When Filipinos hear the word divination, the common translation offered is panganghula—the act of predicting or guessing the future. However, this interpretation is shallow and misleading. Hula means “guess” or “prediction,” which reduces divination to mere speculation. In its original sense, divination is not about guessing; it is about seeking counsel from the Divine.
The English term divination comes from the Latin divinatio, rooted in divinus—meaning “divine” or “of the gods.” It refers to the sacred act of consulting the divine will, not fortune-telling. In precolonial Filipino spirituality, this concept resonates deeply with the role of the Babaylan, who served as the mediator between humans and the spirit world.
Why Sangguni?
The Tagalog word sangguni means “to consult” or “to seek advice.” It appears in terms like sanggunian (council or advisory body). When applied spiritually, Sangguni perfectly expresses the essence of divination: coming before the Divine to seek guidance and understanding of His will. This is far more accurate than panganghula, which implies uncertainty and guesswork.
By reclaiming Sangguni as the Filipino term for divination, we restore its dignity and spiritual depth. It is not superstition; it is a holy act of consultation with the Divine, rooted in faith and indigenous wisdom.
The Babaylan as Mediator
In precolonial communities, the Babaylan (also called katalonan in Tagalog, balian in Mindanao, or mumbaki in the Cordilleras) was the spiritual leader, healer, and counselor. People approached the Babaylan not for random predictions but for clarity on the will of Bathala or the Diwata. Through rituals, omens, dreams, and sacred signs, the Babaylan interpreted messages from the spirit world to guide decisions on health, harvest, relationships, and community welfare.
The Babaylan’s authority was second only to the datu (chief). Before major decisions—such as declaring war, planting crops, or resolving disputes—the datu often sought the Babaylan’s counsel. This was Sangguni in action: a sacred dialogue between humanity and the divine, facilitated by the spiritual leader.
Historical Examples of Sangguni Practices
Precolonial Filipinos practiced various forms of divination, all rooted in consultation with spiritual forces:
- Pag-anito Rituals
These were séances where the Babaylan invoked ancestral spirits (anito) or nature deities (diwata) to seek guidance. Offerings of food, betel nut, and wine were made to invite the spirits’ presence. - Dream Interpretation (Panaginip)
Babaylans interpreted dreams as messages from the spirit world. Dreams of animals, weather patterns, or celestial signs were analyzed to guide decisions on planting, travel, or healing. - Reading Omens (Pagbasa ng Palatandaan)
Unusual events—such as the flight of birds, sudden storms, or animal behavior—were considered omens. Babaylans read these signs to discern divine will, especially before battles or migrations. - Sacred Sites and Nature Worship
Mountains, rivers, and balete trees were revered as dwelling places of spirits. Rituals were performed at these sites to ask for blessings or avert calamities. - Healing and Ritual Consultation
Illness was often seen as a spiritual imbalance. The Babaylan performed healing rites, sometimes entering trance states to communicate with spirits and prescribe remedies.
The Role of Modern Binabaylan
Today, the path of the Binabaylan continues through those who are initiated into indigenous priesthood—whether as Babaylan, Katalonan, or Mumbaki. These modern spiritual leaders uphold the ancient responsibility of mediating between humanity and the Divine, but in a contemporary context.
Modern Binabaylan:
- Serve as counselors and healers, guiding individuals and communities through life’s challenges using both traditional wisdom and holistic practices.
- Preserve and teach indigenous rituals, ensuring that sacred acts like Sangguni remain relevant and respected.
- Integrate spirituality with wellness, through programs like Hilot Binabaylan, which harmonize physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
- Advocate cultural identity, helping Filipinos reconnect with their ancestral roots and spiritual heritage.
- Facilitate interfaith dialogue, showing that indigenous spirituality can coexist with modern faith traditions while maintaining its authenticity.
In essence, the modern Binabaylan is not a relic of the past but a living bridge—connecting ancient wisdom with present-day needs for healing, guidance, and cultural renewal.
Relevance Today
Reclaiming Sangguni is not about reviving superstition; it is about restoring a spiritual heritage that values discernment, community guidance, and harmony with the divine will. In modern practice—whether through Hilot Binabaylan healing, ancestral rituals, or cultural education—Sangguni can guide individuals and communities toward holistic well-being.
In a world filled with uncertainty, the wisdom of our ancestors reminds us: true divination is not prediction—it is consultation with the Divine for clarity and purpose.
Call to Action
Let us teach future generations that Sangguni is the authentic Filipino term for divination. It honors our indigenous spirituality and reframes divination as a sacred act of seeking divine counsel, not mere fortune-telling. Through the work of modern Binabaylan, this ancient practice can continue to inspire and heal.
Dambana ng Luntiang Aghama 