Exu The Wishmaker

By Larz Trent

In a world where the sacred and the profane intertwine at the crossroads of life, the enigmatic figure of Exu emerges, the messenger orisha, guardian and, above all, wish-fulfiller. "Exu The Wishmaker" by Larz Trent is a deep immersion into the cosmology of African religions, revealing the multiple facets of Exu, an entity that transcends the simplistic duality of good and evil, misinterpreted by the West. In the pages of this fascinating work, the reader is invited to follow the winding paths that link the earthly and spiritual worlds, discovering how Exu, through his wisdom and power, acts in the fabric of human lives. The narrative, full of myths, legends and teachings, unveils Exu's crucial role as an intermediary between gods and men, a being capable of influencing destinies, opening paths and, most intriguingly, making wishes come true. This literary journey not only clarifies the frequent misinterpretations and historical demonization of Exu, but also celebrates his importance as a symbol of balance, transformation and complexity. Through a rich and respectful exploration of African traditions, Larz Trent offers a vision that challenges Western perceptions, presenting Exu as a revered and multifaceted deity. A guide for anyone wishing to curry favor with this dream maker.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AHZURIA PUBLISHING
• Release date: Jan 27, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224993680

Book preview

Chapter 1

Demystifying Exu

IN AFRICAN RELIGIONS, Exu is a complex and revered figure, far from the demonized image perpetuated for many years in Western culture. As Africa found contact with the West, the misunderstanding and demonization of Exu became increasingly prevalent, often driven by political and religious motives.

The demonization of Exu had its roots in the westernization of African-based religions during the colonial era and the spread of Christianity. As Christianity spread, there was an effort to discredit African religions, often by portraying Exu and other deities as demons.

In contrast to the distorted image that prevailed in the West, Exu is an orisha, i.e. a god in African religions. He plays a fundamental role in communication between the spiritual and material worlds, acting as an intermediary between human beings and the other orishas, the supreme deities of the Yoruba, Candomblé and other religions.

Exu is considered the guardian of the crossroads of life, responsible for opening paths and enabling communication between mortals and the gods. He is a being of great importance and respect, and his multifaceted nature reflects the complexity of human experiences.

One of the sources of confusion regarding Exu is the belief in different paths or facets, such as Exu Caveira or Exu do Lodo, etc. However, it is essential to clarify that these variations should not be interpreted as separate entities, they most often represent contemporary adaptations that diverge from the original essence of Exu in African matrix religions.

It is important to note that some manifestations that call themselves Exu under other names can be questionable and even fraudulent. Exu, in essence, is a single deity, playing a crucial role as an intermediary between human beings and the orishas, promoting balance, protection and the fulfillment of desires.

It is therefore vital to discern between the authentic manifestations of Exu in African matrix religions, which value the principles of respect, harmony and spiritual well-being, and the representations that can diverge from these principles, often distorting his true nature. A correct understanding of Exu is crucial for a proper appreciation of African matrix religions in their original form.

It is essential to demystify the distorted image of Exu and understand his role as a god in African religions. The demonization of Exu was motivated by the fear that his ability to make wishes come true would overshadow the growing influence of Christianity at the time.

By recognizing Exu as a deity, we can appreciate his importance in African traditions and in the spiritual lives of many people. He represents a deep connection between the human and the divine, providing guidance, protection and the possibility of fulfilling desires through respect and understanding.

Exu is a god, not a demon. The demonization of Exu was a historical misunderstanding that obscured his true nature and importance. By clearing up the misunderstandings and recognizing Exu as a revered deity, we can appreciate the depth and richness of African traditions and learn from Exu's teachings about balance, respect and the complexity of life.

The representation of Exu as an evil entity is an example of the projection of Eurocentric cultural values onto African traditions. This disregards the cosmology of African religions and neglects the central role of Exu in these traditions.

The wish-fulfilling orisha acts as a mediator and should not be equated with Christian notions of good and evil, right and wrong. He may be severe in his guidance, but he always aims to restore balance and order, as this is his role. Demonizing him is a way of reinforcing stereotypes and inferiorizing African religions, coincidentally the birthplace of humanity.

Exu's complexity challenges binary ideas about the divine; he represents dynamism, ambiguity and possibilities. Reducing him to stereotypes is a form of cultural erasure that perpetuates relations of colonialist domination.

To understand Exu, it is necessary to delve into the cosmology of the religions in which he is inserted, without trying to fit him into external worldviews. Exu can only be understood in the terms of African traditions, and not according to perspectives outside these traditions.

Exu's role as messenger and guardian of axé (vital energy) is essential for the maintenance of life and cosmic order within African religions. He should not be seen as a trickster or an entity who only aims to confuse and deceive human beings.

Exu is present in all rituals, invoked at the beginning to open the paths and at the end to seal the channeled vital energy. He is the first to receive any offering, in recognition of his importance as an emissary between worlds.

In African religions, Exu is considered to be the guardian of the terreiros, ensuring that there are no harmful external interferences. He protects the community and removes all negative energies. That's why he's called the owner of the yard.

Exu is also known for his connection with sexuality, worldly pleasures and fertility. It's not about promiscuity, but the celebration of life in all its manifestations. The morality surrounding Exu must be understood in the terms of African traditions.

Exu is also present in other religions of African origin besides Candomblé, such as Umbanda and the Culto dos Orishas, with local variations. However, he has the same essential role as mediator in all these manifestations.

By perpetuating a distorted image of Exu, we not only make a historical mistake, but also deprive ourselves of the rich wisdom found in the myths and teachings associated with this important deity of traditional African religions.

It is important to point out that the demonization of Exu was not only for religious reasons, but also for political reasons, in a broader project of cultural subjugation during colonialism.

Religions of African origin were the target of prejudice and repression, seen as a threat to colonial purposes. Demonizing their deities was a way of delegitimizing and inferiorizing them in society.

The forced syncretism between Exu and the Christian devil is part of a damaging process of acculturation, which de-characterized these traditional religions in order to mold them to European culture and interests in colonial times.

Fortunately, with the passage of time and cultural and social advances, the distorted image of Exu as a demon has been deconstructed. Awareness is growing that this is a revered and positive deity.

This change is mostly due to the struggle of the terreiro people and religious leaders, who have bravely resisted oppression and claimed the legitimate space of African matrix religions in society.

The cult of Exu is far from being a demonic practice. On the contrary, it establishes values such as respect for elders, veneration of ancestors, a harmonious relationship with nature and raising consciousness through orikis and