Way of the Ancient Healer: Sacred Teachings from the Philippine Ancestral Traditions, by Virgil J. Mayor Apostol

Posted on Apr 22, 2010 in A Holistic Approach, ancient symbols, history


In this book, Virgil also mentions how symbols/amulets, such as the lingling-o were used by hilots and healers. I look forward to getting this book to read more about that and the healing practices such as using ginger and salt to alleviate fever…

Product Description

Way of the Ancient Healer provides an overview of the rich tradition of Filipino healing practices, discussing their origins, world influences, and role in daily life. Enhanced with over 200 photographs and illustrations, the book combines years of historical research with detailed descriptions of the spiritual belief system that forms the foundation of these practices. Giving readers a rare look at modern-day Filipino healing rituals, the book also includes personal examples from author Virgil Apostol’s own experiences with shamanic healing and dream interpretation.

The book begins with an explanation of Apostol’s Filipino lineage and legacy as a healer. After a brief history of the Philippine archipelago, he describes the roots of traditional Filipino healing and spirituality, and discusses the Indian, Islamic, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, and American influences that have impacted the Filipino culture. He presents a thorough description of Filipino shamanic and spiritual practices that have developed from the concept that everything in nature contains a spirit (animism) and that living in the presence of spirits demands certain protocols and rituals for interacting with them. The book’s final chapter thoughtfully explores the spiritual tools used in Filipino healing—talismans, amulets, stones, and other natural symbols of power.

About the Author

A healing arts therapist and certified Holistic Health practitioner, Virgil J. Mayor Apostol is the coauthor of Healing Hands of Hilot: Filipino Therapeutic Massage. He was encouraged by Deepak Chopra to teach Filipino healing worldwide through workshops. He lives in Highland, CA.

Pre-order your copy now at amazon.com.

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I am excited about getting this book, not only because I want to learn more about the hilot practices but also because I want to learn more about the lingling-o. My interest stems from the relationship of the fertility symbols, the dinumug and the lingling-o,  to the symbol for BA. See Fertility Symbols, Feminine Principle and BA.

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Virgil’s FB page for Way of the Ancient Healer

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  1. Buwaya: Crocodile in Philippine Symbolism and Beliefs, 1 of 3 | BaybayinAlive - […] learned this when Virgil Mayor Apostol, a keynote speaker at the conference and author of Way of the Ancient Healer,…

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