A performer depicting a shaman in a recent Babaylan Festival of Bago, Negros Occidental Filipino shamans, commonly known as babaylan (also balian or katalonan, among many other names), were shamans of the various ethnic groups of the pre-colonial Philippine islands.

Philippine indigenous communities recognize a woman (or man) as a Babaylan, someone who has the ability to mediate with the spirit world, has her own spirit guides, and is given gifts of healing, foretelling, and insight.

May 23, 2024 · Babaylan was the spiritual leader of the tribe in the pre-colonial Philippines. Second only to the datu (head chief) in the tribal hierarchy and acting as its advisor in almost all matters concerning religion, medicine, natural phenomena, and others.

The Center for Babaylan Studies is a nonprofit organization that bridges those in the diaspora with living babaylan of the Philippines and with indigenous living traditions.

Discover the role of babaylan, the shamanic healers of Philippine mythology, in bridging the spiritual and material worlds. Explore their gender-fluid nature, rituals, and the resurgence of babaylanism in modern times.

Each child learns how to handle conflict among her/his peers and the elders, babaylan, and datus, allow them the freedom to learn. Peacemaking is at the core of the babaylan’s legacy, and violence and wars are anathema to a holistic community life.

Feb 13, 2025 · The term babaylan carries centuries of cultural and spiritual significance in the Philippines. Rooted in indigenous languages, it reflects the deep connection between healing …

Babaylan were our pre-colonial spiritual leaders who practiced animism. They were a matriarchy that allowed queer men in their ranks. The co-existence of both feminine and masculine energies in the Babaylan, meant that they were linked to the divine. And were revered as such.

Jan 14, 2024 · Explore the mystical world of the Babaylan, the traditional healers and shamans of pre-colonial Philippines, guardians of ancient wisdom.

Mar 18, 2019 · Among the powers of the babaylan was to heal the sick, ensure a safe pregnancy and child birth, and lead rituals with offerings to the various divinities. The babaylan was well versed in herb lore, and was able to create remedies, …