The most common forms or praise-names of Exu are Exu-Agbo, the protector and guardian of houses and terreiros; Exu-Elepô, the god of palm oil; Exu lnã, the god of fire; and Exu Ojixé, a messenger god.
Exu Caveira is a separate class of entity from Exu the Orixa. In Umbanda, a local variation of Candomblé, Exus are considered the spirits of once living men who evolved into guardians, often associated with cemeteries and protecting against the negative influence of the dead.
It would be more accurate to view Exu as a title referring to a class of fiery spirits called upon in the Afro-Brazilian cults for matters of guidance and to work magic. Each Exu is unique and the personalities can vary drastically from one Exu to another.
Exu or Eshu is by far one of the most mysterious and controversial figures in Umbanda and Youruba spirituality. Article by Eduardo Guimaraes.
Who Is Exu? Exu is one of the most well-known spirits of the Brazilian religion and related African-derived traditions. Exu is a powerful spirit who functions as Divine Messenger and Gatekeeper to the Spirit World. He sits at the Crossroads, offering choices and possibilities to humankind.
Discover what an EXU charge on debit card means, causes like foreign transaction fees, and how to dispute it.
Iconography often mistakenly compares Exu to the Christian devil. There is no such comparison. In Candomblé, as in general in African religions, there is no place for the Christian concept of sin. Of course in Candomblé free will also marks the distance between humans and animals. But Exú has nothing to do with the evil side of the human soul.