Orixás in Umbanda: Divine Principles and Their Vibrations

In Umbanda, much is said about the Orixás. But to truly understand them, we must go beyond popular imagery or associations with Afro-Brazilian religions like Candomblé. In Umbanda, the Orixás are not spirits that incorporate — they are divine forces, universal principles that govern creation and sustain the balance of the universe.

What Are the Orixás in Umbanda?

The Orixás are direct emanations of God (Olorum). They represent aspects of divine nature that manifest in the world as vibration, energy, and foundation. Each Orixá governs a specific aspect of life and Creation — such as love, justice, faith, generation, transformation, knowledge, and more.

They are the rulers of the Tronos (Thrones) of Umbanda, spiritual pillars that organize the work of spiritual guides and the actions of the lines of work.

The Orixás are worshipped with reverence, faith, and respect. They are not individual spirits but divine powers with universal presence.

Orixás Do Not Incorporate

In Umbanda, the ones who incorporate in mediums are the spiritual guides — such as Caboclos, Pretos-Velhos, Exus, Children (Erês), etc. The Orixás do not incorporate, as they belong to a vibration so high and pure that it does not manifest directly through mediumship.

What we feel in a ritual dedicated to a particular Orixá is their vibration — their spiritual force being channeled into the space through sung prayers (pontos cantados), drum rhythms, colors, elements, and offerings.

The Vibrations of the Orixás

Each Orixá carries a specific vibration. They do not act in isolation but in harmony, balancing the universe and our personal journeys.

Here are some examples:

• Oxalá: governs faith, spirituality, and inner peace.

• Oxumaré: vibration of unifying love, renewal, and transformation.

• Oxum: maternal love, prosperity, sweetness, and emotional comfort.

• Ogum: courage, action, justice, and the opening of paths.

• Xangô: balance, righteousness, divine justice.

• Oxóssi: knowledge, search, abundance, focus.

• Iansã: movement, transformation, truth, and winds.

• Obaluaê: deep healing, overcoming, regeneration.

• Nanã: ancestral wisdom, acceptance, spiritual maturity.

• Iemanjá: generation, universal motherhood, protection of life.

These and other Orixás operate according to the principles of the Tronos, sustaining life and spiritual manifestations.

Orixás, Nature, and Archetypes

The Orixás also manifest in nature: in the waters, forests, mountains, winds, thunder, minerals, seas, and roads... Nature is a direct expression of these divine powers.

Additionally, each Orixá represents an archetype, a universal symbolic pattern. This helps us understand their teachings intuitively and apply these principles in our daily lives.

Conclusion

To understand the Orixás in Umbanda is to recognize that they are a living part of Creation. They do not speak to us directly through incorporation but reach us through their presence in every sung point, every element of nature, and every value we live by with faith, love, and respect.

In Umbanda, honoring the Orixás means aligning with the divine laws of the universe. It is to tune into the Thrones that sustain all that we are.

Axé!

Pai Pequeno Bruno Pereira