AMERICAN CANDOMBLE CHURCH

2012 BROCHURE OF MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

AMERICAN CANDOMBLE CHURCH PUBLICATIONS, LOS ANGELES

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 AMERICAN CANDOMBLE CHURCH
2012 BROCHURE OF MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

COPYRIGHT © 2012 AMERICAN CANDOMBLE CHURCH

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

TO REQUEST A MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION SEND YOUR REQUEST TO:

AMERICAN CANDOMBLE CHURCH

P.O. BOX 881377
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90009

AMERICANCANDOMBLECHURCH@GMAIL.COM

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERICAN CANDOMBLE CHURCH - STATEMENT OF

NONDISCRIMINATION..................................................................8

AMERICAN CANDOMBLE CHURCH - STATEMENT OF

PURPOSE......................................................................................9

AMERICAN CANDOMBLE CHURCH - STATEMENT OF

RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS.............................................................10

AMERICAN CANDOMBLE CHURCH - 2012 MEMBERSHIP

INFORMATION............................................................................11

THE QUIMBANDA CREED..........................................................13

THE QUIMBANDA CREED PRAYER..........................................14

AN EXPLANATION OF THE QUIMBANDA CREED...................16

WHAT DOES THE WORD “SARAVA” MEAN? …………………..29

RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS OF THE AMERICAN CANDOMBLE

CHURCH......................................................................................30

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THE QUIMBANDA RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHY...........................32

THE SACRED INITIATION MYSTERIES OF THE QUIMBANDA

RELIGIOUS TRADITION..............................................................35

THE LITURGICAL HIERARCHY OF THE AMERICAN

CANDOMBLE CHURCH…………………………………………….37

A DESCRIPTION OF OUR RELIGIOUS EDUCATIONAL

PROGRAMS.................................................................................39

FIRST RELIGIOUS DEGREE (FIRST YEAR)………………….…41

THE HOLY QUIMBANDA SACRAMENT OF MASSANGUÀ

BAPTISM INTO THE QUIMBANDA MYSTERIES……………..…42

MYSTERIES OF THE QUIMBANDA TRINITY……………………44

MYSTERIES OF THE CONGO SPIRITS - FIRST RAYADO……46

MYSTERIES OF THE CONGO SPIRITS - SECOND RAYADO..48

MYSTERIES OF THE SEVEN LESSER KINGDOMS (EXU &

POMBA GIRA)………………………………………………………..50

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SECOND RELIGIOUS DEGREE (SECOND YEAR)…………….53

THE HOLY QUIMBANDA SACRAMENT OF NGUDIÀ MUTUÈ

MYSTERIES OF THE AJE SPIRITS…………………………….…54

MYSTERIES OF THE EGGUN SPIRITS………………………….56

MYSTERIES OF THE CONGO NKISI (NGANGA)……………….58

THIRD RELIGIOUS DEGREE (THIRD YEAR)………………...…60

THE HOLY QUIMBANDA SACRAMENT OF NGUECÈ BENGUÈ

KAMUTUÈ

MYSTERIES OF THE CANDOMBLE ORIXA EXU & THE

WARRIOR…….............................................................................61

THE MYSTERIES OF THE SACRED CANDOMBLE ORIXA

BEADS BEADS……………………………………………………….63

MYSTERIES OF THE SPIRIT OLOKUN……………………..……65

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FOURTH DEGREE (FOURTH YEAR)………………….…………67

THE HOLY QUIMBANDA SACRAMENT OF NGUECÈ KAMOXI

MUVU

MYSTERIES OF THE COBOCLOS……………..…………………68

FIFTH RELIGIOUS DEGREE (FIFTH YEAR)……………...……..70

THE HOLY QUIMBANDA SACRAMENT OF NGUECÈ KATÀTU

MUVU

MYSTERIES OF THE SPIRIT OZAIN…………………………..…71

SIXTH RELIGIOUS DEGREE (SIXTH YEAR)……………...…….73

THE HOLY QUIMBANDA SACRAMENT OF NGUECÈ KATUNU

MUVU

MYSTERIES OF THE CANDOMBLE ORIXAS………………..….74

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SEVENTH DEGREE (SEVENTH YEAR)………………………….76

THE HOLY QUIMBANDA SACRAMENT OF NGUECÈ

KASSAMBÀ MUVU

MYSTERIES OF TATA NKISI MALONGO / YAYA NKISI

MALONGO……………………………………………………………77

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DONATION FEE SCHEDULE

2012..............................................................................................80

NEW 2012 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION……………….………88

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 AMERICAN CANDOMBLE CHURCH

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

The AMERICAN CANDOMBLE CHURCH does not

discriminate in the administration of its admissions and
religious educational programs, or religious activities on the
basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex,
disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or marital
status.

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 AMERICAN CANDOMBLE CHURCH

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The AMERICAN CANDOMBLE CHURCH was established

to maintain a church for religious worship and to disseminate
information on and establish a community for the practice of
the Afro-Brazilian religious faiths of Candomble and
Quimbanda.

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 AMERICAN CANDOMBLE CHURCH

STATEMENT OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS

The AMERICAN CANDOMBLE CHURCH exercises its legal

religious rights of Freedom of Religion and Religious
Protection under the FIRST AMENDMENT Rights of the
UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.

FIRST AMENDMENT of the UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of

religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the
freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people
peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a
redress of grievances.”

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 AMERICAN CANDOMBLE CHURCH

2012 MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

Welcome to the AMERICAN CANDOMBLE CHURCH, a

private non-profit religious organization that is consecrated
to spiritual truth and dedicated to the transmission of sacred
cosmic knowledge and the universal mysteries. The
AMERICAN CANDOMBLE CHURCH was founded in the
year 2003 by Carlos Antonio De Bourbon-Galdiano-
Montenegro and follows a 148 year old religious tradition of
Latin American Spiritualism and a 527 year old religious
tradition of Congolese gnostic mysticism. The AMERICAN
CANDOMBLE CHURCH is a Latin American mystic school
of light, spiritual theology and self-improvement in which the
members, by means of a progressive system of study,
initiations and practical application of what is learned,
become not only the masters of their own lives, and
architects of their own destiny, but also incorporate the
highest existing ethical ideals into their personality and
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transmit the secrets and knowledge of our spiritual fraternity.
The AMERICAN CANDOMBLE CHURCH perpetuates the
wisdom of traditional Latin American Spiritualism. We offer a
religious education of religious mystic teachings and spiritual
studies to individuals to develop their physical, mental, and
spiritual abilities, and understand the relationship that exists
between all people, the cosmos, the laws that govern it, and
God, by whatever name He is known and however
conceived. All of this is presented through progressive
initiations and graduated studies that are typical of an
initiatory order. By means of the wisdom acquired in our
historic tradition members of our church become aware that
all people can come to be all they should be and obtain what
they need, regardless of class or other limitations, through
the graduated structured study of the spiritual teachings of
the AMERICAN CANDOMBLE CHURCH. For this reason,
the AMERICAN CANDOMBLE CHURCH declares that our
religious tradition has been ordained by God and that it is a
path toward the “Light of Knowledge” and personal
realization. If you truly aspire to be the complete keeper of
your own life, to ascend toward perfection, to know the
secret cosmic universal laws that govern the physical realm
and the mysteries of the mental and spiritual, we invite you
to accompany us on the path of knowledge that is the
AMERICAN CANDOMBLE CHURCH.

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 THE QUIMBANDA CREED

The Quimbanda Creed is a symbol of belief for members of

the American Candomble Church. The Quimbanda Creed
was spiritually revealed to the prophets of our Church
through the “Divine Grace of Nzambi” and it was introduced
and acknowledged as a “Divine Holy Scripture” in the year
2003 by the American Candomble Church, because it
ultimately explains the Church's gnostic teachings about
Nzambi and the Holy Quimbanda Trinity. The Quimbanda
Creed also affirms our religious beliefs and doctrine about
“Divine Intervention” and “Divine Intercession” of the
pantheon of “Holy Ones” (spiritual beings & angelic beings)
which make up the hierarchy of our religious beliefs and who
are manifestations of Nzambi’s “Divine Grace”.

