Ogum (Ogun) Megê candle
The Ogum who guards the gate of the calunga, to cut spiritual attacks (demanda), obsessing spirits and for courage
Ogum Megê candle
7-day candle · stays lit for 7 days7 dias
The Ogum Megê candle is lit when the weight seems not to be of this world only. Megê is the line of Ogum that guards the cemetery gate, the small calunga, and stands at the border between the living and the dead. Those who seek this candle are usually surrounded by a demanda that will not leave, by bad sleep, by a feeling of company they did not ask for, or are going through a mourning that took away the will to believe.
Ogum is one, lord of iron and of paths. In Umbanda he opens into lines: Beira-Mar on the beach, Rompe-Mato in the forest, Megê at the door of the calunga. It is said that no Exu (Eshu) of the calunga enters or leaves without his license, and that it is Megê who is asked for passage, on the right side of the gate, before entering the sacred field. Some houses link Megê to Omulu, others to Iansã (Oya). Tuesday is the day of Ogum. The lines and the names change from house to house.
At home, this candle is for protection, not for haunting. It does not call the dead nor mess with them: it asks that each soul follows its path and that none attaches without license. The heavy ritual work of calunga stays with the terreiro. At home, a short prayer, fresh water, and the candle in a safe place, outside the bedroom, are enough.
What is it for
What is the Ogum Megê Candle for
The Ogum Megê candle is dedicated to the line of Ogum that patrols the gate of the small calunga, the cemetery. Red and white, it receives requests for cutting heavy demanda, for removing an obsessing spirit, and for courage to cross through mourning without losing faith.
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Cut a demanda that will not leave
When you have already prayed, already cleaned the house, and the weight remains. The candle asks that the sword of Megê cut what was sent, and that nothing returns through the same path.
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Ward off a spirit that has attached
Feeling of strange company, restless sleep, irritation without reason. Megê guards the passage between worlds and returns each one to its place, without violence.
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Courage in mourning
After losing someone, the Megê candle asks for strength for those who stayed and a path of light for those who left. Light it and talk, without rushing to stop crying.
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Return to having faith
For the days when nothing makes sense and the urge is to give up on everything, including praying. Ogum Megê is remembered as the one who gives faith in moments of disbelief.
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Ask for permission before going to the calunga
Those who go to the cemetery to visit their loved ones can light the candle beforehand, asking Megê to guard the departure and the return and that nothing comes along to the house.
Who rules this candle
Orixás and spirits of the Ogum Megê Candle
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Ogum Megê
Ogum line, guardian of the gate of the souls
Megê is Ogum working at the door of the small calunga, guarding those who enter and those who leave. The candle carries the red and white that the oldest Umbanda gives to him and is consecrated on Tuesday, the day of Ogum.
Knowing Ogum Megê -
Omulu
Lord of the earth and of the small calunga
The cemetery is the territory of Omulu, and many houses say that Megê runs in his paths, between life and the passage. Other houses link Megê to Iansã, who leads the dead. Both readings exist.
Know Omulu
Also settled for
- Pretos Velhos of the souls
- Exus of the calunga
- Linha das Almas
Prayer to light
Prayer of the Ogum Megê candle for the protection of the souls
“Ogum Megê, sentinel of the gate of the souls, I light this red and white light with your name. You who stand where life meets the passage, also stand before my door. Cut with your sword the demanda that weighs upon me and upon mine. Do not let those without license touch, and guide with respect those who lost their way. Give courage to those in mourning and faith to those who are tired of believing. May each soul follow where it must, and may I follow my path in peace and with my head held high. Ogunhê, my Pai!”Light the candle and pray
Step by step
How to consecrate the Ogum Megê Candle
- 1
Choose the Tuesday and the right place
Secure the candle in the living room or near the door, never in the bedroom where you sleep. Use a firm plate, away from curtains, and a white or red cloth as a lining, if available.
- 2
Take a ritual bath of salt and guiné
Before lighting, take a coarse salt bath from the neck down, followed by clean water with guiné. It is the cleansing for those who will request a cut of demanda.
- 3
Ask permission from the souls
Before speaking with Megê, ask permission from the souls with a short prayer, such as an Our Father. It is the custom of those who arrive at the door of the calunga, even from afar.
