In the Darkness, Our Shadows Become One

In the darkness, our shadows become one. Sky and sea and land merge. We could easily lose our way in this darkness if we react in haste, if we react habitually. Quimbanda prefers to work at night because in the forest of Ku Pemba-the Spirit World-the sun shines during our night, and their night is during our day here in Ku Nseke (the Material World). The Sun moves through its stations, and everything is moving in the natural cycles of ebb and flow, life and death and rebirth. But the natural order does not mean we are fated pawns subject to a singular destiny.

These currents can be navigated, using the flows of força and muki to guide our own trajectory. While we cannot fully go against the order and gain momentum in our goals, we can, through training and discipline, know how to navigate the changing tides and currents of the Calunga. Exu and Pombagira are steadfast companions on this journey, helping plot the course that helps us find safe harbor in the accomplishment of our desires. The fate of what *will* happen should always be tempered by what we *want* to happen, and in that negotiation, choice is born, and we set sail. Banda gira wa gira!

🎶Lá vem o barco
Remando contra a maré
O Comadante desse barco
É Seu Lucifer!
Saravá meu povo,
Saravá sua banda!
Lucifer está chamando, ó quimbanda! 🎶

Here comes the boat
Rowing against the tide
The Commander of this boat
Is Mr. Lucifer!
Hail my people, Hail their company!
Lucifer is calling, oh quimbanda!

Text: @darknessoftheninthhour
Image: @manticoresden
Originally posted on Instagram @cabulamavilekitulakianjila
Reposted on Cabula Mavile Kitula kia Njila