THE GODFATHER
by written author
Rev. Marco Candelaria
Copyright © Open Ministry Inc
All rights reserved. This book or its parts should not be produced, distributed, or transmitted in any format that includes photocopying, recording, or other mechanical and electronic methods, without obtaining permission from the publisher. Brief quotations made in reviews and other non-commercial use is permitted under the copyright law.
Chapter 1
Introduction
The decision to join Palo Mayombe and rise to the level of a priest (Tata) is not an easy one because it is a lifetime commitment. Tatas do not make the decision to be godfathers in Palo Mayombe based on an impulse or whim. The decision is informed by the full understanding of the role and the requirements needed to be a Palero.
The priest plays the most important roles in the Palo Mayombe religion. Paleros are in charge of initiating new members and conducting ceremonies and rituals. Tata is the intermediary between God and initiated practitioners who have been baptized into the religion. The role of the Tata also includes protecting the community and making sure that all the members are safe.
For one to become Tata, he must understand the most important aspects of Palo Mayombe, for example, the secrets of the religion. Palero is not only a teacher, but also the light in the world full of darkness. In reality, Tata is not an individual as most people think. The life of Tata belongs to the community he serves and represents. Even in death, Palero serve as the light to those still living on earth.
Palo Mayombe has seen an increase in the number of people willing to join the religion in the recent past. To join the religion, all new members needs to be initiated. To be initiated into the religion, an individual needs to consult a Palero because he is the only link to the spiritual world. The role of the Palero is to summon the spirits that makes the final decision whether an individual can be initiated into Palo Mayombe.
Not everyone can be initiated into Palo Mayombe, and it is a fact most people need to know. If a Tata and the spirits reject an individual willing to be initiated, it means Palo Mayombe is not the spiritual path for the individual. Successful initiation into the religion depends on two things. First, the initiation must be done by an ordained priest. Second, the God parents must accept the new member.
Once the initiation process is complete, the new initiate has begun the journey into the spiritual world of Palo Mayombe. It is worthy to note that an individual cannot initiate himself into the religion in the absence of a qualified priest. It is only Tata who knows the secrets and mysteries of the religion and has the ability to confer the same to new initiates. In the ancient traditions of the religion that took place in the Congo basin, a new initiate was required to go into the bush in the company of an elder or Tata. The new initiate has to collect all the elements needed to summon the spirits and complete the initiation process.
When the Palo religion was brought into the new world, the initiation customs slightly changed. For instance, the initiation of Paleros into priesthood demanded that the priest should wear a white dress for one year and seven days. The newly initiated priest was also required to eat all his meals on the floor as a way of communing with the spirits. The new priest was forbidden from staying outside until it became dark and could not look into the mirror. Furthermore, he could not make any physical contact with uninitiated individuals. This meant no handshakes.
The Palo Mayombe religion is ancient diaspora religion imported into Cuba by slaves from Congo. From Cuba, the religion spread into other Caribbean territories extending to Colombia, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic. Currently, thousands of Latinos living in New York are members of this religion. It involves ritual drumming, song, and dance.
Tatas and high ranking members of Palo Mayombe have stablished Botanica that sell religious paraphernalia in places like Bronx. The Botanica sell herbs, statues, candles, and spiritual items. They are one-stop shops for accessories needed for practicing the religion which include medicinal plants used for aura cleansing. These items play an important role in healing and guidance in Palo Mayombe.
Paleros who successfully undergo the initiation process are at some point given the title of “Ocha.” This means that the Palero has been accepted by an Orisha, a spiritual being that acts as his guide. This gives the Palero the authority to act as a medium connecting the spiritual world to the real one. Being a spiritual medium is an energy draining task and very dark. However, if this power is used for improving people’s lives and for protection, it can be a rewarding experience.
Tatas communicate with both ancestral and natural spirits. Paleros communicate with the spirits using nganga (shrine) made of clay or iron pots. The nganga is an equivalent to an altar for a Catholic priest. The nganga contains sticks, bones and other spiritual items depending on its purpose. Other items that go into the nganga depends on the nature of the spell or protection Tata is willing to confer. For example, if a believer asks for protection from gunshots, blades or machete, all these item will be placed in the pot.