- 4
Call Ogum by the name of Megê
Light it with a match and say Ogunhê. Call Ogum Megê and tell what weighs on you. Request a cut and protection, and never that the evil returns to someone: that is not Ogum's work.
- 5
Finish without blowing
Blowing is undoing the request: to go out, cover the flame with a saucer and relight it later. When finished, pour the water on the ground, outside the house, and the dry branch goes to the organic waste.
Precautions before lighting
- The 7-day candle burns for days: leave it on a firm plate, away from curtains and cloth, out of the bedroom and away from children and animals.
- Do not take an offering to the cemetery on your own. Ritual work of calunga is done with the zelador of the terreiro, who knows how to ask permission and close.
- Megê cuts, does not return. Do not light the candle to send evil back to anyone or to bind the will of another person.
- Grief that does not pass and deep sadness also require care from people: talk to someone you trust and seek a psychologist if needed.
Ceromancy
What the flame of the Ogum Megê Candle shows
Traditional terreiro reading. Before interpreting, check if there is no wind, crooked wick, or poor quality candle.
- Good sign
High, firm, and quiet flame
Many houses read this as an assumed guard: Megê is at the door. Give thanks and keep up the prayer during the week.
- Observe
Strong crackling at the beginning
It could be moisture in the wick. Some read it as a demanda being cut. If the crackling calms down, proceed with tranquility.
- Attention
Dark smoke that does not stop
Check the wick and the wind. If it continues, there may be a heavy load: repeat the salt ritual bath and seek a trusted terreiro for guidance.
- Attention
Candle that cracks the glass
Sometimes it is just heat or weak glass. Popular reading speaks of a strong spiritual attack (demanda) hitting the guard. Collect the shards carefully and set another candle.
- Observe
Wax that drips in the shape of a tear
In the candle of Megê, some read this as grief being wept and relieved. Respect your own tempo and, if the sadness weighs too much, ask for help.
Ritual bath and smoke cleansing (defumação)
Herbs that combine with the Ogum Megê Candle
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Saint George's Sword / Ogum's Sword
Sansevieria trifasciata
The snake plant (espada de Ogum). One branch in front of the candle, pointing toward the door, reinforces the cut requested from Megê.
See the herb -
guiné / Tipi
Petiveria alliacea
Herb for cutting and warding off spirits. The guinea hen weed (guiné) ritual bath before lighting cleanses whoever will ask for protection against an obsessing spirit.
See the herb -
Wormwood (losna) / Absinthe
Artemisia absinthium
Bitter herb linked to Omulu. Used in a cleansing bath (banho de descarrego), it accompanies the candle when the weight comes from calunga or unresolved mourning.
See the herb
Virtual Candle
Light the Ogum Megê 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 Ogum Megê Candle
Is Ogum Megê a different orixá (orisha) from Ogum?
No. It is the same Ogum in a line of Umbanda linked to the cemetery gate. In Umbanda, people speak of lines, such as Megê, Beira-Mar, and Rompe-Mato, and in Candomblé, of qualities, with other names. The list changes from house to house.
What is the difference between the Ogum Megê candle and the Ogum candle?
The Ogum candle calls the orixá of iron for paths and demands in general. The Megê candle calls the Ogum who guards the calunga, more sought after for cutting heavy demands, obsessing spirits, and mourning. It is the same Ogum in another territory.
Why is the Ogum Megê candle red and white?
Red and white are the registered colors for Megê candles in the oldest Umbanda. There are houses that add black, for the calunga, and there are those who honor Megê with a dark blue candle, the common color of Ogum. Follow your terreiro.
Does lighting an Ogum Megê candle at home call the dead?
No. The candle asks for protection, not a summons. Megê is the guardian who controls the passage, and the prayer request is precisely that no soul touches without permission. Set it outside the bedroom, with a short prayer and a calm mind.
What is the best day to light the Ogum Megê candle?
Tuesday, the day of Ogum, at dusk. Some houses light Megê's candle on Monday, which is the day of the souls in Umbanda. On a date of mourning, such as the seventh day mass, it can be lit on the day the heart asks.
What to do with the water and the remains of the Megê candle?
The water goes to the earth, outside the house, and the cup is washed with salt. The dry branch goes to the organic waste and the clean glass can be recycled. Do not reuse the water for drinking or for another candle.
