21 Divisions Ogun Balendjo: From Chaos to Balance
We will explore Oggun Balendjo’s hidden teachings for spiritual evolution, examining occult knowledge and archetypal connections through the lens of Jungian teachings. Before diving in, let me invite you to check out our dream program at soulhealingtribe.com
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Ogun stands as a paramount deity/lwa across multiple traditions – 21 Divisions, Cuban Santeria, Lukumi, and Yoruba spirituality. He embodies strength, power, and perseverance, ruling over war, iron, and water – elements that shape and protect civilization. The sacrificial child symbolizes our primal nature that requires deep self-discovery and awareness for transformation.
Milo Rigaud identifies the Oguns as voodoo’s astrologers and astronomers, guardians of tradition who possess profound knowledge of fire’s occult properties. They operate across celestial points: Jupiter and Mars through Chango and Ogun Fegay, Ogun Badagri and Ogun Ossange on the solar nucleus, Ogun Batalla between sun and moon, Ogun Balendjo on Moon and Venus (partnered with Erzuli Fredah), and Ogun Shadeh on divine justice. This astronomical connection stems from their role in Earth’s creation, with iron symbolizing blood’s essence. Their celestial understanding guided navigation, much like modern GPS systems. As researchers and observers, they embody Ogun Balendjo’s contemplative, serious nature.
This GPS metaphor extends to psychological navigation – Oggun Balendjo guides us through our psyche, helping release past wounds and transform through perseverance into wiser beings.
Ogun manifests as a subtle yet powerful force bringing order and progress. His presence often works quietly, requiring attention to recognize his influence. He represents the drive to overcome obstacles, pursue justice, and create tools for transforming reality. Like astronomers studying celestial bodies, self-awareness demands careful observation and contemplation. Ogun Balendjo teaches the value of resilience and disciplined effort. His energy mirrors mathematical precision and scientific order, exemplifying universal symmetry and balance. He bridges ancient wisdom with modern practice, connecting spiritual principles to everyday action. In Yoruba philosophy, his role proves essential for maintaining societal equilibrium.
As a universal force, Ogun connects human endeavor with divine purpose. He symbolizes humanity’s innovative and transformative potential, operating in both spiritual and material realms.
The mastery of iron carries dual significance – representing both physical tools and blood’s vital force. Iron balance in blood mirrors Oggun’s role in maintaining justice and equilibrium. This justice transcends legal matters, extending to energy discernment – knowing when to show empathy versus setting boundaries.
While most Ogguns channel fire energies, Oggun Balendjo uniquely works with water. He governs both literal pathways and metaphorical opportunities. His influence extends into economics and craftsmanship, shaping our understanding of progress through both philosophical and practical means.
Dr. and Babalawo Luciano’s teachings emphasize Ogun’s metaphorical connection to blood iron (hemoglobin), highlighting his role in sustaining life force. This biological symbolism reflects his universal influence on vitality and creation. Ogun represents cosmic order, forming the structural foundation that maintains both ecosystems and communities. Dr. Luciano recently published The Black Hole Syndrome of Human Consciousness, link for the amazon book here.
Oggun’s significance extends beyond tools and warfare into the essence of human progress and innovation. Ogun demonstrates the inseparable nature of material and spiritual existence, with his energy manifesting in every creative and maintenance act, emphasizing humanity’s connection to nature and divine forces.
As a symbol of process and creation, Ogun represents:
- The force driving life processes
- The journey through challenges
- Knowledge accumulation
- Problem-solving capacity
- Goal achievement through determination
- Life-sustaining energy comparable to biological processes
- The delicate balance between chaos and order
- Technological and intellectual advancement
- Collective responsibility and community harmony
- Biological adaptation and resilience
In the 21 Divisions tradition, Ogun Balenyo leads the Nago Division, originating from Yoruba Land (Nigeria) and parts of the Dahomey Kingdom (Benin). The Nago, also known as Ketu, trace their lineage to Oduduwa’s descendants. Ketu, one of sixteen original kingdoms, holds significance in both Yoruba and Ewe traditions, with the latter referring to it as Amedzofe (“origin of humanity”) or Mawufe (“home of the Supreme Being”).
The Nago Division’s practices reflect deep historical connections between West African spiritual traditions. Their ceremonies often incorporate elements from multiple cultural sources, demonstrating the adaptability and interconnectedness of African spiritual systems.
