Bantu healing networks: therapeutical agencies at the Centro Espírita São Sebastião

Abstract

This article focuses on the healing agencies within the context of a Bantu matrix religious centre – called “terreiro” – the Centro Espírita São Sebastião. In this text, we describe the dynamics of this religious tradition by focusing on the agency of its primary healing agents, the spiritual guides called pretos velhos, who are the mentors and the main healing agents of the terreiros in Umbanda. The terreiros are communitarian religious centers that provide shelter and health care for those in need. In this context, the pretos velhos are the agents who detain abilities that are characteristic of this religious matrix. Employing a diverse religious and therapeutic knowledge, they act as guides, listening, comprehending and accepting the human afflictions, treating others in his condition, seeking healing together.