

Knowing the Orixá

Exú

Faced with crossroads and crossed paths, Exú appears, the cunning messenger, guardian of thresholds and holder of duality in Yoruba mythology. His name resonates like the sound of jingling keys, indicating the presence of the Orixá whose role is to mediate between the world of gods and mortals. In the Yoruba language, he is revered as Exú, personifying the duality between positive and negative, chaos and order.
Exú, son of Iemanjá and brother of Ogun, is the guardian of the portals and the agile messenger who travels between the divine kingdoms. Its nature is ambiguous, being at the same time the principle of communication and the agent of trials and tests. Legend has it that, with his cunning, Exú weaves the plots that connect the destinies of mortals and gods.
In Yoruba culture, Exú is revered as an essential Orixá, whose presence is invoked before any ceremony to ensure effective communication with the gods. It does not have a specific holy day, being celebrated whenever its intervention is necessary. The predominant color is black and red, symbolizing the duality of its nature.
Religious syncretism often associates Exú with the figure of Saint Anthony in the Catholic tradition, highlighting the ability of Yoruba culture to adapt to new contexts.
Today, Exú is invoked to seek protection at the crossroads of life, to overcome obstacles and to obtain clarity in decisions. He is the guardian who challenges, tests and, at the same time, facilitates communication between the worlds.
May the red and black light of Exú illuminate our paths, bringing the clarity that resides in the choices we make. May his astuteness guide us at the crossroads of life, helping us overcome challenges and navigate the complex paths of existence with wisdom.