Into the Woods
In the Islands of Samoa, there are many tales of spirits, which are also known as 'aitu'. Many, if not most, of these tales that have been rotating for years are those of Samoan legends and myths. Dark spaces, swimming spots, mirrors, time of day, noise, one’s attitude and sometimes appearance are things one should be very aware of when entering varying locations in Samoa.
Even though I have quite a few to tell, which many people on here may be unfamiliar with unless you're Samoan, I will speak of a factual, rare occurrence that happened with my cousin and his girlfriend.
It was 2004, and as usual, the family was getting ready to attend the local church’s Mass on a hot Christmas Eve night. It was nearing the time for the Christmas Mass procession and many people were beginning to crowd the parking area. Mau and Sally were amongst the crowd and were edging closer to the church doors when they heard someone whistle. Many in the crowd had turned to stare, but saw no one. Another whistle was heard. This time, Mau saw his Uncle Billy near the outskirts of a nearby bushland. With a single hand movement, Uncle Billy gestured them over.
Mau and Sally headed towards where he was standing, figuring he wanted help with something. As they edged nearer to his whereabouts, he swiftly turned and headed inwards amongst the fauna and darkness. They started calling out to him as he continued to walk, becoming quicker with every other step, but he never turned to look. It was dark and hard to make things out clearly, but they swore they could see him almost flit meters ahead to every step they would take. "Mau" yelled his cousin Chris, "Come on, we have to go inside".
Mau and Sally looked back one more time but could no longer see where Billy could have gone, so they walked back to the church. As they emerged from the dark, conversing about their most recent confusion, a car pulled up only meters from where they were standing. It was Uncle Billy. Mau, more confused than ever, said, "How did you get here so fast and what was it that you needed us for?”
Uncle Billy, also confused, asked, "What are you talking about? I'm late, I just came from home, I rang a little earlier to tell Chris, didn't he tell you?"...
Aitu's taking form of those familiar to you and leading you into dark places; it’s not so much common, but it's not unheard of.
