Maria Quitéria candle
Strength, defense, and courage in the red and black of Pombagira Maria Quitéria
Maria Quitéria candle
7-day candle · stays lit for 7 days7 dias
Those seeking the Maria Quitéria candle almost always arrive with a question before the prayer request: after all, which Maria Quitéria are we talking about? Here we deal with the Pombagira, a respected spirit of the left line who works in Umbanda and in Quimbanda. The candle has red at the top and black at the base, with the guardian's label, and is lit for those seeking steadfastness, cutting of demandas, and courage to defend themselves.
The name Maria Quitéria coincides with that of the Independence fighter, but the two are not confused in worship. In the terreiro, Maria Quitéria is a spiritual legion that acts in fields such as the Almas, the Encruzilhada, and the Estrada. Monday is the most traditional day for her firmezas, with variations for Friday night. She receives what tradition asks: well-opened red roses, sparkling wine in a glass cup, and the bicolor light of the candle.
Lit at home, this candle works as a shield of defense and balance for those who need support. It should not be lit for revenge, malice, or requests for domination over others' free will, intentions that violate the ethics of Umbanda and have no place here. What is requested from Maria Quitéria is strength to uphold one's word, clarity to see who is nearby, and constant protection in every step.
What is it for
What is the Maria Quitéria Candle for
The Maria Quitéria candle is red and black, the colors of the pombagira. It belongs to this warrior falange of the left and is lit to ask for firmness in the voice, courage to take a stand, cutting of demands, protection against evil, and gratitude for open paths.
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Defense against envy and bad intentions
For when you feel the environment heavy or opposing energies around. The candle asks that the guardian stay on watch at your door, cutting demands and pushing away those who arrive with bad intentions.
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Courage to take a stand and say no
Indicated for those who live swallowing insults at home or at work. Light it to ask for firmness in the voice, security in decisions, and courage to impose necessary limits without losing balance.
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Protection in paths and travels
Maria Quitéria acts in roads and crossroads. The candle is recommended for those who travel at dawn, travel frequently, or seek spiritual protection to move through the streets with security.
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Clarity to unmask falsehoods
In moments of distrust or doubts about those who surround your routine, light it to ask for sharp intuition and discernment, seeing hidden intentions to act with calm and prudence.
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Gratitude for grace and counsel
After receiving a valuable piece of advice in an appointment or achieving a personal victory with the help of the guardian, the red and black candle is the respectful way to return and thank the young lady with devotion.
Who rules this candle
Orixás and spirits of the Maria Quitéria Candle
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Maria Quitéria
Pombagira das Almas, da Estrada e da Encruzilhada
The candle is consecrated to her by the label and the traditional colors. Red and black represent the strength and protection of the Pombagira. The house that worships Maria Quitéria lights this composition to greet the guardian and ask for support in daily demands.
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Exu (Eshu)
Guardian of the paths and communication
Pombagira is part of the left line alongside Exu. In many terreiro traditions, one greets Exu before any ritual to ask permission and open the spiritual work, although the exact order of precepts varies according to the doctrine of each house.
Know Exu
Also settled for
- Maria Quitéria das Almas
- Maria Quitéria da Encruzilhada
- Maria Quitéria da Estrada
- Maria Quitéria da Calunga
- Povo da rua
Prayer to light
Maria Quitéria's candle prayer for steadfastness and protection
“Dona Maria Quitéria, courageous guardian who knows the roads and the crossroads of life, I ask permission to light this red and black candle in your honor. I do not come to your feet to wish ill upon anyone, but to pray for firmeza for my steps and truth for my voice. Where there is hidden danger, walk by my side and be my shield. Close the paths of evil and open the doors of discernment so that I may know how to defend myself with serenity and courage. Give me strength not to bow my head before those who disrespect me and wisdom to remain silent at the right moment. Receive this light as a sincere thank you for your constant guard and for the support in hours of affliction. May your presence ward off all fear and bring peace to my heart. Laroyê Maria Quitéria! Laroyê!”Light the candle and pray
Step by step
How to set the Maria Quitéria Candle
- 1
Ask permission from Exu
Before lighting any candle for Pombagira, greet Exu in a respectful tone and ask permission for the work. Say Laroyê with a calm heart and follow the tradition taught by your terreiro.
- 2
Choose a low and private location
Set the candle near the floor, in a clean corner protected from drafts, such as the entrance, balcony, or service area. Always keep the candle separate from the altar of the saints and the orixás (orishas).
- 3
Prepare the table composition
Cover the floor with the red or black cloth, place the saucer with the firm candle, and arrange the open rose beside it. Place the goblet with a little sparkling wine, setting up a dignified and clean space for the guardian.
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Light the flame and say your prayer
Strike the match, call upon Maria Quitéria with sincerity, and declare your prayer request in a direct way without beating around the bush. Ask for balance, discernment, and protection for your days, without wishing harm to anyone.
