Saskatoon

Mrs. H.K. lives in Saskatoon. She is approximately 75 years old. She learned how to pour wax from a lady in Spears, SK., and pours for her grandson, but only occasionally. She says that anyone can learn to pour wax, but that person must be very religious. Information from this healer was gathered through a recorded interview and a participant-observation.

Mrs. H.K. uses white candles that she gets from small country churches. She pours the wax nine times in total, three times over the head, three times over the chest and three times over the feet. She says inaudibly "Our Father" and "Hail Mary" until the wax is all in the water. She can only sometimes interpret the wax, but says that it is the act of pouring the wax and saying the prayers that is important. After pouring the wax and reading it, if possible, she then wets her fingers with the water from the bowl and makes a cross on the forehead, chest, hands, and feet. She pours left over water into a small glass and asks you to take three sips. This water is sent home in a jar for you to drink for three days in the morning before you have any food.