid to go out at night as demonic supernatural beings were lurking to subject them to danger. Scary stories related to Kajeng Kliwon spreads over various milieus in Baiinese community, such as fire flying across cemetery, goblins appearing at the village border and the like.

Kajeng KIiwon in sasih keenem (around June-July) is even more frightening. The dry season will soon be replaced by the wet one and many people fall sick because of climatic change. They organize a ceremony to drive away evil spirits lurking at the crossroads or in the places believed to be eerie. They credit this period of time, sasih keenem, with marauding demonic spirits, so the ceremony needs to be conducted to prevent them from being a victim of these forces. Hence, Kajeng KIiwon is full of both magical rites and enlightening power to maintain the well-being of the universe and harmony among all creatures.