Behind the scenes portraits of HEALER ¤ ARTIVIST ¤ TRUTHSPEAKER @sammaybabay #bloodmusicvideo
bikol + kapampangan + ilokano
my lola felisa was a renowned healer in my mother’s hometown (guinobatan, albay, bicol in luzon, philippines
my spiritual / ancestral / healing journey has been centered in reclaiming my ancestral gifts as a healer / medium / conduit / witch
balyana is the word used in bikol for shaman/priestess (the more popular term is the visayan word “babaylan”
“BLOOD” is an anthem for all the pilipinxs in the diaspora and most especially rooted in the bay area who are reclaiming our ancestral inheritance n BROWN MAGICK in the face of colonialim / gentrification / cis white hetero-patriarchy !!!
B A L Y A N A🌙
“Many would define a priestess as a woman who leads rituals. But there are a range of names and culturally-defined meanings, including shaman, medicine woman, diviner, spirit-medium, oracle, sibyl and wisewoman. There is no sharp division in these categories. The shaman may be a ritual leader, but also a solitary practitioner. The visionary can act as healer, the medicine woman speak prophetically. The ceremonial role of the priestess does not preclude her from entering into trance or shamanic spiritual journeys.” 🌙
© Mogli Maureal