Exu Tranca Rua: O Guardião dos Caminhos
Homenageado em 24 de agosto
Exu é descrito como “aquele que carrega em seu rosto a verdade e os mistérios do mundo espiritual, irradiando uma luz imensurável que mostra o caminho a ser seguido, para que todos que o procuram encontrem prosperidade, saúde e caminhos abertos”.
No calendário das religiões de matriz africana, como a Umbanda, o 24 de agosto é dedicado a Exu Tranca Rua, uma das entidades mais populares da liturgia. Mas quem é esse guardião e o que ele representa?
O Exu dos Caminhos
Pesquisas sobre religiosidade e misticismo apontam que o nome “Tranca Rua” vem da crença de que ele é responsável pela abertura de caminhos — seja para conquistar um emprego, alcançar o amor, atrair prosperidade ou vencer dificuldades.
Segundo a ialorixá Mãe Nagetu, sua principal característica é exatamente essa: abrir caminhos e vencer demandas.
Origem Histórica
De acordo com análise do babalorixá Lucas Irain de Souza, da casa T.E.U.C.Y., o culto a Tranca Rua remonta à Noite de São Bartolomeu (1572), quando, sob ordem da rainha da França, católicos massacraram protestantes reunidos em praças públicas. Essa tragédia marcou a data de 24 de agosto, que na Igreja Católica é dia de São Bartolomeu.
No sincretismo afro-brasileiro, a data relaciona-se também a Oxumaré, o orixá que conduz as almas da terra (aiyê) ao céu (orún). Assim, Olorum determinou a Exu, guardião da terra, que cuidasse deste dia para evitar mais mortes em nome de Deus. Desde então, casas de matriz africana celebram a data com oferendas e festas, pedindo proteção, segurança, livramento contra ciladas e contra a morte prematura.
O Capitão das Encruzilhadas
Tranca Rua é considerado o capitão das encruzilhadas e o guardião dos caminhos. É também defensor das mulheres e dos oprimidos e comanda uma falange que inclui Exu Capa Preta, Exu Meia Noite, Exu Curador, Exu Caveira e as Pombagiras.
Segundo Lucas de Souza, “todos os Exus mantêm o equilíbrio entre o mundo espiritual e o material, sendo Tranca Rua reconhecido como protetor da humanidade”.
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A História de Geraldo Branco Compostella
Diz-se que, em vida, Tranca Rua foi Geraldo Branco Compostella, espanhol da Galícia. Um homem alto, forte, de olhos claros, cabelos cacheados e porte elegante, que se destacava por sua inteligência e vasto conhecimento, especialmente sobre justiça.
Sua força espiritual estaria ligada ao cemitério, mais especificamente à Cruz das Almas. Tinha relação direta com Ogum, mas sem subordinação — respeitava a todos, sem ser escravo de ninguém.
Trabalhava como curandeiro, utilizando ervas e cascas de árvores próximas ao seu castelo. Era especialista em extrações de dentes.
Quando jovem, quis ser padre, mas sua vida tomou outro rumo ao apaixonar-se por uma mulher misteriosa chamada Maria, considerada feiticeira. Temendo perdê-la, Geraldo mergulhou no ocultismo, tornando-se mestre em feitiçaria. Para garantir que Maria nunca o deixasse, fez um pacto com o diabo, entregando sua alma.
Maria adoeceu, e mesmo com feitiços não recuperou a saúde. Após um incêndio, morreu tragicamente, e seu espírito permaneceu perdido. Geraldo, tomado pelo desespero, buscou libertar a alma da amada, mas morreu de desgosto. No astral, sofreu, trabalhou e evoluiu, tornando-se o Guardião das Almas, aquele que guia espíritos perdidos e cobra os zombeteiros até que possam reencarnar.
Dizem que sua primeira manifestação como entidade ocorreu em 1910, em Pernambuco.
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As Falanges de Tranca Rua
A falange de Tranca Rua é dividida em sete subfalanges, cada qual comandada por um de seus aspectos:
1. Tranca Ruas das Almas
2. Tranca Ruas de Embaré
3. Tranca Ruas das Ruas
4. Tranca Ruas das 7 Encruzilhadas
5. Tranca Ruas das Porteiras
6. Tranca Ruas das 7 Luas
7. Tranca Ruas das 7 Giras
Assim, ele é lembrado como o Grande Agente Mágico do Equilíbrio Universal, com o poder de abrir e fechar os caminhos da vida humana.
