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Please Take a Moment to Read some of Our Testimonials.
by Manny "armyguy" 12/25/2009
For those of you, whom havn't been to the new location. The Botanica is much bigger and better than before. The atmosphere is alot more peaceful and there is a feeling of calmness when you enter the new building. It is on ground level so no more climbing stairs. Still have the greatest Santero ever. So come down and enjoy the new location
by jmoney 11/21/2009
Botanica Oggun is a welcoming place, beyond all skepticism about eccentricity. The folks there are kind, and after a few visits treat you like family. The prices seem to be on par with other shops in town, but stick around and the gifts may abound! Basically the conversations within are special and motivating, always positive and ultimately push people in the right directions. Sometimes choices and changes are hard, but when you mean well, good things tend to happen more often! I hope the shop continues its success, wherever that may be, and that the mural remains a landmark and icon of the south 1st neighborhood for a long time to come! Thanks for everything Botanica Oggun!
by Coconut Mike 11/20/2009
.
Death.
Now, why would I have your attention right now?? What a horrible start to a positive review. Could it be our curiosity for things unknown? Things taboo?? Things we think we know, yet cannot really grasp???
In my opinion, Death is the end-all to all our curiosities. It is the one thing that none of us could possibly say we have all the answers to, and actually be telling the truth. So, is there life after death?? That is not a question I am here to answer. I am not here to question anyones theological belief, but yet, to propose that we are all linked by life & death. It is the one spiritual thing we ALL have in common, regardless of our religion, personality, origin, or race.
Now, how does this apply to the Botanica Oggun, you ask??
If you are an individual seeking answers to help guide you along your own spiritual path, then Botanica Oggun is a place that will welcome you with open arms. (And sometimes cheek kisses from the ladies, Dont ask me). My personal experience with Mike at the Botanica Oggun has restored my faith in a world beyond my understanding. A world I cannot touch or see. A world I cannot buy a plane ticket to. A world where things really DO happen for a reason.
A short time ago I was lost, digging my own grave, and had pretty much abandoned hope & fate. I believe Mikes words to me were, Have faith in faith. Easier said than done, right? He then proceeded to tell me things that were going through my head that I had never even spoken out of my mouth. He told me things about myself that had way more weight after a few days of dwelling, than I had even originally given credit for in the first place. Shoot, one time I was secretly jumping up and down with excitement for my new found understanding of myself. And that was 3 weeks after the last time we had talked! This is not lip service. I have only been coming to the shop for a short while now. Why would I make this stuff up??
Mike told me things that I didnt want to hear, but needed to. My ex-girlfriend was cheating on me w/ my guitar player. And Mike knew before I did. And there was NO cameraman. You dig??
Now, Mike isnt here to drag you along to Daylight. If you are seeking change in your life, it HAS to be something you truly want, or Mike will probably send you away until you are ready. He isnt a phony that will take money from you. He is genuine. Of all things I wish to convey to you, that is the main point.
Regardless of your religious foundation or spiritual background, if you are looking for a beacon of truth that applies to YOU personally, Botanica Oggun is a place you should put on your map.
Oh, and uh, why did I even mention Death in the first place?? Well, Mike helped me confront my greatest fear. We then tossed it into a graveyard, where it will remain until my time is to come. Thanks Mike.
by D 11/08/2009
I started seeing Padrino because I had been leading a life of drugs, drinking and treating women like crap. My life had been one of ups and downs. Except that this year has been a really bad one. I finally had to come to the sense that I needed help. On my first visit to Padrino he told me a lot abut myself that that I really didn't want to hear. But I was at a point in my life that I needed to change. I really didn't know what to expect or how he was going to help me but I gave it a shot. I understood that in order for this to work I had to find faith within myself. Padrino told me that I was going to have to change a lot of my old habits. In the past 3 months that I have been seeing him, I have learned to be a better man. I have taken the steps to fix my realtionship with my mother. I am taking the steps to be a better person in the current relationship that I am in. Padrino has taught me to look at life different that it doesn't have to be fast paced all the time. He has helped me to believe and to trust. There are only two months left this year and I am not afraid, not scared but more aware of the choices that I have before me. Before I started seeing Padrino, I was always asking why, who or what was causing all these bad things to me. Today I am aware that this whole time it was me causing all these negative things. Thank you Padrino for showing me the light and putting the light in me to feel and to love it. Most of all to keep it burning.
