Home » Dreams & Meanings » Buzios game in umbanda: origin, how it works, Odús and more!

Buzios game in umbanda: origin, how it works, Odús and more!

In Umbanda, the game of whelks is seen as the ultimate oracle of the religion, that is, the most practical way to receive advice, a prediction or a suggestion about a real-life problem by consulting the African gods, the orishas.

Thus, when interpreting the game of búzios, the Mãe de Santo or Pai de Santo reveal what life has in store for the person who is playing according to religion. This is knowledge that only the initiated have, but it is available to anyone who can afford it and has real faith in what will be revealed by the game.

In this article you will check the main historical and cultural aspects of the game of búzios, such as its origin, its history, how it works, and even the possible results of the game, the Odús. Follow the reading.

The history of the game of whelks is controversial, as there are those who say that it originates in Africa, and others that it comes from Turkish culture, as it was spread mainly from the period of the Turkish invasion in Africa. Keep reading to know the origin and meaning of the game of buzios


The use of whelks for the game originates from Turkish culture, as the use of these specific shells comes from it, since the whelks come from the Indian Ocean. Communication with the gods who represent the forces of nature, the orixás, however, comes from African culture.

Thus, the confusion exists because the whelks themselves are Turkish, and began to be used by Africans after the Turkish invasion of Africa. However, all the meanings and connections with the divine beings in the game of búzios originate from millenary African religions, brought to Brazil by Portuguese colonization.


The game of whelks for African religions represents the oracle par excellence. Thus, it is through the shell game that the faithful, and anyone who believes in the influence of the orixás, can have answers to their life questions.

Thus, in addition to the direct contacts between the Mães and Pais de Santo and the orixás, which exist in African religions, the game of whelks offers a fraction of this personal divine vision. It is very important for religion, as in addition to culturally strengthening African religions, it serves as a source of income for African religious centers.

The game of whelks works from the interpretation of the formation of the whelks when they are thrown on the table. This happens based on the belief that the Orixás influence the drawing formed and that, therefore, there is a message to be revealed behind the game.

Follow below the details of how the game of buzios works, such as the characteristics of the table, the purpose and the questions in the game of buzios.


The table on which the whelks are played can vary, from the simplest to the most sophisticated. What they will always have in common will be the objects that serve as symbols of faith for contact with the Orixás. Thus, at the very least there will be a string of beads, but there may also be bells, gold objects, images, flowers, candles, and whatever else is deemed pertinent.

The towel will always be white, and it is also common to throw the whelks over a sieve. The most important thing is that symbols and deities are not mixed up. On the whelk table, there should only be references to that Orisha to which the questions are being addressed.


The purpose of the game of whelks is to establish a direct contact between the African gods, the Orixás, and the person who plays, so that he can ask direct questions about doubts in his life and see the best path to follow according to wisdom. from Gods.

It is the greatest oracle of African religions, and it is available to anyone. Unlike other forms of contact with the orixás, in which it is necessary to enter the religion and evolve spiritually to be allowed to participate in rituals, the game of buzios is accessible to anyone looking for a Mãe or Pai de Santo.


The design formed by the cowries in the game reveals a message that is being transmitted by the Orixás, who know everything, and therefore can help the person who is playing with their existential doubts. Therefore, for the game to have a result, it is necessary to ask yourself questions before throwing the whelks.

The questions can be about yourself or about some specific point in your life, such as work, personal relationships, love, and the choices you should or shouldn’t make in your life. The game reading is then done according to your question, demonstrating what the African gods understand is best for you at that moment.

The game of shells has its origins in African religions, and that is why it is adopted in Umbanda, a religion of African origin born in Brazil, as the most expressive way of obtaining oracles from the Orixás, accessible to anyone willing to pay and deposit their faith in their guidelines.

Below, you can follow more details about the game of búzios in umbanda, how it works, number of Odús in umbanda, interpretation of results and more. Check out.


