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A hardworking Orixá, defender and known as the messenger. His name comes from the Yorubá word Esú, which means "sphere". Thus, his energy is capable of manifesting itself in a spiral form. Do you know who I'm talking about? Just a hint, he is also the Guardian of the temple grounds. Did you find out? From the characteristics cited, it is clear that I am talking about Exu in Umbanda.
Many people who don't know the religion usually confuse this Orixá with the one from Candomblé, but even though both are not the same entity, they have the same function: to defend the gate of the terreiros and the houses of the mediums.
See_also: Saint George Prayer for Protection- Do you know how many Orixás there are?
Is the Exu in Umbanda evil?
This is one of the most recurring doubts for those people who don't know the religion. This happens because of the cruel syncretism made by other beliefs associating Exu to demons. Thus, people end up creating a prejudice against this Orixá, thinking that he only comes to do evil work. And this is not true.
The Exu in Umbanda corresponds to the energetic vibration of a spirit that has already known the depths of evil and attachment to matter, and has now decided to work only for the Light.
See_also: Pomba Gira Dama da Noite - The entity of women and loveWhy the colors black and red for Exu in Umbanda
The frightening laughter and facial changes, may frighten those who are not familiar with the power of the Exu in Umbanda. However, like everything in this religion, there is a hidden purpose for this.
As these Orixás are the guardians and protectors of the mediums, therefore, they need to drive away and scare away evil. In the same way, they know the vibration of the lower spirits and this is the mechanism they have to drive them away, demarcating territory with laughter, tridents, abrupt steps, and swearing. The conduct of the Exu will depend on indoctrination and the requirements of the House leader.
- Know the day of each Orixá and know when to make the best offering
So, does the Exu in Umbanda do evil work?
The Exus are the Lords of Karma. They know good and evil up close and still vibrate at a frequency close to matter, being the first to help us with material issues. Therefore, it is possible that there are Exu in Umbanda who are non-doctrinated and who can do evil. However, many times it is not even because they want to, but because they faithfully obey the law of Karma.
If an action starts in the evil mind of a medium, who would this Orixá be to deviate him from his Karma? An Exu in Umbanda is always honest and usually makes clear to the consulant the responsibility for his choices and actions.
- See now all about Umbanda and understand better this religion
The names of Exu in Umbanda and their customs
There are male Exus in Umbanda, such as Exu Caveira, Exu Veludo, Tranca Rua, Exu Tiriri, Exu Marabô, and also female Exus such as Maria Padilha, Maria Molambo, Pomba-gira Gypsy, among others.
Many are vain and like to receive gifts, but many of these demands may be only from the head of the medium. For this reason, it is important to have giras for the development of this energy and to offer the necessary prizes for the strength of the mediums and the house. Thus, it is in them that the Exus seek the strength to carry out their work.
Now that you know more about Exu in Umbanda, here are some more texts that explore this religion:
- Learn now about the seven lines of Umbanda
- Learn about the origin of this Umbanda religion
- See the myths and truths about incorporation in Umbanda
- Check out the story of Maria Padilha - the sorceress of Umbanda
