A Babaylan is a traditional spiritual leader and healer in various indigenous Filipino cultures. Historically, they played a crucial role in their communities, serving as mediators between the physical and spiritual worlds. Babaylans were often women, although men could also hold this position, and they were respected for their knowledge of herbal medicine, rituals, and ancestral traditions. Babaylans conducted ceremonies to promote healing, fertility, and protection against malevolent spirits. They were integral to the community's social and cultural life, often guiding rituals during important events such as births, marriages, and harvests. Their practices reflect a deep connection to nature and the belief in the importance of maintaining harmony within the community.