These mysteries are not of the Yoruba religious traditions. They are derived from the Bantu tribes of the region of the Congo and Angola. Many times it is necessary for persons to become initiated into these mysteries. Sometimes it is due to the spirits that accompany that person, who might be Congo spirits. Other times it is necessary to remove witchcraft that has been done to the person, deriving from these traditions. Sometimes it is necessary for the person so that they can develop their spiritual powers fully. In the Congo traditions, the entities are called Mpungos. They have their equivalents to the Orishas, but their rites are different and they are prepared differently.

In this tradition, one works with what is called a Prenda. Prenda means jewel in this connotation of the spanish language. Indeed the prendas are jewels as they shine in the darkness of the night. Spirits of the dead are introduced into cauldrons with other ingredients and are prepared so that they correspond to the equivalents of what would be an orisha. For example, Zarabanda is the equivalent of Ogun in the Congo rites. Siete Rayos (Seven Lightning Bolts) is the equivalent of Chango. These are called Mpungos. This is how the Bantu and Yoruba systems slightly merged in Cuba. Each is kept seperate, of course. The Orishas live in one's house in a special room dedicated to them, while the prendas live outside in a seperate house, seperated from normal daily activites and from the Orishas. Orunla determines if a person should be initiated into these mysteries. Both men and women are allowed to become initiates. One is usually initiated into these mysteries before making the Saint. Many who make the Saint continue to work in palo mayombe afterwards, because it is their destiny. We all have our destiny. Sometimes it is not clear, but we have access to Orunla, the Supreme Diviner, to help us follow our spiritual path, so that our destiny in this lifetime can be fulfilled.

Home