A Filipino Ancestral Ritual for Self-Honoring and Soul Alignment
Hayahay is a meditative, embodied ritual (pagninilay) rooted in pre-colonial Filipino animist traditions. Passed on to me by my Babaylan mentor, a Filipino shaman from a lineage that has preserved ancestral wisdom, this practice invites you to reconnect with your body, spirit, and the sacred breath of life.
During the ritual, we honour the seven soul vessels: the head, eyes, nose, mouth, ears, arms, and legs, each carrying a unique energetic imprint. Through chanting, self-anointing, and guided visualisation, we enter a state of Hayahay, a deep sense of rest, clearing, and inner balance.
“Hayahay” is a Filipino word that means to exhale, soften, and rest into life. This ritual is not about religion, but about reconnecting with the quiet knowing that lives in our bones. It is offered in the spirit of kapwa, the shared self, a way of welcoming all identities and backgrounds into a space of respectful transformation.
This is a modernised animist ritual, adapted to be accessible, yet held with cultural depth and care.
✺ Short Hayahay Ritual – 1h 30m
• Pausok opening: herbal smoke blessing to clear space and body
• Short lecture on Filipino animism, the 7 soul vessels, and usbong, our natural energetic field
• Three ritual modules:
- Chanting sacred syllable (x3) with guided visualisation to open the breath and vessels
- Self-honoring: 7-vessel body anointing with prayer using ritual oil (lana)
- Final chanting (x3) and visualisation for energy alignment
This version is deeply restorative, suitable for those wanting a gentle yet potent return to self.
What I’ll provide
• Herbal pausok for energetic cleansing
• Ritual lana (virgin coconut oil) infused with intention
• One intuitive Gabaybayin (similar to runes) message, time permitting
• A grounding explanation of the 7 soul vessels and usbong energy
What to bring & how to prepare
• Wear comfortable clothes, a sleeveless blouse, and wide pants or shorts. Bring a sarong, or a large towel/cloth to cover your body. This supports privacy during the anointing of intimate areas (chest, belly, inner legs)
• The cloth may also be used to remove excess oil afterwards, gently
• Please avoid showering immediately after to allow the oil to integrate
• Bring drinking water, and wear loose, breathable clothes
Come as you are, with openness, respect, and a willingness to listen inward. This ritual is for all who seek to reconnect with themselves in a sacred and culturally-rooted way.
Please note that same-day bookings are not accepted. By guiding rituals, I must perform a ritual for the space and prepare myself to offer the service more effectively. Hope you understand my position.
*As soon as you book, please text me via WhatsApp to coordinate the location of the ritual.
