Babalorixá Paulo Newton de Almeida
 

Lawyer, medium, scholar of spiritual philosophies, spiritualist, Babalorixá of Umbanda, radio broadcaster, editor, writer, creator, founder, and president of the Umbanda temple "In the Path of the Light," still located at Rua Mario Portela #89 in the carioca neighborhood of Laranjeiras—these are just a few of the titles that can be attributed to Paulo.

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The temple, central to his journey as a scholar of spirituality, was founded in November 1967 and inaugurated on April 23, 1968. From the 1970s until his passing in July 2018, he also hosted the program "In the Path of the Light" on Rádio Guanabara, a station belonging to Rio de Janeiro’s Rede Bandeirantes. This program, dedicated to spiritualism in general and Umbanda esoterica in particular, aired for 49 years, earning him a significant audience and notable popularity.

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He also worked at Rádio Copacabana and Manchete. Still in the 1970s, he served as the editor for the magazine "In the Path of the Light," which focused on similar themes and was available at newsstands. He also acted as the editor-director of the independent magazine "Umbanda Século XX e XXI." Below is an excerpt from his own writing, in which he describes part of his journey:

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​​“I was born into a traditional Brazilian Catholic family in the 1930s, that is, Catholic by social condition and Umbandista out of necessity. At fifteen minutes past midnight on November 14, 1939, during what we call ‘Hora Grande’ (an important hour in our religion), I was dedicated to our esteemed spirit friends Exu (pronounced: eh-SHOO) and Pombagira (pronounced: pom-bah-ZHEE-rah), whom I regard as my ‘godparents.’ According to relatives still alive, who can attest to this, I emerged from my mother’s womb with the help of a midwife (a common practice at the time) and went straight, still unwashed, into the arms of a Preto Velho spirit who was on Earth; and that is how my spiritual life began.

CI grew up like most people; in fact, I attended a school run by the Marist Brothers, Externato São José. However, I was always in conversation with my ‘velhos’ (preto velhos) and Caboclinho da Mata (Caboclo of the Moon), whom I have always cherished. In all the rituals they performed, there I was, watching intently, with unwavering faith.

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Between the ages of thirteen and fourteen, I suddenly began to feel changes in my thoughts and behavior; I became aggressive. One day, during religion class, I looked at a classmate and saw someone else instead. I tried to explain this to my teacher, who told me to go pray the rosary. The more I prayed, the more I saw different people blending in with real ones. I started to feel changes in my nervous system and sought help in the medical field, but to no avail. After some time, I was taken to a Kardecist Center, and instead of finding calm, I was negatively impressed by what I saw: mediums receiving disturbing spirits who screamed and rolled on the floor. I left there terrified, and if anyone mentioned Spiritism, I would argue against them at the time.

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General factors began to influence my life, both physically and psychologically. When I was on the brink of despair, they took me to an elderly lady, a distant relative, a Yalorixá, who would incorporate a Preta Velha. Upon arriving there, my world collapsed; I felt everything I was capable of feeling, and I almost incorporated a spirit myself. From that moment on, a new phase began for me. I received significant guidance not only from my future Mother of Santo but also from my dear Preta Velha, who would become a pivotal figure in my life. Thus began my initiation.

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One day, while at home feeling a bit down and enveloped in my thoughts—some not always positive or pleasant—I suddenly began to feel strange, different, as if I were bigger than my own body. My mind was unresponsive to my commands, I felt breathless, my pulse racing, and there was an impending sensation of fainting. Just as I felt I was losing total control, it was May 8, 1955; I sensed the presence of my Father, my friend, Caboclo of the Moon. No one can truly imagine what I felt, but to give you a glimpse, I cried convulsively the entire night, releasing all the negativity I had experienced.

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On May 8th, I was reborn, and that was when my true life began. The studies, the teachings, the discipline, faith, and respect for all things related to the Sacred and the spirits—everything guided by Caboclo of the Moon—have shaped my life up to this day, as I celebrate 40 uninterrupted years 'no Santo' (in the religion).

This special edition of UMBANDA SÉCULO XX is not composed of technical teachings, but rather philosophical ones; it is a heartfelt thank you to all the spiritual vibrations and to everyone who has helped me navigate a difficult path, which, for those who understand, is filled with blessings.
 

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How wonderful it is to know I am protected by these angels, seemingly invisible, and how comforting it is to find strength in nature, in the presence of my friend, my father, and my guide, 

CABOCLO DA LUA (CABOCLO OF THE MOON)”.