One of the most fascinating aspects of Umbanda is the fact that spiritual entities, or spirits, interact with humans to provide guidance, protection, and healing.
Umbanda always offers a variety of experiences, from getting a spiritual cleanse, to feeling serenity in the presence of a Preto Velho to being mesmerized by the dance of a Cigana.
Having knowledge of the different lines of work in Umbanda is key to understanding its spiritual beliefs and practices, as well as the spiritual entities that come to visit.
Lines of Work in Umbanda
In Umbanda, the term "work" refers to the service provided by the entities that manifest through the mediums. To work is to serve, and the spiritual entities serving are associated with specific Orixás that rule over them.
Click here to read my post on the 7 Divine Thrones and Orixás
These lines of work are spiritual characterizations, allowing entities to work within certain boundaries and adopt a spiritual stereotype.
All spirits that choose to manifest this way take on traits of their archetype.
With that said, there are two main branches to the lines of work in Umbanda, known as the left and the right.
Now, it's a common misconception that the left is the negative side and the right is positive... In terms of polarity and magnetism this is true, however it doesn't mean the entities on the left are evil and the ones on the right are good. Far from that, they actually work together all the time.
In the most simplified view, the left specialise in absorbing and consuming excess energy. The right help us irradiate towards higher divine virtues.
Ultimately, it's all about balance.
Spiritual Entities of the Right
Entities on the right side of Umbanda serve as guides and protectors, supporting individuals to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience. They're all associated with the highest divine virtues which are expressions of the Orixás.
Baianos
“Baianos” in Portuguese means “from Bahia”.
Bahia is a State in the Northeast of Brazil. Its capital is Salvador and was in fact the first capital of Brazil.
The spirits that appear in this Line of Work are playful, give great advice and love to dance.
They represent the priests and priestesses from the northeast of Brazil, who despite so much prejudice, did their best to preserve and spread the word of the Orixás.
This Line of work truly is a tribute to those forgotten heroes who stood up for their beliefs in the face of hardship and discrimination. All the while with great smiles on their faces and a laid-back attitude.
The advice they give is powerful and comforting. They tell us how life can be difficult, but that shouldn’t stop us from enjoying it. Worrying just adds weight to what we are already carrying. So they like to dance and move a lot, shaking off any bad vibes.
The ruling Orixás of the Baianos are Oxalá (Faith) and Iansã (Law).
The Baianos love a good chat, are great listeners and can be quick to answer, cutting to the point when needed.
Their energy is super uplifting and can put even the grumpiest of people in a good mood! Their spiritual service helps keep us on the right path in life.
Boiadeiros
The spirits in this line of work take on the archetype of ranchers, cattlemen and cowboys.
The Boiadeiros are energetic, fearless and very direct. Astride their horses, they are battle-worn and carry an imposing demeanor.
They are strong, determined, and brave. Skilled workers who focus on the task at hand, they like to work hard and get the job done without too much chit chat. For this reason, the Boiadeiros are entities of few words.
The spiritual tools they carry are their whip and rope, and the environment they operate in is open fields and roads and paths. The Orixás in charge of the Boiadeiros are Ogum (Law) and Logunan (Time/ Faith).
Ogum is the warrior, guardian Orixá and enforcer of the law. Without a doubt, the Boiadeiros very much incorporate this energy.
Like most Umbanda entities, they speak in metaphors... The archetype they embody works hard to gather and round up the cattle, lassoing any stragglers or even pulling them out the mud if necessary.
All the work they do and the bovine terms they use metaphorically represent their spiritual service, and in particular their work in the lower astral realms.
The rope they use to lasso creates energetic spirals that encompass negative entities that may affect us in our day to day lives.
The Boiadeiros are spiritual herders of lost souls. They specialise in cutting away any black magic, cleansing the Umbanda temple and offloading any unwanted energies.
For this reason they are known to work with both the left and the right lines in Umbanda. They generally keep the temple in check and their presence maintains a certain level of discipline.
Their powerful energy keeps spirits and ourselves on the right track.
Erês
The line of Erês, also known as the line of Children, represents child-like spirits that embody innocence, happiness, and love.
Despite their childlike appearance and behaviour, they are actually very old spirits. As enchanted beings, they possess a purity and simplicity not bound by the constraints of the physical world.
The Erês are associated with the Orixá Oxumaré, who symbolizes renovation and sits on the Throne of Love.
