Who are the Babaylans?

The Babaylans were the first priestesses and SHAMANS on our islands. They have communication with spirits and the DIWATA. Additionally, the names of these shamans vary depending on the ethnic group, such as KATALONAN - TAGALOG, MUMBAKI - IFUGAO, and many more. 

Typically, babaylan were either feminized males or women (asog). These Babaylan women are not witches; during their attempt to convert the Philippines to Christianity, the Spanish colonizers labeled these priestesses as either witches or devil's minions. There are still Babaylans, or Shamans, among the indigenous population today, as well as amongst the lowland Christianized populace. These priestesses are essential to our traditions and ought to be acknowledged and treated with dignity.