The Scarlet Woman of Rio

Pomba Gira and her 7 Crossroads

by Papa Nick

I. It is a hot Friday night on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro. Inside a farmhouse, a congregation of the Quimbanda sect is performing a ritual to call down the spirits. Songs to the spirits (pontos contados) are sung in Portuguese to the rhythm of the drums while the signatures of the spirits (pontos riscados) are drawn upon the ground. Candles are lit around these diagrams and other offerings are placed: liquor and tobacco, food and flowers. This is a party as well as a religious service, and people are dancing and swaying to the music -- the room seems to spin slowly as the party rises to a place beyond time. From a side door a woman appears, dressed in red skirts, bedecked with jewels and beads, holding a glass of champagne in one hand and a long cigarillo in the other. An aura of sex and danger radiates from her as the congregants clear a path for her. If you are brave enough to meet her gaze, you will know immediately whether or not you can approach her. If you do, be prepared for direct and uncompromising answers to your questions. Ask her for help, and be ready to reward her exactly as you have promised, or face the consequences. This is not a lady to be trifled with. This is Pomba Gira.

Pomba Gira, the voluptuous consort of the devilish Exu, did not arrive in Brazil from across the sea in slave ships as did the African gods that populate Candomble, Umbanda,

and Quimbanda. Nor was she one of the spirits of the native Indian tribes, or one of the demons from medieval grimoires, or a spirit guide from Alex Kardec's Spiritism, although Brazilian magico-religions draw from all of these sources. Pomba is unique to Brazil, a magical entity that grew from native soil; from the steam rising from manhole covers in new urban centers in the early 20th Century, and from the deep needs of the women who found themselves in disturbingly new economic and emotional settings. Pomba arose, with red dress on, arched eyebrow, a devilish grin -- and a switchblade tucked into her high-heeled shoes.

The origin of her name does have African roots. According to the author Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold, "Bongbongira" is the name of a Congolese spirit, and may be a contraction of the words "mpungo" and "nzila", meaning "spirit of the road". There may be traces of this Congolese spirit in Pomba Gira, but the Pomba we see today is a new manifestation suitable for the cultural conditions of 20th and 21st century Americas.

In Paganism, the general consensus seems to be: the older, the better. If the Roman Diana is powerful, how much more powerful must Isis be, or Ishtar? There is some merit to this, but it is not surprising that many magicians who have called upon the ancient gods have heard little in reply.

I believe that new gods, goddesses and spirits are being created all the time, and these "new gods" are, for obvious reasons, more accessible than their elderly counterparts -- their phone numbers are still in service. Divinities have always adapted to the new cultures they were absorbed into -- the Sumerian Inanna evolved into the Babylonian Ishtar who eventually became the Greek Astarte. Cultures evolve, and their gods evolve with them. The Free Woman

archetype, as opposed to the Virgin, Mother or Crone, has been with us since the dawn of time. Lilith, the first wife of Adam, comes to mind: she who was discontent to lie on her back and be subservient to masculine will. The Free Woman has always been vilified, because her freedom challenges and threatens to unravel the very fabric of society. The same is true for the Free Man -- but even he is challenged by the woman who will not play a subservient role in his plans.

Pomba Gira first arose in the early years of the 20th Century in Rio. Her closest African counterpart is probably Oshun, the Yoruban goddess of sensual love, whose cult was already well established in Brazil. But Oshun, as sensual as she was, did not quite fulfill the needs of the modern woman in an industrial/urban culture, who for the first time, had the opportunity to be independent. The Modern Woman no longer needed to rely on a man for her and her children's survival. As long as she held a job, she could choose her lovers as she would, and marriage was not the only option. She was in control of her own sexuality and financial security.

Like many gods, goddesses and spirits, Pomba can be traced back to a real person: Maria de Padilla (1334-1361), the mistress of King Pedro I of Castile, aka "Pedro the Cruel". According to the author Mario dos Ventos, as early as 1640 the Holy Office in Lisbon identified an entity known as Maria Padilha, who is referred to as "Witch Mother". An opera based on her relationship with King Pedro was composed by Gaetano Donizetti in 1841. She must have been quite a lady.