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Como se Apresenta Tranca Rua das Almas
Tranca Rua é descrito como educado, refinado, poderoso e enigmático.
Ele não tem relação com demônios: pelo contrário, é considerado a própria alegria da vida.
Sua postura diante do mundo é clara:
• Sente repulsa pelos falsos, invejosos e blasfemos.
• Ira contra os soberbos.
• Pena dos libidinosos.
• Defende as casas, as vilas e as pessoas.
Guardião entre o bem e o mal, ele transita nos limites da dualidade, garantindo o equilíbrio.
Exu Tranca Rua: The Guardian of the Paths
Honored on August 24
Exu is described as “the one who carries on his face the truth and the mysteries of the spiritual world, radiating an immeasurable light that shows the path to be followed, so that all who seek him may find prosperity, health, and open roads.”
In the calendar of Afro-Brazilian religions such as Umbanda, August 24 is dedicated to Exu Tranca Rua, one of the most popular entities in their liturgy. But who is this guardian, and what does he represent?
The Exu of the Paths
Research on religiosity and mysticism indicates that the name “Tranca Rua” comes from the belief that he is responsible for opening paths—whether to obtain a job, find love, attract prosperity, or overcome difficulties.
According to the ialorixá (priestess) Mãe Nagetu, his defining characteristic is precisely this: to open paths and overcome obstacles.
Historical Origin
According to the analysis of babalorixá Lucas Irain de Souza of the house T.E.U.C.Y., the cult of Tranca Rua dates back to the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre (1572), when, under orders from the Queen of France, Catholics killed Protestants gathered in public squares. This tragedy marked August 24, which in the Catholic Church is the feast day of St. Bartholomew.
In Afro-Brazilian syncretism, the date is also associated with Oxumaré, the orixá who guides souls from earth (aiyê) to heaven (orún). Thus, Olorum (God) entrusted Exu, guardian of the earth, with protecting this day to prevent further deaths in God’s name. Since then, Afro-Brazilian temples have celebrated the date with offerings and festive ceremonies, asking for protection, deliverance, safety against traps, ambushes, and premature death.
The Captain of the Crossroads
Tranca Rua is regarded as the captain of the crossroads and guardian of the paths. He is also a defender of women and the oppressed, commanding a legion of Exus that includes Exu Capa Preta, Exu Midnight, Exu Healer, Exu Skull, and the Pombagiras.
According to Lucas de Souza, “all Exus are responsible for maintaining balance between the spiritual and material worlds, with Tranca Rua recognized as a protector of humanity.”
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The Story of Geraldo Branco Compostella
It is said that in life, Tranca Rua was Geraldo Branco Compostella, a Spaniard from Galicia. A tall, strong man with light eyes, curly hair, and an elegant presence, he stood out for his intelligence and vast knowledge, especially regarding justice.
His spiritual strength was linked to the cemetery, specifically the Cross of Souls. He had a direct connection with Ogum but without subordination—he respected all, belonging to no one.
He worked as a healer, using herbs and tree bark near his castle. His specialty was tooth extractions.
In his youth, he wished to become a priest, but his life changed when he fell in love with a mysterious woman named Maria, who was considered a witch. Fearing to lose her, Geraldo immersed himself in occult practices, becoming a master of witchcraft. To ensure Maria would never leave him, he made a pact with the devil, surrendering his soul.
Maria later fell ill, and no spell could restore her health. After a fire, she died tragically, and her spirit remained lost. Consumed by despair, Geraldo sought to free her soul but eventually died of grief. In the astral plane, he suffered, worked, and evolved, becoming the Guardian of Souls, guiding lost spirits and restraining mocking ones until they could reincarnate.
It is said that his first manifestation as an entity occurred in 1910, in Pernambuco, Brazil.
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The Legions of Tranca Rua
Tranca Rua’s legion is divided into seven sub-legions, each commanded by one of his aspects:
1. Tranca Rua of the Souls
2. Tranca Rua of Embaré
3. Tranca Rua of the Streets
4. Tranca Rua of the 7 Crossroads
5. Tranca Rua of the Gates
6. Tranca Rua of the 7 Moons
7. Tranca Rua of the 7 Giras
Thus, he is remembered as the Great Magical Agent of Universal Balance, with the power to open and close the paths of human life.
⸻
How Tranca Rua of the Souls Appears
Tranca Rua is described as polite, refined, powerful, and enigmatic.
He has no connection with demons—on the contrary, he is considered the very joy of life.
