Other Guaracyan Units

When we think of an Umbanda Temple abroad, the first thing that comes to mind is how a culturally complex tradition, such as the Afro-Amerindian-Brazilian culture, can commune with other cultural models without losing its originality and without violating the essence of other peoples. Aside from the prejudice that this topic leads us to, it is at least curious to imagine a Preto Velho incorporated into a European medium, or a Bahian into a North-American medium, speaking Portuguese with the characteristic “ginga”.

From a spiritual point of view, the connection with the Primordial Light occurs on a level that transcends any type of cultural restriction. Although rituals are characteristic of a certain tradition or era, their influences do not invalidate pre-existing cultural values. It is common for people with ancient cultures to understand and easily become familiar with ancient rites. Therefore, singing and dancing to Nature has never been an exclusive privilege of Brazilians and Africans. North American indigenous nations have long worshiped their ancestors in an extraordinarily dignified manner. Their sacred, profound and subtle rituals have shaped the Love for the Earth in our Consciousness.

Although the establishment of the Guaracy Temple in other countries may represent a political expansion of Umbanda, this was never the conscious intention of the board. The phenomenon has been occurring naturally and within the legal and ritualistic requirements. The Guaracy Temple of Brazil, responsible for the philosophical coordination, does not shy away from the right to guide and, if necessary, to restrain any act contrary to the ethical principles published on August 2, 1973, and widely disseminated.

The mediumistic body of each Temple is made up of Attending Mediums, Cambonos Mediums, Atabaque Ogãs, Sala Ogãs, Ekédes, Iyabacés and Coordinators, initiated and ordained in Brazil. Public services are held in weekly Giras (ritualistic ceremonies). In addition to ritualistic meetings, the Temples conduct research in different areas of human development. The research does not aim to explain spiritual phenomena, but only contributes to the understanding of their effects on social, individual and collective psychic behavior. The large number of members, qualified in the areas of Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, History, etc., allows Argentina to deepen research, raising studies to an academic level.