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 THE QUIMBANDA CREED PRAYER

We believe in Nzambi, the one true God, the Father, the

Almighty, the maker of the great Heavens and the Earth, of
all that is seen and unseen. We believe in Nzambi Ntoto, the
God who touched and walked the Earth and became man.
We believe in the Holy Quimbanda Trinity and the Seven
Quimbanda Kingdoms who are the sacred light of Nzambi
and give life to us. We believe that only through Nzambi all
things were made. For all of us and for our salvation Nzambi
came down from the great Heavens: by the power of the
Holy Spirit, He was born and became man. For our sake, He
was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered, died, and
was buried and his spirit descended into the Great Abyss
and conquered darkness. On the third day He rose again in
fulfillment of the Sacred and Holy Quimbanda Scriptures: He
ascended into Heaven and is seated over the mysteries of
the Universe. We believe that Nzambi will come again in
glory to judge the living and the dead, and his Quimbanda
Kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit of
Nzambi, the Quimbanda Trinity, the Seven Quimbanda
Kingdoms and the ancestors who are kneeling at his feet in
glory and light. We believe in the communion of our
ancestors and the Divine intercession of the Holy Ones from
the Seven Quimbanda Kingdoms. We believe that we are
Nzambi’s chosen people and that His Kingdom on Earth will
have no end. We believe that through the Divine intercession
of the Seven Quimbanda Kingdoms, Nzambi is worshiped
and glorified. We believe that Nzambi has spoken through
the Prophets of the American Candomble Church. We
believe in one, Holy, Gnostic Church of Nzambi. We
acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We

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look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world
to come. SARAVA

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 AN EXPLANATION OF THE QUIMBANDA CREED

We have broken the Quimbanda Creed line by line with

explanations:

QUIMBANDA CREED:

We believe in Nzambi, the one true God, the Father, the

Almighty, the maker of the great Heavens and the Earth, of
all that is seen and unseen.

RELIGIOUS EXPLANATION:

The religious doctrine, religious theology and religious

philosophy of the American Candomble Church believes
and teaches in the existence of only one true God, Nzambi.
We believe that only through His Divine Intervention and
Divine Grace that the Universe, the Heavens and the Earth
were created and caused into existence. We also believe
that Nzambi is also the creator of all things visible and all
things invisible.

QUIMBANDA CREED:

We believe in Nzambi Ntoto, the God who touched and

walked the Earth and became man.

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 RELIGIOUS EXPLANATION:

The religious doctrine, religious theology and religious

philosophy of the American Candomble Church believes
and teaches that the Spirit of Nzambi has manifested here
on Earth in the physical form of man in various times
throughout the history of human civilization. When the Spirit
of Nzambi takes the physical form of man on Earth, we call
Him, Nzambi Ntoto, “the God who touched and walked the
Earth and became man.”

QUIMBANDA CREED:

We believe in the Holy Quimbanda Trinity and the Seven

Quimbanda Kingdoms who are the sacred light of Nzambi
and give life to us.

RELIGIOUS EXPLANATION:

The religious doctrine, religious theology and religious

philosophy of the American Candomble Church believes
and teaches that Nzambi divided the great Universe into
seven realms (Seven Quimbanda Kingdoms) of spiritual and
physical existence. In each of these seven realms, we
believe that Nzambi placed the “Holy Ones” to watch over
and protect the Universe and the Earth. We believe that the
primary function of these guardians is to give light to
mankind so one day we may be reunited with our ancestors
and find our way home to the Kingdom of Nzambi. We
believe that Nzambi placed the spiritual beings of the
Quimbanda Trinity to govern over all aspects of the seven
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realms (Seven Quimbanda Kingdoms). The Quimbanda
Trinity is composed of three Holy spiritual beings which
govern all matters concerning the Universe, the Earth and
the life and actions of every man and woman. These three
Holy spiritual beings are named, Exu Maioral, Exu Rei and
Maria Padilla Reina Pomba Gira. That is why the symbol of
the “trident” is used to represent the collective spiritual forces
of the Holy Quimbanda Trinity by initiates of the Quimbanda
religious tradition and faith. The end points of the “trident”
are pointed like an arrow and when held in your hand in an
upward position, the three points (the Holy Quimbanda
Trinity) are pointed towards the realm of the great Heavens
where Nzambi resides. When the symbol of the “trident” is
held in your hand in a downward position, the three points
(the Holy Quimbanda Trinity) are pointed towards the realm
of Earth where man resides. The staff of the “trident”
represents the unification of the Holy Quimbanda Trinity
coming together as one divine spiritual force with Nzambi,
the God of Heaven. The American Candomble Church
believes that the Holy Quimbanda Trinity and the spiritual
beings and angelic beings which reside within these seven
realms are all extensions of the great mysteries of Nzambi,
the Lord our God.

QUIMBANDA CREED:

We believe that only through Nzambi all things were made.

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 RELIGIOUS EXPLANATION:

The religious doctrine, religious theology and religious

philosophy of the American Candomble Church teaches
and believes in the existence of only one true God, Nzambi.
We believe that only through His divine grace that the
Heavens and the Earth were created. We also believe that
He is also the Creator of all things visible and invisible.

QUIMBANDA CREED:

For all of us and for our salvation Nzambi came down from
the great Heavens: by the power of the Holy Spirit, He was
born and became man.

RELIGIOUS EXPLANATION:

The religious doctrine, religious theology and religious

philosophy of the American Candomble Church teaches
and believes that the Spirit of Nzambi came down from the
great Heavens and was born and became man. We believe
that Nzambi has physically manifested Himself on Earth
many times by being born and becoming man throughout the
history of mankind. We believe that when Nzambi incarnated
as man throughout the history of man, He has been called
by many names. We believe that in each of these times that
Nzambi manifested here on Earth as man, He did so to save
mankind from self-destruction by our own hands by re-
establishing spiritual order in troubled times to save mankind
from damnation. The American Candomble Church
believes that in Nzambi’s last incarnation here on Earth as a
man, He was known as Jesus Christ (Nzambi Ntoto).

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 QUIMBANDA CREED:

For our sake, He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He

suffered, died, and was buried and His spirit descended into
the Great Abyss and conquered darkness.

RELIGIOUS EXPLANATION:

The religious doctrine, religious theology and religious

philosophy of the American Candomble Church teaches
and believes that the last incarnation of Nzambi as man He
was known as Jesus Christ. We believe that Nzambi
incarnate (Jesus Christ / Nzambi Ntoto) was persecuted by
man (Pontius Pilate) because He re-established man’s
belief in God and saved us from damnation. We believe that
it was Nzambi’s will that His physical life was ended by
which He did allow himself to be sacrificed to save man from
damnation and to restore the heavenly order between man
and the world of the ancestors. We believe that after He
died, the Spirit of Nzambi descended into the Great Abyss
and conquered darkness so that once again man would no
longer walk in darkness. This “Divine Act of Grace” is called
the “Great Awakening.” We believe that after three days after
He was laid to rest He did physically rise again from the
dead and then ascended into the Heavens where He is
seated over the mysteries of the Universe and the Seven
Quimbanda Kingdoms.

In a further explantion, the religious doctrine, religious

theology and religious philosophy of the American
Candomble Church teaches and believes that before
Nzambi (Nzambi Ntoto) incarnated here on Earth and
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became man, the World was in constant spiritual chaos. This
spiritual instability was caused by and occurred after the fall
of the angelic beings from the Grace of God in a time more
commonly known as the Angelic Wars of Heaven. When this
angelic rebellion took place, many rebellious angelic beings
left the Heavenly realm along with legions of spiritual entities
more commonly known as demonic beings and that they did
fall and take refuge in the inner and outer invisible realms of
the Earth and the underworld more commonly known as the
"Great Abyss". When Nzambi incarnated here on Earth and
was born as man He did so to save His children from the
perils of spiritual damnation caused by these fallen angelic
beings and legions of demonic beings. When Nzambi
(Nzambi Ntoto) allowed Himself to be sacrificed at the hands
of His enemies (those individuals who had aligned
themselves with the fallen angelic beings and legions of
demonic beings) He did so that upon his physical death as a
man, His spirit would be able to descent in to the Great
Abyss (Underworld) and defeat and conquered the rebellious
angelic beings and the legions of demonic beings by
triumphing over them during the three days of His death. By
this “Divine Act of Salvation” and for the sake of His children
here on Earth He re-established the Heavenly chain of
Divine Order between the Earth, the Great Cosmos and
Heaven.The religious doctrine, religious theology and
religious philosophy of the American Candomble Church
teaches and believes that because of this Holy event,
Nzambi did re-organize the spiritual realm and placed the
Quimbanda Trinity to watch over the Universe, the Earth and
over mankind within the confines of the seven realms. The
religious doctrine, religious theology and religious philosophy
of the American Candomble Church teaches and believes
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that after this triumph over the rebellion in the Great Abyss
His spirit did return to his physical body where He did rise
again and was resurrected and ascended into the great
Heavens where He awaits the souls of all men at the
moment of our physical death to reunite with Him and the
ancestors in glory and light.