The similarity of Pomba Gira to the Thelemic Babalon is unmistakable, in my opinion. This is a woman who, if not girt

with a sword, at least holds a trident -- this is a recurrent symbol in her sigils. The word "trident" means "three teeth". Pomba is Oshun with a bite! And I don't think it's a coincidence that Pomba rose from the streets of Rio in the early 1900s -- around the time Aleister Crowley transcribed Liber AL in a Cairo hotel room. Babalon is not mentioned by name in Liber AL but Crowley later used that name to refer to the Scarlet Woman of the book.

I don't see Babalon as a literal goddess, and the same holds true for Pomba. Neither, IMO, should be an object of worship, because worship implies an ideal outside oneself. Both are more accessible than that: spiritual forces to be worked with. They have personalities -- they like to be flattered and spoiled, and if you are successful at that, both can open a lot of doors for you. Just don't piss them off or be neglectful, or abuse them, or there will be Hell to pay. Pomba Gira is the spirit that abused women can call upon to enact their revenge -- she is the Switchblade Sister that can and will bring misfortune and even death to the abuser.

II. The Portuguese translation of the name Pomba Gira is "spinning pigeon". This is an allusion to the behavior of the people who are possessed or "ridden" by her in ceremony: they dance and drunkenly spin. Clearly Pomba is not like the Priestess Enthroned we see in the Gnostic Mass, a passive recipient of pussy worship (and how does she keep her arms up there like that so long? ... damn!) Pomba Gira is a Party Girl. A bellydancer and firespinner. She is a pole dancer on the Poteau-Mitan. Pomba would not be content sitting on a throne and being adored -- she would jump down, grab the adorant by the hips and make him dance with her! And buy her drinks and dinner afterwards.

Pomba is a Gypsy. She moves, and is a traveler, and is never content in one place for a long period of time. She is not a hausfrau. In "Jambalaya", Luisa Tesh describes Pomba as even craftier than her male counterpart Exu: "She is voluptuous, cools herself with a black lace fan, and is accused of hanging in the doorways of bars and places of entertainment. She stands with one hand extended palm up as if bestowing favor and the other palm down as if denying it. Her lips are parted in such a way that one cannot tell whether She is smiling or grimacing".

Eshu/Legba is primarily known as a Gatekeeper. It is he who is called first in Vodoun and Santeria ceremonies because he is the messenger between the world of the spirits and man. Without his participation, and his agreement not to disrupt the ceremony in his Trickster guise, the ceremony could not take place. Exu's role in Umbanda/Quimbanda is much the same, but he is not the same entity as Eshu or Legba -- Exu's roots are in the Congo area, while Legba hails from Nigeria. Pomba, too, is a Gatekeeper, and an intermediary between the world of spirit and matter. Her role, though, as the female aspect of Exu, can best be thought of in biological terms: the Gate she rules is a most important one -- the vaginal gate. Usually depicted with breasts exposed and a "come hither" attititude, she will smack down any suitor who is not to her liking. With Pomba Gira, no definitely means NO!

Like Exu, Pomba Gira rules the crossroads. Outdoor rituals for Exu and Pomba usually take place at a crossroad -- this is where the ritual is performed and the sacrifices left. In Exu's case, this can be anyplace two roads cross: think of an "X" shape. But in Brazilian magic, most rituals for Pomba Gira take place at a "T" intersection, where one's choice is to go either right or left; the option of continuing along the same

road is not there. This is worthy fodder for meditation, and yet another reason why Pomba should be approached with the deepest respect. She does not give you the option of continuing along the same path. She forces you to choose -- so you must be ready to make a choice when you approach her for help. Pomba does not fuck around -- if you want her help and advice, you'd better follow through on it, or it will be a dead end. Don't waste her time if you are not serious.

Statues and drawings of Exu in Brazil depict him as a handsome man in top hat and cape, holding a trident or cane -- the popular image of the Devil Himself. Pomba, as the Devil's Bride, is often shown as bare-breasted, leering and ready-to-ride. Not surprisingly, people outside the Umbanda/Quimbanda cults take these almost cartoonish depictions literally, and consider this to be a most Satanic couple, and working with them flat-out Black Magic. In some cases this can be said to be true -- Exu and Pomba are powerful but ambivalent spirits, and will work as quickly for destruction and revenge as they will for healing and aid in financial, legal and emotional matters. They are not wholly good or wholly evil -- sort of like people. These spirits are messengers, and as Shakespeare said, "don't shoot the messenger".

