Boiadeiros in Umbanda: Who are these powerful guides?

The Boiadeiros in Umbanda are spiritual guides who value nature and contribute to the balance between human beings and the environment. In fact, they were evolved people who had strong ties with the fauna and flora and, after disembodied, they decided to continue their spiritual missions.

Despite their aggressive, strong and brave appearance, Cattle Dogs are very generous, peaceful and benevolent. In addition, they use a specific language that refers to the countryside to communicate with the world of the living.

Here, you learn more about what Boiadeiros are in Umbanda and unravel all the mysteries of these powerful spiritual guides.

Who are the Boiadeiros in Umbanda?

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The Boiadeiros in Umbanda are spiritual guides who are part of the line of intermediaries or assistants, working both on the left and on the right. Traditionally, they follow the orixás Oyá Tempo – Logunam and Oxalá, who together govern the faith.

The Boiadeiros assume the role of protective guardians of the Major Law when the Boiadeiros are ruled by Ogun, the orixá of war. However, they can also work to eliminate negative energies and expel obsessive spirits when they follow the Oyá Tempo line.

When they were alive, they worked with the land and mastered the art of caring for the field, dealing with animal instincts and climatic adversities. That’s why, as spiritual guides in Umbanda, Boiadeiros are known for being able to bring harmony to even the most unlikely relationships.

With simple speech, respect for nature and a huge heart, this guide is a much appreciated presence in Umbanda’s tours. Not to mention that the cowboys always seek to help, guide, assist and advise the afflicted who stray from the path of good.

Also seen as farmers or cowboys, these guides have their own way of communicating with people. With a characteristic language of the countryside, they convey the message of peace and love of the ruling orixá.

If you’ve come this far and you’re wondering “But what are guides?”, watch the video below to find out:

Characteristics of the Cattlemen in Umbanda

When you look at a Boiadeiro at a tour in Umbanda, you immediately think of a pawn, cowboy, laçador or even a viola player. This is because they were beings that had a deep bond with nature and with animals. After disembodied, as they were highly evolved, they became spiritual guides.

As faithful protectors of the harmony between the environment and human beings, the Boiadeiros in Umbanda have their own customs and play the role of transmitting the message of faith, respect and universal love.

Therefore, these guides always work towards the balance of forces and the elimination of negative energies, reaching the point of expelling obsessive presences in the same way that they control the cattle in the pasture.

With a lot of humility and a modest way, typical of the sertão, the Boiadeiros carry a huge desire to help and guide stray human beings. Therefore, they are highly respected guides in Umbanda terreiros.

In addition to the emblematic appearance, the Boiadeiros have specific characteristics such as peculiar names and specific words that are part of the communication between guides and people.

Names of the Cattlemen in Umbanda:

• João Boiadeiro;
• Inga cattleman;
• Zé Mineiro;
• path;
• River cowboy;
• Tie Joe;
• Serra da Estrela Cattle Dog;
• Jurema Cattle Dog;
• Chapadão Cattle Dog;
• Leather Hat Cowboy.

When Boiadeiros want to express themselves in a tour, they use a specific vocabulary that translates their reality.

Specific words of the Boiadeiros in Umbanda:

• Ox: a spirit that strayed from the path of good,
• Link: refers to time and the Orixá Logunan;
• loop: to lead the spirits towards the Divine Law;
• Cattle: the spirits that brought him to the path of good;
• horses: children who are on the path of good.

Normally, the Boiadeiros in Umbanda carry clothes in dark blue and yellow colors, however, it is possible to find them with typical pawn clothes in brown and purple.

Worship of the Boiadeiros in Umbanda

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Although they look like country people with a frown, the celebration of the Boiadeiros takes place on July 2nd and is always a joyful occasion. In addition, there are traditions that separate Tuesdays for the Boiadeiros tours and others, on Thursdays.

Anyway, there are specific symbols in the cult of Boiadeiros in Umbanda, such as the horn, horns, leather boots, straw cigarettes and bull’s eye seeds. In the works, it is common to light candles (it can be in the colors of the Boiadeiros or not) to ask for the protection of the guides and spiritual cleansing.

Offerings to Boiadeiros in Umbanda

Before worshiping a guide or making an offering, it is very important to consult the person in charge of the Umbanda terreiro who will guide you according to the specific characteristics of the entity.

With that in mind, know that offerings to Cattle Dogs should be placed in open spaces, fields or quarries. It’s no surprise that what the Boiadeiros like in their offerings are typical sertão foods, isn’t it?

What Cowboys like:

• Fruits: Orange, lemon, pineapple, star fruit and grape;
• Plates: mocotó broth, Carreteiro rice, rice with lentils, beef ribs, shredded dried meat and tropeiro beans;
• Drinks: Citrus juice, red and white wine and piga.

Prayer to the herdsmen

“My cowboy friend!

You who guide your cattle through the gates of the paths of Ogun,

You who pass by rivers, under sun and rain with your horn announcing your arrival,

You, who with your whip in hand, skillful with the noose and do not let demand create,

Help me at this time, open the gates of my ways!

Bring in your noose those who wish me harm.

May in Your whip be justice for my cause.

May I find in my ways the solution to my requests.

Jethruah!”

With a simple language, but with a very strong message, the Boiadeiros are very respected and admired spiritual guides in Umbanda. If you liked their story and are interested in finding out which Orixá governs you, book an appointment online to play the buzios game with one of the fathers and mothers of saints available at .

In this way, all consultations are carried out by responsible professionals committed to the quality of the service. Not to mention that secrecy and discretion are guaranteed by .

But if you are curious to know which entity you most identify with, take the quiz “Which Orixá represents you?”. Comment your result below!