The practitioners of Palo Mayombe believe that the spirit of the dead live inside the nganga. The spirits of the dead communicate with the living through mediums or Rios. Items like knives and guns placed in the nganga helps to summon spirits that protect individuals from harm caused by these weapons. Apart from protecting people from harm, Paleros also confer blessing to members. For example, it is common for Palo Mayombe practitioners to consult a Tata before a job interview or any other upcoming significant event in their lives.
Tata also console members during hard times, for example, when a member loses a loved one. People trying to uphold their marriage vows also benefit from the services of a Palero. Mayombe practitioners also consult Tata to help deal with a cheating spouse. Some Palero only focuses on bringing light and healing in the lives of members in their denomination. However, some Tatas use the spirits they consult recklessly to harm others. Cases of Palero charging exorbitant prices for their healing have also been reported.
Chapter 2
The Journey to Becoming a Tata
The high priest (Tata) is the major pillar in Palo Mayombe because he is the custodian of the mysteries and practices of the religion. Tatas are very knowledgeable in the teaching and act as a guide to members. They also possess the necessary knowledge needed in organizing ceremonies and rituals in the religion. Tata is the high priest, mentor, teacher, spiritual guide, healer, and the spiritual parent to other members of the religion.
For one to become the high priest in Palo Mayombe, he needs to be an initiated priest who perform rituals with the nganga. However, this is not enough because he will need an intense training that requires time. Furthermore, the priest needs to be consecrated, perform ritual ceremonies, adhere to the teachings, and act as a sacrifice. Members of the religion deeply revere high priests because they possess supernatural powers and communicate with the spirits.
High priests are known as masters of divination, magicians, sorcerers, and medium-ships. The names come from their status and the spiritual powers they hold. Tatas can cast the most potent spells and confer blessing or curses to others. However, it should be noted that all Paleros are not the same. Priest in Palo Mayombe exist in a hierarchy and becoming the high priest is a journey. Moreover, it is a gift from God and the spirits.
Becoming a high priest in Palo Mayombe is a calling from the spirits. For instance, most high priest realize that they have special gifts from the spirits since childhood. I am Rev Marco Candelaria the last Tata Luwongo. My spiritual journey started when I was about ten years old. I was an extra sensitive boy and my father noticed this. I could see shadows and things that existed in the spiritual realm that others around me did not notice.
As a boy, I asked deep spiritual questions which made my father think that I was disturbed. It is my uncle who noticed my spiritual gift and told my father not to worry. My uncle at the time was practicing the religion. I knew I wanted to join Palo Mayombe since I was a child because it was my calling. The spirits tried communicating with me since I was a boy. This was represented in my artwork; the things I drew on walls. For example, I drew images of graveyards in manner that indicated a connection between the living and the dead. My father found them strange and it is the reason that made him think I was disturbed.
Furthermore, as a young boy I noticed that I had a deep understanding of other people’s emotions and feelings. I wanted to join Palo Mayombe and become a priest in order to help people deal with problems/evil spirits that plagued their life and prevented them from achieving their dreams and God given missions in life. Nevertheless, for one to become Tata in Palo Mayombe, he needs special initiation and training for Paleros. One starts as an apprentice working with an established Palero before rising through the ranks.
The common ranks for priest in most Palo Mayombe denominations/houses include the following:
Tata Nkisi (Tribal Chief/Royal King)
The title Tata Nkisi is bestowed upon a Palero that has risen to the highest height in the Palo Mayombe religion. This title is given to the highest priest who have fulfilled all the requirements and undergone all the ritual and ceremonies. This type of a priest has received training in all the practices and rituals. They have the ability to undertake all the sacred divination and rites, for example, how to use consecrated symbols, songs, prayers, and proverbs. Tata Nkisi possesses vast knowledge of the religion and has a wide experience in the practice of Palo Mayombe.
Tata Nganga (High Priest)
Tata Nganga or the high priest is also well-trained to preside over initiation rites and ceremonies. The high priest possesses vast knowledge in the teaching, prayers, songs, chants, proverbs, animals, herbs, and plants used in Palo Mayombe. The high priest have deep knowledge in the mysteries of Palo Mayombe. To be a Tata, one must undergo all the necessary rites and training needed to move up the ranks. The high priest also has the authority to train and mentor upcoming priests. Furthermore, he acts as the godfather to new initiates.