The experts caution that it is not a good idea to work with Pomba Gira too much. As seductive and powerful as she is, magical obsession is a real possibility. Women who work too much with the "Pomba vibe" are said to commonly resort to prostitution or reckless sexual activity. Men who do so are said to become feminized or to lose control over their own sexual impulses. Approach her with respect, as you would any strong and independent woman.

III.

Pomba Gira is commonly referred to as the Queen of the Seven Crossroads. The operational areas of the Exu and Pomba spirits are categorized by 7 Lines (linhas in Portuguese) and within each of these are a number of Legions, each of which are populated by a number of individual spirits. Mario dos Ventos, in the book "Na Gira Do Exu -- Invoking the Spirits of Brazilian Quimbanda", breaks this down into Seven Kingdoms, ruled over in part by 7 Queens. The Kings (Exus) of these paths are excluded here since this is a paper devoted to the feminine energies, so I will call them Queendoms rather than Kingdoms.

1 - The Queendom of the Crossroad is ruled by Pomba Gira Rainha das Sete Encruzilhadas, the Queen of the 7 Crossroads, who rules all magic done at crossroads.

2 - The Queendom of the Crosses is ruled by Pomba Gira Rainha dos Sete Cruzeiros who reigns over magic done on the street or street corners.

3 - The Queendom of the Forest is governed by Pomba Gira Rainha das Matas who oversees magic done with trees, bushes, or in parks or forests.

4 - The Queendom of the Cemetery is the domain of Pomba Gira Rainha das Sete Kalungas aka Pomba Gira Rainha dos Cementerios, who oversees the spirits and magical work associated with cemeteries.

5 - The Queendom of Souls -- Pomba Gira Rainha das Almas or Pomba Gira Rainha da Lomba rule over magic done in high places or on hills -- and also, hospitals and morgues.

6 - The Queendom of the Lyres. Lyres, harp-like instruments, are rarely used today in popular music. I prefer to think of this queendom as a lady with a guitar -- think Bonnie Raitt or Nancy Wilson. Rainha do Candomble (Maria Padilha) is the Star in this line. The Queen of any Party. Dance, music, and the fine arts are her realm. This is the Gypsy Pomba, the Tarot reader, the Poet, the Musician, and the Artist. We all know at least one. She is the one who yanks us off our stools and makes us dance with her. A real live wire, who has a lot more depth than is apparent at first. She has a lot to teach us, and we will have fun learning it.

7 - The Queendom of the Beach. Pomba Gira Rainha da Praia presides over water magic and entities, whether it be the ocean or lake, beach or island. Not surprisingly, this is also where we find the "pirate" entities of Quimanda -- yes, they have those too! Johnny Depp just might be the Exu is this scenario.

A detailed exposition of some of the most popular Pombas can be found in Kiumbanda -- A Complete Grammar of the Art of Exu by Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold. I have excluded some but this will provide a good overview of the varied nature of the Pombas. Most of the information below is culled from that book.

-- Pomba Gira Maria Padilha is known for her efficiency and swiftness, and is among the most popular of Pombas. Sometimes she is called the "Queen without a Crown", and this certainly refers to the historical Maria, who was the queen of King Pedro's heart, but who denied his repeated proposals for marriage, preferring her independence over courtly accoutrements. This also describes a certain type of woman, one who demands respect, and whose demeanor is regal, even if she is a poor or working-class woman. Maria

is also a perfect example of how "new spirits" are born: legends grew up around the real woman, who had a Witchy reputation, and within a hundred years, witches in Spain and Portugal were using her name and calling her spirit to help them in their spells.

-- Pomba Gira Rainha Rainha means "queen", and even the macho Exus bow to the Rainhas. Queens are both demanding and generous. The magical technique for these rituals is simple and direct: give them a small gift at first, offer your request, and promise them a larger gift when they make it happen. And when the request is granted, you'd better be damned sure you follow through on your promise. You must keep in mind that you are asking for aid from a powerful spiritual force that will turn the world upside down to grant it; if you don't hold up your part of the deal, they can turn your world upside down.

