Who Are the Caboclos in Umbanda?
In Umbanda’s unfolding story of spirit and ritual, the Caboclos and Caboclas rise like the breath of the forest—firm, sovereign, and rooted in ancient memory. Caboclos in Umbanda carry more than presence: they bring direction, clarity, and command. Rather than merely appearing, they arrive with purpose, holding the quiet authority of leaders who do not need to speak loudly to be followed.
To feel a Caboclo is to stand before something enduring and unshakable. Their presence calls us to align with strength, simplicity, and the sacred rhythms of the natural and spiritual world. That presence alone offers guidance. Through posture, energy, and ritual action, they transmit clarity and direction without the need for many words. They speak rarely, yet with great precision. When they speak at length, they usually explain a ritual or convey essential spiritual order.
Identity and Spiritual Function of the Caboclos in Umbanda
The Meaning of the Word “Caboclo” and “Cabocla”
The word caboclo in Portuguese traditionally refers to a person of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry. In Umbanda, however, the term takes on a broader spiritual significance. A male spirit in this line is called Caboclo, while a female spirit is called Cabocla. Just as with the Pretos-Velhos, a spirit who works in the Caboclo line may not have been a caboclo in life. What defines them is not their earthly identity, but the energy, mission, and virtues they bring.
Despite the origin of the word, most Caboclos present themselves as Indigenous spirits—true embodiments of the forest, guardians of ancestral knowledge and natural power. Many of them lived as Indigenous leaders, healers, or warriors. Furthermore, some spirits who were not Indigenous in life join this line through affinity and purpose, becoming part of the spiritual legion of the Linha dos Caboclos.
Therefore, the name becomes a sacred mantle—one that honors Indigenous heritage while embracing the diversity of spirits who serve through the forces of nature, healing, and direction.
What the Caboclos in Umbanda Represent
The Caboclos and Caboclas:
- Embody adulthood, action, and creation
- Represent discipline, guidance, and spiritual leadership
- Heal through the use of herbs, food, and elemental magic
- Connect us to ancestral strength and the knowledge of the earth and nature
- Promote trust, clarity, and alignment with spiritual laws
Consequently, they align with the physical and action-based dimension of Umbanda’s sacred trinity—embodying the divine principle of strength in motion. Positioned between the wisdom of the Pretos-Velhos and the innocence of the Erês, the Caboclos represent the balanced power of action and direction. As one of the three primary archetypes in this spiritual structure, they reflect the vital energy of midlife—the phase where knowledge takes form and love gains direction, anchoring movement with purpose.
In Umbanda, a Caboclo or Cabocla often serves as a medium’s principal spiritual guide. They help align and harmonize all the other entities within the medium’s spiritual structure. Moreover, their leadership often extends to the collective, as many terreiros recognize a Caboclo or Cabocla as their guiding spiritual force.
The Spiritual Diversity Within the Linha dos Caboclos
The Three Great Currents of Caboclo Energy
- Caboclos or Caboclos de Pena (Feather Caboclos)
These spirits connect most closely with Indigenous ancestry. They bring the wisdom of the forest, the rivers, and the ancestral tribes—of Brazil, the Americas, and beyond. Their presence exudes lightness, intuition, and elemental balance. Yet, alongside their serenity, they possess the dignity of leaders—spirits who guide not only through healing, but through sovereign direction and spiritual authority. - Oguns or Caboclos de Aço (Steel Caboclos)
These warrior spirits align with the force of Ogun. Some served as soldiers, blacksmiths, or defenders in life, and they return through Umbanda to break spiritual chains and open paths. Their energy flows with direction, discipline, and resolve. - Boiadeiros or Caboclos de Couro (Leather Caboclos)
These spirits embody the strength of the hinterlands and the wisdom of those who worked the land. Wearing wide-brimmed hats and walking with firm steps, they bring the determination of cowboys and herdsmen. Their energy remains grounded, practical, and protective.
As a result, these streams—Feather, Steel, and Leather—are not rigid categories but ways the Caboclos manifest to serve different spiritual needs. In this post, we walk with the Feather Caboclos, tuning into the voice of the forest. The firm steps of the Oguns and the grounded rhythm of the Boiadeiros will echo in a future post—where iron sparks and leather rides beneath open skies.
Orishá Alignment and Spiritual Patronage
Caboclos and Caboclas work under the patronage of Oshóssi—the Orishá of the hunt, knowledge, and abundance. However, their energetic alignment extends beyond him. Each Caboclo aligns with a particular Orishá vibration, depending on their spiritual mission and individual qualities.
Although they hold a strong connection to Oshóssi, Caboclos do not embody the Orishá himself. They serve as his emissaries—spirits who act with clarity and sovereignty.
Some Caboclos carry the justice and leadership of Shangó. Others bring the peace and universal love of Obatalá. Additionally, many Caboclas work with the transformative energy of Oyá or the sweetness and abundance of Oshún. These diverse alignments demonstrate the spiritual richness of the Linha dos Caboclos.
