In Haitian Vodou and New Orleans Voodoo, Ogun is a warrior orisha associated with blacksmithing and the creation of iron tools and weapons. Called Ogou in Haiti, he is in charge of guarding sacred temples and political power, and is known for his protection of Vodou followers. HISTORY AND ORIGINS Like many of the orisha and loa, Ogun has his origins in Africa. In the Yoruba belief system, he was the first orisha to come to earth, in the form of a hunter named Tobe Ode, who led the other orishas to the world of mortals. Armed with an axe and sword, he was known as the god of warriors, blacksmiths, and hunters. Thanks to his role as a patron of the hunt, he is associated with dogs—the traditional hunting companion in many parts of the world. In Nigeria, he cleared paths through the forests with his machete and axe, and thus became known as the orisha who opens the way when it is blocked. As the patron of metalworkers, who are often healers and spiritual leaders, Ogun watches ...

At once beautiful, protective, seductive, and dangerous, the water spirit Mami Wata (Mother Water) is celebrated throughout much of Africa and the African Atlantic. A rich array of arts surrounds her, as well as a host of other aquatic spirits--all honoring the essential, sacred nature of water. Mami Wata is often portrayed as a mermaid, a snake charmer, or a combination of both. She is widely believed to have "overseas" origins, and her depictions have been profoundly influenced by representations of ancient, indigenous African water spirits, European mermaids, Hindu gods and goddesses, and Christian and Muslim saints. She is not only sexy, jealous, and beguiling but also exists in the plural, as the mami watas and papi watas who comprise part of the vast and uncountable "school" of African water spirits. Mami Wata's presence is pervasive partly because she can bring good fortune in the form of money. As a "capitalist" deity par excellence, her ...

Can you have it all? Yet we also want to feel successful. You don't have to make a lot of money to be a success. And we definitely want to be happy. Can you have all three? Sure. It isn't easy, but it is possible. Here's how: 1. Stop focusing on money. While it sounds counterintuitive, maintaining a laser-like focus on how much you make distracts you from doing the things that truly contribute to building and growing wealth. So shift your perspective. See money not as the primary goal but as a byproduct of doing the right things. 2. Start tracking how many people you help, if only in a small way. The most successful people I know--both financially and in other ways--are shockingly helpful. They're incredibly good at understanding other people and helping them achieve their goals. They know their success is ultimately based on the success of the people around them. So they work hard to make other people successful: their employees, their customers, t...

It is for the Desperate Aspirant who are seeking self Empowerment, Wealth, Wisdom and Success. No fee is required to become a member membership is been earned as a desperate aspirant ready to do anything to become your dream-man Is there anything, in this or other world, so powerful that just a saying of its name would set in motion all uncompromising opinions and indifferent feelings? Is a thought so material that capable to melt an ice and light a flame, to be cause of gigantic destruction or great creations? Where is a border, having crossed which, you will find yourself beyond reach, and all in the world will be easily accessible and subject to you? Is it possible already now, in this life, to find a magical door behind which you are waited answers to all mysteries and questions? Will be these answers those what you expected, or they will disappoint you, will they give cause for new quest and new victories? Having made a step and found a new world, will you want to return ...

Starting is obviously the hardest step. But you can’t end there. Creating a lasting, lifelong brotherhood takes time, energy, and continual investment. You have to “show up” for your brothers on a regular basis. You need to hold space for them to become who they’re meant to be. You need to encourage them, challenge them, and push each other to reach new heights. More than anything, you just need to show up. Here are some ways you can do that: Take an active interest in the desires, dreams, and goals of the men in your group. How can you tailor discussions, events, and adventures that help your friends achieve their dreams? Regularly brief the group. What’s coming up next? What was something fun and memorable that happened the last time you all hung out? Share the spotlight and encourage others (especially more withdrawn and introverted members) to share their voice and take a leadership role. Consider rotating coordination and leadership of meetings and events. Teach ...

Try to look for guys that are interested in personal growth, fitness, and pushing past personal limitations. Where do these men hang out? Conferences, seminars, blogs, forums, and events related to personal growth, of course. Look for men that you wouldn’t mind hanging out with for an entire weekend. If someone is going to get on your nerves quickly, they’re probably not a great fit. Determine the size of the group and demographics you want. I find that 6-10 guys is a great size and keeps things fairly simple. Most of the men in our group are in the age range of 25-50. All of us are health-conscious and live active lifestyles so it makes it easy for us to do physical things. Look within your network first. Approach peers, coworkers, friends, and family that you would love to connect with more deeply. Post something on Facebook telling people you’re considering starting a group and ask for interest. Email the people you’re considering including directly with a casual invitatio...

The first and most critical step is to define your intention and purpose: What do you want in a brotherhood and why do you want it? What do you hope to gain from and give to it? Is your intention to have fun, bond, and do interesting things, or do you care more about having a forum for expressing your challenges and issues as a man to work through them? Answering these questions will help you get clear on your purpose for the group. How to find the right men for your brotherhood: This is probably the hardest part, and why most men will never do the work necessary to create an organized men’s group. You have a few choices: Find an existing men’s group or meetup that’s firmly established. If you just want a forum for expressing yourself and exploring your masculinity, this might be the best fit for you. This is the easiest choice if you can find a good group that’s already established. Create a group locally. This will give you the most intentional control and freed...