-- Pomba Gira Rainha das Sete Encruzilhadas, the Queen of the Seven Crossroads, is the ultimate Queen Pomba, the popularity of Maria Padilha and others notwithstanding. Frisvold describes her as "strong, harsh, generous, wise and murderous... (who) takes delight in demonstrating the power of womanhood in front of men..." This is the woman who dresses provocatively, or who is even naked with legs spread, but when she says No, she means it, and is ready to kick the balls or snap the neck of any man who doesn't get that. She is also the woman who can accept a man and fulfill all of his needs, if it is her choice. But that is just a sexual metaphor for the larger picture: Pomba of the 7 Crossroads is the ultimate Initiatrix. As Frisvold puts it, she can be "the best of friends and the worst of enemies." Respect her, or pay the price.

-- Pomba Gira da Encruzilhadas could be called the Queen of All Crossroads. She is very flexible. She is Legion. She can act at, not just the "T" crossroads normally associated with Pomba, but at the "X" crossroads of Exu as well. She is the one devotees turn to for sticky situations, where things are complicated and the solution calls for more than a yes-or-no answer. This is one of the "red witches", and is useful in acts of destruction, love, separation and binding, according to Frisvold. She operates not only in complicated practical matters, but also in more esoteric levels, he says.

-- Pomba Gira Rainha dos Sete Cruzeiros, the Queen of the Seven Crosses. Closely associated with the matron of witches in Mexican magic, Our Lady of Guadeloupe. Associated with the cemetery, she is rather cold and distant compared with other Pombas, and is one who can be called upon to create turbulence in an enemy's life. Frisvold calls her "a master of the black rites". She is a willing teacher of the Nightside magic’s. Make sure you place the proper offering at the gate of the cemetery before entering her domain. This is a heavy lady.

-- Pomba Gira Rainha da Calunga Pequena : Queen of the Little Water or Little Cemetery. Her domain is at the bottom of the ocean, where the spirits of those who died at sea live. I feel a special affinity for this Pomba, because, as a Santero revealed to me years ago, I am a child of Yemaya/Olokun, a dual deity associated with the ocean. Yemaya represents the moving ocean, the source of so much life, to the point that sunlight penetrates is. Below that, in the darkness, the density of the ocean floor, where what life exists is in almost alien form, where Cthulhu slumbers, and Dagon dwells -- this is the Queendom of Calunga Pequena. It is very much like Outer Space: "Space is Deep", like the Hawkwind song says. This is the Pomba who can be called upon to

reawaken the forgotten passion in a lover, and make him or her realize the depths of love he or she really has for you.

-- Pomba Gira Rainha da Praia (Queen of the Beach) is a bit less heavy than some of the others, and is associated with Venus and the nurturing aspect of Yemaya. This is a Pomba who would rather use Wisdom, sweet talk and seduction to solve a problem than pull the switchblade out of her high heeled shoes. She talks to you about your problems, and helps you understand them. She makes you think about them, so you can sort it out for yourself. She is the one to turn to when your psyche is troubled -- she is sort of a spiritual counselor. I see her as that gorgeous woman that a man can talk to, but not chat up in hopes of a liaison. That said, she can be very helpful in helping you get laid... just not by her!

-- Pomba Gira Cigana, my favorite -- the Gypsy. Not a royal who rules a Queendom, like the Rainhas; the members of this family are "nomadic spirits, unpredictable, helpful and demanding", according to Frisvold. These Pombas are the masters of divination, not surprisingly, considering the reputation of Gypsies as fortune tellers, and all of the other things one associates with the popular conception of the Gypsy: music, dancing, poetry, art, gambling, living on the edge of society rather than as a cog in the wheel -- the Bohemian lifestyle, in short. Offerings to these spirits are made, not necessarily at crossroads like many of the other Pombas, but outside your friendly neighborhood bar or bordello. Pomba Cigana is truly a free, independent woman, and the person possessed by this one will publicly reveal the secrets the revelers at her party would rather be kept hidden, so that all can have a laugh, and the secret-bearer let go of the shame of being yet another human being with faults like all the rest of us. Bawdy, bold and brassy, she is the perfect

foil for the Macho Man, and will be wearing his cajones as earrings by the end of the party. If you want to get a feel for what this Gypsy Woman is all about, read what is perhaps Aleister Crowley's most musical romantic poem: La Gitana (gitana is the Spanish word for Gypsy). This poem, I think, is a fitting invocation not only for Pomba Cigana, but for Maria Padilha as well (Your hair was full of roses in the dewfall as we danced...)

