Oriki - "Ogun" - for Yoruba Spirituality class

 Oriki Ogun


All praise to the first of the Orisha!

Ogun who makes a path for the Orisha

Ogun who clears the way for everyone!

All walk behind him

Ogun who finds solutions

Who knows the secret of iron, and to use fire to make strong tools!

Who is not afraid to use his machete!

Ogun does not require your praise to know his power!

He uses his power and his tools to remove all obstacles

Ogun who lives in the mountains, and is OK with his own company

He is not laughing at your jokes, 

He is responsible for his actions,

Ogun who is happy to work hard

Ogun who is not afraid to engage enemies and engage in just war

Who will fight for justice - for the peoples of Ukraine, and everywhere

Who uses all the tools and technology to get the job done!

Ogun we praise you - furious but kind, who sees into our hearts and is not fooled, and who helps us anyways!

All praise to Ogun, who clears the way for Oludumare to become manifest!


Reflection


Why oh why did I choose Ogun? Well, for all the reasons stated in this Oriki - I feel that it’s not even about me really -but about how I can be used as a tool to help further the cause of my communities - and in particular the cause of those with disabilities. Ogun is strong, but not arrogant, he is not afraid of anyone! He doesn’t need others to approve or praise what he is doing, because he knows he is doing the right thing. He lives alone and doesn’t require others to entertain him or keep him company. He solves complex problems and uses and creates technology and tools that suit the need. He is responsible for his actions and also seems to embody a sense of duty to others - clearing the way so that others can do the work that they also need to do to make things work in harmony. He is serious and sober of mind, he works hard but also likes to drink palm wine (self-care? Maybe!) He is furious and diligent and has a keen and piercing intellect with which to detect lies and secrets, you can’t fool him with bullshit!


I think that Ogun would relish the way we use technology to clear paths and open the way for justice and progress. And for music and art and connection and relationship - it’s not all good, but it’s not all bad!


WE can use technology to feel more connected to the earth and to learn and grow and share knowledge of the earth. To organize and make change. 


Also - dogs - its a complicated feeling about the dog sacrifices to Ogun, I somehow feel that the situation with my mother and her mistreatment of dogs is related to Ogun. 

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