Pombagira das Almas Candle
Spiritual cleansing (descarrego), support in mourning and a path of light with the pombagira crossed with the souls
Pombagira das Almas Candle
7-day candle · stays lit for 7 days7 dias
The Pombagira das Almas candle is consecrated to the guardian who acts at the crossroads, welcoming those who suffer and supporting those who have departed. The sociologist Reginaldo Prandi includes her among the most well-known falanges (spiritual legions) of Afro-Brazilian religions. In Umbanda and Quimbanda, she acts on the left side with seriousness and charity. This 7-day candle, red and white, is set on the ground for descarrego (spiritual cleansing), peace in mourning, and guidance.
The foundation of this falange unites the strength of Pombagira with the Linha das Almas, associated with Obaluaê, lord of the earth and the passage. The red expresses the cutting of dense energies, while the white reflects spiritual elevation. The day of worship is Monday, asking permission from the holy souls and the Exu (Eshu) das Almas. Although some houses use a black and white candle, the red and white combination harmoniously unites descarrego (spiritual cleansing) and welcoming.
At home, the candle offers serene support for moments of mourning, painful longing, or spiritual exhaustion without a clear reason. It must be set on the floor, accompanied by a glass of fresh water and separated from the altar of the orixás (orishas). It is not used to trap feelings, disturb spirits, or wish harm to others. Its function is to dissipate miasmas from the house, ward off disturbing presences, and sustain a fraternal prayer that brings relief to those who remain.
What is it for
What is the Pombagira das Almas Candle for?
The Pombagira das Almas candle is red and white: the red of the pombagira and the white of the souls. It is lit on Monday for spiritual cleansing, support in mourning, guidance for those who left, and protection of the house.
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Spiritual cleansing of weights and accumulated energies
For when you feel a constant tiredness without a physical reason or a weight on your shoulders. The candle acts with the strength of the left-hand current, helping to break miasmas and clear your energetic field.
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Welcoming in mourning and relief of pain
For moments when longing tightens and the heart needs peace to accept the departure. The flame supports those who stayed, offering serenity so that the process of saying goodbye is lived with faith.
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Guide with light those who have already left
Pombagira das Almas takes care of the passage. Light it with the intention of a relative who left, praying that the guardian guides this soul to a place of rest, clarity, and much peace.
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Protection of the house and removal of charges
Light it on Monday near the door to contain disharmonious currents and disturbing presences, keeping the home protected and in peace throughout the week.
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Calming sleep and agitated thoughts
When the night brings agitation, recurring nightmares, or the impression of constant vigilance. The candle helps to calm psychic vibrations, dispersing shadows that hinder night rest.
Who rules this candle
Orixás and spirits of the Pombagira das Almas Candle
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Pombagira das Almas
Guardian of the crossroads and of guidance
The candle carries the name and the strength of this spiritual legion (falange). The red symbolizes the living vibration of Pombagira on the left, and the white represents the mystery of the souls. It is she who acts in cutting heavy loads, in welcoming grief, and in the guidance of the disincarnated.
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Obaluaê (Omulu)
Lord of the earth, of healing, and of passage
The Line of the Souls responds to the greater irradiation of Obaluaê and Omulu, the orixás who rule the portals between physical life and the spiritual plane. Monday is consecrated to this vibration, sustaining the spiritual cleansing (descarrego) and the transformation of pain into healing.
Know Obaluaê (Omulu)
Also settled for
- Exu das Almas
- Linha das Almas
- Pombagira of the Cross
- Maria Padilha das Almas
- Pretos Velhos
Prayer to light
Prayer of the Pombagira das Almas candle for relief and rest
“Lady Pombagira das Almas, guardian of the crossroads and the paths of passage, I ask permission from Exu and the holy souls to light this red and white candle. Watch over me in this moment of seclusion (recolhimento). Take away the weight that does not belong to me, the afflictions without cause, and any shadow that haunts my steps. Welcome my longing with your firmeza, comfort my chest in grief, and teach me to accept the inevitable departures of life. I pray that you wrap in light the loved ones who have already disincarnated, so that they may find rest, clarity, and peace in the spiritual plane. May this glass with water collect the impurities and may this flame bring harmony to my home. Guard my house and keep my journey serene and protected. Laroyê, Pombagira das Almas!”Light the candle and pray
Step by step
How to set the Pombagira das Almas Candle
- 1
Ask permission from Exu and the souls
Before starting, take a deep breath, greet Exu with respect, and ask permission from the blessed holy souls. You can say an Our Father mentally to open the moment with serenity and faith.
- 2
Choose a firm spot on the ground
Place the saucer on the floor, preferably in a discreet corner near the entrance of the house. Keep the candle away from the altar of orixás and far from curtains, drafts, or combustible materials.
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Position the water and the roses
Arrange the glass of water next to the saucer to capture dense charges. Place the white rose for the souls and the red rose for the pombagira, both without thorns and as a sign of reverence.
- 4
Light the flame and make your intention
Strike the match calmly and light the wick. Recite the prayer with sincerity. If it is for a departed being, pronounce their name with affection. If it is for descarrego, surrender the exhaustion without fear.
