Hello from one of my favorite places in the Philippines, Mount Banahaw! This place is often called the “Holy Mountain,” which serves as a beacon of spiritual energy, drawing countless pilgrims each year.
I remember coming here as early as April 2009 and went trekking along the river bed from San Bernardo to Sta Lucia Falls. During the trek, I captured intriguing orbs on my phone, which continued to appear until we reached our destination.
Orbs are often associated with spiritual energy and the presence of supernatural entities. While the nature of orbs remains debated, many believe they can provide insights into the spiritual realm. Dave Juliano describes an orb as “the energy being transferred from a source to the spirit so they can manifest.”
The presence of orbs aligns with the belief Mount Banahaw possesses unique healing properties, attributed to its sacred springs and natural formations known as puestos. Pilgrims often seek out these waters, which are believed to have therapeutic qualities. Bathing in these springs is thought to cleanse both spirit and body, providing relief from various ailments and emotional burdens.
Pausing to pray, meditate and reflect[/caption]
Pilgrims follow traditional routes through the puestos, pausing to pray, meditate, and reflect. When I visit, I usually do pamumuwesto, a purification ritual that follows a specific sequence of stops at particular puestos.
Read on to follow along the puestos.
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Start of descent down 270 steps
The purification rites begin with a descent of over 270 steps to the Sta. Lucia Twin Falls aimed to balance male and female energies within each person by showering under the Diyos Ama (Father God) waterfall for male energy, followed by the Buhok ng Birhen (Hair of the Virgin) for female energy.
Next is the challenging descent into Balong ni Jacob (Jacob’s Well), a subterranean cave featuring an underground sulfuric stream. Here, one must dip three times in the sulfuric waters, believed to wash away seven years of sin. The final stop is Husgado (Judgment Cave), a physically and psychologically demanding experience of entering a deep, claustrophobic cave.
Coming out of Husgado
This entire process symbolizes various forms of cleansing. The twin falls in Sta. Lucia represents physical cleansing, Jacob’s Well serves as emotional cleansing from fear, and Husgado provides mental cleansing from doubt and lack of faith. The success of this cleansing is validated in Husgado, where, with only a candle to light the way, many pilgrims find it challenging to reach the cave’s exit. Husgado is often called the “sin-purification test.”
Mount Banahaw is not just a place of pilgrimage; it’s a special location filled with spiritual practices and beliefs that continue to resonate with those who seek healing and renewal. It’s why I visit whenever I can, and come out of refreshed and renewed.
For those joining me this weekend, see you! And for those who feel the pull, let me know if you or more of you would like to join me here for another session.
In loving service,
Rosan