by The Truth 10/17/2009
Well what can I say about Botanica Oggun. The owners are good ,down to earth people that go out of their way to help you. Having been to other botanicas and witnessed shadiness I call this place "The Truth". The truth can be good or bad and Mike pulls no punches. He is going to tell you whats going down if you like it or not."The Truth" This is what I love about this place. Reality isn't always pretty but it's real. Not only does he tell you whats wrong but what actions to take to fix your problems. It's up to you to make the right choices. Myself, I will never doubt the man and do what I am told. Much respect to Mike and Yolanda. Your help is appreciated far more than you realize.
by newyork07 09/14/2009
I wouldn't say I'm an expert when it comes to these places, but I have been to many botanicas, and all I can say is The botanica Oggun is where I completely feel at home, the energy Mike and Yolanda provide in their environment, can make anyone feel at ease, They carry a great selection of spiritual products, and all I can say is that they are two people who truly care for their customers, I consider them friends and always get treated as such, so in my book Botanica Oggun should recieve 10 stars
by will 09/10/2009
I concider myself a very, blunt person. How ever, for anyone reading this review anything you would ever want to find out about this place is all in this. I was just as skeptical as you may be reading this, concidering this place. I can only tell you that the first time I left Botanica Oggun I was not only suprised, but very VERY shocked on what the truth had to offer on what is going on in my life time. Not only will you find out the truth you will also get advise on how to handle any situation you may be going through. My friend was just as skeptical as any of you may be, but as soon as we walked through the door Mike told him everything with no charge !! He mentioned about his dad and even about his damn girl friend that was screwing him over. . ( which did come true a few weeks later) he was soo shocked on what he had heard after all Mike told him. I wouldn' t be writing a review on anything that was fake and a scam. I myself have witnessed things through Mike that have changed my course in life. I recommend any of you that may have ANY crisis or questions that may refer to ANYTHING to get a hand from Mike. He will help you and guid you to the light of happiness that we all seek through any crisis.
by Nena075 08/22/2009
when you first walk into Botanica Oggun you feel such positive energy!
mike and yoly (the owners) are awesome people that don't treat you like you are just a costumer they know you by name and as an individual. mike has helped me and my family threw so much, i cant really get out how great full i'am in words. But that i wouldn't know what to do with out them. It has given me a spiritual guidance, Mike is awesome! you should really go and don't wait :) Thank you guys ! much love !
by Camille 07/25/2009
The owner of Botanica Oggun has known me since I was a child. Over the years my family lost contact with him. About 8 months ago we were reunited. When I came to him, my life was a wreck and my soul was lost. I had fallen so deep into addiction that I saw no other way to live. My Padrino took me under his wing and helped me turn my life around. He has done several baths, candles, and a limpia for me. Since then, my life has changed dramaticaly.
Every time I visit his shop I'm greeted with a warm hug from his wife, Yolanda. She is the sweetest women I have ever met. I couldn't express the gratitude I have for these two amazing people. They have helped me through so much.
I now know that my Saints will protect me, and that my life is in God's hands. I strongly encourage you to visit Botanica Oggun. I have had many life changing experiences there.
I love you Padrino and Yolanda! Thanks for everything.
by KA 03/29/2009
Botanica Oggun is a family-owned local business known for personal attention to its clients. The store has an extensive array of products, including many difficult to find items. It is centered on Afro-Caribbean religious traditions; however, many of the products such as the herbs, candles, incense, etc. will be useful to practitioners of any earth-based religion or spiritual path. For those looking for more guidance on their journey, consultations and readings are easy to schedule, affordable, and focus on lifting the blocks that are preventing you from reaching your full potential. The number of satisfied repeat customers is a testament to the power of this spiritual community - even visitors from other states are starting to come to Austin to visit the botanica and meet personally with Mike, no small feat for a store removed from the traditional geographic centers of the Afro-Caribbean religious community. Personally, I walked in one day and have been back every week since. There is no way to capture here the changes that have taken place in my life since that first meeting - but what I can say is that honesty, integrity, and a commitment to genuine spiritual growth are the characteristics that guide the owners of this shop, and because of that I would recommend it to anyone from the slightly curious to the committed practitioners.
by Rock 03/28/2009
I am not the best writer, however no matter how good an author, journalist, or writer someone may be no review can do Botanica Oggun the justice it deserves. You must go there to experience it's positive energy, wonder, and uniqueness.
