A Spiritual Line Rooted in Wisdom and Humility
In the spiritual landscape of Umbanda, few presences are as touching and transformative as the Pretos-Velhos. When they arrive in a gira (ritual gathering), time slows. There’s no rush—only calm gestures, a deep breath, and a gaze that carries memory, patience, and care. With profound wisdom and unwavering humility, these spirits guide, heal, and teach in ways that transcend words.
Their presence reminds us that healing often lives in the quiet moments—a pause, a kind word, or the steady rhythm of a story shared with care.
Who Are the Pretos-Velhos in Umbanda? Key Figures in Afro-Brazilian Spiritual Healing
Pretos-Velhos are a line of ancestral spirits in Afro-Brazilian religions that manifest during Umbanda rituals to offer spiritual guidance, energy cleansing, and ancestral wisdom. They often appear as elderly African men and women—spirits who lived under the yoke of slavery in Brazil and transformed suffering into deep spiritual insight.
What the Pretos-Velhos Represent in Umbanda
The Pretos-Velhos and Pretas-Velhas:
- Embody elderhood, humility, and wisdom
- Represent reflection, patience, and ancestral knowledge
- Heal through dialogue, silence, and spiritual practices like passes (energetic cleansings) and banhos
- Connect us to deep inner transformation and the grounding power of the Earth
- Promote compassion, surrender, and acceptance through lived experience
They align with the mental-thought dimension of Umbanda’s sacred trinity—embodying the divine principle of wisdom in stillness. As one of the three archetypes that structure this spiritual current, the Pretos-Velhos represent the wisdom and humility that accompany the final stage of life’s journey.
On the other end of this sacred triad are the Erês, who carry the vibration of love, innocence, and beginnings. Between them, the Caboclos express the power of action, guidance, and the strength of the middle path.
Together, these three spiritual lines form a dynamic cycle of transformation—each offering insight and support for a different phase of our evolution. The Pretos-Velhos, in their stillness, bring grounding after intensity, anchoring the medium and harmonising the energy of the terreiro.
Beyond the Name: Essence Over Appearance and Diverse Origins
Despite the name, not all Pretos-Velhos are Black or elderly. What defines these spirits is their essence—serenity, compassion, spiritual elevation, and a commitment to helping others. While many are associated with the lived experiences of enslaved Africans in Brazil, others were priests, sages, or healers in Africa who chose to manifest within this archetype. Their presence in the Pretos-Velhos line reflects a rich spiritual heritage shaped by humility and service, not solely by suffering.
Their teachings, for example, come wrapped in simple language, filled with metaphor and meaning. They speak slowly and intentionally, often sharing wisdom through proverbs, reflections, and ancestral stories.
How Pretos-Velhos Heal in Umbanda: Ancestral Wisdom, Passes, and Herbal Practices
Pretos-Velhos are spiritual healers in Umbanda, working across the body, heart, and soul. Their work is grounded in calm energy and compassionate presence.
Healing Through Words and Presence
They offer gentle guidance through speech, always encouraging reflection instead of simply providing answers. A well-placed correction or moment of silence often delivers more insight than a direct response. For many, especially among Brazil’s poorer communities, Pretos-Velhos are seen as spiritual psychologists—offering support, advice, and comfort where traditional mental health care may not be accessible. It’s common for people to visit the terreiro not seeking ritual or healing, but simply to talk with a Preto-Velho, to be heard, and to receive their calming presence and thoughtful words.
Their grounding energy helps seekers reconnect with themselves during times of inner turmoil and doubt. More than physical relief, they offer emotional and spiritual healing, gently guiding individuals to face and transform their inner wounds with compassion and clarity.
Passes and the Power of Simplicity
In the terreiro, Pretos-Velhos use passes (ritual hand movements) to transmit spiritual energy. These gestures, though simple, are deeply effective in cleansing and rebalancing energy fields.
Working with Herbs and Nature
Moreover, their knowledge of medicinal and spiritual herbs is vast. They often prepare or recommend banhos (spiritual herbal baths), smudging rituals, and natural remedies. Every herb is selected with care, based on the energetic need at hand.
Lines of Work Within the Pretos-Velhos in Umbanda
Pretos-Velhos are diverse in their spiritual missions and expressions, often resonating with specific Orishas — deities in the Yoruba tradition who embody forces of nature and serve as guiding principles in human life. These spiritual connections influence their styles of guidance and healing. For instance, a spirit aligned with Ogún may convey assertiveness and courage, while one aligned with Oshun tends to embody gentleness and emotional care. This diversity is often reflected in their names, which hint at their specific roles and ancestral connections.
Historical Echoes in Their Names
There is much discussion about the origins of the names used by Pretos-Velhos, which often mix Portuguese and African elements. During Brazil’s colonial era, slaveholders—strongly influenced by Catholicism—enforced religious assimilation, forbidding African spiritual practices and imposing Catholic baptismal names on the enslaved. While enslaved children were sometimes secretly baptized in their African tradition before receiving Catholic names, these given names often referenced plantations or African regions, such as Joaquim D’Angola or Antônio da Coroa Grande.
However, the spiritual titles used in Umbanda today—such as “Pai” (Father), “Mãe” (Mother), “Vovó” (Grandmother), and “Vovô” (Grandfather)—were not imposed by masters. They were chosen and assumed by the spirits themselves. These titles reflect the wisdom, care, and ancestral authority of these spirits. Much like respected elders in a community, they earn recognition in the spiritual world through their lived experience and guidance. In Umbanda, Pretos-Velhos are affectionately seen as the ‘psychologists’ of the terreiro, known for their counsel, compassion, and unwavering clarity.
