In Candomblé and Umbanda, Exú is the orixá that serves as the messenger between humankind and the orixás. When offerings are made to the orixás, Exú receives his first so that he may deliver the axé of the offerings and messages to the other orixás for them to receive and accept it. Therefore, he is always honored first in any ritual or ceremony. Exú is the opener of doors (opportunities) and owns the crossroads. He is the spiritual energy of communication, choices, as well as cause and effect. Though he is seen as playful and childlike, he also delivers justice to those who choose the wrong path and don’t offer sacrifice for their blessings, therefore called a trickster. Yet, he is good to those who are good to him and remember their obligations to God (Olodumarê) and the orixás. In Brazil, you will commonly find plates of food and candles left in the streets at crossroads. These are offerings to Exú as a petition to open the way for blessings and prosperity.
Salutation: LAROYE!
colors: red and black
Weekday: Monday
Food: Yam, yellow corn flour Pade with palm oil
Symbols: Erect phallus
Elements: Earth and Fire
Domains: pathways, crossings, doorways.
Day: August 24
Syncretism: St. Anthony or Archangel Gabriel
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