Ogun: Orisha of Iron and War

Ogun is a powerful and revered Orisha within the Yoruba religion and Santeria He is often depicted as either a blacksmith or a warrior holding a sword and a shield. Ogun is considered to be one of the oldest Orishas and is known as the god of energy, creativity, war, hunting, and invention.

Ogun holds a special place in Yoruba mythology as the first Orisha to descend to 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."

In Yoruba mythology, after the death of Obatala, Ogun attempted to seize the throne but was exiled by Obamakin. This event 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 patron of blacksmiths, butchers, doctors, and barbers. His domain includes any occupation that uses knives or blades, or iron tools. Ogun is characterized as rigid and strong, much like the metals he presides over. He is also the god of truth and justice, and in Yoruba courts, devotees of the faith swear to tell the truth by kissing a machete sacred to Ogun.

Ogun's Appearance

Ogun is typically depicted in Yoruba mythology as a tall and muscular man with a rugged and determined appearance. He is often shown wearing a skirt made of woven raffia, and his skin is often painted black, a symbol of his association with iron.

Ogun is also depicted carrying various tools and weapons such as a machete, bow and arrow, or hammer. In Santeria and other Afro-Caribbean religions, Ogun is often syncretized with Saint Peter or Saint George and depicted wearing their traditional Catholic garb.

Despite the different representations of Ogun across various cultures, his core characteristics and attributes remain consistent, reflecting his enduring significance in African spirituality.

Ogun's Tools

Ogun's tools hold a special place in Yoruba culture and religion. They represent the activities of humans on Earth, and each tool has a specific job. The anvil, Ogun's primary tool, signifies the earth's ability to transform humanity.

The cauldron represents a womb, mine, or abyss, while tools kept inside, such as iron railroad nails, are used by Ogun to fashion or shape whatever potential riches are inside the symbolic mine.

The machete is used to clear one's path, the rake to gather and smooth rough areas of the self, the hoe to cultivate one's potential, and the pick to pierce or penetrate the hardened areas of the self.

Ogun's Colors and Numbers

When it comes to his symbolic representation, colors, and numbers play a vital role in understanding Ogun's essence and significance in Yoruba mythology and beyond. His consecrated colors include red, black, and green, with additional variations like blue in Bahia and marine blue in Rio de Janeiro. These colors not only symbolize his fierce and protective nature but also align with the elements he governs, such as iron and earth. Moreover, Ogun is connected with the number 7, highlighting his strong presence and influence among the Orishas.

Ogun's Relationship With Other Orishas

Ogun's relationship with other Orishas and deities in Yoruba mythology is complex and multifaceted. In some myths, Ogun is portrayed as a rival or an enemy of other Orishas, such as Obatala, who exiled him from the throne. However, in other stories, Ogun is depicted as a loyal and devoted follower of Orula, the god of divination, who helps him solve problems and make wise decisions.

Ogun's relationship with other Orishas has also influenced his worship. For example, in Santeria, Ogun is often associated with Elegua, the messenger Orisha, and Oshun, the goddess of love and fertility. Ogun's relationship with these Orishas reflects his role as a protector and a provider of opportunities, as well as his connections to divination and magic.

Ogun's Wives: Oya and Olure

Another significant aspect of Ogun's relationships within Yoruba mythology is his marital associations. He was notably married to Oya, the Orisha known as the Ruler of Storms and Wind. Their union was significant, bringing together the forces of iron and war, represented by Ogun, with the turbulent energies of storms and winds, personified by Oya. This marriage underlines the balance between chaos and order, the natural and the crafted, a dynamic that threads through many Yoruba myths.

In addition to Oya, myths suggest the creation of the goddess Olure as a wife for Ogun. Although she was created for Ogun, there are tales that she displayed little interest in him, showcasing the complexities and nuances of divine relationships within the Yoruba pantheon. These matrimonial connections with both Oya and Olure emphasize the multifaceted nature of Ogun's interactions and relationships with other Orishas.

Tales of Ogun's Might and Determination

There are several traditional Yoruba stories that feature Ogun as a central character. The following are just a few examples of the many legendary tales that feature Ogun as a central character. Each story highlights different aspects of Ogun's personality and attributes, such as his strength, skill, and protection.

Ogun and the Stolen Sun

This ancient tale recounts a day when the sun disappeared from the sky, and Ogun is tasked with finding it. He journeys through the forest and encounters various obstacles, including a giant bird that tries to stop him. Ogun defeats the bird and finds the sun, which has been stolen by a group of mischievous spirits. With his strength and skill, Ogun defeats the spirits and returns the sun to the sky, restoring light and warmth to the world.

Ogun and the Palm Wine Tapper

Another story tells of Ogun's encounter with a palm wine tapper who has been trapped in a palm tree by a mischievous spirit. Ogun helps the tapper escape and, in return, the tapper offers Ogun some of his palm wine. Ogun becomes drunk and violent, destroying everything in his path. Realizing the error of his ways, Ogun seeks help from other Orishas and is able to overcome his drunkenness and restore balance to the world.

Ogun and the Sacred Iroko Tree

In this myth, Ogun is tasked with protecting a sacred Iroko tree from a group of hunters who want to cut it down. Ogun defends the tree with his strength and skill, but the hunters keep coming back. Finally, Ogun transforms himself into the tree, and the hunters are unable to cut it down. From that day on, the Iroko tree is considered to be a symbol of Ogun's strength and protection.

Ogun As a Symbol of Resistance and Resilience

In addition to his importance in Yoruba mythology, Ogun has become a symbol of resistance and resilience in African and African American culture. Ogun represents the strength, courage, and determination that have allowed African peoples to survive and thrive in the face of adversity.

As a symbol of resistance, Ogun represents the spirit of the warrior who fights against injustice and oppression. Ogun's tools, such as the machete and hammer, are not just symbols of his power but also represent the tools of struggle and resistance in African and African American culture.

Ogun is also a symbol of resilience, representing the ability to endure and overcome challenges. Ogun's association with iron and metalwork represents the transformative power of resilience, turning challenges and adversity into strength and growth.

In African American culture, Ogun has been a source of inspiration and empowerment for those seeking to resist oppression and claim their rights as free and equal citizens. In the Civil Rights movement, Ogun's spirit of resistance and resilience inspired many activists to fight for their rights and demand justice.

Overall, Ogun's significance as a symbol of resistance and resilience in African and African American culture reflects his enduring relevance and power as a deity and a cultural icon.

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.