Meaning in the Names
These historical echoes influence the spiritual naming of Pretos-Velhos. Spirits like Pai Benedito and Vovó Maria Conga offer herbal healing, while others, like Pai Congo or Vovó Catarina, focus on strength and spiritual protection. Still others, such as Pai Roberto or Pai Francisco, are recognized for emotional guidance and wisdom through joy.
For instance, names often include references such as “de Angola,” “do Congo,” or “das Almas,” pointing to African roots or spiritual functions. These titles hint at their lineage or symbolic connection to broader ancestral currents.
Finding the Right Connection
Ultimately, it’s not the names or classifications that matter most, but the connection a person builds with a particular spirit. This bond grows over time, through experience and trust.
Symbols and Traits of Pretos-Velhos in Umbanda Healing Rituals
Pretos-Velhos in Umbanda are instantly recognizable by their humble yet powerful energy, characteristic of Afro-Brazilian spiritual archetypes. They embody slowness, grounding, and a sacred connection to the Earth.
Iconic Objects and Posture
They typically appear seated or slightly hunched, a posture that symbolizes humility and a deep connection to the Earth. This posture not only honors their archetypal presence but also serves a spiritual function—channeling grounding energy and reflecting the steady evolution of the spirit through patience and endurance. Common tools include the cachimbo (pipe), used for spiritual cleansing through smoke, and the bengala (walking stick), a symbol of wisdom and support.
Their clothing is typically simple, in white or earth tones, often adorned with headscarves or straw hats. These elements reflect their rural roots and connection to ancestral memory.
Ritual Elements and Speech
Pretos-Velhos frequently use a glass of water and a lit candle during their work. The water conducts and purifies energy; the candle represents spiritual light. Their ponto riscado (sacred design) drawn with pemba (ritual chalk) focuses their energy and spiritual intent.
Their language is slow and filled with meaning. They use parables, proverbs, and short teachings—tools that gently prompt reflection rather than prescribe fixed answers.
Pretos-Velhos in the Gira: Manifestation and Mediumship in Umbanda
During a gira, Pretos-Velhos manifest through mediums in a deeply embodied way, demonstrating a profound connection to ancestral spirituality.
Their Presence in Ritual
Incorporation is slow and deliberate—marked by a deep breath, calm gestures, and grounding movement. As part of their ritual embodiment, they carry their pipe or cane, speak with intention, and dedicate time to each person in need.
Mediums and Energetic Experience
Mediums often describe their energy as gentle yet profound. Their arrival brings peace and emotional release to the terreiro. For many, their presence feels like being seen—not judged, but embraced.
Honoring the Pretos-Velhos in Umbanda: Offerings and Rituals
The celebration of Pretos-Velhos is serene and filled with gratitude. Terreiro spaces are adorned respectfully, and offerings are made with love. This celebration typically takes place on May 13th, a date symbolically linked to the abolition of slavery in Brazil and chosen to honor the wisdom and resilience of these ancestral spirits.
Traditional Offerings
Foods often include:
- Aipim das almas, a cassava dish rooted in resilience and endurance, echoing their strength during and after slavery
- Canjiquinha doce (sweet hominy)
- Black beans
- Fubá and its derivatives (corn flour-based dishes)
- Black coffee (typically unsweetened)
- Healing herbs
Offerings devotees place them on white cloths alongside candles and prayers, creating an exchange of love and gratitude.
The Greeting: Adorê as Almas
“Adorê as Almas” is the sacred greeting used to honor Pretos-Velhos. Derived from “adorar” (to adore), it means to speak or pray with reverence. In Umbanda, it expresses deep respect for their ancestral wisdom.
A Simple Umbanda Ritual Inspired by Pretos-Velhos
This simple ritual fosters spiritual reflection and connection. The purpose isn’t to invoke Pretos-Velhos directly, but to follow their teachings of humility and intentionality.
What You Need:
- A white candle (for light and peace)
- A clear glass of water (not for drinking, to purify energy)
- A quiet space
Steps:
- Light the candle beside the glass of water, placing them above head height.
- Sit quietly, breathe deeply, and let go of daily concerns.
- Offer words of gratitude or a sincere request for guidance.
- Reflect with your whole being, inviting peace or clarity.
- Let the candle burn out naturally. Dispose of its remains with respect and pour the water into the earth.
Ultimately, this is a personal moment of presence and alignment, inspired by the energy of Pretos-Velhos.
The Wisdom of Pretos-Velhos: A Closing Reflection
In Umbanda’s sacred trinity, the Pretos-Velhos embody the wisdom of elderhood and the closing of life’s journey. They teach through calm presence, patient words, and the silence between gestures. Their role is one of grounding and guidance, helping us transform suffering into understanding and reconnect with the enduring strength of the spirit.
Whether through conversation, a gentle pass, or a whispered blessing, their presence reminds us of the dignity in humility and the power of simplicity.
We’d love to hear from you! Have you ever received guidance from a Preto-Velho or experienced their presence in a gira? Share your story or reflections in the comments—your voice enriches this ongoing conversation.
Adorê as Almas! May the Pretos-Velhos guide your path.
Ashé—until our paths cross again.
Dive Deeper: See our Blog about What Is Umbanda? Origins, Beliefs, and Spiritual Practices and about The Marinheiros in Umbanda: Joyful Healers of the Waters
One Response
Impecavél apresentacao e conducao para uma maior entendimento das linhas dos pretos Velhos . Parabéns!