His stance toward the world is clear:
• He feels disgust for the false, the envious, and the blasphemous.
• Anger toward the arrogant.
• Pity for the lustful.
• He defends homes, villages, and people.
A guardian between good and evil, he moves along the boundaries of duality, ensuring balance.
Honored on August 24
Exu is described as “the one who carries on his face the truth and the mysteries of the spiritual world, radiating an immeasurable light that shows the path to be followed, so that all who seek him may find prosperity, health, and open roads.”
In the calendar of Afro-Brazilian religions such as Umbanda, August 24 is dedicated to Exu Tranca Rua, one of the most popular entities in their liturgy. But who is this guardian, and what does he represent?
The Exu of the Paths
Research on religiosity and mysticism indicates that the name “Tranca Rua” comes from the belief that he is responsible for opening paths—whether to obtain a job, find love, attract prosperity, or overcome difficulties.
According to the ialorixá (priestess) Mãe Nagetu, his defining characteristic is precisely this: to open paths and overcome obstacles.
Historical Origin
According to the analysis of babalorixá Lucas Irain de Souza of the house T.E.U.C.Y., the cult of Tranca Rua dates back to the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre (1572), when, under orders from the Queen of France, Catholics killed Protestants gathered in public squares. This tragedy marked August 24, which in the Catholic Church is the feast day of St. Bartholomew.
In Afro-Brazilian syncretism, the date is also associated with Oxumaré, the orixá who guides souls from earth (aiyê) to heaven (orún). Thus, Olorum (God) entrusted Exu, guardian of the earth, with protecting this day to prevent further deaths in God’s name. Since then, Afro-Brazilian temples have celebrated the date with offerings and festive ceremonies, asking for protection, deliverance, safety against traps, ambushes, and premature death.
The Captain of the Crossroads
Tranca Rua is regarded as the captain of the crossroads and guardian of the paths. He is also a defender of women and the oppressed, commanding a legion of Exus that includes Exu Capa Preta, Exu Midnight, Exu Healer, Exu Skull, and the Pombagiras.
According to Lucas de Souza, “all Exus are responsible for maintaining balance between the spiritual and material worlds, with Tranca Rua recognized as a protector of humanity.”
⸻
The Story of Geraldo Branco Compostella
It is said that in life, Tranca Rua was Geraldo Branco Compostella, a Spaniard from Galicia. A tall, strong man with light eyes, curly hair, and an elegant presence, he stood out for his intelligence and vast knowledge, especially regarding justice.
His spiritual strength was linked to the cemetery, specifically the Cross of Souls. He had a direct connection with Ogum but without subordination—he respected all, belonging to no one.
He worked as a healer, using herbs and tree bark near his castle. His specialty was tooth extractions.
In his youth, he wished to become a priest, but his life changed when he fell in love with a mysterious woman named Maria, who was considered a witch. Fearing to lose her, Geraldo immersed himself in occult practices, becoming a master of witchcraft. To ensure Maria would never leave him, he made a pact with the devil, surrendering his soul.
Maria later fell ill, and no spell could restore her health. After a fire, she died tragically, and her spirit remained lost. Consumed by despair, Geraldo sought to free her soul but eventually died of grief. In the astral plane, he suffered, worked, and evolved, becoming the Guardian of Souls, guiding lost spirits and restraining mocking ones until they could reincarnate.
It is said that his first manifestation as an entity occurred in 1910, in Pernambuco, Brazil.
⸻
The Legions of Tranca Rua
Tranca Rua’s legion is divided into seven sub-legions, each commanded by one of his aspects:
1. Tranca Rua of the Souls
2. Tranca Rua of Embaré
3. Tranca Rua of the Streets
4. Tranca Rua of the 7 Crossroads
5. Tranca Rua of the Gates
6. Tranca Rua of the 7 Moons
7. Tranca Rua of the 7 Giras
Thus, he is remembered as the Great Magical Agent of Universal Balance, with the power to open and close the paths of human life.
⸻
How Tranca Rua of the Souls Appears
Tranca Rua is described as polite, refined, powerful, and enigmatic.
He has no connection with demons—on the contrary, he is considered the very joy of life.
His stance toward the world is clear:
• He feels disgust for the false, the envious, and the blasphemous.
• Anger toward the arrogant.
• Pity for the lustful.
• He defends homes, villages, and people.
A guardian between good and evil, he moves along the boundaries of duality, ensuring balance.