Oxumaré is often represented by rainbows, which the Erês love because they are attracted to colourful things. The Erês belong to the elemental realms and are linked to nature, the elements, and the Orixás that govern them.
The Erês offer great counsel, despite their choice to manifest as children. They have a simplistic view of the world that reminds us of basic truths and helps us tap into the simplicity and sweetness of life, which is an essential aspect of spiritual practice.
The Erês' refreshing energy helps bring wonder back into life's mundanity, providing a break from the adult mind's tendency to overthink and complicate things.
One of the Erês' most significant contributions is the impact they have on our inner child.
They help us connect with our childlike joy and wonder, reminding us of the importance of innocence and love in our lives.
The use of toys, dolls, cars, sweets, and lollipops in their spiritual work helps evoke the energy of the Erês and encourages us to embrace our inner child.
Caboclos
Caboclos are spiritual entities that take on the form of indigenous Indians.
They are known for their strength, humility, and respect. Their ruling Orixá is Oxóssi, who represents knowledge and the forest.
In Umbanda, Caboclos have a special place, as they are at the forefront of spiritual practice and serve as a link between mediums and the Orixás.
Caboclos are scholars and teachers who impart wisdom in various areas of life, such as faith, love, knowledge, justice, law, evolution, and creation.
For this reason, each Orixá has its own type of Caboclo, but all of them stem from Oxóssi. They inspire us to be brave and stand up for what is just and good for all.
The archetype of Native Americans that the Caboclos represent embodies integrity and a harmonious balance with nature. They valued authenticity and rejected falsity, dishonesty, lies, or deception.
In Umbanda, the Caboclos embody these virtues with their simplicity, courage, and humility.
The spirits in this line of work are not only great healers but also hold the mysteries of the forest and sacred herbs.
Caboclos teach us the virtues of patience in learning and wisdom in action, reminding us that life is a journey of discovery and growth.
Their wisdom is invaluable, as they have existed for centuries and possess a deep understanding of the human experience.
Ciganos
Ciganos, also known as Gypsies, are represented in Umbanda as nomadic travellers. These spiritual entities embody the archetype of freedom and prosperity in all areas of life.
They have walked many paths and picked up traits and tools from various cultures and traditions, making them versatile and knowledgeable.
One of the most important teachings of the Ciganos is about the beauty of creation and the joy of life.
They remind us that we too are free and sovereign beings, and that we should let go of mental constraints that hold us back, such as judgement and social paradigms. By doing so, we can experience joy and prosperity in our lives.
Magical knowledge, divination, and relationships are the specialties of the Ciganos.
Using tools like tarot cards, runes, and crystal balls, they can travel through time and space, visiting the past, present, and future.
The Ciganos are associated with Oxalá, the Orixá of Space, and Logunan, the Orixá of Time.
In addition, they have connections with other Orixás, such as Ogum, who holds the mysteries of paths and roads, and Egunitá, who represents the purifying flame always present at their campfires.
Gypsy Fire
Fire symbolises passion, transformation, and intensity, all qualities the Ciganos possess.
They use fire to purify and transform negative energy, and to ignite the passions and creativity within themselves and others.
The Ciganos believe that fire has the power to bring good luck and fortune, and they use it in their rituals and spells to manifest their desires.
Fire is a powerful force, and the Ciganos are masters of harnessing its energy.
As spiritual minimalists, the Ciganos teach us that by letting go of material attachments and unnecessary baggage, we can find life's true values.
They remind us that what we are really searching for is always within us. The energy of the Ciganos is mesmerizing, and their dances are truly enchanting.
Preto Velhos
The Preto Velhos are a line of work in Umbanda that embodies the archetype of elderly black slaves who endured much suffering and hardship in their lives.
Preto Velho in Portuguese literally means “Old Black Man”, and despite their age and physical infirmities, they possess vast experience and wisdom, making them the best counsellors.
They manifest as elderly beings who often sit down due to their shaky and bent-over appearance.
These spiritual entities are known for their extreme kindness, soft-spoken manner, and calm demeanor. They use simple language, often mispronouncing words, but their souls are of the highest order and are extremely advanced.
They are capable of capturing powerful negative entities, guiding lost souls when necessary, and even performing miracles.
The Preto Velhos are also deeply connected to the element of Earth. As elderly beings, they embody the wisdom of the land and the cycles of nature.
They teach us about the importance of grounding and staying connected to the physical world. They remind us that we are not separate from nature, but rather a part of it.
