Ogun (also spelled Oggun, Ogou, or Ogum) is the Orisha of iron, tools, and weapons. Ogun is also known as the god of energy, creativity, war, hunting, and invention. This fierce warrior is one of the oldest Orishas and is usually depicted as either a blacksmith, as he’s a powerful spirit of metalwork, or as a warrior holding a sword and a shield.

Ogun is said to be the first of the Orisha to descend to the realm of Ile Aiye (the earth) to find suitable habitation for future human life. One of his praise names is Osin Imole meaning "first of the primordial Orisha to come to Earth". Ogun tried to seize the throne after the death of Obatala, but was exiled by Obamakin. His exile serves as the core of the Olojo Festival, an ancient festival held annually to celebrate the Black race all over the world. Ogun is also known as one of the Seven African Powers.

Ogun is the Orisha of barbers, doctors, butchers, blacksmiths, and any occupation that uses knives or blades, or iron tools. Like metal, he is rigid and strong and is usually seen with a machete, bow and arrow, or hammer.

Ogun is the god of Truth and Justice and presides over deals and contracts. In Yoruba courts, devotees of the faith swear to tell the truth by kissing a machete sacred to Ogun.

In Cuba, his Catholic saint is Saint Peter. In Brazil, it is Saint George. His feast day is June 29^th. His eleke is made of green and black beads.

Ogun's Tools

Ogun’s tools represent the activities of humans on earth and each tool has a specific job.

The main tool of Ogun is the anvil, which signifies the earth's ability to transform man. The cauldron is symbolic of a womb, mine, or abyss. Tools kept inside, like Iron railroad nails, are used by Ogun to fashion or shape whatever potential riches are inside the symbolic mine.

The shovel is used for digging into one's potential and the machete is used to clear one's path. The rake is used to gather and smooth rough areas of the self, and the hoe is used to cultivate one's potential. The hammer is used to bend or shape one's faculties and the pick is used to pierce or penetrate the hardened areas of the self.

Prayers to the Orisha Ogun

Practitioners in the Yoruba, Santeria, and Voodoo faiths will petition the Orisha Ogun for protection from their enemies, to find employment, or to clear any obstacles that may be preventing their spiritual growth.

Ogun Prayer To Clear Your Path

Light a 7 Day Ogun candle to Ogun to remove spiritual and material obstacles from your path. The following prayer can help connect with this powerful Orisha:

Warrior Orisha Ogun
Protect us from tragedies and accidents.
Protect us from all evil and harm.
Do not permit the iron to hurt us.
Be the one in charge Ogun to guard, and protect us,
And that we have peace.

Ogun Prayer For Protection

For this prayer, you can also light a 7 Day Ogun candle to protect yourself from dark magic being used to influence you or to become invisible to your enemies. For Ogun's powerful protection, say the following prayer:

Ogun bless me with protection
Of your shield, sword, and divine light
So all enemies retreat in fear
Ogun bless me with refuge inside your light
By your powers, I am removed from my enemies' sight

Ogun Prayer For Employment

Start by lighting a 7 Day Ogun candle to help you find a job, get a raise, or draw in more money from your business. Recite the following prayer to obtain Ogun's blessings:

Ogun bless me with fortune
To do more than I was destined
For the good of myself and others
Ogun provide me with opportunity
To multiply and grow
For the benefit of all

Remember, when you are praying to Ogun, or any of the Orishas, keep your mind focused clearly on your intentions. Visualize the energy that is being manifested by the prayer you are speaking, and feel them flowing through your heart, mind, and soul. Be open and ready to receive the many blessings that Ogun will bestow upon you.