So You Want to Be a Babaylan? Here’s What You Should Know
What is a Babaylan?
Back in the day, there were women and men who acted as spiritual bridges between people and the spirit world. They were called Babaylan. Their main role was to heal, not just physical illnesses, but also spiritual ones.
Where Did the Word ‘Babaylan’ Come From?
The exact origin of the word isn’t totally clear. According to Southeast Asian historian Alfred McCoy, it may have come from Malay words like “belian,” “balian,” or “waylan”, used in places like Java, Bali, Borneo, and Kalmahera, which all refer to a spirit medium. Aside from the shared root words, they also have similar rituals and community roles. Other than healing, Babaylan would perform ceremonies to bless harvests and protect communities from disease.
The Babaylan: A Quick Look at Their History and Healing Work
One of the most well-known Babaylan was Estrella Bangotbanwa. She was believed to have the power to shift weather conditions to help ensure a good harvest. Her most famous act was calling rain after three years of drought in Miagao and San Joaquin, Iloilo. She also saved the town of Tubungan several times through a ritual called Sambayan, which was used to call rain and find water sources.
Things changed when the Spanish arrived in the 16th century and began spreading Christianity. Many Babaylan were punished, and their sacred items were destroyed. But some of them fought back. Two of the most known were Papa Isio from Panay and Tamblot from Bohol.
Tamblot led around 2,000 Boholanos in a resistance against the spread of Catholicism on the island. He gained the community’s trust in Tupas, Antequera, after defeating a Spanish friar in a public challenge.
Common Questions About the Babaylan
1. How does someone become a Babaylan?
Some people go through deep spiritual challenges before becoming Babaylan. Others get seriously ill or go through strange experiences that completely change them. These are usually seen as part of their spiritual initiation, what Babaylan call being “matupadan.”
Others choose the path of becoming a Babaylan because they want to heal or help others. But even they must go through a ritual called “pagtutupad” to be officially recognized.
Pagtutupad is a ceremony performed by a legitimate Babaylan to give someone spiritual permission to do healing work, with the guidance of spirit allies called “abyan.”
In the old days, the spirits themselves would choose who becomes a Babaylan. But now, since fewer people remember the tradition, the spirits allow anyone with pure intentions to be initiated.
2. Do Babaylan believe in God?
Even before the Spanish arrived, our ancestors already believed in a Creator. The name just varied depending on the region. In the Tagalog region, for example, they called the Creator Bathalang Maykapal.
3. What do Babaylan do today?
Modern Babaylan still do many of the same things as before. Here are some of their common practices:
- Batak dungan – strengthening the body and giving protection from curses or spiritual attacks.
- Pagluluya / Pagpupulso – ways to sense physical or spiritual illnesses and find the right healing approach.
- Pagtutupad – a ritual that connects a person to their spirit guides, making them a full Babaylan.
- Healing – treating not just physical illnesses but also those caused by negative energies, curses, or unseen beings.
4. Are Albularyo and Babaylan the same?
Albularyo, or folk healers, became more common during Spanish colonization when Babaylan were banned. Albularyo continued the healing traditions but used Catholic prayers and rituals to avoid persecution. That’s how some of the ancient practices were kept alive despite colonial suppression.
5. Where can you find Babaylan today?
Babaylan still exist in many parts of the Philippines. They might go by different names depending on the region, but their roles and spiritual abilities are often very similar.