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Discard the elements with respect
Never blow out the candle. At the end of the seven days, discard the wax remains in the common trash, return the rose petals to the earth in a garden or pot, and pour the liquid on the ground or running water outside the door.
Precautions before lighting
- Candles placed near the floor require attention with fire: keep away from drafts, curtains, flammable products, pets, and small children.
- Pombagira does not work to harm others or to impose will over other people. Selfish requests go against the foundations and the dignity of the falange.
- Complex ritual works of the left, assentamentos, and deliveries at crossroads or cemeteries require foundation and must be conducted by the leader of your terreiro.
- Spiritual firmeza brings emotional balance and clarity to the mind, but it does not replace consultations, therapies, or proper medical and psychological diagnoses.
Ceromancy
What the flame of the Maria Quitéria Candle shows
Traditional terreiro reading. Before interpreting, check if there is no wind, crooked wick, or poor quality candle.
- Good sign
Living, high, and bright flame
Many houses read this as the active presence of the falange and the immediate welcoming of your request, indicating that the guardian's energy was set with harmony and spiritual strength.
- Good sign
Candle that burns completely without leftovers
When the wick consumes the wax in a clean and balanced way, it is usually interpreted as a sign of a demanda cut, an unobstructed path, and a request fully accepted.
- Attention
Very low or flickering flame
It may indicate physical fatigue or an agitated mind at the moment of the prayer. It is recommended to take a herbal bath for descarrego, rest, and redo the firmeza with more serenity.
- Attention
Excess wax dripping on the side
Some traditions associate the crying of the candle with stored grievances or emotional weight. It is worth reflecting on the feelings involved and seeking advice in a serious terreiro.
- Observe
Small dark smoke only at the beginning
Common in left line candles during the first hour of burning. Many houses understand it as an initial cleansing of miasmas in the location. If the flame clears up immediately, the ritual work continues normally.
Ritual bath and smoke cleansing (defumação)
Herbs that combine with the Maria Quitéria Candle
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Rosa Vermelha
Rosa gallica
Flower consecrated to Pombagira. Use the fresh petals in an attractive ritual bath for self-esteem or position the open bud next to the candle to greet Maria Quitéria.
See the herb -
Pepper tree (aroeira)
Schinus terebinthifolius
Powerful herb for spiritual cleansing and cutting of negativity. A ritual bath from the neck down before lighting the candle helps to ward off dense energies and purify the aura.
See the herb -
guiné / Tipi
Petiveria alliacea
Plant for protection and breaking of heavy demands. Excellent for a preparatory ritual bath or smoke cleansing in the environment before consecrating the red and black candle of the guardian.
See the herb
Virtual Candle
Light the Maria Quitéria Candle now
Choose the type, write your request, and pay by PIX. The flame stays on the altar and you follow along through the link.
Place on the altarFrequently asked questions
Questions about the Maria Quitéria Candle
Is the Pombagira Maria Quitéria the same warrior from the Independence?
No, they are not the same person. The Pombagira Maria Quitéria is a respected spiritual legion (falange) of the left line, while Maria Quitéria de Jesus was the famous military figure and historical heroine of the Independence of Bahia in 1822. In Umbanda and in Quimbanda, the name designates a line of guardian spirits who act with courage and justice, without a direct biographical link to the historical figure.
What is the best day to light the Maria Quitéria candle?
The most traditional day to light this candle is Monday, although many houses dedicate Friday nights to left-hand work. The ideal moment is usually after sunset, in a quiet and protected place. Since the liturgy varies between terreiros, it is worth following the calendar and the guidelines of the spiritual house you attend.
Can I light the Maria Quitéria candle inside the house?
Yes, you can light the candle at home, as long as you maintain certain precepts and precautions. The custom of terreiros recommends placing the candle close to the ground in a reserved room, such as the entrance, the balcony, or the service area, always away from the altar of the orixás. Ensure that the surface is firm, without drafts, and out of reach of children or pets.
Is it allowed to extinguish the 7-day candle before the end?
The recommendation is to let the candle burn until the end, but you can extinguish it if there is a safety risk. If you need to leave the property and the location does not offer total protection against fire, smother the flame with a glass or saucer, without blowing. Upon returning, relight the candle while making a respectful greeting to the guardian and renewing the intention of your prayer request.
What to do with the remains of the candle, the rose, and the sparkling wine?
The wax remains should be collected and discarded in the common trash, preferably wrapped in paper. The petals of the red rose that have withered should be returned to nature, placed in the soil of a garden or pot. The drink should be poured onto the ground or in running water outside the house, and the glass cup can be washed and kept for the exclusive use of your consecrations.
What is the difference between the Maria Quitéria candle and the plain red and black candle?
The main difference lies in the specific consecration of the label. The Maria Quitéria candle brings the image and name of the guardian, directing the energy and prayer directly to this falange of the left. The plain red and black candle, without graphic identification, serves to greet the povo da rua (people of the street) in a broad way, leaving it up to you to name which spirit you wish to evoke at the moment you light the flame.