Tata Nkisi Bokanfula (Assistant High Priest)
Tata Nkisi or the assistant high priest is also trained in the practices and rites of Palo Mayombe. Assistant high priest are Tatas is training in the ways of Palo Mayombe. If they successful complete the training, they are promoted to fully fledged high priests.
Tata (Priest)
Ordinary priests are those that have acquired the basic knowledge of the Palo Mayombe religion. They mastered the fundamentals or the building blocks of the religion. If ordinary priests receive more training and acquire additional altars/ngangas, they can rise within the hierarchy to become high priests. Ordinary priests can play the role of godfathers, but they preside over ceremonies and rituals. An assistant high priest, high priest, or a tribal chief have to be present for a ritual or ceremony to be conducted. Ordinary priests lack the authority to preside over ceremonies and rituals.
Ngaeyo (Apprentice to the Priest)
Newly initiated members fall into this category. They are young and full of vitality. Apprentices are watched and guided by older and established members in the Palo Mayombe community. First, they have to undergo the initiation process before they start learning. They are required to adhere to strict rules.
The rise to the position of Tata in Palo Mayombe is not an easy task. An individual can only achieve this after he has cultivated a series of virtues that make him worthy to receive the title of Tata. One has to start as an apprentice priest and rise through the ranks. The faster they ascend depends on their knowledge, devotion, and way of life. These must be in line with the customs established by the rules observed in Palo Mayombe.
The modern life that provide young men with sorts of luxuries have made it difficult for the young to adhere to the rules of the religion and rise to the highest ranks. However, those devoted to Palo Mayombe rejects the pleasures and luxuries of modern life and stick to the religion. To be initiated into priesthood, an individual may have to sacrifice comfort and stay in the mountains or savanna. During this time, a priest under training is required to master vegetation and their significant in the ritual world. The apprentice priest or Tata Nquise/Ngaeyo is chosen by Tata Nganga. The reason is that Tata Nganga possesses the spiritual insight to identify the person that is naturally gifted and more likely to be accepted by the spirits.
After a trainee priest is chosen, he is required to remain in close contact with the Palo Mayombe house he belongs to. This is meant to enable the trainee to learn deep knowledge and receive instructions from the spirits. The trainee is also expected to distance himself from ordinary life. One of the most important factors senior Tatas consider before choosing who to train, is whether the individual is married. The reason is that it easy to observe the behavior of a married man in real life.
The process of initiating Tata is deeply secretive and rigorous and only initiated and consecrated Mayombe members are allowed to attend. Elders from other Mayombe houses are also invited to witness the initiation of a Tata. Their role is to approve and instill faith in the initiation process. The elders accompany the priest undergoing initiation throughout his journey. The rituals a priest is subjected to are more intense compared to those used to initiate ordinary members. After undergoing the initiation process, the new priest would have gained more knowledge and able to see the light.
An initiated Palo Mayombe priest is revered even feared in some circles. The reason they are feared is because they have the key to the cosmic world. The priest communes with the spirits that influence the real world. The title Tata Nganga is the highest and the most prestigious. It is bestowed upon a priest who has been initiated, trained, and taught all the secrets of the nganga. The secret of the altar are passed down from godparents to godchildren. One of the key roles of Tata is to nurture godchildren who study under him.
During training, the priest is required to have deep knowledge of songs (mambos), herbs (Bikanda), and prayers. These items play a significant role in healing the sick. Furthermore, Tata is required to attend to the shrine (nganga) that belongs to Mpungo (god) on a daily basis. This is the only way to cultivate close relationship with the spiritual world. Divination in Palo Mayombe is done using coconut shells, a bull horn containing mysterious items, and big tiger cowrie shells. These items provide an important channels for communicating with the spirits that convey messages that need to be decoded.
An initiated Tata is the gatekeeper in the Palo Mayombe religion. Apart from training upcoming priests, the role of Palero is to initiate new members into the religion. Tata presides over an initiation ceremony called Rayamiento. The initiation process for both Tatas and members is very secretive. Paleros only disclose limited information on the initiation process. During initiation, new members are “scratched” by making tribal marks on their bodies.
