Ngurufinda: Spirit of plants and nature
Ngurufinda is a Mpungo revered for its connection to the environment, his role as a healer and protector, and his ability to unite us with the divine energy of Nsambia Mpungo. His presence in the tradition of the Mayombe stick It is essential for spiritual well-being and harmony with the environment that surrounds us.
Who is Ngurufinda?
Ngurunfida, also known as Burufinda, Sindaula Ndundu and Yembaka Butanseke. It is a Mpungo of great relevance in the tradition of Palo Mayombe. This powerful spirit is recognized for his role as a healer, protector and defender, being considered the embodiment of the Union with Nsambia Mpungo, the supreme creative energy of the universe.
Ngurufinda is credited with beginning the practice of preparing magical potions from different plants, using gourd gourds and gourds to store these power concoctions.
In the beliefs of the drainers, Ngurufinda is invoked to provide healing and protection in situations of illness or danger. His wisdom in the use of plants and natural medicine make him an ally to heal and strengthen the spirit and body. Likewise, he is considered a vigilant guardian who defends his devotees from negative energies and bad influences.
It is said that Ngurunfinda is a spirit that wanders into the dense forests, smoking a hookah and performing his rituals in the midst of exuberant nature. Due to his connection with the natural environment, it is common to consecrate a machete to him, a symbol of protection and strength, as well as a pipe with prepared tobacco, in honor of his presence and power.
Ngurunfinda Necklace
He wears a crossed flag necklace, from which the following tools hang: Machete, mask, key, scythe, breastplate, quadrant, hook, axe, and arrow. These same instruments are placed as reinforcement within its foundation.
You can read: 7 Rays: The fire deity of Palo Mayombe
Syncretism
Religious syncretism is a cultural and spiritual phenomenon that has occurred throughout history in various religious traditions. The practice that arises in Cuba, as a result of the African slave trade brought to the New World, gave rise to spiritualities belonging to different religious cultures being fused by believers, due to certain similarities and correspondences. In the case of Ngurunfinda, this phenomenon occurs with the orisha ozain belonging to the Yoruba religion and San Silvestre of the Catholic tradition.
In the Yoruba religion, Ozain is recognized as the Orisha of plants and nature, being revered for his deep knowledge of herbs and his ability to use them for medicinal and magical purposes. Like Ngurufinda in Palo Mayombe, Ozain is considered a healer and protector, who through the proper use of plants and rituals, seeks to provide healing and balance to those who invoke him. This correspondence is based on the connection that both share with the plant kingdom and its use in spiritual practices.
On the other hand, the syncretism between Ngurufinda and San Silvestre of the Catholic tradition can be found in the figure of San Silvestre I, who was the Pope of the Catholic Church from the year 314 until his death in 335. San Silvestre is known for being a Pope who faced difficult and challenging times for the Church, and is credited with playing a pivotal role in consolidating Christianity as the official religion in the Roman Empire.
In some places and communities where syncretism has occurred, symbolic correspondences have been established between San Silvestre and Ngurufinda, especially in relation to his role as protector and spiritual guide in times of adversity. This interconnection can be interpreted as a form of cultural and spiritual adaptation, where elements from different religious traditions merge to give rise to a new form of expression of faith and spirituality.
It is important to note that syncretism is a complex and diverse practice that varies across geographic regions, communities, and individual beliefs. Not all practitioners of Palo Mayombe, of the Yoruba or Catholic religion participate in syncretism, and those who do may have different interpretations and practices.
How is it taken care of?
Ngurunfinda's favorite drink is a chamba prepared especially for him. Its ingredients are: A glass carafe in which a large dry fish is placed, peanut shells with their seed, powdered ginger, white, black, guinea pepper, puta la madre, Ngurufinda tobacco end, sacu sacu, witch weed (all powdered). It is filled with brandy and a live frog is thrown into it to die inside. If this drink is prepared for Ngurunfinda to work for evil, garlic is added to it. To swear this chamba, a rooster is fed next to the foundation of Ngurufinda. Then the bottle is left in the sun and the serene or buried for 21 days.
What is asked of Ngurufinda?
The requests that are made to this Mpungo may vary according to individual needs or local traditions. Each person can have a unique relationship with Ngurunfinda and seek her help in particular areas of their life. The practice of Palo Mayombe is a rich and diverse tradition that provides its followers with a deep and significant spiritual path, in which Ngurunfinda plays a fundamental role as a healer, protector and spiritual guide, therefore, the most common requests that are do are:
- Spiritual Protection: Ngurunfinda is asked to protect the devotee and their home from negative energies, bad influences and evil spirits. Guidance and protection is sought from him to maintain spiritual balance and ward off any type of harm or curse.