Originally I was hesitant to write this review; first; because the 4000 characters I am allowed will not allow me to totally describe the greatness of Botanica Oggun. Second, I wanted to keep this store as well as the owners, Mike and Yolanda, as my special secret. But that is selfish and against my ideals and the ideals of the store.
Whenever I go to Botanica Oggun, which has become a weekly almost daily ritual of mine, Mike and Yolanda have been more than generous with their time, help, and materials. Additionally, everything is reasonably priced. All their expertise is genuine and sincere. I have witnessed Mike tell willing customers that he would not sell materials or take their money because it is not in their best interest!
Mike and Yolanda are truly angels. With my hard work, and their spiritual support and guidance I have been able to achieve some amazing things. For example, I am a teacher and I have been able to get bicycles, new helmets, running shoes, shirts, and shorts, donated to my under-priveldged students. Did I mentioned all these donations that added up to well over a few thousand dollars took place during the biggest economic recession ever!!!! Also,in the midst of this economic recession, I got into a grad school the day after I lit a candle Mike sold me.
You must go to Botanica Oggun, as much as I want to keep it my special awsome secret store.
by lisa b 03/16/2009
I visited Mike back in june for a reading. I didn't tell him anything at all. He told me personal things that I have done which no one else would know beside me and God. Just after my reading I asked Mike if he sees me going any where and he said yes, sure enough i ended up there. After my 3rd visit to Mike I was getting deployed to Iraq he told me he sees some things happening but i was so focus on other things that i didn't get protection. He told me to listen to that little voice. I went to a camp normally i don't have breakfast with the group but that morning something said go with them. A rocket hit 50 meters from the tent that I was suppose to be in. 50 meters is too close. I called Michael and start my protection. Botanica Oggun is the real deal Mike is excellent.
by omoyd69 03/10/2009
I have been trying to write this review for more than three weeks. I am just going to say this. If you want the truth, go see Mike. If you don't want the truth, don't go see Mike. I asked him to do a private reading for my wife's birthday and he wouldn't do it because he said it wouldn't do any good. He then offered an alternative that would do good; and it did. He doesn't look like a holy man and he uses common language that may throw some people off, but let me tell you. He is the real deal.
by Donna 01/18/2009
Botanica Oggun is a place of healing run by people who want to make a positive difference in the world. Whatever your spiritual beliefs and interests, you will find goodness here. I have been in Austin for three years and am more than thankful that I finally made my way to this place of comfort and self-discovery. Don't delay your visit. You'll be happy with what you find.
by bx2atx 01/28/2009
Moving from New York where Botanica's are a dime a dozen and way to many frauds. I had no idea I would ever be able to find one in Texas, let alone a good one. Well a friend of mine brought me to Botanica Oggun and thank God she did. Mike and Yolanda are great people. They welcome you into there Botanica and treat you like family, even if it is your first time there. Since I have been going there sometime last summer. I have learned so much about myself, and have been place on my proper path. Mike is a straight shooter it kind of makes me think. Mike you sure you aint from NY...hummmm!!!
If you are looking for anything that has to do with the religion and you want some one who is real and not going to steer you wrong. Then you HAVE TO VISIT Botanica Oggun. Their are just not enough words to describe what you come away with!
by MisBaz 01/16/2009
For many months, I have driven by Botonica Oggun. Finally, one Saturday I decided to stop in. I was instantly greeted by the wonderful Yolonda. I was suprised how busy the the place was. The energy was nothing but positive. I honestly didn't know what to expect. I then came across Mike. Right from the start I knew Mike was real, honest and upfront. Or should I say, no bs!! I did have doubts based on past experiences from other stores. I honestly could say my doubts went out the window. I knew I had finally found the place I had been searching for. There is no place like this any where in Austin.
I have known Mike and Yolonda for a few months now. Yet it has seem like a lifetime. This wonderful couple are true life long friends and family. I am very blessed to have them in my life. My life has changed for the better. My eyes, heart, mind and spirit are open the way I knew I am meant to live.
For anyone who is in search of spiritual help...look no further. You will not be disapointed. I love you guys!!
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