The First website on Afro-Cuban Traditions of Palo Mayombé Since 1993

NSASI.com TemploNsasiCongo.com PaloMayombe.org Mayombe.org
Home
What is Palo Mayombe
  • ABOUT PALO MAYOMBE
Initiation
  • Initiation: Palo Mayombe
News Articles & Blog
Contact us
  • Contact us
Consultation | Readings
NSASI.com TemploNsasiCongo.com PaloMayombe.org Mayombe.org
Home
What is Palo Mayombe
  • ABOUT PALO MAYOMBE
Initiation
  • Initiation: Palo Mayombe
News Articles & Blog
Contact us
  • Contact us
Consultation | Readings
More
  • Home
  • What is Palo Mayombe
    • ABOUT PALO MAYOMBE
  • Initiation
    • Initiation: Palo Mayombe
  • News Articles & Blog
  • Contact us
    • Contact us
  • Consultation | Readings
  • Home
  • What is Palo Mayombe
    • ABOUT PALO MAYOMBE
  • Initiation
    • Initiation: Palo Mayombe
  • News Articles & Blog
  • Contact us
    • Contact us
  • Consultation | Readings

What is Palo Mayombe?

Afro Cuban Criollo Traditions from the Congo

Credit: Wikipedia (although not accurate because it's been edited since we gave our anthropological and historical artifacts On the religion in 1996 It has been edited by multiple unqualified representatives In recent years but it gives you a basic understanding of La Reglas de Congo beliefs and structure. To really learn about the religion You must find an elder who is willing to teach you in person and bring you through the initiation process legitimately.) 


Palo also known as Las Reglas de Congo, is a religion with various denominations which developed in Cuba among Central African slaves and their descendants who originated in the Congo region. Denominations oftentimes referred to as “branches” of Palo include Mayombe (or Mallombe), Monte, Briyumba (or Brillumba), and Kimbisa.

The word “palo” (“stick” in Spanish) was applied to the religion in Cuba due to the use of wooden sticks in the preparation of altars, which were also called “la Nganga“, “el caldero“, “nkisi” or “la prenda“. Priests of Palo are known as “Paleros“, “Tatas (men)“, “Yayas (women)” or “Nganguleros“. Initiates are known as “ngueyos” or “pino nuevo“.


Palo has its roots in the Congo Basin of Central Africa, from where large numbers of Kongo slaves were brought to Cuba where the religion was organized. Palo’s liturgical language is a mixture of the Spanish and Bantu languages, known as lengua, bozal or habla Congo.


Belief system and rituals

The Palo belief system rests on two main pillars:

  • The veneration of the spirits.
  • The belief in natural/earth powers.

All natural objects, and particularly sticks, are thought to be infused with powers, often linked to the powers of spirits.

A certain number of spirits called Kimpungulu (singular: Mpungu) inhabit the Nkisi (sacred objects; also spelled Enkisi, Inquice, or Inquise). Kimpungulu are well known in name and deed, and are oftentimes venerated as spirits with anthropomorphic qualities. They are powerful entities, but they are ranked below the Supreme Creator Zambi or Nzambi, making Palo a henotheistic religion.


The main practice of Palo focuses upon the religious receptacle or altar known as “la Nganga“, “el caldero“, “nkisi” or “la prenda“. This is a consecrated vessel which serves as a microcosm. Each Nganga is dedicated to a specific mpungu. Oftentimes, this religious vessel is also believed to be inhabited by a spirit of the dead (almost never the direct ancestor of the object’s owner), also referred to as “Nfumbe“, who acts as a guide for all religious activities which are performed with theNganga.

Various divination methods are used in Palo. Chamalongos uses shells of various materials, often coconut shells. A more traditional method, Vititi Mensú, is a form of envisioning or scrying using a sanctified animal horn capped with a mirror.

Denominations are further broken down into temple homes known as munansós that are headed by an experiences elder priest or priestess. There is no central authority figure in Palo.


