All About Palo Mayombe: Learn how to summon the dead, how to pray to them, the types of deities that exist, and what their signature is.
Santeria isn’t the only religion that exists. Around the world, there are others that also connect with deities to achieve goals. These religions also have African origins and are a syncretism between other religions we know.
One of them is Palo Mayombe, and it’s as old as time itself. You may have heard of it, but if not, continue reading this article.
What is Palo Mayombe?
This is a type of magic characterized by maintaining a balance between good and evil in the world. Its origins date back to before the migration of the Bantu people southward and the settlement of tribes right in the center of Africa, specifically the Congo, Angola, and Cabinda.
Despite the passing of time, its devotees remain faithful to this religion, and people from other countries such as Colombia, Cuba, the United States, the Dominican Republic, and others have joined.
How to pray to the dead?
If you want to ask for something you need, you can do so by praying to the dead. To do this, you must follow a series of steps:
- Place two candles: one black and one red.
- Sprinkle the candles with holy water and sprinkle flower petals on them.
- Light the candles and say the following prayer:
I call to you, I pray to you
Because you open the paths for me
And because you protect me from evil.
I am your mayombe,
I ask you to fulfill my request
Because you know how much I need it.
How to summon the dead?
The chants and invocations are performed in a mixture of two languages: Spanish and Kikongo. To summon the dead, the Tata or Yaya must be present because they have the power to control the forces generated. The procedure is as follows:
- Draw a protective circle and inside it, perform the patitembas.
- Say the corresponding prayer to invoke that force and indicate the treaty or pact you wish to make with the deity.
- Make a mixture of herbs, sticks, and other ingredients depending on what you want to do, i.e., for wealth, wisdom, love, etc.
- Burn the mixture you made, and when the saint appears, the palero takes possession.
Note: The human body should not be allowed to take possession because it is dangerous.
What are the names of the dead in Palo Mayombe?
In this religion, the dead are worked with through a pact with their nfumbes, as they perform work for the deity in exchange for proper care. There are different types of dead in Palo Mayombe, and here are a few:
- Those who died violently, either at the hands of someone or due to circumstances beyond their control. These are the most needy, as they are considered slaves or “pledge dogs.”
- The evolved ones, who are considered unmanipulated.
- Dead from the palera branch of Caridad (ritual ancestors).
- Deceased palero godparents.
- Dead from biological family, spiritual cord.
What is Palo Mayombe Rayamiento?
This is an initiation rite for paleros and is also known as “Rayamiento en Palo.” It is through this ceremony that people can join this cult.
It consists of making a pact through various types of small cuts on various areas of the body with different Nfumbes, or dead spirits, and from that moment on, the person or people present are under their protection.
This must be performed by the priest Tata Nganga or Tata Nkisi, since, as it is a highly sacred process, it requires a person with experience and hierarchy.
How many deities are there?
Each religion or cult has its own deities, to whom people invoke, pray, or ask for help depending on the actions they perform. These deities are as diverse as those found in the Catholic religion. Here is a brief list of some of them:
- Má Lango, also known as the Virgin of Regla, patron saint of the port of Havana and equivalent to Yemayá.
- Mama Kengue or Kingdom Trembles.
- Lungombe, a Mayombera entity with dark powers.
- Seven Rays.
- Mpungo Kobayende, deity of plagues. Also known by names such as Tata Kañeñe, Tata Pansua, Tata Funde, or Tata Fumbe.
- Lucero Mundo (World Star).
- Gurufinda and Nkuyu or Nkuyo, deities of botany.
- Baluande or Mother of Water.
- Nazambi, creator god of the Mayombe universe. It is also known by the names Sambia, Sambia Liri, Sambi Bilongo, Nsambiampungo, Pungun Sambia, Sambia Surukuru.
Palo Mayombe Signatures
Signatures are lines made to invoke a saint, perform witchcraft, or decorate garments. They are traced with plaster to do good and with charcoal to represent evil, and are drawn on the ground to attract these supernatural entities.
Signatures can be used for all types, from special tasks to those with a specific purpose. Some signatures you may find are:
- Great Patipemba.
- Hell World.
- Kalunga Munan Nsambi.
- Earth Trembles – Obatala.
- Mama Chola – Oshún.
- Oggún – Sarabanda.
- Kambonfinda – Nfumbe in Campo
- Finda.
- Kengue.
- Lima Quiribomba.
- Luango Nsasi.
- Lubambe Kambonfinda.
- Lucero.
Types of Signs
In this religion, the dead communicate through Palo Mayombe signs, but a purification must first be performed before Nganga to receive either positive or negative answers depending on the outcome of the consultation. Here is a list of some signs:
- Mitengwe refers to fortune and is considered a positive sign because it usually involves an increase in income.
- Mbizimbilli refers to serious illnesses that are about to happen and to responsibility in making decisions.
- Mazangula speaks of success and paths that have rewards. It also speaks of problems that can be quickly overcome.
- Mbunga refers to difficulties and disputes between a couple, family, or villagers, but also speaks of defending people from enemies.
- Kwaga represents wisdom and speaks of reunions and harmony.
- Ntakwala prevents fights by paying debts. Mbango represents hope for those who have fallen into misfortune as a result of a curse.
- Zilume is an unfavorable sign for women because it represents unstable times, such as illness and premature birth.
- Vuba represents someone who, for not heeding their values and warriors, falls into misfortune.
- Mpululu is one of the most important signs because it represents the mother’s blessing for the development of our lives and spiritual advancement.
Difference between Palo Monte and Palo Mayombe
The main objective of Palo Monte is the worship of non-anthropomorphic powers and deities, that is, those deities who possess human characteristics or qualities, but are not human.
Unlike the previous traditions, in Palo Mayombe, a spiritual x-ray is performed through the practice of mysticism and divination, which dates back to primitive humans at the beginning of time.
As you can see, this is a very interesting religion like any other, full of details, signs, and deities that fulfill a specific function. I hope that, if you want to join this cult, this article will help you learn everything you need and clarify all your doubts.