- Healing and Health: Ngurunfinda is requested to bring healing and wellness to those facing physical or spiritual illness. Your intervention is requested to restore health and eliminate any ailment or discomfort.
- Success in work and business: Devotees come to Ngurunfinda to request his help in labor and financial matters. You are asked for prosperity, opportunities for growth and protection against possible obstacles or enemies in the workplace.
- Love and Relationships: Devotees can ask for Ngurunfinda's intervention to attract love and strengthen existing relationships. Its influence is sought to improve communication and harmony in the sentimental field.
- Fertility and Family Protection: Ngurunfinda is asked to bless families with fertility and protect children and household members. Your support is also requested in the resolution of family conflicts and the union of the family group.
- Problem and Conflict Resolution: Ngurunfinda is called to help devotees overcome difficulties and challenges in life. He solicits his wisdom and guidance in finding solutions and overcoming obstacles.
- Spiritual balance and connection with nature: Palo Mayombe practitioners come to Ngurunfinda to seek a greater understanding and connection with the natural world. You are asked for your wisdom to understand the forces of nature and your guidance on the spiritual path.
You can read: Rayamiento: The initiation to the cult of Palo Mayombe
Ngurufinda signature
Before starting to work with this signature, it is recommended to use this prayer: «Divine inspiration, welcome to this temple that, with the powerful fluids of the Father, brings a communication to us on this earth plane. Just as Saint John Nepomuceno untied his tongue, let yours be untied, as Holy Obedience commands, so that men mboba to to muana »
Meaning:
- Grass blade as the main base: represents nature, life, renewal and growth. In the context of Ngurunfinda, it could symbolize the connection to the forces of nature and ancient wisdom.
- Five + and 0 inside the sheet: The number five is often associated with change, freedom, adventure, and adaptability. The zeros and the plus sign (+) could represent the idea of unity and totality, suggesting that within nature and life there is an interconnection of forces.
- Arrow in the shape of an "S" through the center of the sheet: the arrow in the shape of an "S" symbolizes movement, the direction of change and transformation. It represents the fluidity of spiritual energies and Ngurunfinda's ability to divert or protect from obstacles and enemies.
- Small arrow pointing to the right: represents expansion and progress. The advance towards new paths and opportunities that Ngurunfinda offers to overcome obstacles and drive away enemies.
- Three small arrows at the tip of the middle arrow: symbolize Ngurunfinda's quick and precise action to counter negative forces and protect his devotees. They can also represent the connection to the spiritual world and the ability to direct energy in different directions.
I pray to Ngurufinda
«Ngurufinda Yambaka Butanseké Mbokola kuame enkulungundu dia Nzambi, Nzambi ia Tetembua, Nzambi ia Muini ia Ngunda, Nzambi ia Moyo ia Lufuanesuia Lufua, Nzambi ia Tia, ia Tembo, ia Ntoto, ia Maza, Nzambi ia Mensu, ia Nzunu, ia Matu, ia Mboma, iavova, Nzambi bia Wonsono, bia Ntadi, bia Bifieteté, bia Mbizi za Maza, bia nuni, bia Besemudíanza nvangi ima iawonsono. Nzambi di vangaembote omuntu Ngueye kala kiese ekuma tuenaviongoye intima».
Traducción:
With the blessing of Almighty God. God of the stars God of the Sun and the Moon. Of life, balance and Death. God of fire, air, earth, and water. God sees us, hears us, feels us, speaks to us, God of vegetation, stones, insects, fish, birds and animals. I call you through the mediation of the ancient spirits, ancestors and I greet you eternally. One Almighty God, creator of everything, protect us and be happy, because we have him close to our hearts.
Works with Ngurufinda
To get rid of enemies
To carry out this work at the foot of Ngurunfinda, we will need the following elements: A machete, a yellow candle, a cigar, 3 gourds, three arrows, and gunpowder.
Execution of the ritual:
In front of the Ngurufinda foundation, we light the yellow candle, giving it an account of what worries us and the problem we want to solve. With reverence, we take the machete, light the tobacco and place an arrow and gunpowder in each gourd. With determination, we break the arrows, and ignite the gunpowder in each one of them, visualizing how the invisible ties that imprison us vanish. We drop the tobacco into the gourds, offering it as a symbol of gratitude and respect for Ngurunfinda. At this time, we ask you to remove negative energies from our lives and protect our path. Once the work is finished, we take all the elements to the mountain, and with gratitude we ask for his blessing, and we say goodbye to the place, knowing that the power of the healer accompanies us every step of our way.