Brazilian Pantheon

Pomba Gira, Queen of the Crossroads

Lady of the Midnight Crossroads

The Crossroads Petition

Pomba Gira, sovereign of the seven crossroads, you who walk where paths divide and desire is laid bare, I come with honesty and without shame. I do not ask to bind, but to be made worthy of the love I seek. Open the road that is closed. Turn back the malice sent against me. Let what I desire arrive by its own free will, as you taught the night to follow day.

Offered at a crossroads or at the threshold at midnight, with a glass of cachaça poured to the earth and a red candle lit.

Ideas for Offering

  • Leave a glass of cachaça and a red rose at a crossroads at midnight
  • Light a red candle with her name scratched into the wax and let it burn down
  • Offer a new fan or a strand of red beads at her altar
  • Write what you wish to release on red paper and burn it in her flame

Accepted Offerings

  • Cachaça, red wine, and dark rum
  • Red roses and red candles
  • Lipstick, fans, and red ribbons
  • Cigars and cigarettes
  • Jewellery, coins, and red beads

Offering Taboos

  • Never ask her to break another's free will or force love
  • Do not approach with deception or hidden motives — she sees through pretence
  • Never leave a debt unpaid; what you promise, you must deliver
  • Do not mock or belittle her at the crossroads