-- Pomba Gira Maria Mulambo is the patroness of the widow and the poor and abused woman. Sadly, she is called upon often these days, because far too many women are victims of abuse, or feel trapped in a loveless relationship. We all know a few of them, and usually they suffer in silence. Maria Mulambo is not just another shoulder to cry on, though; she is the one who will shake you and say, "Wake up, girl! Do something about it! Leave him! Reclaim your Spirit! Your friends will help you!" This spirit demands nice things for her assistance -- wine, jewels and flowers -- but she is not so demanding as the Rainhas/Queens. A nice thing, from the heart, a gift you make yourself, is what she appreciates. Dandelion Wine, a mere semi-precious stone, and flowers you picked yourself, rather than a store-bought bouquet -- these are the things that win her heart. She does not work as quickly as some of the other Pombas, but she is always there when you need her, and will help get you through the ordeal.

-- Pomba Gira Dama da Noite, (Queen of the Night), shares that title with a plant she is closely associated with: the night-blooming jasmine (Cestrum nocturnium). She is a gentle and sweet Pomba, who works in the Queendom of the Lyre; Frisvold likens her to a geisha, and there is an elegance to her -- she is usually depicted in a simple black dress, rather than the flaming red of other Pombas. She is especially

suited to helping women in the entertainment industry: I see her as the patroness of the stripper and the burlesque diva. This is one Pomba who does not reveal secrets, unlike some of the more vulgar Giras. She likes champagne, but is especially fond of nut liqueurs: Amaretto, Frangelico or Pisa would be suitable. She can also assist in the creation of magickal oils used for attraction.

-- Pomba Gira Rainha das Almas, (Queen of Souls) is a stern and serious spirit. She will assist you if your request is a just one, but if she finds it dubious you might find your wish granted, but will learn a hard lesson from it. She respects discipline and integrity, so slackers and bozos need not apply here. She can help with fertility problems, and to heal a broken family. She can be called in the cemetery as well as T-crossroads.

-- Pomba Gira Menina -- the Girl-Pomba. This one seems to be a perfect counselor to the teenage witch, and can be called at the roadside or in gardens, or other places where teens and young adults congregate to party. She understands angst and can help one go deep into the tunnels of the psyche. Obsession and compulsion are things she understands -- she might be particularly helpful for people with eating disorders, for example. Many Pomba Giras can help procure a temporary, sexual relationship, but this one can help a young person find their true love. She is said to manifest as "a laughing angel", and likes soft alcoholic drinks such as wine coolers, and is fond of yellow roses.

-- Pomba Gira Rosa Caveira (Rose of the Skull), the Witch-Warrior, has two faces: one is beautiful, the other a skeleton-face. A mucho scary Lady. Not surprisingly, she is of the Queendom of Souls and lives in the cemetery. Legend has

it she was the seventh daughter of a wealthy family, and all of her sisters also had the name Rose. But her mother died in childbirth, and so she was named Rose of the Skull. Her mother, a powerful sorceress, was buried near the house, and her spirit instructed Rosa Caveira how to use her own witchy-mediumistic powers as she grew up. Her father taught her the ways of the warrior and how to use swords and knives. (Pretty cool parents, eh?) Her sisters were jealous of her and forced her into a situation which forced her out of the family. In her wanderings she met an old wizard who taught her the black arts. The story goes on from there, and can be found in Frisvold's excellent book. This is the Pomba to call when you need to open a can of whoop-ass on somebody. She is a powerful teacher and avenger. She likes the usual Pomba things, but also knives and peppers -- go figure. This is the one I would call the Switchblade Sister.

IV. Rituals to call upon the aid of the Pomba spirits are almost always performed outdoors, and generally at a "T" crossroad or at a cemetery. Commonly used items are red and black cloth or paper, a bottle of Anisette liqueur, roses and candles, and boxes of wooden matches. The number 7 is ubiquitous in Pomba magick -- not surprising, as Pomba is essentially a Venusian energy (I feel it is a blend of Venusian and Mercurial energies). Generally the ceremony goes like this: go to the crossroad, lay down the black and red cloths or papers -- this is your altar. Around it, place and light the candles. Upon the altar cloth, place your offerings. Then make your request, and promise a larger gift to her after she has fulfilled your desire. And make sure that, after she has granted your request, you return to the site and present her with what you have promised. Follow-up is very important

when working with this entity. Keep your promises, and she will keep hers.