Syncretism

Religious syncretism with Catholicism is prevalent within Palo due to the fact that the Kingdom of the Kongo adapted the Catholic religion and created a form of Kongo-Catholicism as early as the 15th century. Iconography and the lack thereof is a reflection of dual socio-politics beliefs that have been in opposition for centuries. In Cuba they are categorized as Palo Cristiano (Christian Palo), which uses the crucifix and images of Catholic saints as representations of the kimpungulu versus Palo Judio (Jewish Palo), where there is no Catholic imagery\iconography to be found. Although the name Palo Judio literally means “Jewish Palo” the term “Jewish” as used here does not refer to Judaism; rather it is metaphorical shorthand for “refusing to convert to Christianity”, that is, in the case of Palo, “purely Congo”.[2]

Due to the popularity of Kardecian Spritism in Cuba, many temple-houses have made it mandatory to practice seances known as spiritual Misas especially prior to initiation in order to identify spirits guides which will help to develop one’s life. These guides often speak through possession, and may give direct advice.


Pantheon

The highest level of the pantheon in Palo is occupied by the supreme creator God, Nzambi. The Kimpungulu (singular: Mpungu) are nature spirits encapsulated in sacred vessels (Nkisi). Other spirits that are recognized are Nfuri-Ntoto (wandering spirits or wraiths), Bakulu or Kinyula Nfuiri Ntoto (spirits of ancestors), and Nfumbe(the spirit of the nkisi).

Higher Gods

  • Nzambi
  • Lukankazi/Lungombe/Kadiampembe 

Kimpungulu

  • Nkuyu/Lucero
  • Kengue
  • Kobayende/Patayaga 
  • Mariguanda
  • Gurufinda
  • Kalunga/Baluande
  • Chola Wengue
  • Kimbambula
  • Watariamba
  • Nsasi/Siete Rayos 
  • Zarabanda/Rompe Monte


The Details in La Reglas de Congo are learned after initiations Palo Mayombe is a secret society

Please email us: templonsasicongo@gmail.com


join our subscription list and visit us for our upcoming virtual open house Q&A live stream on Facebook on the Afro Cuban Criollo tradition of Palo Mayombé you will have the opportunity to speak with expert anthropological and historian elders to inquire further. 

Learn More
  • ABOUT PALO MAYOMBE
  • News Articles & Blog
  • Contact us
  • Consultation | Readings

PaloMayombe.org | Mayombe.org | NSASI.com

New York • West Palm Beach, FL • Jasper, TX

(347)855-7172

Copyright © 2025 Templo Nsasi Congo. PaloMayombe.org | Mayombe.org | NSASI.com | TemploNsasiCongo.com | 


©All Rights Reserved. Protected indigenous religious organization under U.S Federal and International Law. 

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.  

42 USC Ch. 21B: RELIGIOUS FREEDOM RESTORATION From Title 42—THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE.  


Protecting indigenous religious organizations and their practices involves recognizing their inherent right to freedom of religion, ensuring access to sacred sites, and respecting their spiritual traditions

All violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. 


LEGAL DISCLAIMER  

Entertainment and Guidance Only:  readings are provided for entertainment and guidance purposes only, and are not intended to be taken as professional advice.

No Guarantees or Claims:  TEMPLO NSASI CONGO • PaloMayombe.org or affiliated sites make no guarantees or claims about specific outcomes or results. Spiritual Readings should NOT be considered a substitute for professional legal, medical, or financial advice. clients are responsible for their own decisions and actions based on the information received during a reading. people have free will and that the future is not predetermined. 

Confidentiality: clients know that all information shared during a reading will be kept confidential.

Consent: understand that by engaging in booking a consultation after your payment is processed the client is comfortable and has given full permission for the reading. No refunds will be given under any circumstances. You waive your rights to any legal actions or court proceedings. all sales are final by entering this website by clicking "okay" you understand and have fully read this legal disclaimer. 

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Accept