The religious doctrine, religious theology and religious

philosophy of the American Candomble Church teaches
and believes that there is a distinct difference between the
words of “spirit” and the word “soul” as used in the religious
context of the Quimbanda Creed and in our religious beliefs.
The word “spirit” refers to the immaterial part of man. Man is
not a spirit, he has a spirit. The word “soul” refers to the
makeup of man. The “soul” makes you unique and different
from every other person. The “soul” is how you relate to
others and how you understand yourself. The “spirit” is how
you relate to God. The “spirit” is part of the soul, much like
the mind is part of the soul. It is the “soul”, though, that
comprises who you are. Both the soul and spirit leave the
physical body of an individual when they die.

QUIMBANDA CREED:

On the third day He rose again in fulfillment of the Sacred

and Holy Quimbanda Scriptures: He ascended into Heaven
and is seated over the mysteries of the Universe.

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 RELIGIOUS EXPLANATION:

The religious doctrine, religious theology and religious

philosophy of the American Candomble Church teaches
and believes that after the third day He did rise again from
the dead and then ascended into the Heavens where He is
seated over the mysteries of the Universe and the Seven
Quimbanda Kingdoms.

QUIMBANDA CREED:

We believe that Nzambi will come again in glory to judge the

living and the dead, and His Quimbanda Kingdom will have
no end.

RELIGIOUS EXPLANATION:

The religious doctrine, religious theology and religious

philosophy of the American Candomble Church teaches
and believes that Nzambi will one day again incarnate again
as man to re-establish the Heavenly order here on Earth. We
also believe that Nzambi’s Kingdom here on Earth will have
no end because it is only through Him that the great
Universe and the Earth is allowed to exist.

QUIMBANDA CREED:

We believe in the Holy Spirit of Nzambi, the Quimbanda

Trinity, the Seven Quimbanda Kingdoms and the ancestors
who are kneeling at his feet in glory and light.
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 RELIGIOUS EXPLANATION:

The religious doctrine, religious theology and religious

philosophy of the American Candomble Church teach and
believe that the Holy Spirit of Nzambi manifests within the
Mysteries of the Quimbanda Trinity and the Seven
Quimbanda Kingdoms. We believe that one day like our
ancestors we will return back to our heavely home of
Heaven and will reunite with our ancestors who are kneeling
at Nzambi’s feet in glory and light.

QUIMBANDA CREED:

We believe in the communion of our ancestors and the

Divine intercession of the Holy Ones from the Seven
Quimbanda Kingdoms.

RELIGIOUS EXPLANATION:

The religious doctrine, religious theology and religious

philosophy of the American Candomble Church teaches
and believes that the spirits of our ancestors can spiritually
and physically manifest to man by petitioning them through
prayers and devotions. The primary purpose that the spirits
of our ancestors manifest here on Earth to man is to assist
us on our journey of life so that one day we will be reunited
with them in Heaven. We also believe that by petitioning the
Holy Ones which govern over the realms of the Seven
Quimbanda Kingdoms that they will be able to assist man by
interceding on our behalf to Nzambi.

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 QUIMBANDA CREED:

We believe that we are Nzambi’s chosen people and that His

Kingdom on Earth will have no end.

RELIGIOUS EXPLANATION:

The religious doctrine, religious theology and religious

philosophy of the American Candomble Church teaches
and believes that our particular historical religious traditions
have been ordained by Nzambi and has evolved into the
most orthodox Congo derived gnostic religious tradition in its
truest and purest form of the Quimbanda religious practice
as brought to Earth by Nzambi, the “God of Heaven”. For
this reason we believe that we are Nzambi’s chosen people
and that Nzambi’s Kingdom here on Earth will have no end.

The religious doctrine, religious theology and religious

philosophy of the American Candomble Church teaches and
believes that we are Nzambi's chosen people because we
are following the orthodox gnostic Quimbanda religious
tradition in its original form that was established by the First
Prophet of our Church, King, Nzinga a Nkuwu (King João I)
in the year 1485 of the Congolese Empire which was
ordained by Nzambi and the ancestors.

QUIMBANDA CREED:

We believe that through the Divine intercession of the Seven

Quimbanda Kingdoms, Nzambi is worshiped and glorified.

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 RELIGIOUS EXPLANATION:

The religious doctrine, religious theology and religious

philosophy of the American Candomble Church teaches
and believes that through prayers, spiritual devotions to the
spirits of the Seven Quimbanda Kingdoms that they will
intercede on our behalf to Nzambi by delivering the sacred
word to the realm of Heaven.

QUIMBANDA CREED:

We believe that Nzambi has spoken through the Prophets of

the American Candomble Church.

RELIGIOUS EXPLANATION:

The religious doctrine, religious theology and religious

philosophy of the American Candomble Church teaches
and believes that because we are Nzambi’s chosen people
here on Earth that He has spiritually delivered His Divine
Word to the enlightened clergy of our Church.

QUIMBANDA CREED:

We believe in one, Holy, Gnostic Church of Nzambi.

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 RELIGIOUS EXPLANATION:

The religious doctrine, religious theology and religious

philosophy of the American Candomble Church teaches
and believes that our Church is the only one true church
which holds the true gnostic or mysteries of Nzambi’s power.

QUIMBANDA CREED:

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

RELIGIOUS EXPLANATION:

The religious doctrine, religious theology and religious

philosophy of the American Candomble Church teaches
and believes that through the Act of Baptism into the
Mysteries of the Quimbanda Religious Faith that all
individuals may cleanse themselves of all past and present
sin. We believe that Nzambi established the sacred
mysteries of Quimbanda Baptism to enlighten all men and
women to place them back on the path of light and to re-
establish our divine spiritual mission here on Earth by
placing us back on the journey of our spiritual birth destiny
that was established before we were born.

QUIMBANDA CREED:

We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the
world to come. - Sarava -

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 RELIGIOUS EXPLANATION:

The religious doctrine, religious theology and religious

philosophy of the American Candomble Church teaches
and believes that just as Nzambi was resurrected, we also
may be resurrected in the afterlife and be reunited with our
ancestors and Nzambi in Heaven.

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 WHAT DOES THE WORD “SARAVA” MEAN?

The word “Sarava” is used by members of the Afro-Brazilian

religious traditions of Quimbanda and Candomblé religion
which means "good luck", but it also has several other
religious meanings. The word also means “to be faithful,
support, or confirm.” The word “Sarava” also means, “so be
it,” or “truly.” Therefore, when we end our prayers with
"Sarava," we are re-affirming our dedication to Nzambi
through the Holy Quimbanda Trinity. We also use it to
confirm a statement (i.e., when our High Priest says
something powerful out of the Word of Nzambi, and
members of the congregation say "Sarava").

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RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS OF THE AMERICAN
CANDOMBLE CHURCH

In the year 2003, the Casa De Montenegro Spiritual Temple

was formally organized into the American Candomble
Church to preserve the unique and historical religious
traditions of the mysteries of the Afro-Brazilian Candomble
De Congo religious tradition and the Afro-Brazilian
Quimbanda religious tradition that have been uniquely
practiced by the De Bourbon- Montenegro Family of Brazil
and have successfully survived for more than 148 years. All
books written and published by the American Candomble
Church for its religious clergy and religious Congregation
are considered sacred scripture and holy and that the
religious doctrine and religious theology have only been
made possible through the Divine Intercession of Nzambi
and the Holy Quimbanda Trinity. In our sacred teachings and
religious doctrines, the American Candomble Church
recognizes that we are not the only religious group of
practitioners of the Quimbanda religious tradition. The
American Candomble Church also acknowledges that
there are many religious variations of the Quimbanda
religious tradition that presently exist and that are practiced
throughout the world, but we believe that we are Nzambi’s
chosen people. The American Candomble Church
believes that our particular historical religious traditions have
been ordained by Nzambi are unique and it has evolved into
the most orthodox Congo derived gnostic religious tradition
in its truest and purest form of the Quimbanda religious
practice as brought to Earth by Nzambi, the “God of
Heaven”. The initiates and religious Congregation of the
American Candomble Church believe that Nzambi has

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chosen our “Church” and our particular Quimbanda religious
tradition to speak directly through the Prophets of our
Church and to the religious clergy of the American
Candomble Church to deliver the “Divine Word of Nzambi”
to his children here on Earth. The American Candomble
Church believes that there is no God but Nzambi, the
“Divine Heavenly Creator of the Heavens and the Earth”, the
“Sacred Breath” which gave the Universe life. Let all on
Earth bow down to Him for He is the “Lord our God”, and the
“Lord of Lords” and there is no other. For all of these
historical reasons, the religious clergy and the religious
Congregation of the American Candomble Church believe
that our sacred and holy religious traditions have been
ordained by Nzambi (God) and our "Church" will continue to
grow old and survive into the 21st Century and even beyond.
The religious theology and religious doctrine of the Prophets
of the American Candomble Church has been confirmed
by divine religious law that we are Nzambi’s chosen people.

"Through the study of our sacred books one seeks the

mysteries of Nzambi; by meditation one finds him."