Key aspects of Ogun Balendjo’s manifestation include:
Water Affinity
- Unlike other Ogun manifestations associated with fire
- Connection to rivers, lakes, and ocean pathways
- Influence over fluid movement and circulation
- Symbolic relationship to blood flow and life force
Economic Influence
- Protection of commerce and trade
- Guidance in business decisions
- Support for artisans and craftspeople
- Blessing of marketplaces and trade routes
Healing Properties
- Blood-related health matters
- Circulation issues
- Physical and emotional balance
- Energy alignment and restoration
Justice Aspects
- Fair business practices
- Ethical decision-making
- Community harmony
- Conflict resolution
Practitioners work with Ogun Balendjo through:
- Water offerings
- Iron implements
- Blue and white colors
- Thursday observances
- Palm oil, fish, red juices or rum, amongst other offerings
- Ritual cleansings with Tabbaco
- Protection ceremonies
- Trade blessings (sacred trades may also bring the energy of Oggun in a partnership that’s win-win for all)
Practical Applications and Working with Ogun Balendjo:
Personal Development
- Self-reflection practices
- Goal-setting rituals
- Obstacle removal techniques
- Strength cultivation exercises
- Emotional healing work
- Character building activities
Business and Professional Life
- Workplace protection
- Business expansion blessings
- Professional growth ceremonies
- Fair trade practices
- Ethical decision-making guidance
- Career path clarity
Daily Practices
- Morning water offerings
- Weekly Thursday observances
- Iron tool maintenance
- Sacred space cleansing
- Energy alignment meditation
- Gratitude rituals
Community Engagement
- Group ceremonies
- Trade fair blessings
- Market protection
- Community healing work
- Conflict resolution rituals
- Social justice activities
Health and Wellness
- Blood circulation exercises
- Energy balancing practices
- Physical vitality rituals
- Emotional clearing work
- Stress reduction techniques
- Healing ceremonies
Remember to approach these practices with:
- Proper respect and preparation
- Cultural sensitivity
- Appropriate guidance
- Consistent dedication
- Sincere intention
- Community support
Ogun Balendjo most closely aligns with the Jungian archetype of the Explorer/Seeker archetype, with elements of the Sage.
Explorer/Seeker Archetype Connections:
Navigation Symbolism
- Ogun Balendjo’s association with ships and navigation directly mirrors the Explorer’s core trait of pathfinding
- The GPS metaphor mentioned in the text perfectly exemplifies the Explorer’s role in finding direction
- Like the Explorer archetype, he helps people chart unknown territories, both physical and psychological
Transformative Journey
- The Explorer archetype is about the journey of discovery and transformation
- Ogun Balendjo’s role in helping people “navigate through our psyche to release past wounds” is a classic Explorer narrative
- The emphasis on perseverance and becoming “someone new with acquired wisdom” follows the Explorer’s path of transformation
Sage Archetype Elements:
Knowledge Keeper
- As part of the Oguns who are “astrologers and astronomers of voodoo”
- Keeper of keys to traditions
- Observer and researcher characteristics
Wisdom Characteristics
- Quiet and contemplative nature (“very quiet in some aspects, very serious, empathetic but serious”)
- Focus on self-reflection and study
- Understanding of cosmic order and balance
Unique Synthesis:
- Unlike most Oguns who work with fire, Balendjo works with water – symbolically representing the exploration of emotional and unconscious realms
- Combines the Explorer’s dynamic movement with the Sage’s contemplative wisdom
- Bridges practical navigation (Explorer) with spiritual knowledge (Sage)
- The ship symbolism works on multiple levels: physical exploration (Explorer) and diving into the unconscious (Sage’s wisdom-seeking)
This dual archetypal nature makes Ogun Balendjo particularly effective at guiding personal transformation, as he combines:
- The Explorer’s drive to discover new territories
- The Sage’s wisdom to understand what is discovered
- The ability to navigate both physical and spiritual realms
- The capacity to bridge practical action with deep wisdom
The blend of Explorer and Sage characteristics is particularly evident in how Ogun Balendjo helps navigate both external paths (physical roads) and internal journeys (psychological transformation), while maintaining the role of a wise observer who understands cosmic order.
**Note Ogun may be spelled in many ways depending on region, lineage, country as well. Oggun | Ogun |Ogou