In Santeria/Lukumi, the Babalawo is the High Priest of Orunmila. Babalawo is the Highest rank of the Priesthood in Santeria. Babalawos specialize in divination- communication with the Orishas. They determine through a variety of divination methods the will of the Orishas.

A Babalawo determines which Orisha rules the "head" of a candidate for initiation, and Only a man may become a Babalawo; women become Ayalochas (Mother of the Orishas).

Pronunciation: Bah-bah-lah-woe • (noun)

Alternate Spellings: Babalua, Babalawwo