In the sacred teachings of Hilot Binabaylan, we recognize two distinct types of death: Natural Death and Unnatural Death.
- Natural Death occurs due to aging or illness. It is part of the life cycle and often comes with signs and spiritual preparation.
- Unnatural Death, on the other hand, happens suddenly—through accidents, murder, warfare, or hate crimes. It disrupts the natural rhythm of life and the soul’s journey.
While natural death can be delayed or prevented through healing and spiritual alignment, the question arises:
Can we prevent unnatural death?
From the lens of Hilot Binabaylan, the answer is yes—but it requires conscious spiritual practice, community awareness, and elemental harmony.
1. Maintain Elemental Balance
The human body is composed of the elements—Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. Imbalance among these can lead to confusion, weakness, and vulnerability to accidents. Through Hilot healing, Bato Omo assessment, and rituals invoking Diwatang Kilubansa, we restore harmony and strengthen the body’s resilience.
2. Strengthen the Soul’s Shield
Spiritual protection is essential. Binabaylan practitioners use:
- Blessed oils (lana) and herbal poultices (tapal)
- Prayers and offerings to Anito and Diwata
- Consecrated amulets or agimat that serve as spiritual guardians
These tools help shield the soul from harmful energies and sudden spiritual disconnection.
3. Avoid Spiritually Dangerous Places and Activities
Some locations are known to harbor malevolent spirits or chaotic energies. Binabaylan are trained to sense these places and perform ritual cleansing or protective markings. Awareness and respect for these spaces can prevent misfortune.
4. Strengthen Community Bonds
Unnatural death caused by violence or war often stems from social disconnection and unresolved anger. Hilot Binabaylan teachings promote peace, unity, and mutual respect. By fostering harmony within the community, we reduce the risk of conflict and harm.
5. Recognize and Prevent Hate Crimes
Sometimes, unnatural death arises from hate crimes—acts of violence driven by prejudice, discrimination, or intolerance. These are especially tragic because they target individuals based on identity, belief, or background.
Examples of Hate Crimes That May Lead to Death:
- Racial or ethnic violence
- Religious persecution
- Gender-based violence
- Attacks on LGBTQ+ individuals
- Political or ideological assassinations
- Cultural erasure and indigenous targeting
How Can We Prevent and Lessen Hate Crimes?
- Education and Awareness: Teach respect for diversity and the sacredness of all life.
- Community Dialogue: Create safe spaces for interfaith and intercultural conversations.
- Spiritual Advocacy: Use rituals and teachings to promote compassion and understanding.
- Protection of Vulnerable Groups: Offer spiritual and emotional support to those at risk.
- Empowerment through Identity: Encourage people to embrace their heritage and spirituality without fear.
In Hilot Binabaylan, we believe that every soul carries divine essence. Hate crimes are not just physical attacks—they are spiritual wounds that affect the collective soul of humanity. Healing these wounds requires both ritual and action.
6. Listen to Nature and the Diwata
The Diwata often send warnings through dreams, visions, or intuitive feelings. Being attuned to these signs allows us to avoid danger before it manifests. Binabaylan are trained to interpret these messages and guide others accordingly.
7. Care for the Body and Mind
Physical weakness and mental confusion can lead to accidents. Hilot Binabaylan emphasizes proper nutrition, movement, and mental clarity. A strong body and focused mind are less likely to fall victim to sudden harm.
A Call to Ritual and Reflection
As spiritual healers and leaders, we are called not only to heal but to protect life. Perhaps it is time to create a Ritual of Protection Against Unnatural Death, invoking the blessings of Diwatang Balantay, Kilubansa, and other guardian spirits. This can be integrated into the ceremonies of Templong Anituhan and offered to the community as a sacred shield.
Would you like to collaborate on crafting this ritual and its invocation? Together, we can empower our people to walk safely and consciously in both the physical and spiritual realms.
Hilot Academy of Binabaylan 