By staying grounded, we can better navigate life's challenges and connect with the abundance that the Earth has to offer. The Preto Velhos use herbs and other elements from the Earth to heal physical and spiritual ailments.
They show us the power of simplicity and the importance of living in harmony with the natural world.
The Preto Velhos are associated with the Orixás of Faith (Oxalá), Forgiveness and Passage (Obaluaiê), Evolution and Maturity (Nanã), and Death (Omolu).
They embody spiritual maturity and teach us the most important values in life: service to others, forgiveness, and humility.
Their line of work is also called the Line of Souls, and they are considered wise old sages and the epitome of humility.
Marinheiros
The Marinheiros are spiritual sailors who have aquatic qualities and are connected to the oceans in some form or another.
These are the spirits of explorers, captains, sailors, pirates, or even fishermen. The origins of the Marinheiros in the Umbanda tradition are rooted in Brazil's rich maritime history, where the sea played a significant role in commerce and transportation.
When the Marinheiros manifest in the Umbanda temples, they sway from side to side when they walk and dance. One might think they’ve had too much rum or that they struggle to keep their footing on the deck of a ship at high seas.
However, in spiritual terms, they're in tune with the strong vibrations from Orixá Iemanjá. Her magnetism is powerful and responsible for the creative forces of the ocean and the tides.
It’s only natural that a spiritual entity would ebb and flow, riding the waves emanated by the Queen of the Seas.
The Marinheiros are jolly entities that make you feel welcome and part of their crew. They are polite, extroverted, and quite hilarious at times!
These spirits embody the adventurous and lighthearted nature of sailors, and their teachings revolve around sailing metaphors.
Their ship is their world, and sometimes they go hungry and thirsty at sea. The crew members rely on each other to survive, and teamwork is essential. Everyone has a role to play, even when the journey seems never-ending.
Virtues of a Sailor
The line of Marinheiros teaches us fellowship, mutual respect, and trust.
They exemplify the qualities of companionship and discipline, which are crucial for surviving in challenging situations.
For example, if a crew member falls overboard, the others must work together to save them. In real-world situations, the teachings of the Marinheiros can be applied to teamwork in the workplace, family relationships, or community building.
Despite the challenges that sailors face, the Marinheiros value what’s important while having a laugh along the way. They teach us that we should appreciate the things we have in life, even when we're facing adversity.
"We're all in the same boat" comes to mind, emphasizing the importance of unity and shared experience.
Spiritual Entities of the Left
The left side of Umbanda is often associated with darker or more intense energies, and its spirits are able to work with entities that are not always considered positive or light.
This line is often called upon to help with issues related to justice, revenge, protection, and cleansing, and these spiritual entities are particularly powerful in these areas.
Despite its association with the somber side of things, the left is not necessarily negative or harmful.
Its spirits work with both light and dark forces, and they are capable of helping individuals navigate difficult situations and overcome obstacles in their lives.
Exus
(Pronounced Eh-shoos)
Exus are spiritual guardians who operate in the lower astral realms.
They appear as powerful figures in dark robes and are tasked with maintaining balance in the spiritual world by neutralizing excess negativity.
Despite their imposing image, Exus are spiritual entities of light who bring illumination to the darkness.
Their energies are closely linked to vitality and the absorption of negativity, and their mysterious nature is often associated with masculine sexuality.
As messengers between the spiritual and physical worlds, Exus work alongside all Orixás to defend their mediums.
In Umbanda temples, they provide guidance on spiritual, personal, and professional matters while removing negative energies and attachments that hinder individuals from progressing on their path of evolution.
Exus play a crucial role in maintaining order and justice in both the spiritual and physical realms as enforcers of divine law.
By regulating energies and absorbing excess negativity, they help create balance in the spiritual world. Their presence provides a sense of protection and safety for those who seek their guidance.
Pomba Giras
Pomba Giras are feminine entities that work alongside Exus in the spiritual world.
They are associated with desire and are known to manifest as delicate, beautiful women in stunning dresses.
However, they can also take on other forms such as skeletons or wild animals when a different kind of impact is required.
Pomba Giras are connected to the deepest desires of our inner selves, which is why they may occasionally exhibit an animalistic quality.
They function as drainers of negativity and stimulators of desire, generating and radiating powerful feminine mysteries that are linked to sexuality.
