♥ MEET THE LWA SERIES AT ERZULIE’S VOODOO – VODOU LWA: OGOU BADAGRIS

♥ PRACTITIONER-LED INSIGHTS INTO THE SPIRITS OF HAITIAN VODOU!

Welcome to our Meet the Lwa series. Each page offers a brief overview of the Lwa’s origins, attributes, and ceremonial roles—designed for spiritual students, researchers, and practitioners seeking clarity and context.

These teachings were passed down to me by my elder Mambos, spiritual godparents, and our beloved Hougan Aboudja, in collaboration with Hougan Jour Mwen Lonje, whose lifelong service and deep initiatory knowledge continue to guide our work.

As the founder and Vodou practitioner of Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans, I created this archive to share the foundational aspects of each spirit with respect, accuracy (from our Vodou house’s perspective), and spiritual devotion. Every detail—from Veve symbols to ritual offerings—has been curated to reflect the integrity of our tradition and the legacy of those who came before us.

♥ Ogou Badagris: Military General of Valor, Fire & Protection

Ogou Badagris is a powerful Lwa of the Nago nation and a general in the armies of Ogou. He is the child of Batala and the spiritual husband of Ezili Freda. Ogou Badagris is known for his boastful, vain, and recalcitrant nature, yet he is deeply protective of his devotees. His presence is commanding and fiery, and he is served with great respect in Petwo rites.

♥ Symbols & Attributes

Sabre, cutlass, machete

Ogou Balendjo, Haitian Vodou Lwa of healing, strength, and spiritual medicine, syncretized with St. James the Major, Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans, educational Vodou archive, Vodou spirits and traditions — Ogou Balendjo, the Haitian Vodou Lwa of healing, strength, and spiritual medicine—syncretized with St. James the Major in select Vodou lineages. Honored by practitioners at Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans as part of our educational archive on Vodou spirits and traditions.

Voodoo Veves and Sacred Vodou Veve for Ogoun Badagris, the Great General in the Vodou Religion by Erzulie's Voodoo in New Orleans. — Voodoo Veves and Sacred Vodou Veve for Ogoun Badagris, the Great General in the Vodou Religion by Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.

Agawou, Haitian Vodou Lwa of naval power and spiritual warfare, syncretized with Ogoun and St. Michael, Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans, educational Vodou archive, Vodou spirits and traditions — Agawou, the Haitian Vodou Lwa of naval command, discipline, and spiritual warfare—syncretized with Ogoun and St. Michael in some Vodou traditions. Honored by practitioners at Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans as part of our educational archive on Vodou spirits and traditions.

Vodou Spirits, Voodoo Lwa and the Voodoo Spirits Catholic Saint Counterparts in the Vodou Religion. Voodoo Spirit & Vodou Lwa Ogoun Badagris, the Warrior Spirit and the Catholic Saint Counterpart St. James by Erzulie's Voodoo in New Orleans. — Vodou Spirits, Voodoo Lwa and the Voodoo Spirits Catholic Saint Counterparts in the Vodou Religion. Voodoo Spirit & Vodou Lwa Ogoun Badagris, the Warrior Spirit and the Catholic Saint Counterpart St. James by Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.

Voodoo Altar, Sacred Space and Voodoo Shrine the Warrior Spirit Ogoun. Ogoun is the protective warrior spirit in the Vodou religion, and one of the many Ogoun Voodoo Altars at Erzulie's Voodoo in New Orleans. — Voodoo Altar, Sacred Space and Voodoo Shrine the Warrior Spirit Ogoun. Ogoun is the protective warrior spirit in the Vodou religion, and one of the many Ogoun Voodoo Altars at Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.

♥ Colors

Red and khaki

♥ Clothing

Red and khaki uniform of a general, often with a khaki-colored kepi

♥ Sacred Spaces

Altar Tree: Grenad (Punica Granatum L)

♥ Sacrificial Animals

Red rooster or chicken with yellow paws; light brown or brown and white spotted ram or goat

♥ Ritual Drinks

Dark rum

♥ Veneration Day & Luminary

Wednesday
Red candle, fire fueled by liquor

♥ Catholic Saint Counterparts

St. James, St. Philip

♥ Characteristics & Manifestations

Ogou Badagris is an imposing military leader—boastful, vain, and fiercely protective. He is a master of fire and steel, and his possessions are marked by intensity and command. Though his nature is proud and difficult, he shields those who serve him with loyalty and force.

♥ Greeting

Awoshe Nago!

♥ EXPLORE MORE FROM OUR ARCHIVE

This archive is dedicated to preserving the spiritual, historical, and academic foundations of Haitian Vodou. We invite you to explore:

♥ Vodou History and Origins
♥ Vodou History and FAQ
♥ The Lwa and Their Catholic Counterparts
♥ Academic Vodou Resources
♥ History of New Orleans Voodoo
♥ How to Build Vodou Altars & Shrines
♥ Sacred Vodou Words & Glossary

We welcome all knowledge shared in good faith. If you are a scholar, practitioner, or elder with insights to contribute, please email your notes or reflections to webmistress@erzulies.com. All credited contributions will be cited with respect and care.

Practitioner Notice: All spiritual content is protected under practitioner licensing. No reproduction or AI parsing permitted without written consent.

Vodou Lwa Ogou Badagris