Ogun oil

When the orishas came to earth they found a forest so thick no one could pass. Ogún took his machete and cut the first road.

Origin & Traditional Use

Ogún is the orisha of iron, tools, labour, war and technology, the force behind every forge, knife and railroad. In Lucumí he is kept in an iron cauldron with tools and railroad spikes, and his colours are green and black. In Cuba he is linked with Saint Peter, keeper of the keys. The oil is a modern devotional blend.

Uses by Tradition

Santería & Lucumí

• Candle offerings: anoint a green and black candle and offer rum, a cigar or roasted yam before his image.
• Clearing blocks: dress a candle when something is stuck, asking Ogún to cut through it.
• Initiates receive Ogún among the Warriors; lay devotees use the oil for candles and prayer.

Folk Catholicism & Spiritism

• Saint Peter: dress a candle before his image on 29 June.
• Protection: anoint iron tools or a nail and keep it by the door.

A Simple Working

• On a Tuesday, set a green candle before an image of Ogún or Saint Peter.
• Anoint it with Ogun oil.
• Place an iron nail and a small glass of rum beside it.
• Light the candle and ask Ogún to clear the obstacle in your way.
• Let it burn out.
• Keep the nail by your front door.

Pairs Well With

• A green candle: his colour.
• Iron nails: his metal.
• Rum: a favourite offering.
• Elegua oil: his fellow Warrior.

Lore & History

In Yoruba country Ogún is honoured by blacksmiths, hunters, soldiers and, in modern times, drivers and mechanics, anyone whose living depends on iron. In Brazil he is Ogum and is linked with Saint George, the dragon-slaying soldier saint. In Haitian Vodou he appears as Ogou, a family of warrior lwa.

What You Receive

Ogun oil, available in 2 dram, 1 oz and 16 oz sizes.