New members must make a blood oath with deities (mpungo) and ancestors (Bakulubambutu). The ancestors include all the diseased priests and house spirits (Mfumbe) who connects the living to the dead. The initiation ritual also bind new members to Tata, the godfather who is their guide and counsel throughout life.
After a member is initiated into Palo Mayombe, whether as Tata or house member, he/she is strictly forbidden from leaving the religion. Deserting the religion come with dire consequences. Breaking the blood oath made during the initiation can cause catastrophic events in one’s life. Most members initiated into the religion never leave.
Initiated Paleros work with all types of spirits. Unlike in the Judeo-Christian belief, Palo Mayombe priests do not believe in the devil or evil spirits. God and the spirits are the originators and creators of all life. Mayombe practitioners believe that all life is connected, and light and darkness are all sacred. Both dark and light spirits have their own mysteries. Even when the sun is shining, there are shadows.
The journey to becoming a Tata in Palo Mayombe is a long one and requires guidance and favors from the spirits. Experienced Tatas strictly warn their followers not to fall prey to charlatans who claim they initiate people into the religion. Furthermore, members cannot initiate themselves by building their own nganga (altars). Authentic ngangas are passed from one generation to another. This ensures that Tatas are only individuals who can trace their roots to a specific tribe in the Congo or a specific location in Cuba.
It is wrong and deceitful for a member who has just been initiated to claim the title of Tata. Some unscrupulous individual call themselves Tatas and even ask for money from people who are not familiar with the religion. Only Tatas who are initiated and trained have the right to be respected and duly paid.
Tatas who are initiated and trained have command over the four major spirits. They include Remolino (Swirl), Rabo de Nube (Cloud Tail), Tornado, and Viento Malo (The Bad Winds). The four spirits are connected to the four forces that control the invisible parts of nature. Paleros have control over these spirits. The spirits have to accept a Tata before he ascends to the position of a priest. This is the reason an imposter can never claim to be Tata because he has not been accepted by the spirits neither can he command them. Some website claim to offer spiritual items that help individual to self-initiate into the religion. Do not fall for this tricks; only a qualified Palero can do the initiation.
Chapter 3
The Role of Tata
Practicing Palo Mayombe for Tatas entails working with the spirit of the dead. Tatas can communicate directly with the spirit of the dead. Only individuals with the “sense of wandering” with the dead spirits can be initiated as Tatas. This means that only individuals with psychic abilities can be initiated to become Tatas. Most Tatas had spiritual gift as children, which were then identified by an experienced Palero before initiating them.
Tatas have a “third eye”, which enable them to communicate with the dead spirts in order to understand the ngangas. Communicating with the dead also enable Paleros to heal or harm people depending on the requests believers make. Tata plays the most significant role in the Palo Mayombe religion. Apart from communicating with the spirits of the dead and initiating new members, Paleros are also the custodians of the rituals and practices in the religion.
The practices of the Mayombe religion involves stories, singing specific songs, and tapping into a shared consciousness that connect the dead with the living. The spirits of the dead are invoked in all the teachings and rituals. The spirits of the dead Tata invokes could be those of the siblings, parents, or ancestors from multiple generations. Dead ancestors makes the bulk of the spirits summoned in Palo Mayombe. They fill the minds of the practitioners with scary images.
Paleros use bones or blood obtained from graves to fill the imagination of practitioners. This makes the dead present among the living. The spirits of the dead form a large mass called “Kulunga el muerto.” The spirits proliferate to form one dominant entity. The spirits of the dead Paleros work with originates from the Kalunga before they are perceived by the living. During the initiation of new members, Paleros baptize the individual and teaches him/her the secrets and mysteries of the religion.
Paleros also have the role of serving and protecting the community. Tata is the light in the darkness that bestows blessing from the spirits. In death, Paleros become spiritual guides for the living. For example, before the initiation of Tata, the presiding Palero consult the spirits of the dead. The spirits will then inform the presiding priest whether the initiate is fit to practice as a Palero. A potential priest may be rejected because Palo Mayombe is not part of his spiritual path or destiny. An individual interested in being initiated into priesthood may also be rejected because he lacks the capacity to handle the responsibility that come with being a priest.
