The World of Eshú and Pomba Gira

7- In Brazil there are currently two types of Umbanda, the one from Angola combined with Candomblе: Omoloc?, and the one from the South that approaches Batuque and is the crossed Umbanda.

On 16th November 1908 a new religion was born which was adopted by nearly everybody: Umbanda.

Quimbanda welcomed the influence that the Batu from Angola, Congo and Mozambique left in America. Quimbanda was based on Eshu, the element of nature that is part of a whole.

For them, Eshus are emaciated spirits: some are evolving spirits and others are quiumbas.

The temples of religion follow more or less the same guidelines as those of Umbanda.

There is an altar dedicated to one or several Eshus, depending on the owners of the place.

In Umbanda, Eshu is the communicator of the Orishas whereas in Quimbanda Eshu is a doctor, a fortune-teller, a healer, a shaman, an exorcists and a sorcerer, he has the power over all things.

Eshu’s powers may fix matrimonial disagreements, heal illnesses, provide success in love, reverse any request, or even cause death.

Eshu is the owner of the Earth, he has several names depending on the place where he manifests and the type of work, but there is always a head Eshu.

I have made a chart with the kingdoms of Eshu and Pomba Gira so as to classify them and know how to use them, also describing their tasks and their power level.

In Quimbanda, both Eshus and Pomba Giras are spirits of light. They are severe, authoritarian, fair, cheerful and responsible. They will never judge your actions, they will never decide if what you are doing is right or wrong, you ask them for help and in return you must thank them. If not, they will turn against you.

There are two types of Eshus in Quimbanda: eguns and those from the astral.

Eguns are the spirits of the followers of this religion, people who have evolved and after death continue to be with us working in this field, while those of the astral are the Quimbanderos. Quimbanderos rule, direct and administer the kingdom. Each Quimbandero has its own position and specific tasks.

Eguns are led by Eshus.

Eshu is on earth, on fire, in air, in water, and in cemeteries.

Eshu uses black because black is the hidden power and red energises the hidden.

Eshus are painted in red because red is the colour of strength, vitality and life.

Eshu is the lord of limit.

Always bear in mind that good and evil are not in Eshu but in the human being.

Reino Das Encruzilhadas (Kingdom of the Crossroads)

They dwell in the corners of crossroads. They are used when someone must choose a path in their life, to beat the enemies, and to put peace and justice in paper work issues. They break chains. They usually help the poor.

Reino Dos Cruzeiros (Kingdom of the Crossings)

They dwell in crossings and behind doors. They are called to do evil actions, they incite disturbance and hate. They make accidents happen.

Reino Das Matas (Kingdom of the Forests)

They dwell in mountains, fields, and in anything that is green. They carry a torch that protects against evil spirits. They know every herb and their use in rituals or works. They provide wisdom, peace and protection, and they cure diseases.

Reino Da Kalunga (Kingdom of the Cemetery)

They are emaciated spirits in a state on evolution. They take care of the other souls and they overcome the enemies. They dwell in cemeteries. They bring all types of death, prevent diseases, heal illnesses and undo works done in the cemetery.

Reino Das Almas (Kingdom of the Souls)

They dwell in all the high places such as hospitals, morgues, wakes and church doors. They guide the souls of the cemeteries to their final location so that they do not get lost, especially those recently deceased. They work with the souls of mediums. They cleanse chakras. They defend people that are attacked by spirits without light.

Reino Da Lira (Kingdom of the Lyre)

They dwell in places of vice, fun and sex, such as nightclubs, casinos, brothels, etc. They are good for business and for strokes of luck. They also help people to get job opportunities. They join couples and strengthen friendships.

Reino Da Praia (Kingdom of the Beaches)

They dwell in the sand of beaches and in the sea, where the Mass for the Dead takes place or where we give our last goodbye to the religious belongings of those who were in life a son or daughter of religion. They send works back and regenerate and calm the place.

Organisational chart

The organisation chart of the Eshu law consists of a main Eshu, or supreme commander, that is composed of three entities. These three entities have the same power and are the following:

– Eshu Maioral

– Eshu Rei

– His Royal Highness Eshu Rei Das 7 Encruzilhadas

Three Princes and two Kingdoms depend on them.

The Princes are:

–Eshu 7 Encruzilhadas

–Eshu 7 Cruzeiros

–Eshu Rei Das 7 Encruzilhadas

The Kingdoms are:

– Kingdom of Eshu Kalunga

– Kingdom of Omul?

Each Prince has two Dukes:

– Eshu 7 Encruzilhadas: Eshu Marabo and Eshu Mangueira.

– Eshu 7 Cruzeiros: Eshu Tranca Ruas and Eshu Tiriri.

– Eshu Rei Das 7 Encruzilhadas: Eshu Veludo and Eshu Dos Rios.