contibution by Delma Rodríguez

In July 2007, the Diaspora Cultural Center presented its roundtable series “Living with the Orishas” with a focus on the Lukumí orisha Ogún. The discussion for the warrior orisha associated with metals and hard work, had a unique setting. Due to unexpected complications that arose at the spur of the moment, for this mighty orisha we had one panelist, Cameau Paul, who had been ordained to Ogún in 2005. And he represented his orisha by handling this situation with character and class.

Mr. Paul is the only person in his family that is ordained. He and his family emigrated from Haiti in 1967. In discussing his journey with Ogún, he shared how his first exposure to the religion was in 1996 after a reading. In the reading, he was told he was being pursued by others. He did ebó (cleansing ceremony) with Elegbá and two days later there was a shooting in which he was targeted. Four shots were fired and all four shots missed. In July 2000, he learned he was a child of Ogún. At the time he did not know who Ogún was. He tried to find out about him, and all he heard were the stereotypes of the“heavy drinker of alcohol” and that he was a hard worker who worked with metals. One point he made clear was that he as a person was completely different. (explain this? Do you mean after ordination? If so, the transition needs some work)

Mr. Paul stressed that the happiest day of his life was the day that he was ordained to Ogún for which he will remain eternally thankful. Ogún has brought about a sense of peace and tranquility that he did not have. His biggest challenge was with his family. Being non-believers they did not understand what the religion was about or why he was being ordained; much less his relationship with this newly-discovered deity. When they saw him clad in white, they thought that he being dressed in white made him Muslim or a follower or some controversial militant cult. They have come to accept his religion and his orisha but it was not an easy process. He was happy that his father came to visit him on his middle day (the day that follows the ordination ceremony). But he knows that things were done religiously in Haiti so that he would never be ordained. (Clarify this: did the family practice Vodou? This comment implies that)

His pre-ordained life included partying, hanging with his friends, and letting his temper flare. His life was unorganized and with little direction. After his ordainment his views on life changed and so did the way he lived it. He has experienced a peace he never thought he would achieve. When asked how he would explain Ogún, he said he would say Ogún is a hard worker, but he is not malicious. He is a just orisha, who can bring peace and tranquility, but also defends his children with vigor.

The other orisha he feels he has a special relationship is Shangó. He says Shangó has told him that he’s his “other” father, and that he loves him very much. Among the attendees, there was discussion of the unique relationship they have experienced between Shangó and Ogún. They concluded although the common mythology is that they do not get along, the reality is that they work well together. (this also needs clarification)

Another unexpected topic came up: the issue of the religion and children. Mr. Paul indicated that he would teach his children to respect and love his religion as he does, but he also understands that they one day may pursue other religions and he would respect them if he did. This sparked debate throughout the room as to how children are introduced to the religion. Ranging from letting them decide in the future as they grew up to ordaining them while they are toddlers were some of the positions taken.