Carlos Antonio De Bourbon-Galdiano-Montenegro

September 11, 2011

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 THE QUIMBANDA RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHY

The Quimbanda religious tradition is monotheistic.

Monotheism is the belief in the existence of one Supreme
God. Religious initiates of the Quimbanda religion refer to
Him as Nzambi or Nzambi Mpungu, "Almighty God of the
Great Celestial Mysteries and the Creator of the Heavens
and the Earth". In the Quimbanda religious tradition, God is
also referred to as Nzambi Ntoto. In the religious context of
our religious theology, the word Nzambi Ntoto means "God
Who touched and walked the Earth". The religious initiates of
Quimbanda also refer to God as Ndala Karitanga (God who
created Himself) and Sa Kalunga (Lord Endless, Infinite and
Supreme God), after having created the world and
everything in it. Although many religious practitioners of
Quimbanda would consider its religious philosophy as
monotheistic, there are many elements of pantheism which
have been incorporated within the confines of the belief of
one true God. Pantheism is the view that the Universe
(Nature) and God are identical and that the essence of God
is found within the Cosmos as an all-encompassing unity
and the sacredness of Nature. There has been in recent
years much debate and confusion about the Quimbanda
religion as being polytheistic, but it is not. It is difficult to
delineate from notions such as pantheism and monotheism.
The confusion comes from the lack of understanding
between the concepts of the term “worship” and the term
“veneration.” Worship is an act of religious devotion usually
directed to one or more deities. Veneration is a special act of
honoring a saint: a dead person who has been identified as
singular in the traditions of the religion. In the world of
Quimbanda, we worship God and venerate the deities or

32
spirits (Nkisi). Catholics venerate the angelic spiritual beings
called angels. Catholics also venerate the saints, (among
them Mary), as human beings who had remarkable qualities,
lived their faith in God to the extreme and are believed to be
capable of interceding in the process of salvation for others;
however, Catholics do not worship them as gods. There are
other examples of monotheistic religions such as Christianity
which embrace the concepts of a plurality of the divine; for
example, the Trinity, in which God is one being in three
eternal persons (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit).
Additionally, most Christian churches teach Jesus to be two
natures (divine and human), each possessing the full
attributes of that nature, without mixture or intermingling of
those attributes. Although there can be found in the African
continent as well as many other places of the world the belief
in polytheistic religious beliefs and practices, the concept of
monotheism in the ancient African continent has existed for
over 8500 years and its concept is not new. The practice of
monotheism in Africa predates the birth of Christianity. Most
of the fear and misunderstanding about the Quimbanda and
Candomble religious traditions come from individuals who
have a lack of understanding about the religious philosophy
of African cultures and their sacred traditions. Although we
often define those spiritual entities venerated and associated
with the Quimbanda religious tradition as deities or spirits,
they are not. The word deity and the word spirit for those
practicing traditional Quimbanda at the American
Candomble Church simply means and refers to an elevated
spiritual being (Holy One) which can be petitioned to
intercede on our behalf directly to Nzambi (God) and assist
us in the process of the spiritual elevation and the evolution
of our soul. These deities or spirits are also refered to as
33
angelic beings. The word “spiritual being” can be defined as
an incorporeal being believed to have powers to affect the
course of human events. The word incorporeal means
“having no material body or form”. The word “angelic being”
can be defined as a benevolent celestial being that acts as
an intermediary between Heaven and Earth. This concept is
the same as the veneration of the angels and the Saints by
Roman Catholics. There is only one true God in the
Quimbanda religious philosophy and we call him Nzambi,
the "Father and Creator of the Heavens and the Earth", the
"Creator of all that is “Seen” and “Unseen". The Afro-
Brazilian religion of Quimbanda is a “mystery religion” or
“gnostic religious tradition”. A mystery religion is any religion
with an arcanum, or secret wisdom. In a mystery religion, an
inner core of beliefs, practices, and the religion's true nature,
are revealed only to those who have been initiated into its
secrets.

34
THE SACRED INITIATION MYSTERIES OF THE
QUIMBANDA RELIGIOUS TRADITION

The Afro-Brazilian religion of Quimbanda is a “mystery

religion” or “gnostic religious tradition”. A mystery religion is
any religion with an arcanum, or secret wisdom. In a mystery
religion, an inner core of beliefs, practices, and the religion's
true nature, are revealed only to those who have been
initiated into its secrets. An individual who desires to become
a formal member of a Quimbanda temple must first petition
it. If the Quimbanda spirits and the religious hierarchy accept
the petition then the individual will be introduced into the
mysteries through a series of initiatory rites. Acceptance
within a traditional Quimbanda temple is a privilege; not a
right. An initiation creates a strong emotional bond and tie
between temple members, and so an initiation request
should not be considered lightly by either the aspirant or the
temple; and, as always, the Tata Nkisi Malongo / Yaya Nkisi
Malongo has the final word. However, because of the deep
bond initiation creates between the temple brothers and
sisters, tradition dictates that the decision to accept a new
person into the traditional Quimbanda temple must be
unanimous. If only one person in the temple, can state good
reason, and cannot be persuaded otherwise by other temple
initiates, then entrance is denied to the Initiate. Again, the
Tata Nkisi Malongo / Yaya Nkisi Malongo has the final word
in all things temple related. In the Quimbanda religious
tradition, initiation is considered a “rite of passage”. In the
context of ritual magic and esotericism, an initiation is
considered to cause a fundamental process of change to
begin within the person being initiated. There are various
initiations associated with the Quimbanda religious tradition.
In a traditional Quimbanda Temple it will take seven years to
complete all of the sacred initiation in order to be called, Tata
Nkisi Malongo (Male) or Yaya Nkisi Malongo (Woman). The
35
various steps of initiation are called degrees. Each degree is
a step in that initiation process. There are seven degrees of
initiation in the Quimbanda religious tradition at the
American Candomble Church. These seven degrees are
known as the “Seven Greater Quimbanda Mysteries”. There
are also many other initiations associated with the “Seven
Greater Quimbanda Mysteries” of the Quimbanda religious
tradition, but these are considered minor initiations. These
minor initiation rituals are called the “Lesser Quimbanda
Mysteries”. The minor initiation rituals are found within the
confines of the “Seven Greater Quimbanda Mysteries”. All
initiation rituals are done at the temple or in nature. A
Quimbanda temple is a place of worship and where initiated
individuals come together as a “family unit” to venerate the
vast pantheon of Quimbanda deities and spirits. These
initiation rituals can take various years to complete. All of the
following ceremonies are important initiations that an
individual will undergo if they are considering becoming a
part of a formal Quimbanda religious temple and a member
of the American Candomble Church.

36
THE LITURGICAL HIERARCHY OF THE AMERICAN
CANDOMBLE CHURCH
The highest liturgical religious authority of the American
Candomble Church is the Rei Do Congo (King of the
Congo). The Rei Do Congo is believed to be the spiritual
representation of the First Prophet of our Church, King,
Nzinga a Nkuwu (King João I) from the year 1485. The Rei
Do Congo is the chief religious liturgist for the American
Candomble Church. The liturgical religious position of Rei
Do Congo can be held by either a man or a woman. The
religious title of Rei Do Congo was historically used by early
Congo religious gnostic temples in Brazil around the early
1500’s to designate the religious leaders of traditional Congo
gnostic religious temples. Below the Rei Do Congo in the
liturgical religious hierarchy of the American Candomble
Church is the “Supreme Council of Elders.” The “Supreme
Council of Elders” is composed of a group of 12 Tata Nkisi
Malongos and Yaya Nkisi Malongos selected by the Rei Do
Congo which govern over the various religious
congregations of the American Candomble Church around
the world. The primary religious function of the “Supreme
Council of Elders” is to oversee the various religious
congregations and religious initiates and to interpret the
religious laws, religious philosophy, religious theology and
the religious doctrines of the American Candomble
Church. When the religious position of Rei Do Congo
becomes vacant, The “Supreme Council of Elders” is
responsible for choosing the new Church leader from among
one of the 12 members of the “Supreme Council of Elders”.
Below the “Supreme Council of Elders” in the liturgical
religious hierarchy of the American Candomble Church are
the various Tata Nkisi Malongos and Yaya Nkisi Malongos
37
that have established their own religious congregations in
accordance with the religious standards of the American
Candomble Church as found in the DOCTRINE OF
QUIMBANDA RELIGIOUS LAW.

Below the Tata Nkisi Malongos and Yaya Nkisi Malongos

that have established their own independent religious
congregations of the American Candomble Church are its
religious members and religious clergy who are ranked in
accordance in order with fulfilling their religious obligations of
the Seven Quimbanda Sacraments / Religious Obligations.