The Meaning Behind Their Names
Each Caboclo or Cabocla carries a spiritual signature expressed through their name. Some originate from Indigenous nations such as Caboclo Tupinambá or Caboclo Tupiniquim. Others invoke mythical figures like Cabocla Jurema or Caboclo Arariboia. Many describe their essence, like Caboclo Pena Verde, who brings healingthrough the plant kingdom, or Cabocla da Mata, guardian of the forest.
Healing and Protection: How Caboclos in Umbanda Work
Working with Nature’s Wisdom
Caboclos practice herbalism and safeguard sacred knowledge of the natural world. They apply herbs in teas, baths, and rituals. One of their most revered rites is the sassanhá (Sassayin), a sacred herbal bath composed of leaveslinked to the Orishás.
The Sacred Tools of the Caboclos in Umbanda
- Cigars or Pipe: They use smoke to bridge visible and invisible realms, revealing and cleansing energy.
- Sacred Drinks: They use coconut water, tea, water, or white wine—among others—to purify, vitalise, and direct energy in the body.
- Ponto Riscado: They draw sacred symbols during rituals to channel and anchor spiritual force.
- Fresh Leaves: They apply these in passes (energetic cleansings), baths, and rituals to cleanse and protect.
The Voice of the Forest: Whistles and Finger Snaps
Whistles and finger snaps are not just gestures—they act as vibrational tools. These sounds align energies, dissolve blockages, and attune the spiritual field. Like natural mantras, they prepare the space for healing and spiritual contact.
When to Seek Their Help
- Spiritual or physical healing
- Mediumship development
- Energetic cleansing and protection
- Strength and resilience
- Ancestral connection and clarity
In truth, Caboclos choose their words carefully, act decisively, and never serve vanity. They empower and protectthrough clarity and action.
Where Do the Caboclos Live?
After rituals, Caboclos return not to earthly forests but to spiritual cities like Aruanda or Jurema. These high-vibration spaces support their evolution and spiritual labor. From there, they descend to assist or rise to instruct, always moving in harmony with sacred law.
Celebrating and Honoring the Caboclos in Umbanda
In Umbanda, the month of January honors the Caboclos. On January 20th—Saint Sebastian’s feast day—the celebration includes offerings, music, and prayers. Through his syncretism with Oshóssi, this date also pays tribute to the Orishá and his emissaries.
Greeting the Caboclos
Okê Arô Caboclo! This greeting honors both the Caboclo and Oshóssi. People often use it interchangeably with Okê Arô Oshóssi, recognizing the deep bond between the hunter Orishá and his spiritual workers. It invites strength, balance, and direction into our lives.
A Simple Practice to Connect with the Caboclos
The Pretos-Velhos and the Erês have already introduced us to the foundational pattern of an Umbanda ritual we can practice at home: a white candle, an offering that resonates with the spirit, and heartfelt words of power. When connecting with the Caboclos, we follow this same sacred structure. Direct your intention toward their core values—guidance, clarity, and empowerment. Consider offering six pieces of fresh coconut flesh as your elemental gesture.
A Deeper Connection
Follow these steps:
- Choose your space. Ideally, go to a natural area—preferably a forest or wooded place. Indoors, you can sit near plants or by a window with a view of nature.
- Light a white candle (optional). Let it mark your intention and create a sacred atmosphere.
- Ground yourself. Sit quietly. Breathe deeply and slowly. Allow your body to relax and your attention to settleon the natural world around you.
- Open the connection. When fully present, say a simple, sincere prayer. Ask the Caboclos:
- For guidance when you feel lost.
- For strength when you feel weak.
- For clarity when your path feels uncertain. Speak clearly and from the heart.
- Close with gratitude. After speaking your prayer, offer your thanks. If you feel called, say: Okê Arô Oshóssi.
- Extinguish the candle and dispose of the remains properly.
This practice emphasises presence over perfection. Through sincerity and openness, you align with the Caboclos’ energy and walk forward with their strength.
Conclusion: The Living Presence of the Caboclos
The Caboclos in Umbanda remind us that true power does not shout—it moves with precision, purpose, and connection to the earth. As guardians of action and clarity, they invite us to walk upright, listen deeply, and act with integrity. Whether through healing, protection, or guidance, their presence echoes the wisdom of the forest and the memory of ancestral strength.
In honoring the Caboclos, we honor a lineage that carries both the wild force of nature and the disciplined step of those who have learned to walk in harmony with it. Their voice may come in a whistle, their touch through the breeze, and their teaching through silence. Yet always, they stand ready—firm in the center of the terreiro, guiding those who seek the path of strength in motion.
Have you ever felt the presence of a Caboclo? Received guidance, healing, or protection through their energy? Share your experience in the comments and join the living conversation that keeps this tradition alive.
Okê Arô! May the force of the Caboclos strengthen your journey.
Ashé!
Dive Deeper: See our Blog about What Is Umbanda? Origins, Beliefs, and Spiritual Practices and about The Mysterious Force of Exus and Pomba-Giras in Umbanda
