Orisha List

A poetic impression by Phil Wayne, who keeps surprising us with the creativity of Umbanda!

Obalona means “The king in/of the road”

Trailers for sale or rent,
Rooms to let, fifty cents
No girls, no bath, no pets,
Can’t get no cigarettes.
Smoke old stogies I have found
Plenty there but not too big around …

It is from a song called “King of the road”. Obalona is another one of the “road Exus”. He will ask exhorbitant prices for working for you, but will usually drop down to pennies (three of them) if you want to bargain.

Source: Eshu, the Spirit of the Trickster

Eshu Lalu is the “dancer” among the Eshus. He is the one who helps opening specific power centers in the body that pertain to Orishas and Orisha possession, through dance.

Source: Eshu, the Spirit of the Trickster

The Eshu who is particularly fond of sweets and cancy. He’s quite good in compensating for the bitterness that is so often part of our lives. Give him sweets, and he will give you sweetness.

Source: Eshu, the Spirit of the Trickster

Phil Wayne, Umbandisto: “This Exu is the one who stops us from seeing the world as it really is. He is pictured with coca or Marijuana leaves in most of the pictures I have seen of him.”

Source: Eshu, the Spirit of the Trickster

Eshu Iseri is the Eshu of the Morning Dew. The early morning is the best time to pick fresh herbs for healing purposes; this is an Eshu that works closely with Osanyin.

Source: Eshu, the Spirit of the Trickster

Eshu of the “fifth road”, i.e. the gateway into the invisible realm. He’s quite keen on us developing our good character.
Source: Eshu, the Spirit of the Trickster

Elegbara means “owner of power”. Elegbara is a Royal Exu. He controls political power, and is good to go to if you need political protection or action.
Source: Eshu, the Spirit of the Trickster

A little trouble maker: a very young and mischievous child that’s more than a handfull to deal with!
Source: Eshu, the Spirit of the Trickster

As seen by Phil Wayne, from the corner of Umbanda. Exu Alagbana (Alaguanna, Alabguana, Alagwanna etcetera) is one of the “divine enforcer” paths of Exu. He can be a difficult character to deal with. He is the Exu who guards and protects the unfortunate and the hopeless. He punishes anyone who mocks or scoffs at them. He goes after people who are impudent and irresponsible. He is (supposedly) the source of all disgraces, afflictions, punishments, penalties, and misfortunes for wrongdoers. He causes deaths by fire, poisonous snake bites and accidents. He likes to go out and walk around near crossroads finding ways (shooting or stabbing) to get people to bleed to death. Rats and anthills belong to Alagbana. Like most of the “enforcer” Exus, he maintains constant contact with the spirits of the ancestors.
Santeria sees him as closely connected to the Egun, and also call him and identify him with the Lonely Spirit.
Source: Eshu, the Spirit of the Trickster

Elegbara who serves to atack or defense against enemies.
Source: Paths of Esu/Eleggua

Eshu Gogo: Eshu Gogo is one of the “Divine Enforcer” Eshus, him being the Eshu of making the full payment. You’ve got to see that in a wider sense than only money: this particular Eshu takes care that all bills are paid, whether for criminal beahvior or for just being an idiot. Consider him somewhat similar to the Buddhist concept or Karma, in other words: what goes around, comes around. Eshu Gogo is quite good in very swiftly ending conflicts… although not always to the likings of the “conflictors”!
Source: Eshu, the Spirit of the Trickster

Owner of the crossroads and walkways.
Source: Paths of Esu/Eleggua

Wife of eshu, receptor of sacrifices.
Source: Paths of Esu/Eleggua

Adult and very strong. Punishes with fire. Also called the Eshu of death.
Source: Paths of Esu/Eleggua

Came from the land of the Arara. He is the guardian Eleggua of the home.
Source: Paths of Esu/Eleggua

An old man of small stature who lives in holes and tunnels under the earth. He is the spirit of the earth. Owner of minerals especially gold.
Source: Paths of Esu/Eleggua

Messenger and intermidiary, helper in the house of Ocha. His functions are to translate egbos, functionary of cleansings et al.
Source: Paths of Esu/Eleggua

They are from the land of Mina; they are constantly smoking cigars, and play with tops and crystal balls.
Source: Paths of Esu/Eleggua

These Esus are from the Arara of Dahomey (present day Ghana). The only one we know anything about is Afra, who is a good friend of Agronica (Babalu-Aye), and are always working together.
Source: Paths of Esu/Eleggua

Eleggua Afra: From the land of the Arara. He is the Elegba of Babalu Aye. His eleke (beads) are black and white.
Source: Paths of Esu/Eleggua

Eshu Afra: Supposed to be from Fon/Ewe origin. This Dahomeyan Eshu is close to Babalu Aye, who also is a Dahomeyan deity. Don’t give him rum or he’ll become nasty, and believe me: a nasty Eshu is something you don’t want to have around! He is the “whistling Eshu”, fond of standing in corners and in lonely places.
Source: Eshu, the Spirit of the Trickster

These Elegguas are said to come from the city of Oyo, Nigeria.
Source: Paths of Esu/Eleggua

These Esus work with the law and police. They can help one avoid trouble with the law, or punish one through legal battles and prision.
Source: Paths of Esu/Eleggua

Agganika: This path, Eshu likes to trip over everything he sees. Very malevolent, dangerous and vindictive. When angered he brings about disharmony.
Source: Paths of Esu/Eleggua

Known as The Divine Mesenger of the Power of the Word. He is related with the ability and use of incantations; the tonal qualities that resonate with different forces of nature and Orisa.
Source: Paths of Esu/Eleggua

Known as The Divene Messenger of Boundaries. He is the guardian of sacred spaces, such as shrines and the Igbodu (sacred groves); keeps them charged with Ashé.
Source: Paths of Esu/Eleggua

A very powerful Esu; always present when life is born or taken away.
Source: Paths of Esu/Eleggua

Said to be an inseperable friend of Ogun. This Esu makes sure Ogun is kept well fed, sometimes causing accidents so Ogun can feed of the blood of its victims.
Source: Paths of Esu/Eleggua

Said to be a very old Esu; he is always treated with the respect shown for a wise elder.
Source: Paths of Esu/Eleggua

Said to be a great warrior, winning all battles over anyone and everyone; keeps one’s enemies at bay.
Source: Paths of Esu/Eleggua

Wanders the plazas and markets, since he likes to be involved in purchases, trade, and all sorts of transactions; he’s very good for business.
Source: Paths of Esu/Eleggua

Resides on the street corners or crossroads. He can be a powerful ally, or a terrible threat. He plays painful tricks on those who deserve a lesson. He is usually given in a small sea-shell, which is carried around for protection. In Cuba he is considered the guardian of the Jimaguas, or Ibejis.
Source: Paths of Esu/Eleggua

In Cuba he is also known as Saint Nino de Atocha. He likes to have toys around like a playful child, and brings great blessings.
Source: Paths of Esu/Eleggua

He always brings the unexpected surprises that cause changes. Considered to have a big appetite, even for Esu. One of his paths, Eleggua Bralayiki, is known as a fiestero y rumbero, always up for celebrations and music; likes rum, sweets, and lots of good food. Provides great protection against betrayal, scams, and hipocracy.
Source: Paths of Esu/Eleggua