One legend says that horseshoes are lucky because they were traditionally made of iron. Mischievous fairies could not stand the touch of iron, so they shied away from houses that were adorned with it.
Another legend attributes lucky horseshoes to Saint Dunstan, a historical figure who died in 988 AD. According to the legend, Dunstan, who was a blacksmith, was commanded by the devil to shoe his horse. Instead, Dunstan nailed a horseshoe to the devil's foot and refused to remove it and ease the devil's pain until he received a guarantee that the devil would stay away from any house with a horseshoe on the door. Thus, any house with a horseshoe was guaranteed to be lucky.
Good luck is also attributed to horseshoes because being a blacksmith was considered a lucky trade. Additionally, iron was deemed magical because it could withstand fire.
Another belief exists that the horseshoe, because of its crescent shape, has the ability to ward off the evil eye. In ancient Europe and prior to the Chaldeans, this crescent shape represented the various moon goddesses, which were signs of protection, good luck, fertility and could protect against a curse from the evil eye.
Ogun is a mighty warrior who defends his people and fights against injustice. Known as a divine blacksmith who crafts tools and weapons. He is the hardest working Orisha of them all and lives in the wilderness and forested areas of the world. Ogun is often perceived as a powerful muscular man wearing a skirt made of palm fiber and he carries a machete. His colors are green and black. Ogun’s number is 3.
Ogun Prayer: “Ogun please guide and protect me. Open the doors of opportunity by removing obstacles from my path. Give me courage to overcome my problems and defeat my enemies. Bring justice and balance to my life by bestowing your wisdom upon me. With your powers please give me the strength to fight and win my daily battles. I am ready for your winds of change that bring prosperity to my realm. AMEN.”
Orishas are spiritual beings who have been tasked with maintaining this Earth, watching over the affairs of humanity and each has dominion over a portion of nature. Each Orisha is identified with natural forces as well as with human interests or endeavors. These Orishas are mediators between humanity and the Supreme Being.
Pray to Orishas because they are already in heaven, and they can intercede for you. In moments of anxiety, you need to hope and believe in something that helps you recover faith and maintain peace in your life.
Exact size and shape may vary.
Approximately 4.5" tall.