The spiritual altar used to perform ceremonies when initiating new members including priests contains holy water, bones of the dead, and sticks among others. An individual preparing to be initiated into the religion is required to collect spiritual items over the course of seven days. During this time, the initiate remains under the supervision of the priest. The spiritual items an individual is require to collect are used to build a personal spiritual shrine called zibranda.
The priest also presides over another ceremony called “Madre De la Luna”, which means “witch of the light” or the “goddess of the moon.” This initiation ceremony takes place at night in a field when the full moon is present. The ceremony is common among Mexican witches. The individual undergoing the initiation is given a knife containing the power to cast love spells. The individual keeps the knife as a source of personal power. The spiritual altar used to perform the “Madre de la Luna” ceremony contain crystal beads of quartz and a crystal skull.
The role of the Tata also includes presiding over “Madre de Agua” ceremony, which is a ritual in honor of a powerful spirit in Palo Mayombe. This ceremony is performed in order to attract love and money. The ceremony is also used to cast powerful spells and perform other magical tricks. The spiritual altar of “Madre de Agua” is made of clear beads, seven multicolored beads, and coral beads.
Paleros summon the “La Santisima Piedra Iman” spirit in order to help believers attract money and health, especially businesspersons. Many businesspersons in Latin America have consulted Tatas to help improve their businesses. The altar used to summon the spirit of “La Santisima Piedra Iman” contain black and green beads. Tata work with the powerful “Mama Chola” spirit when casting spells of love and fertility.
Another ceremony Tatas preside over in Palo Mayombe is the “Francisco de loss Siete Rayos”, which means “Francisco of the seven rays.” This one of the oldest ceremonies in Palo Mayombe. This ceremony involves a spirit living in an iron altar or bowl. This spirit rules the four winds mentioned earlier. The four winds play a significant role in Mayombe religious practices.
Tata and the Practices of the Ngangas
Ngangas or altars are sacred objects in Palo Mayombe used to cast spells in a communal ritual that involves all members. Communal rituals are big events with the most common one being initiation ceremonies. Most rituals that Tata performs with nganga involves casting evil spells on the enemy or threatening them. Tatas also commonly cast spells that help those who seek their services to prosper.
Tatas heal or harm using prendas/alters that contain the forces of the spirits of “kalunga el muerta” also known as the mass of the dead. The most common form of attack Tatas send out to enemies involves attacks by storms that ruin things. Paleros can also send attacks in the form of hunting cats, bulls, or birds of prey. Apart from attacking enemies, the spirits of the dead (kalunga el muerta) protects Tata, their keeper.
The ngangas Paleros use come in various forms with different shapes and sizes. The rituals performed by the ngangas are mysterious, but the ngangas are reflection of the spiritual meaning behind the physical world. Paleros can either keep the spirits in the nganga or outside the house. However, most spirits live in a special house of the dead called “La Casa de Los Muertos.” The spirits cannot be kept by ordinary people because they are fierce and powerful. In most cases, the spirits of the dead are kept in a house that is strictly locked. The house of the dead is stocked with magical items and spirits.
Tata as the Head of a Munanso
In Palo Mayombe, a munanso is the name used to refer to the room or space that house the nganga/altar. The name is also used in reference to a specific group or house headed by a Tata. The Palero presides over all the ceremonies and rituals performed in his munanso. Tata is the spiritual leader in all activities and ceremonies.
In Palo Mayombe new practitioners are introduced to rituals and ceremonies gradually by the presiding Palero. A spiritual leader like Tata is also called a mayombero and he possesses vast knowledge he has gained after many years of working with the spirits of the dead. Tatas knowledge also come from interacting with other members of the religion. Tata, the godfather plus his spiritual children (ahijados) form a munanso, which is a religious Mayombe family in a given locality.
Hence, a munanso is a religious sect that is made of members in a given locality. However, in some circles it extends to include a whole community notionally or internationally. Members of a munanso include the godfather (Tata), children (ahijados), and the mother (madrina). They form a social religious organization. Most Palo Mayombe practices revolves around a munanso that provides the channels of interaction and communing. The teachings of Palo Mayombe also occur within this group. The initiation ceremonies are headed by the padrina and the madrina who lead by examples.
