The Thrones of Umbanda: the divine forces that sustain creation

In Umbanda, behind each line of work, each spiritual guide and each mediumistic manifestation, there is a greater, divine and organized force: the Thrones. They are the spiritual foundations that sustain creation, the divine principles that govern the universe and that manifest themselves in vibrations, in the Orixás and in the lines of spiritual action.

Understanding the Thrones is taking a step further in the Umbanda journey. It is moving away from the merely ritualistic perspective and beginning to perceive the deep spiritual logic that exists behind the religion.

What are the Thrones?

The Thrones are the expressions of the Divine Will. Each Throne represents a divine quality active in creation — such as Faith, Love, Knowledge, Justice, Law, Evolution and Generation. Each of these Thrones is supported by a pair of complementary Orixás: a male Orixá and a female Orixá. Together, they balance the forces and fully express the energy of the Throne.

In other words, the Thrones are the columns of Creation, and the Orixás are the rulers of these columns.

They act both on the spiritual and material planes, influencing our lives, our conduct, our learning and our evolution.

The Seven Thrones of Umbanda

In Umbanda, we work mainly with seven divine Thrones, each with a pair of ruling Orixás:

1. Throne of Faith

Ruling Orixás: Oxalá (masculine) and Logunã (feminine)

Represents inner peace, spirituality and connection with the Divine. It acts by strengthening faith and bringing serenity.

2. Throne of Love

Ruling Orixás: Oxumaré (masculine) and Oxum (feminine)

Vibration of unconditional love, emotional harmony and prosperity. It unites, heals and transforms through affection and beauty.

3. Throne of Knowledge

Ruling Orixás: Oxóssi (masculine) and Obá (feminine)

It acts on knowledge, intuition, the search for truths and paths. It favors study, focus and discernment.

4. Throne of Justice

Orixás Rulers: Xangô (masculine) and Egunitá (feminine)

Balances actions, decisions and feelings. Brings merit, righteousness and divine justice.

5. Throne of the Law

Orixás Rulers: Ogum (masculine) and Iansã (feminine)

Represents right action, order, courage and the breaking of negative demands. Opens paths and protects.

6. Throne of Evolution

Orixás Rulers: Obaluaê (masculine) and Nanã (feminine)

Power of profound transformation, healing of physical and spiritual illnesses, and spiritual maturity.

7. Throne of Generation

Orixás Rulers: Omolú (masculine) and Iemanjá (feminine)

Energy of fertility, birth, continuity of life and regeneration. Acts in the creation and protection of the family.

8. The Complementary Throne of Vitality

Agents: Exu (masculine) and Pombagira (feminine)

In addition to the seven main Thrones, Umbanda recognizes the action of a complementary Throne: the Throne of Vitality.

This Throne expresses movement, communication, vitality and the energetic sustenance of life. It acts in the balance between matter and spirit, in the opening of paths, in the renewal of strength and in the maintenance of practical and spiritual life.

Although not traditionally listed among the seven Thrones of Creation, the Throne of Vitality is essential to the dynamics of spiritual work, ensuring fluidity, energetic circulation and connection between the planes.

Why is it important to know the Thrones?

When we understand the Thrones, we realize that each spiritual work, each guide, each chanted point and each guidance received are within an organized divine field. Nothing is random. Everything is connected to a greater principle, with a purpose that aims at our evolution.

This knowledge also helps us to be more aware of our steadfastness, offerings, choices and the way we position ourselves inside and outside the terreiro.

Conclusion

The Thrones of Umbanda are the pillars that support our religion and life itself. They are divine forces that manifest themselves in a loving, fair and wise way, guiding us on our earthly and spiritual journey.

To know the Thrones is to recognize the greatness of Umbanda as a path of light and understanding. And the deeper we delve, the more we realize that everything in Umbanda has a foundation, logic, roots — and, above all, love.

Axé!

Pai Pequeno Bruno Pereira