38
A DESCRIPTION OF OUR RELIGIOUS EDUCATIONAL
PROGRAMS

All of the following are Congo names for the Seven

Quimbanda Sacraments / Religious Obligations that should
be completed within the 7 year initiation period. The Seven
Quimbanda Sacraments also represent the mysteries of the
Seven Greater Quimbanda Kingdoms and the mysteries of
the Seven Lesser Quimbanda Kingdoms. These religious
rituals and ceremonies are as follows;

1. THE HOLY QUIMBANDA SACRAMENT OF

MASSANGUÀ - FIRST DEGREE

2. THE HOLY QUIMBANDA SACRAMENT OF NGUDIÀ

MUTUÈ - SECOND DEGREE

3. THE HOLY QUIMBANDA SACRAMENT OF NGUECÈ

BENGUÈ KAMUTUÈ - THIRD DEGREE

4. THE HOLY QUIMBANDA SACRAMENT OF NGUECÈ

KAMOXI MUVU - FOURTH DEGREE

5. THE HOLY QUIMBANDA SACRAMENT OF NGUECÈ

KATÀTU MUVU - FIFTH DEGREE

6. THE HOLY QUIMBANDA SACRAMENT OF NGUECÈ

KATUNU MUVU - SIXTH DEGREE

7. THE HOLY QUIMBANDA SACRAMENT OF NGUECÈ

KASSAMBÀ MUVU - SEVENTH DEGREE

39
ALL INITIATES MUST DEMONSTRATE TO THE ELDERS
OF THE AMERICAN CANDOMBLE CHURCH THAT THEY
HAVE A FULL COMPREHENSION, UNDERSTANDING
AND COMPENTANCY OF EACH LEVEL OF RELIGIOUS
DEGREE BEFORE THEY WILL BE ALLOWED TO
ADVANCE TO THE NEXT LEVEL OF INITIATION.

ALL INITIATES MUST RECEIVE SPIRITUAL COUNSEL

FROM THE TEMPLE ELDERS PRIOR TO RECEIVING
INITIATION INTO ANY OF THE SACRED HOLY
QUIMBANDA SACRAMENTS.

40
 FIRST RELIGIOUS DEGREE (FIRST YEAR)

THE HOLY QUIMBANDA SACRAMENT OF MASSANGUÀ

All of the following religious educational programs are

required to be successfully completed by all First Year
Initiates before they will be granted access into the sacred
mysteries of the Second Religious Degree. The various
levels of initiations associated with the First Religious
Degree are collectively called MASSANGUÀ. The First
Religious Degree consists of all of the following Quimbanda
initiation mysteries; Baptism into the Quimbanda Mysteries,
Mysteries of the Quimbanda Trinity, Mysteries of Congo
Spirits (1 & 2), Mysteries of the Seven Lesser Quimbanda
Kingdoms (Exu & Pomba Gira).

41
 BAPTISM INTO THE QUIMBANDA MYSTERIES

The journey into the mysteries of Quimbanda religious

tradition begins with a spiritual baptism. Baptism in the
Quimbanda religion is known as MASSANGUÀ. An
individual desiring to become a member of a traditional
Brazilian Quimbanda religious temple will be able to receive
the divine protection of the powerful Quimbanda deities and
spirits by receiving baptism into the spiritual Quimbanda
mysteries. When an individual is baptized into the
Quimbanda spiritual mysteries they are cleansed of all
negativity and can then begin to continue with their spiritual
journey into the greater mysteries of the spirits. It is through
baptism that the Quimbanda spirits will begin to know the
individual and their desired intent to become fully initiated at
a traditional Afro-Brazilian Quimbanda temple. When an
individual is baptized into the Quimbanda spiritual mysteries
they are making a “pledge” and not a “pact” with the powerful
deities of the Quimbanda Trinity and the spirits. The
individual who is baptized receives the powerful Quimbanda
spirit beads which are the “banners of our Quimbanda faith”.
The sacred beads are called “guias” (spirit guides) in the
Portuguese language. After receiving the Quimbanda
Baptism, the new initiate will find out through divination who
is their spiritual Mother (Pomba Gira) and Father (Exu). The
spiritual Mother (Pomba Gira) and Father (Exu) will be
determined through divination and will be represented from
any of the Kings and Queens represented within the Seven
Lesser Quimbanda Kingdoms. By determining which spirit
guides from the Seven Lesser Quimbanda Kingdoms
spiritual walk with the individual that an individual may begin
to petition their Spiritual Mother and Father on the journey of

42
life. Baptism into the Quimbanda Mysteries are associated
with the First, Second & Third Greater Quimbanda
Kingdoms.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

This initiation requires that the new initiate be at the temple

for 12 hours.

This initiation can be received by both women and men.

The initiate will be required to bring all of the following items

to the initiation;

- A set of new white clothes

- A white towel
- A coconut
- A bottle of rum
- A package of cigars
- A box of white candles

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will be able to start to spiritually work with the
Quimbanda Trinity through prayer and learn how to do basic
religious rituals.

43
 MYSTERIES OF THE QUIMBANDA TRINITY

The Mysteries of the Quimbanda Trinity can be received at

the same time that an initiate receives their Quimbanda
Baptism or in a separate initiation ceremony. The deities
which govern the Quimbanda Trinity are Exu Maioral, Exu
Rei and Maria Padilla Reina. The Mysteries of the
Quimbanda Trinity are received inside of three separate
vessels or containers. These containers are called “spirit
pots” or “ngangas”. An nganga holds the spiritual mysteries
and secrets of a particular spirit or deity. The mysteries of
Exu Maioral and Exu Rei are received inside of iron
cauldrons. The mysteries of Maria Padilla Pomba Gira are
received inside of a clay pot or iron cauldron. The Mysteries
of the Quimbanda Trinity are associated with the First,
Second & Third Greater Quimbanda Kingdoms.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

This initiation requires that the new initiate be at the temple

for six hours.

This initiation can be received by both women and men.

The initiate will be required to bring all of the following items

to the initiation;

- A set of new white clothes

- A white towel
- A coconut
- A bottle of rum
- A bottle of pink champagne
- A package of cigars
44
 - A box of white candles
- A box of red candles
- A box of black candles

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will be able to start to spiritually work with the
Quimbanda Trinity through prayer and learn how to do
advance religious rituals.

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will be able to start to do spiritual divinations using
the Chamalongo Divination Shells of Exu for other
individuals.

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will be able to make, prepare and present the sacred
spirit beads of any of the Exu spirits and Pomba Gira spirits
found within the confines of the Seven Lesser Quimbanda
Kingdoms to other individuals.

An initiate presenting or conferring any of the Holy

Quimbanda Sacraments or sacred mysteries to other
individuals must follow the Quimbanda religious laws of
initiation as outlined and established by the American
Candomble Church in the book, DOCTRINE OF
QUIMBANDA RELIGIOUS LAW.

45
MYSTERIES OF THE CONGO SPIRITS - FIRST RAYADO

The “Rayamento Initiation Ceremony” links the new initiate

to the World of the Quimbanda Spirits so that they will be
better able to assist the new initiate with advancing in a
positive direction in life. There are two parts of the
Rayamento Initiation Ceremony. The first "Rayamento
Initiation Ceremony" establishes a spiritual relationship
between the Quimbanda spirits and the new initiate. The
Rayamento Initiation Ceremony gives an individual great
protection against all harmful energy that may be affecting
the individual or that may come their way. The Rayamento
Initiation Ceremony gives the individual the ability to leap
over all obstacles of this life and will even protect an
individual from untimely death. The Rayamento Initiation is
believed to be able to make an individual invisible to any and
all problems. This Rayamento Initiation opens the third eye
of the individual. The Rayamento Initiation Ceremony can
save your life. The Mysteries of the Congo Spirits - First
Rayado are associated with the Sixth Greater Quimbanda
Kingdom.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

This initiation requires that the new initiate be at the temple

for six hours.

This initiation can be received by both women and men.

The initiate will be required to bring all of the following items

to the initiation;

- A set of new white clothes

- A white towel
46
 - A coconut
- A bottle of rum
- A package of cigars
- A box of white candles

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will be able to start to spiritually work with the Congo
spirits through prayer and learn how to do basic religious
rituals.

47
MYSTERIES OF THE CONGO SPIRITS - SECOND
RAYADO

The second "Rayamento Initiation Ceremony" will establish a

greater spiritual connection to the mysteries with all of the
deities and spirits of the Quimbanda spiritual pantheon. The
second “Rayamento Initiation Ceremony," which is
traditionally done 21 days after the first Rayamento Initiation
Ceremony gives the individual the ability to communicate
and have command over the powerful Quimbanda deities
and spirits. It is only after doing the Second Rayado
ceremony that an individual is fully accepted into the
traditional Quimbanda temple as a full-fledged member.
Collectively, these two initiations are referred to as the
“Mukaso”. When an initiate receives their second rayado
initiation they are refered to as Tata Nkisi (Men) or Yaya
Nkisi (Women). Tata Nkisi means “Father of the Mysteries of
the Spirits”. Yaya Nkisi means “Mother of the Mysteries of
the Spirits”. The Mysteries of the Congo Spirits - Second
Rayado are associated with the Sixth Greater Quimbanda
Kingdom.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

This initiation requires that the new initiate be at the temple

for three hours.