Pomba Giras and Exus work in conjunction with one another, with each entity complementing the other's strengths and abilities.
Together, their combination of masculine and feminine energies create a fertile ground for growth and change.
When Pomba Giras visit Umbanda temples, they provide guidance and advice on spiritual and material matters, while also helping individuals confront themselves and their desires.
They serve as catalysts for spiritual growth and assist individuals in moving towards higher aspects and divine virtues represented by the Orixás.
By removing negative energies and stimulating our desires, Pomba Giras help us connect with our deepest selves and move towards a path of growth and enlightenment.
Exu Mirim
The Exu Mirim are enchanted beings from another dimension parallel to ours.
Together with Exu and Pomba Gira, they form a powerful triangle on the left, stopping all spirits and energies that work against peace and harmony.
Just like the Erês (Children), they are not from this world and haven’t incarnated here on Earth.
They are quite energetic when they manifest and can have an immaturity about them.
Due to the similarities they share with Erês, Exu Mirim are sometimes called the “Children of the Left”. This is not necessarily true, though, and they’re definitely not the offspring of Exu and Pomba Gira!
Smells like Teen Spirit
Exu Mirim are misunderstood, and for good reason. They have an adolescent quality to them.
Following social norms or etiquette is not a high priority for them.
In fact, they’re not well-mannered at all. To the extent that if they like you, they’ll expose your problems and insult you in the process!
They work closely with karma... what you give is what you get, and they give it to you straight with no filters.
With that said, Exu Mirim help us in many ways…
These spiritual entities are rebels and that is their strength. Specialising in uncovering what’s been hidden on purpose.
Just like a teenager who finds his parents' secret stash, Exu Mirim is nimble enough to get into the nooks and crannies others have difficulty reaching or may not want you to reach.
Energetically curious, they get into all sorts of mischief, and uncover the best kept truths.
That's why they can seem standoffish when they manifest in the Umbanda temples, because on some level they're expressing and venting distortions held deep within the medium they're working with.
Overall, Exu Mirim have much to offer us and help other entities in many ways, including ferreting out black magic hidden away in the darkest corners.
Malandros
This line of work in Umbanda originated from the cultural and racial mixing in Brazil, and the spiritual entities involved portray the less fortunate, marginalized people from the suburbs and outskirts of society.
The spirits that form this archetype are ones who spent lifetimes enduring poor conditions and, despite their pain and suffering, managed to find joy and laughter in life.
In poverty-stricken places, where there's a lack of public care and an excess of human injustice, the Malandros manifest to compassionately serve those in need.
Ogum (Law) is the Orixá that reigns over them, and they are led by an entity called Zé Pelintra.
Zé Pelintra
Zé is a character. He manifests as a black man wearing a white suit, white trilby hat, and a red tie.
For me, Zé is a true representation of Brazilian spirit seen in the culture, football, and samba.
There's an expression in Brazil - "Jogo de cintura" - that encapsulates his essence.
Although there isn't a direct translation, it relates to resourcefulness, thinking on your feet, and being flexible.
Zé is an extremely cheerful being who has a great sense of humour. He finds the fun in any situation and will get you cracking a smile in no time.
He loves to dance, and of course, samba is his weapon of choice. With his agile movements, quick feet, and grace, he skillfully glides past any difficulties, teaching us to swiftly adapt while enjoying life's dance.
That's how he works, and the same as the rest of the Malandros and Umbanda's spiritual entities, he practices charity and service to others.
Zé Pelintra is an urban entity from the street, known by all. He's present for any celebration and loves a party. For this reason, he's a patron and protector of small commerce, such as bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Spiritually, his line of work is both the left and the right. He works with both the light and darker forces.
He is energetically balletic, able to samba through both spaces, and maintain balance.
Alongside spreading the message of respect, love for one another, humility, and the protection of children and the elderly, Zé and the Malandros are great fighters of darkness, removing curses and black magic.
Zé Pelintra helps us in many ways with his counsel and is known as the Master of the Night and King of Magic.
Spiritual Guides
All the entities in Umbanda embody different archetypes, but they share a common purpose: to guide and serve us.
Remember, Umbanda is the manifestation of spirit for the practice of charity.
In the simplest terms, these spirits come to help us. Offering guidance, comfort, and support, and to aid us in navigating the challenges and obstacles of life.
Developing a deeper connection with spiritual guides can provide greater insight, wisdom, and understanding, leading to increased peace, purpose, and fulfillment.