The following examples are paraphrased from the book Pomba-Gira -- Enchantments to Invoke the Formidable Powers of the Female Messenger of the Gods, by Teixeira Alves Neto, translated by Carol L. Dow, and published by Technicians of the Sacred.

Pomba Gira Cigana, the Gypsy, is most helpful in legal and financial matters -- lawsuits, divorces, estates and the such.

Go to a "T" crossroad and lay down the red cloth/paper, and place the black one on top of that. Place a bouquet of 7 red roses, with thorns removed, on the altar cloth. On either side of the roses, place an ace and seven of diamonds. The pray to Cigana: "Roaming along the roads of destiny, I met a Lady, Pomba-Gira Cigana, a faithful Gypsy of much conviction. I plead with you now to resolve for me the following issue (and state your desire or problem). Your magical knowledge must bring me tranquility and relieve me of this terrible affliction. I count on your impartial spirit and on your famous mirongas (mysteries) to find an answer to my predicament, and defeat the injustice". Then, promise an even better offering when she grants your request. Cigana acts quickly, so this should be within a few days.

Maria Padilha is the Pomba who specializes in conjugal matters, although she can be called upon for many kinds of aid. Her offerings must always include red roses, cigarillos and anisette.

At a "T" crossroad, open a bottle of anisette and sprinkle some on the ground. At the corner of the longest branch of

the crossroad, lay down the black cloth and on top of it the red cloth. On top of this, arrange 3 or 7 red roses, and place the open bottle of anisette next to these. At the bottom of the rose bouquet, place an open box of matches with the heads pointed towards you. On top of the matchbox, place a cigarillo from which you have already taken 3 puffs, and place an unwrapped cigarillo next to the matchbox. Then recite this: "The Umbanda song says you are the Wife of Seven Husbands. Your power and majesty, Queen Maria Padhilla, is sung in praise by the People of the Street. And I am one whose faith in your capacity is unshakable. My problem is... (explain it). I know, Maria Padilha, that your spiritual vibration will resolve this trouble of mine, and in exchange, I shall give you (make promise of future offering). I count on your help and on the help of all the Legions of Pombas Giras who work under your orders".

Results should come within 7, 14, or 21 days.

Maria Molambo can solve any problem, but is especially skilled at changing destiny and pulling one up from spiritual malaise. She is the one who can give power back to the powerless. She expects little as an initial payment, but does expect payment in full when she completes the job.

Call her at a "T" crossroad by saying: “Greetings to you, Pomba-Gira Molambo! Greeting to your crossroads!” Then spread on the ground a red cloth, topped with a black one. Place on this a lighted double-action candle (red and black), and 3 roses with stems crossed. Put down an open box of matches with the heads turned toward you, and on top of this, an unwrapped cigarillo from which you have puffed 3 times. Present these offerings by saying: “Pomba-Gira Molambo! With your mental and physical powers you are capable of solving any problem, capable of changing a cruel

destiny, capable of ending my spiritual travails. I entreat you to resolve for me (explain your situation). In the conviction of your success and also of my own worthiness, I petition all the People of the Crossroads to light the way for you, and give you even more power to solve all problems like mine. In the faith of Lebara, in the faith of all your Legion, I look forward to the resolution of my problem within (X) days and, when all is resolved to my satisfaction, I will give you a beautiful present”.

This ceremony is to be performed 3 days in a row, beginning on a Monday.

V. A note on sources: There is very little available in the English language regarding work with Pomba Gira and Exu. Most of the information is this paper was culled from the following books: Pomba-Gira -- Enchantments to Invoke the Formidable Powers of the Female Messenger of the Gods, by Teixeira Alves Neto, trans. by Carol L. Dow, PhD., Technicians of the Sacred, 1990. Sarava! -- Afro-Brazilian Magick by Carol L. Dow, Llewellyn Publications, 1997 (revised edition printed in 2001 under the title Magic from Brazil -- Recipes, Spells and Rituals by Merwyn). Na Gira do Exu -- Invoking the Spirits of Brazilian Quimbanda, by Mario dos Ventos, 2007, Nzo Quimbanda Exu Ventania, available from Lulu.com. and last but not least... Kiumbanda -- A Complete Grammar of the Art of Exu by Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold, 2006, Chadezoad, available from Lulu.com. This one is by far the most comprehensive book on this subject I have found in the English.