This initiation can be received by both women and men.

The initiate will be required to bring all of the following items

to the initiation;

- A set of new white clothes

- A white towel
48
 - A coconut
- A bottle of rum
- A package of cigars
- A box of white candles

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will be able to start to spiritually work with the Congo
spirits through prayer and learn how to do advanced
religious rituals.

49
 MYSTERIES OF THE SEVEN LESSER QUIMBANDA
KINGDOMS (EXU & POMBA GIRA)

An individual will be able to receive the spiritual mysteries of

their spiritual Mother (Pomba Gira) and Father (Exu) that
walk with them. The Mysteries of their spiritual Father (Exu)
is received inside of an iron cauldron. The Mysteries of their
spiritual Mother (Pomba Gira) are received inside of a clay
pot. When an individual receives the Mysteries of the Seven
Lesser Quimbanda Kindoms (Exu & Pomba Gira) they will
also receive a set of spirit beads which correspond to the
sacred mysteries of that particular Lesser Quimbanda
Kingdom. The Mysteries of the Seven Lesser Kingdoms are
associated with all of the sacred mysteries found within the
confines of the Seven Lesser Quimbanda Kingdoms. An
individual who has received the Mysteries of the Seven
Lesser Quimbanda Kingdoms can prepare and begin to give
other individuals blessed beads from any one of the Seven
Lesser Quimbanda Kingdoms. Both Mother (Pomba Gira)
and Father (Exu) are received.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

This initiation requires that the new initiate be at the temple

for six hours.

This initiation can be received by both women and men.

The initiate will be required to bring all of the following items

to the initiation;

- A set of new white clothes

- A white towel
50
 - A coconut
- A bottle of rum
- A bottle of pink champagne
- A package of cigars
- A box of white candles
- A box of red candles
- A box of black candles

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will be able to start to spiritually work with the greater
mysteries of Exu and Pomba Gira of the Seven Lesser
Quimbanda Kingdoms through prayer and learn how to do
advanced religious rituals.

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will be able to confer the Mysteries of the Quimbanda
Baptism for other individuals.

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will be able to make, prepare and present the
Mysteries of the Quimbanda Trinity for other individuals.

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will be able to make, prepare and present the
Mysteries of Exu and Pomba Gira from the Seven Lesser
Quimbanda Kingdoms.

An initiate presenting the sacred Mysteries of the Seven

Lesser Quimbanda Kingdoms (Exu & Pomba Gira) can only
confer the Mysteries of the particular Exu and Pomba Gira
that they have already received through initiation.

51
An initiate presenting or conferring any of the Holy
Quimbanda Sacraments or sacred mysteries to other
individuals must follow the Quimbanda religious laws of
initiation as outlined and established by the American
Candomble Church in the book, DOCTRINE OF
QUIMBANDA RELIGIOUS LAW.

52
 SECOND RELIGIOUS DEGREE (SECOND YEAR)

THE HOLY QUIMBANDA SACRAMENT OF NGUDIÀ

MUTUÈ

All of the following religious educational programs are

required to be successfully completed by all Second Year
Initiates before they will be granted access into the sacred
mysteries of the Third Religious Degree. The various levels
of initiations associated with the Second Religious Degree
are collectively called NGUDIÀ MUTUÈ. The Second
Religious Degree consists of all of the following Quimbanda
initiation mysteries; Mysteries of the Aje Spirits, Mysteries of
the Eggun Spirits, Mysteries of Congo Nkisi (Nganga).

53
 MYSTERIES OF THE AJE SPIRITS

The "Aje Spirits Initiation Ceremony" links our world to the

invisible world of the Aje Spirits (Witches). The Aje Spirits
control all aspects of human life such as wealth, health,
prosperity, and our "spiritual birth destiny". If an individual
does not undergo this initiation ceremony they will always be
plagued with constant spiritual attacks by the Aje Spirits. By
undergoing this initiation ceremony, an individual makes a
spiritual peace and establishes a lifelong relationship with
the powerful Aje Spirits without any spiritual interference in
order to be able to accomplish your desired goals in one’s
life. The sacred Mysteries of the Aje Spirits are associated
with the Fourth Greater Quimbanda Kingdom.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

This initiation requires that the new initiate be at the temple

for nine hours.

This initiation can be received by both women and men.

The initiate will be required to bring all of the following items

to the initiation;

- A set of new white clothes

- A white towel
- A coconut
- A bottle of rum
- A bottle of red wine
- A package of cigars
- A box of white candles
- A bouquet of flowers
54
Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the
initiate will learn how to start to spiritually work with the
sacred mysteries of the Aje Spirits.

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will be able to confer the Mysteries of the Aje Spirits
for other individuals.

An initiate presenting or conferring any of the Holy

Quimbanda Sacraments or sacred mysteries to other
individuals must follow the Quimbanda religious laws of
initiation as outlined and established by the American
Candomble Church in the book, DOCTRINE OF
QUIMBANDA RELIGIOUS LAW.

55
 MYSTERIES OF THE EGGUN SPIRITS

The “Eggun Spirits Initiation Ceremony” links the new initiate

to the world of their ancestors. Without the permission,
blessings and assistance of our ancestors we will never be
able to realize all of the good things that life holds for us. By
undergoing this initiation an individual establishes a
relationship with the world of the ancestors so they will be
better able to assist the individual with all the good things in
life and to be able to overcome all difficulties that an
individual may be faced with. It is important that an individual
undergo this initiation ceremony so that they do not lose their
way on their journey in this life. The sacred Mysteries of the
Eggun Spirits are associated with the Fifth Greater
Quimbanda Kingdom.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

This initiation requires that the new initiate be at the temple

for six hours.

This initiation can be received by both women and men.

The initiate will be required to bring all of the following items

to the initiation;

- A set of new white clothes

- A white towel
- A coconut
- A bottle of rum
- A bottle of red wine
56
 - A package of cigars
- A box of white candles
- A bouquet of flowers

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will learn how to spiritually work with the sacred
mysteries of the Eggun Spirits.

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will be able to confer the Mysteries of the Eggun
Spirits for other individuals.

An initiate presenting or conferring any of the Holy

Quimbanda Sacraments or sacred mysteries to other
individuals must follow the Quimbanda religious laws of
initiation as outlined and established by the American
Candomble Church in the book, DOCTRINE OF
QUIMBANDA RELIGIOUS LAW.

57
 MYSTERIES OF THE CONGO NKISI (NGANGA)

The “Nganga Initiation Ceremony” is one of the most

important of all of the initiation ceremonies associated with a
traditional Quimbanda temple. When an individual
undergoes this initiation, they receive the actual spirit
mysteries of a particular Quimbanda deity or spirit to work
with. The mysteries of the Quimbanda spirits are usually
received inside of an iron cauldron or clay pot. When a male
individual receives this initiation they are then referred to as
Tata Nganga (Father of the Spirit Mysteries of the Nganga).
When a female individual receives this initiation they are
then referred to as Yaya Nganga (Mother of the Spirit
Mysteries of the Nganga). The sacred Mysteries of the
Congo Nkisi (Nganga) are associated with the Sixth Greater
Quimbanda Kingdom.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

This initiation requires that the new initiate be at the temple

for six hours.

This initiation can be received by both women and men.

The initiate will be required to bring all of the following items

to the initiation;

- A set of new white clothes

- A white towel
- A coconut
- A bottle of rum
- A package of cigars
- A box of white candles
58
Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the
initiate will learn how to spiritually work with the greater
mysteries of the Congo Spirits through prayer and do
advance religious rituals.

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will be able to confer the Mysteries of the Rayado
Initiation Ceremony for other individuals.

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will be able to make, prepare and present the
Mysteries of the Nganga for other individuals.

An initiate presenting the sacred Mysteries of the Nganga

can only confer the Mysteries of the Congo spirit that they
have already received.

An initiate presenting or conferring any of the Holy

Quimbanda Sacraments or sacred mysteries to other
individuals must follow the Quimbanda religious laws of
initiation as outlined and established by the American
Candomble Church in the book, DOCTRINE OF
QUIMBANDA RELIGIOUS LAW.

