Thus, Jesus Christ is often associated with Oxala -- the most respected of all Orixas, while Iemanja and Virgin Mary are often identified as the same.
Candomble worships its Orixas as forces of nature that produce energy, or force, known as Axe.
Priests cast shells to decide which Orixa will guide a new follower through life.
In Umbanda, archetypal spirits, including people who once lived, are in high esteem and priests consult them while in a trance, achieved by dancing to rhythmic music. Orixas are also worshipped, but are not invoked as in Candomble.
"Magic and miracles are also part of our cult," said Jose, a diminutive 58-year-old priest dressed in shorts and a soccer T-shirt.
"But they are miracles that normally come from within the person. As for the magic, it is only white. There is no evil here."
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