Way of the Ancient Healer : Sacred Teachings From the Philippine Ancestral Traditions

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 300 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 Mayor 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. Way of the Ancient Healer: Sacred Teachings from the Philippine Ancestral Traditions is sponsored by the Society for the Study of Native Arts and Sciences, a nonprofit educational corporation whose goals are to develop an educational and cross-cultural perspective linking various scientific, social, and artistic fields; to nurture a holistic view of arts, sciences, humanities, and healing; and to publish and distribute literature on the relationship of mind, body, and nature. __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 300 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 Mayor 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.Way of the Ancient Healer: Sacred Teachings from the Philippine Ancestral Traditions is sponsored by the Society for the Study of Native Arts and Sciences, a nonprofit educational corporation whose goals are to develop an educational and cross-cultural perspective linking various scientific, social, and artistic fields; to nurture a holistic view of arts, sciences, humanities, and healing; and to publish and distribute literature on the relationship of mind, body, and nature. The first-ever comprehensive introduction to traditional Filipino healing practices—featuring rare photographs and insights into the roots and modern-day rituals of this ancient shamanic and spiritual belief system. “. . . brilliantly blends the art and science of the sacred teachings of Filipino traditional healing to help people find their path toward health and happiness.” —Deepak Chopra 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 Mayor 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. Preserving The Ancient Wisdom Of An Extraordinary Culture, Way Of The Ancient Healer Reveals The Creative Power Of Healing That Lies Beyond The Limits Of Our Everyday Awareness. This Book Provides A Comprehensive Overview Of Traditional Healing Practices In The Philippines, Exploring Their Origins, World Influences, And Role In Daily Life. Author Virgil Mayor Apostol, A Descendant Of A Long Line Of Filipino Healers, Blends Historical Research With Detailed Descriptions Of The Spiritual Belief System That Forms The Foundation Of The Filipino Healing Tradition. Offering A Rare Look At Modern-day Healing Rituals, Apostol Discusses His Own Shamanic Healing Experiences And Presents Examples Of Sacred Practices That Have Developed From The Concept That Everything In Nature Contains A Soul Or Spirit.--back Cover. Origins Of Filipino Healing -- Shamanic And Spiritual Practices And Beliefs -- Talismans, Amulets, And Other Symbols Of Power. Virgil J. Mayor Apostol. Includes Bibliographical References.