Exu and the Quimbanda of Night and Fire
by Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold
Exu and the Quimbanda of Night and Fire is the companion to Pomba Gira. Together they give the most complete account of this sorcerous cult. Exu is the fusion of Umbanda, Angolan sorcery, European demonology and Kardec’s Spiritsm, erupting in a uniquely Brazilian cult of practical magical action. Spells, workings, hierarchies and origins are all given in detail.
This is an essential text for students of the grimoires, Satanism and Traditional Witchcraft, as well as those drawn to or working within the cults of Quimbanda, Candomblé, Santería, Palo Mayombe and the African diaspora religions.
Quimbanda is a living tradition that gets results. It is a massive storehouse of magical lore, heresies and history which has absorbed aspects of Goetia, Grimorium Verum, Red Dragon and even Huysman’s Là Bas. The origin of Exu is explored from the iconic Baphomet of Éliphas Lévi and the influence of St Cyprian, the patron saint of necromancers, back to Umbanda and the traditional African religions. Exu revels in a unique heritage that encompasses a Gnostic account of the crucifixion mystery, the concealed nature of St Michael Archangel and the native shamanism of the Caboclos.
A forceful spirit, Exu presides over the kingdom of the world, and offers a fierce path for those that would take him as companion.
The Seven Legions of Exus are ‘hot’ spirits, and their work is considered black magic. The perils of this work are given, with the dangers of obsession by the Qlippoth and vampirism described. Guidance is offered and the path to ascension shown. In Exu and the Quimbanda of Night and Fire, Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold gives explicit workings for good and ill, a herbarium and details of offerings, powders and baths, songs and seals. He discusses the fearsome Exu Mor for the first time, a subject not treated in his previous works.
Frisvold is an intiate and gives an insider’s view, drawing upon his years of experience in the cult. With access to texts, manuscripts and personal testimony this is the most definitive work on Exu available in English.
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Table of Contents
Benediction/Malediction
Preface
I Black Sun Rising
II The King of the City of Dust
III Wardens at the Gates of Night
IV The Fig of Fire
V The Shadows at the Graveyard
VI Nocturnal Mercury
VII The Legions of Hell
Despacho
Glossary
Bibliography
Index of Exus
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10 pen & ink portraits by Enoque Zedro, and over 120 pontos riscados.
Paperback Edition
352 pages. Sewn paperback, printed on 90 gsm paper, with cover image by Enoque Zedro.
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Press, reviews, endorsements
“This is clearly a man who knows exactly what he is writing about and is coming from the angle of living the words he puts to paper. I would go so far as to call these books [Exu and Palo Mayombe] definitive works for each subject in question. There is no question that the author has been studying and practicing what he writes about for many years. These are not throwaway, sensationalized books written by the newest author willing to sell out a system of spirituality just to cash-in for themselves. The academic way in which each book is presented, as well as the love and personality of the writer, shines throughout each reading.”
Candle Smoke Chapel - read the full review here
Interview with Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold and Carl Abrahamsson on the Rendering Unconscious podcast - watch on YouTube here
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About the Author
Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold, a native of Norway and resident of Brazil since 2003, is a behavioural psychologist, anthropologist and master brewer (Capirotagem Cervejaria).
During the last 25 years he has travelled extensively in search of traditional wisdom and spiritual legacies, with a particular focus on African and Afro-derived traditions along with what is generally defined as traditional witchcraft in Europe. This has led to deep involvement with several streams of wisdom, such as traditional Ifá, Haitian Vodou, Palo Mayombe, Quimbanda and a rich knowledge of witchcraft from diligent commitment and involvement with various recensions of the 'witches’ way.’
Frisvold is a pragmatist with an interest in spiritual philosophy, occult history and the aesthetic language used to describe and understand tradition, spirituality, sorcery and witchcraft, as exemplified in his books Palo Mayombe, Pomba Gira, Exu and Ifá.
Beside brewing, research and writing, Frisvold arranges workshops, courses and events of a spiritual and psychological orientation, as well as initiations at his grange in the Brazilian countryside, Villa Draconis, with his wife, Katy. They also offer spiritual, magical and astrological services and products through the Sacred Alchemy store. Articles, news and updates can be found on his blog, the Starry Cave.