- 5
Discard the residues with respect
Never blow out the flame when finished. Pour the water from the glass onto the soil of a pot or in an external drain. Return the petals to nature and discard the leftover wax wrapped in paper in the common trash. Wash the glass normally.
Precautions before lighting
- Keep the candle on the floor on a non-combustible base, away from curtains, furniture, fabrics, and drafts, always out of reach of children and pets.
- Offerings and deliveries in cemeteries or at crossroads crosses (cruzeiros) require their own rules (preceito). Do not perform external rituals on your own, as this is for the leader of your terreiro.
- Spiritual support does not replace medical or psychological care. In cases of prolonged sadness, depression, or intense mourning, also seek qualified professional help.
- This candle is intended exclusively for relief, descarrego, and spiritual peace. Do not use it to try to disturb free will or harm any person.
Ceromancy
What the flame of the Pombagira das Almas Candle shows
Traditional terreiro reading. Before interpreting, check if there is no wind, crooked wick, or poor quality candle.
- Good sign
Calm, clear, and continuous flame
Many houses read this serene burning as a sign of a spiritual cleansing (descarrego) performed without opposition, bringing peace to the souls and serenity to their thoughts.
- Good sign
High and bright flame
It is usually interpreted in the terreiros as confirmation of the prayer, indicating paths of light opened for those who left and strong spiritual protection in the house.
- Attention
Murky water or full of bubbles
It is frequently read as the absorption of dense charges by the aquatic element. Pour the water on the ground, renew the cup and, if the weight persists, seek the guidance of a terreiro.
- Attention
Flame that flickers without a draft
Many practitioners understand this as a request for greater concentration and seclusion (recolhimento). Pray again for the souls with tranquility and renew your requests for inner comfort.
- Observe
Candle that goes out before the end
Check if there was wind in the location or a problem with the wick. If the environment is calm, ask permission from the souls, relight with a match and keep your thoughts firm on the prayer.
Ritual bath and smoke cleansing (defumação)
Herbs that combine with the Pombagira das Almas Candle
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White Rose
Rosa alba
Sacred flower of the souls. Place it next to the water cup while the candle is lit and use its fresh petals for a ritual bath of peace and comfort from the neck down.
See the herb -
Rosa Vermelha
Rosa gallica
Living expression of the Pombagira. Place it open on the saucer to greet the guardian, consecrating the force of the left that dissolves weights and brings spiritual vitality.
See the herb -
Rosemary
Rosmarinus officinalis
Herb of clarity and renewal. A rosemary ritual bath after the seven days of the candle helps to clear the mind and restore the spirit of those going through a period of mourning.
See the herb -
guiné / Tipi
Petiveria alliacea
Powerful cutter of dense fluids. Use in a cleansing bath (banho de descarrego) from the neck down before consecrating the candle, preparing the body for the guardian's cleansing.
See the herb
Virtual Candle
Light the Pombagira das Almas 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 Pombagira das Almas Candle
Who is Pombagira das Almas in Umbanda?
Pombagira das Almas is a left-side guardian who acts under the rule of the Linha das Almas and the orixás Obaluaê and Omulu. She works at the crossroads and in the fields of passage, welcoming those who suffer, breaking up dense energies, and supporting disincarnate spirits so they may move on in peace. Her presence unites the protective strength of Exu with spiritual compassion.
Why is the Pombagira das Almas candle red and white?
The candle is red and white because it unites the active vibration of Pombagira with the elevation of the Linha das Almas. Red symbolizes the left-side energy that cuts through negativities, while white represents the light, peace, and charity of the souls. In some terreiros, black and red or black and white candles are also used, depending on the liturgical foundation of each house.
Can I light the Pombagira das Almas candle inside the house?
Yes, you can light it at home as long as you set it on the ground and keep a glass of water nearby. Choose a calm location, near the front door and away from altars of saints or orixás. Always ask for permission from Exu and the souls before striking the match. More complex rituals, offerings, or deliveries in cemeteries should not be done on your own.
What is the best day and time to light this candle?
The best day is Monday, preferably after 6:00 PM. Monday is consecrated in the Umbandista tradition to the blessed souls and the guardians of the left, making it the appropriate moment for requests for spiritual cleansing (descarrego) and prayers for ancestors. The month of November, the time of All Souls' Day, is also a very traditional period for this ritual.
Can I light this candle in intention for a deceased relative?
Yes, you can light it in intention for family members or friends who have already passed away. Say the person's name when lighting it and ask that the Pombagira das Almas guide them with light and tranquility to their deserved rest. The intention must always be of fraternal support and gratitude, never to try to retain the spirit in matter or disturb their evolution in the spiritual plane.
What to do with the glass of water and the remains after the burning?
The water should be poured onto the ground, in the backyard, or in a common drain, washing the glass afterward for normal use. Since the water acts as an energy filter during the burning, never drink it or reuse it. The rose petals can be returned to nature in a garden, and the wax remains of the votive candle should be discarded in the common trash, wrapped in paper.