59
 THIRD RELIGIOUS DEGREE (THIRD YEAR)

THE HOLY QUIMBANDA SACRAMENT OF NGUECÈ

BENGUÈ KAMUTUÈ

All of the following religious educational programs are

required to be successfully completed by all Third Year
Initiates before they will be granted access into the sacred
mysteries of the Fourth Religious Degree. The various levels
of initiations associated with the Third Religious Degree are
collectively called NGUECÈ BENGUÈ KAMUTUÈ. The Third
Religious Degree consists of all of the following Quimbanda
initiation mysteries; Mysteries of the Candomble Orixá Exu &
the Warriors, Mysteries of the Sacred Candomble Orixá
Beads, Mysteries of the Spirit Olokun.

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MYSTERIES OF THE CANDOMBLE ORIXA EXU & THE
WARRIORS

The new initiate receiving the Mysteries of the Candomble

Orixá Exu & the Warriors, will actually receive the mysteries
of several Candomble Orixas including; Orixá Exu, Orixá
Ogum, Orixá Oxosi and the Orixá Ozun.

The Candomble Orixá Exu is the messenger of all the Orixás

to mankind and the divine door keeper.

The Candomble Orixá Exu is the Orixás of war and

protection.

The Candomble Orixá Ochosi is the Orixá of divine justice

The Candomble Orixá Ozun is the Orixá who protects the

head and guardian angel of an individual.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

This initiation requires that the new initiate be at the temple

for six hours.

This initiation can be received by both women and men.

The initiate will be required to bring all of the following items

to the initiation;

- A set of new white clothes

- A white towel
- A coconut
- A bottle of rum
- A package of cigars
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 - A box of white candles

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will learn how to spiritually work with the greater
mysteries of Candomble Orixas through prayer and learn
how to do advance religious rituals.

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MYSTERIES OF THE SACRED CANDOMBLE ORIXA
BEADS

The Mysteries of the Sacred Candomble Orixá Beads are

received at the same time that the new initiate receives the
Mysteries of the Candomble Orixá Exu & the Warriors. When
an individual receives the Mysteries of the Sacred
Candomble Orixá Beads they will begin to receive the
spiritual blessings of the Candomble Orixás. The new initiate
receives all of the following Candomble Orixá Beads; Orixá
Exu, Orixá Oxalá, Orixá Yemanjá, Orixá Oxum, Orixá
Xangô, Orixá Oxosi and the Orixá Ogum.

The Orixá Exu is the guardian of the crossroads roads.

The Orixá Oxalá represents purity and light.

The Orixá Yemanjá represents fertility and the mysteries of

the ocean.

The Orixá Oxum represents love and wealth.

The Orixá Xangô represents fire and thunder.

The Orixá Oxosi represents hunting and all legal matters.

The Orixá Ogum represents war, iron and technology.

The sacred Mysteries of the Candomble Orixa Exu & the

Warriors and the Mysteries of the Sacred Candomble Orixa
Beads are associated with the Sixth Greater Quimbanda
Kingdom.

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 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

This initiation requires that the new initiate be at the temple

for six hours.

This initiation can be received by both women and men.

The initiate will be required to bring all of the following items

to the initiation;

- A set of new white clothes

- A white towel
- A coconut
- A bottle of rum
- A package of cigars
- A box of white candles

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will be able to start to spiritually work with the greater
mysteries of Candomble Orixas through prayer and learn
how to do advance religious rituals.

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 MYSTERIES OF THE SPIRIT OLOKUN

The “Mysteries of the Spirit Olokun” is received by a new

initiate to bring stability into their lives. The Spirit Olokun
represents the deep part of the ocean and all the mysteries
and riches that are found there. Olokun is both Orixá and
Nkisi because he is connected to the dead, due to the large
numbers of souls that have died at sea and whose remains
have gone to the bottom of the ocean. When an individual
undergoes this initiation, they receive the sacred Mysteries
of the Spirit Olokun inside of a large clay or ceramic pot. The
Spirit Olokun gives the new initiate stability, both materially
and spiritually and brings great wealth. The sacred Mysteries
of the Spirit Olokun are associated with the Sixth Greater
Quimbanda Kingdom.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

This initiation requires that the new initiate be at the temple

for six hours.

This initiation can be received by both women and men.

The initiate will be required to bring all of the following items

to the initiation;

- A set of new white clothes

- A white towel
- A coconut
- A bottle of rum
- A bottle of pink champagne
- A package of cigars
- A box of white candles
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 - A box of red candles
- A box of black candles

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will be able to start to spiritually work with the greater
mysteries of Eggun spirits and the Spirit Olokun through
prayer and learn how to do advance religious rituals.

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 FOURTH DEGREE (FOURTH YEAR)

THE HOLY QUIMBANDA SACRAMENT OF NGUECÈ

KAMOXI MUVU

All of the following religious educational programs are

required to be successfully completed by all Fourth Year
Initiates before they will be granted access into the sacred
mysteries of the Fifth Religious Degree. The various levels of
initiations associated with the Fourth Religious Degree are
collectively called NGUECÈ KAMOXI MUVU. The Fourth
Religious Degree consists of the following Quimbanda
initiation mysteries; Mysteries of the Caboclos.

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 MYSTERIES OF THE CABOCLOS

An individual will be able to receive the sacred spiritual

Mysteries of the Caboclo Spirits. The Caboclo Spirits are the
Guardians of the Earth that govern over the actions of man.
These spirits are believed to assist the followers of the
Quimbanda religious tradition with such things as spiritual
protection and healing. These powerful entities are also
venerated as powerful spirit guides for practitioners from
various religious traditions of Afro-Brazilian Spiritualism. The
Mysteries of the Caboclo Spirits are received inside of an
iron cauldron or inside of a clay pot depending on the
spiritual path that walks with the new initiate. The sacred
Mysteries of the Caboclos are associated with the Seventh
Greater Quimbanda Kingdom.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

This initiation requires that the new initiate be at the temple

for six hours.

This initiation can be received by both women and men.

The initiate will be required to bring all of the following items

to the initiation;

- A set of new white clothes

- A white towel
- A coconut
- A bottle of rum
- A bottle of pink champagne
- A package of cigars
- A box of white candles
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 - A box of red candles
- A box of black candles

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will be able to start to spiritually work with the greater
mysteries of the Caboclo Spirits through prayer and learn
how to do advance religious rituals.

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will be able to confer the Mysteries of the Caboclo
Spirits for other individuals.

An initiate presenting the sacred Mysteries of the Caboclo

Spirits can only confer the Mysteries of the Caboclo Spirits
that they have already received.

An initiate presenting or conferring any of the Holy

Quimbanda Sacraments or sacred mysteries to other
individuals must follow the Quimbanda religious laws of
initiation as outlined and established by the American
Candomble Church in the book, DOCTRINE OF
QUIMBANDA RELIGIOUS LAW.

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 FIFTH RELIGIOUS DEGREE (FIFTH YEAR)

THE HOLY QUIMBANDA SACRAMENT OF NGUECÈ

KATÀTU MUVU

All of the following religious educational programs are

required to be successfully completed by all Fifth Year
Initiates before they will be granted access into the sacred
mysteries of the Sixth Religious Degree. The various levels
of initiations associated with the Fifth Religious Degree are
collectively called NGUECÈ KATÀTU MUVU. The Fifth
Religious Degree consists of the following Quimbanda
initiation mysteries; Mysteries of the Spirit Ozain.

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 MYSTERIES OF THE SPIRIT OZAIN

The Mysteries of the Congo Spirit Ozain can only be

received by men or by women who are no longer
menstruating. The Spirit Ozain is also referred to as the
Katende in the Quimbanda religious tradition. The Spirit
Ozain is the owner of all vegetation found on Earth and also
the keeper of all of the magical knowledge of the sacred
herbs. This initiation ceremony gives the initiate the spiritual
right to be able to work with the sacred magical herbs and
also the power to invoke and summon the powerful astral
beings. The sacred Mysteries of the Spirit Ozain are
received in the form of various sacred items known
collectively as the “Fundamento of Ozain”. When an
individual receives this initiation they are then referred to as
“Ozainista”. An Ozainista is a priest who has the power to
work with the magical mysteries of the Spirit Ozain. The
sacred Mysteries of the Spirit Ozain are associated with the
First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh
Greater Quimbanda Kingdoms.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

This initiation requires that the new initiate be at the temple

for three days.

This initiation can be received by both women and men.

The initiate will be required to bring all of the following items

to the initiation;

- Three sets of new white clothes

- Three white towel
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 - Three coconuts
- A bottle of rum
- A bottle of red wine
- A package of cigars
- A box of white candles
- A box of red candles
- A box of black candles

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will be able to start to spiritually work with the greater
mysteries of the Spirit Ozain through prayer and learn how to
do advance religious rituals.

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will be able to make, prepare and present the various
spiritual paths of the Spirit Ozain for other individuals in the
form of sacred talismans.