Members of a munanso have different responsibilities and this determines their position in the group. For example, when there is a ceremonies some members will lead the singing section while other will help with the rituals. Of course, Tata remains the leader who presides over all members. Some members specialize in playing drums during ceremonies while others help gather spiritual items like tobacco and rum. In some munanso ceremonies, members make small contributions in the form of goods and services during ceremonies. For instance, some members give money while others provide the food and animals to be sacrificed during the ceremony.
Senior members of a munanso who have practiced for a while occupy a higher status in a munanso. Paleros who head the ceremonies provide non-commercial services to non-members seeking their help. Some powerful Paleros ask for a small fee or goods and services before casting a spell.
Members of a munanso who have shown devotion over the years can rise to the position of a Tata nganga with their own shrines. Not all members of a munanso grow and develop into Tatas. Some members become good in various spiritual tasks such as singing or drumming. This enable them to develop close and deep relationships with Paleros. Hence, taking part in ceremonies and rituals provide members with a platform for social expression and growth within the munanso.
Munansos have different rankings and members are a signed different roles and functions. The positon accorded to an individual depend on his/her status and the role he/she was awarded during initiation and other functions like ceremonies and rituals. The initiation process enable individuals to benefit from the protection and guidance from other members in the munanso.
Munansos also serve as learning platforms for members. Ritual languages are taught through dance and songs that take place during religious ceremonies. Moreover, taking part in ritual activities requires members to have mastered religious songs that enable them to use ritual language. Palo Mayombe is religion that requires and encourages the participation of all the members in ritual activities such as songs that are sung during ceremonies such as initiation. Only a few members of a munanso play important roles during ceremonies.
Learning within a munanso is important for knowledge transfer and demands members to form healthy relationships with the godfather, the godmother, and children. The relationship enable the replication and transfer of Palo Mayombe rituals and practices. The number of children in each house differ, but they have to form a social network. Most munansos in Palo Mayombe are made up of family members and a few close friends. The godfathers pass distinctive religious practices from one generation to the next. These practices form the foundation of religious identity. Munansos may be distinct but they have common belief, history, and practices.
Members from different munansos often meet and interact as a way of creating solidarity among themselves. Some Paleros have multiple religious roles, for example, some Tatas are both catholic and Mayombe priests. This is an indication of the diversity within the Afro-Cuban religions. Furthermore, some members of Afro-Cuban religions were once baptized members of the Catholic Church. People often find the mixing of Christianity and Afro-Cuban religions controversial.
The reason is that the practices of the two religions are distinct from one another. For instance, Paleros use herbs and the spirits of the dead to cast both good and evil spells. The Christian doctrine forbids against such practices. Nevertheless, Palo Mayombe is a distinct religion that offer quick and real solutions to spiritual problems unlike Christianity that teaches members to sit back and wait as they continue to suffer. In addition, Palo Mayombe is not only a religion, but also a close knit family that exists in the form of munansos (houses).
Chapter 4
The Relationship between Tata (Godfather) and Yaya (Godmother)
The religions rules adhered to in Palo Mayombe have restrictions and limitation on the role of women. Palo is not only the religion that limits the participation of female members. Most major religions around the world have similar rules. Neverthles, Yaya (Mothers) and Godmother play a significant role during initiations and rites in Palo Mayombe.
Most initiation ceremonies begins with the preparation of alters (Ngangas) where four-legged animals are sacrificed. Yaya have not authority to initiate new members, but they have an important role in the initiation process. For example, they support and balance godchildren and Tata belonging to a specific house. They also act as godmother offering guidance and strength to the children. They are considered a powerful source of enlightenment for spiritual development.
In most cases, Yayas are a representation of the maternal side of the religion. Women are a universal representation of the source of life in the universe because birth and creation emanates from them. Furthermore, Yayas plays an important role in consultations, healing, cleansing, spiritual baths, casting love spells, amulets, makutos, and spiritual development.
Yayas are naturally powerful spiritual leaders. They have unlimited powers in casting spells and working with the Ngangas.