To throw the buzios in umbanda, it is necessary that a pai-de-santo or a Mãe-de-santo be present. This spiritual authority will be responsible for creating a connection with the Orixás, which will influence the outcome of the game to show the querent what he needs to know to have his personal questions answered.

The composition of the buzios when thrown, that is, the way they appear, open or closed, will correspond to one of the 16 Odús, which will guide the Mãe or Pai de Santo in the answers they must give to the person who throws them.


There are 16 Odús in Umbanda. The Odús correspond to oracles that guide the choices in a person’s life, revealing their essence. When playing the buzios, each formation corresponds to an Odú, who will be responsible for clarifying a person’s doubts that were brought to the game.


Only mothers and fathers of saints can read the game of buzios in umbanda. This happens because to become a saint’s mother or father, there is a process that takes time of spiritual work, study and sacrifices that must be respected. From this training, the person starts to communicate directly with the orixás.

It is through this communication that it becomes possible for the mother or father of saint to be able to clarify what the person should do in their life according to the orixás. Thus, when throwing whelks without the participation of the mother or father of saint there is no real communication with the divine world, only the reading of an arrangement of the shells that occurs randomly.


There are 16 possibilities for the results of the game of buzios in umbanda, and this will depend on the disposition of the buzios, whether open or closed. Each formation corresponds to an Odú, which has guidance on the energy that governs the person’s life at that moment, and which suggests some solutions or possibilities for paths.

For this, it is necessary that the questions are formulated before the result of the game, so that it is possible to interpret that formation of the whelks according to the specific problem brought to the game.

The fall of the buzios in the game is called Odú, which in the Yoruba language, a language of African origin and which regulates Candomblé and Umbanda in general, means “destiny”. Thus, each Odú corresponds to a divine form that brings answers about the life of those who are playing. It is possible to know all the Odús to better understand what the game means.

Below are all the names and meanings of each of the 16 Odús, so that you know the possibilities that the game of whelks can bring, such as Obara, Okaran, Ofum, and much more. All names are in the Yoruba language, as well as the other Candomblé figures. Check out.


Oxê is considered the worst Odú in the game of buzios, as it shows the existence of obstacles and enemies. When he appears in love relationships, he indicates that it is best not to start or end this relationship.

He also points out the need for strength to fight for diplomacy, in which the person playing cannot act for war, in which case he will lose. The message of this Odú is in the need for faith, strength to face obstacles and a pure heart, because in that case, even with so many difficulties, the consultant will be victorious.


Ejioko is the best of the Odús in the Jogo dos Búzios. This formation represents blessings in every way, and the person who draws this Odú has great attributes and is very lucky.

This Odú represents male strength and brings aspects of action, intelligence, success, strength and prosperity. It points to a life story of protection, with great achievements. For this reason, he must seek to elevate himself spiritually, to have access to his powers in the highest degree.


This Odú brings a negative energy in its essence, which says a lot about the harmful habits that the person has. Okaran highlights the lack of self-care, revealing a possible lack of hygiene and a tendency to infectious diseases.

As for personality, they are people of attitude and who have great energy for action. Therefore, they must concentrate, because the law of return, with them, is relentless. They reap what they sow, and are sensitive to energy attacks, and must protect themselves by seeking spirituality.


The Odú Obara has a positive and a negative aspect. On the positive side, it points to financial prosperity and relationships, and exalts the ability to do business and be a diplomatic person, capable of conquering everything you want.

In the negative aspect, however, it determines that the person can be spendthrift and tends to be influenced. In addition, this Odú shows that the person surrounds himself with enemies and may be spiritually vulnerable, having to strengthen himself and avoid addictions, such as drugs or alcohol.


Ofum is the Odú of material wealth and prosperity. For this reason, the person who receives this training in the Jogo dos Búzios must work hard, as this will undoubtedly achieve financial and professional success.

Just watch out for the tendency to arrogance. Therefore, he needs to work on humility and patience, because even if he has riches, he will not be able to live without his loved ones, to whom he must also dedicate his…

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