An initiate cannot present the mysteries of the “Fundamento

of Ozain” to another individual until they have completed the
Holy Quimbanda Sacrament of the Malongo initiation
ceremony.

An initiate presenting or conferring any of the Holy

Quimbanda Sacraments or sacred mysteries to other
individuals must follow the Quimbanda religious laws of
initiation as outlined and established by the American
Candomble Church in the book, DOCTRINE OF
QUIMBANDA RELIGIOUS LAW.

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 SIXTH RELIGIOUS DEGREE (SIXTH YEAR)

THE HOLY QUIMBANDA SACRAMENT OF NGUECÈ

KATUNU MUVU

All of the following religious educational programs are

required to be successfully completed by all Sixth Year
Initiates before they will be granted access into the sacred
mysteries of the Seventh Religious Degree. The various
levels of initiations associated with the Sixth Religious
Degree are collectively called NGUECÈ KATUNU MUVU.
The Sixth Religious Degree consists of the following
Quimbanda initiation mysteries; Mysteries of the Candomble
Orixas.

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 MYSTERIES OF THE CANDOMBLE ORIXAS

An initiate receiving the Mysteries of the Candomble Orixas

is considered a full-fledged Priest of the Orixa Mysteries. An
individual receiving this very important initiation ceremony is
referred to as Pai De Santo (Father of the Saints) or Mae De
Santo (Mother of the Saints). During this sacred ceremony a
new initiate is crowned with their ruling guardian Orixa on
their head. After the initiate completes the required time
period of this extremely involved sacred initiation ceremony
they are considered representatives of the Orixas here on
Earth and are vested with the power to work with the forces
of all of the Orixas. This initiation also requires a great
lifelong commitment on the part of the initiate. The sacred
Mysteries of the Candomble Orixas is associated with the
Sixth Greater Quimbanda Kingdom.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

This initiation requires that the new initiate be at the temple

for nine days.

This initiation can be received by both women and men.

The items that the new initiate will be required to bring will
depend on the sacred mysteries of the Orixas that will be
crowned on your head.

An initiate presenting or conferring any of the Holy

Quimbanda Sacraments or sacred mysteries to other
individuals must follow the Quimbanda religious laws of
initiation as outlined and established by the American

74
Candomble Church in the book, DOCTRINE OF
QUIMBANDA RELIGIOUS LAW.

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 SEVENTH DEGREE (SEVENTH YEAR)

THE HOLY QUIMBANDA SACRAMENT OF NGUECÈ

KASSAMBÀ MUVU

All of the following religious educational programs are

required to be successfully completed by all Seventh Year
Initiates. The various levels of initiations associated with the
Seventh Religious Degree are collectively called NGUECÈ
KASSAMBÀ MUVU. The Seventh Religious Degree
consists of the following Quimbanda initiation mysteries;
Mysteries of Malongo.

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MYSTERIES OF TATA NKISI MALONGO / YAYA NKISI
MALONGO

The last and final initiation that an individual can receive in

the traditional Quimbanda religious tradition of the American
Candomble Church is the “Mysteries of Malongo Initiation
Ceremony”. The word “Malongo” means “secrets of nature”.
When a man receives this initiation they are referred to as
“Tata Nkisi Malongo” meaning “Father of the Secrets of
Nature”. When a woman receives this initiation they are
referred to as “Yaya Nkisi Malongo” meaning “Mother of the
Secrets of Nature”. This sacred initiation gives the individual
the power to become one with the spiritual world. This
initiation also gives the individual great command over any
and all of the spiritual entities found within the confines of the
Seven Greater Quimbanda Kingdoms and the Seven Lesser
Quimbanda Kingdoms. The sacred Mysteries of Malongo are
associated with the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth
and Seventh Greater Quimbanda Kingdoms and the Seven
Lesser Quimbanda Kingdoms.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

This initiation requires that the new initiate be at the temple

for three days.

This initiation can be received by both women and men.

The initiate will be required to bring all of the following items

to the initiation;

- Three sets of new white clothes

- Three white towel

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 - Three coconuts
- A bottle of rum
- A bottle of red wine
- A package of cigars
- A box of white candles
- A box of red candles
- A box of black candles

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will be able to start to spiritually work with the greater
mysteries of Malongo through prayer and learn how to do
advance religious rituals.

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will be able to make, prepare and present all of the
various spiritual paths of Exu and Pomba Gira from the
Seven Lesser Quimbanda Kindoms.

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will be able to make, prepare and present any and all
of the various spiritual paths of any of the spirits found within
the Seven Greater Quimbanda Kingdoms.

Upon completion of this Holy Quimbanda Sacrament, the

initiate will be able to confer any of the Holy Quimbanda
Sacraments to any individual except those of the Third
Religious Degree (Mysteries of the Candomble Orixá Exu &
the Warriors, Mysteries of the Sacred Candomble Orixá
Beads) and those of the Sixth Religious Degree (Mysteries
of the Candomble Orixas).

An initiate presenting or conferring any of the Holy

Quimbanda Sacraments or sacred mysteries to other
individuals must follow the Quimbanda religious laws of
78
initiation as outlined and established by the American
Candomble Church in the book, DOCTRINE OF
QUIMBANDA RELIGIOUS LAW.

ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS COMPLETED ALL OF THE

SEVEN QUIMBANDA SACRAMENTS / RELIGIOUS
OBLIGATIONS MAY PETITION THE RELIGIOUS
HIERARCHY OF THE AMERICAN CANDOMBLE CHURCH
TO ESTABLISH THEIR OWN RELIGIOUS
CONGREGATION OF THE AMERICAN CANDOMBLE
CHURCH UPON THE APPROVAL FROM THE “SUPREME
COUNCIL OF ELDERS”.

An initiate establishing their own religious congregation of

the American Candomble Church must follow the
Quimbanda religious laws of Church affiliation and the
religious laws of initiation as outlined and established by the
American Candomble Church in the book, DOCTRINE OF
QUIMBANDA RELIGIOUS LAW.

79
 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

&

DONATION FEE SCHEDULE 2012

The American Candomble Church has established the

following guidelines for our religious educational study
program. Our religious educational program requires that
those individuals desiring to learn the religious theology and
religious principles of our Church be willing to participate in a
Seven year course of study to be able to complete all of the
required religious educational studies programs to receive a
Certificate of Completion of Religious Studies from the
American Candomble Church. All donation fees must be
paid in full before receiving and attending any of the religious
educational studies programs. All members in the year 2012
are required to pay monthly tidings in the amount of $25.00
which is not included in the following fees.

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 FIRST RELIGIOUS DEGREE (FIRST YEAR)

MYSTERIES OF QUIMBANDA BAPTISM - $2,500

MYSTERIES OF THE QUIMBANDA TRINITY - $2,100

($700.00 for each Spirit Mystery)

MYSTERIES OF THE CONGO SPIRITS - FIRST RAYADO -

$1,277

MYSTERIES OF THE CONGO SPIRITS - SECOND

RAYADO - $1,277

MYSTERIES OF THE SEVEN LESSER KINGDOMS (EXU &

POMBA GIRA) - $1,400 ($700.00 for each Spirit Mystery)

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 SECOND RELIGIOUS DEGREE (SECOND YEAR)

MYSTERIES OF THE AJE SPIRITS - $1,500

MYSTERIES OF THE EGGUN SPIRITS - $1,500

MYSTERIES OF THE CONGO NKISIS (NGANGA) - $3,500

- $5,000

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 THIRD RELIGIOUS DEGREE (THIRD YEAR)

MYSTERIES OF THE ORIXA EXU & THE WARRIORS &

THE SACRED SPIRIT BEADS $1,500

MYSTERIES OF THE SPIRIT OLOKUN - $1,500

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 FOURTH DEGREE (FOURTH YEAR)

MYSTERIES OF THE CABOCLOS - $1,400

(Male Caboclo $700.00 & Female Caboclo $700.00)

84
 FIFTH RELIGIOUS DEGREE (FIFTH YEAR)

MYSTERIES OF THE SPIRIT OZAIN - $3,500

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 SIXTH RELIGIOUS DEGREE (SIXTH YEAR)

MYSTERIES OF THE CANDOMBLE DE CONGO ORIXAS -

$6,500 - $8,500

PRICE WILL DEPEND ON WHAT ORIXA WILL BE

CROWNED ON YOUR HEAD AND THE COST OF THE
AIRFARE TO BRAZIL.

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 SEVENTH DEGREE (SEVENTH YEAR)

MYSTERIES OF TATA MALONGO - $3,500

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 NEW MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE A MEMBERSHIP
APPLICATION, SEND YOUR REQUESTS TO:

AMERICAN CANDOMBLE CHURCH

P.O. BOX 881377

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90009

EMAIL: AMERICANCANDOMBLECHURCH@GMAIL.COM

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