Babaylan: Filipinos and the Call of the Indigenous

by Leny Mendoza Strobel, Perla Daly (Illustrator)

How does one embody the spirit of the Babaylan? How do we heal from colonial and sexual trauma by invoking the healing spirit of the Babaylan? Can the Babaylan narrative be a powerful critique and salve for the psychic split of modernity? This collection of scholarly essays and personal narratives by decolonizing scholars, poets/writers, artists, culture-bearers, and activities, offer the wisdom and insights gleaned from their engagement with the Babaylan tradition and practice. The writers all share this If we can articulate the Babaylan healing practice and Kapwa psychology as our intellectual, emotional, cultural, and spiritual capital -- then we have much to offer to each other, to our communities and to the world. We offer these gifts to everyone ready to receive the call of the Indigenous.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Research

308 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2010

Reviews

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book of essays and wisdom from Filipina women who have answered the call of the indigenous. Beautiful accounts of women uncovering, re-membering and embracing the divine feminine and a culture long buried under layers of colonialism. Leny Mendoza Strobel has eloquently pulled together a beautiful orchestra of voices. Her work embodies the true spirit of the Babaylan.

[Jonina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always been interested in Filipino pre-colonial culture but never knew how much of it survived. Even though I visit the Philippines often, I've never been exposed to the people and experiences these women write about in this collection of essays. And i know I'm not alone. I'm really glad this book exists.

[Navin Valrani · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for any scholar trying to understand Filipino culture and specifically the stories of Filipinas. Seen through a spiritual lens with deep rooted messages on the effect of colonialism on a nation that is driven by its women.