Oshun and Ogun
by Lakenda Wallace
When the Yoruba god of iron Ogún became disgusted with humanity and ran away to the forest, none of the other gods could persuade him to rejoin the world. Without him, all production halted, and humans and Orishas alike began to starve. Oshún decided to step in. She entered the forest dancing with scarves, revealing and hiding her body. When Ogún approached, she smeared his lips with honey. Oshún’s sweetness tempted him out of the forest, and Ogún returned to the city. (Southwestern Nigeria and Benin)
Artist Statement
The scent of Ochun + Ogun’s meeting is passionate—tumbling over the olfactory nerves with herby, floral, menthol, and citrus. The deeper you breathe, the deeper the rapture. Unisex. Ineffable, yet earthy and familiar. Reverently unfolding on the skin with delicate notes of Ochun’s jasmine song—enticing the spirit to follow the nose deeper into the sensual revelation fire in earth meeting water. The creation revealed itself only when I had released the ego, obsessing over how others would react, following the mind down alleys of research and tradition. Once deep in gratitude for the gift and responsibility present in the task, the truth unfolded. In the song of natural scents Agarwood and White sage create a foundation of resinous wood and sharp green that hold the bass. Sweet, ethereal jasmine, just on the edge of our awareness, flirts for attention, pressing you to bring her closer—a fleeting high C. The sharp citrus of the grapefruit, tying these two forces together—like a chorus of altos.
Why these materials? Agarwood (Aquilaria Crassna) is an aromatic resin born of diseased Aquilaria tree. It represents rebirth, the power to transform the negative into greater beauty. Ogun had lost sight of the beauty of the word. This meeting transformed his perceptions of the world by exposing him to the sensual beauty of Ochun.In this meeting, Ogun and with his return, the World, are reborn. A 5% dilution of Agarwood was used. White Sage (Salvia Apiana) is a spiritual cleanser and protector—as Ogun protects, using his sword to cut away lower energies. A tincture of white sage was steeped for 3 months to achieve the olfactory impression of breaking a fresh leaf. Jasmine (Jasminium) is an aromatic traditionally used in attracting romantic love. It has 9 petals, which is a significant number for manifesting, while enticing with a sensual, heady sweetness. Like Ochun, the Jasmine does not ask to be appreciated. She waits to be acknowledged and respected for the beauty she brings. Organic Jasmine essential oils were used. Grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi) is not only the element of integration within the scent, but an embodiment of fire, earth, and water—the offspring of Ogun, the Orisha of the powers of Fire in Earth meeting with Ochun, the Orisha who brings the essence of Water in Water. Organic Grapefruit essential oils were used. Tarragon (Artemesia Dracunculus) This herb is connected with the element of fire. Tarragon represents confidence, passion, strength, love, courage, protection, calming & peace. Tarragon represents the love, confidence and passion of Ochun, as well as the protection of Ogun and the peace Ochun brings to Ogun. Organic Tarragon Essential Oil was used.
Watch Lakenda Wallace talk about Oshun and Ogun