Goddess of the Sun

Amaterasu-Ōmikami

• Animals: Crows, Horses, Pheasants, and Ravens.

• Colors: Gold and Yellow

• Elements: Fire

• Festivals/Holidays: Tohji-Taisai and Winter Solstice

• Food: Rice

• Herbs:

• Incense: Sandalwood

• Magical Attributes: Agriculture and Silk Weaving

• Metal: Brass and Gold

• Musical Instruments: 

• Offerings: Candles, Clothing, Food, Magic Mirrors, and Sun Statues.

• Planets: Sun

• Plants: Chrysanthemum

• Sabbats: Yule

• Stones: Pearl

• Symbols: Jewel, Mirror, & Sword (Japans 3 Sacred Treasures).

• Trees: Cryptomeria

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     Amaterasu, also known as Amaterasu-Ōmikami or Ōhirume-no-Muchi-no-Kami among other names, is the goddess of the sun in Japanese mythology. One of the major deities (kami) of Shinto, she is also portrayed in Japan's earliest literary texts, the Kojiki (ca. 712 CE) and the Nihon Shoki (720 CE), as the ruler (or one of the rulers) of the heavenly realm Takamagahara and the mythical ancestress of the Imperial House of Japan via her grandson Ninigi. Along with her siblings, the moon deity Tsukuyomi and the impetuous storm god Susanoo, she is considered to be one of the "Three Precious Children", the three most important offspring of the creator god Izanagi.

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     From the mists of time emerged two deities, Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, the divine male and female gods of creation. Seeking to fill the misty void, they devised the marriage ritual and engaged in sex, but had to repeat the ritual due to a mistake on Izanami’s part. This second, successful attempt yielded a multitude of kami, spiritual beings representing the natural world and the islands of Japan. The last of these beings—fire—subsequently killed Izanami. Wrought with grief, Izanagi journeyed to Yomi, or “the shadowy land of the dead.” Searching far and wide, he eventually found his wife and was shocked to find her rotting flesh full of oni and other demons. Seeing his rejection of her, Izanami flew into a rage and attempted to chase him past the gates of death; however, he managed to block the gates with a boulder. Izanami swore that if he left her there, she would kill one thousand people every day. He replied that, each day, he would create five hundred more lives than she could destroy, thereby ensuring the survival of earth’s population. Disgusted by the taint of death that lay upon him, Izanagi found a pool of pure water nearby and bathed himself in it. As he washed his left eye, Amaterasu emerged, fully-grown and glowing with the light of the sun. He washed his right eye next, and from it emerged the shining Tsukuyomi, the moon who reflected his sister’s light. As he cleaned his nose, a storm emerged and took the shape of Susanoo, the storm god and ruler of the seas. These three Izanagi tasked with ruling the heavens, with Amaterasu as their leader.

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     Because Amaterasu has the highest position among the Shinto deities, there has been debate on her influence and relation to women's positions in early Japanese society. Some scholars have argued that the goddess' presence and high stature within the kami system could suggest that early rulers in Japan were female. Others have argued the goddess' presence implies strong influences female priests had in Japanese politics and religion.

Goddess of Dawn

Ame-no-Uzume

• Animals: Kitsne and Rooster

• Colors: Pink, Red, and Yellow.

• Elements:

• Festivals/Holidays:

• Food: Aged Wine and Cheese

• Herbs:

• Incense:

• Magical Attributes: Dancing, Female Sexuality, Fertility, Humor, Intoxication, Prosperity, Protection, Psychic Abilities, Reproduction, Sex, Shamanism, and Wisdom.

• Metal:

• Musical Instruments:

• Offerings: Having a good time and Traditional Japanese Dance (Kagura).

• Planets: Sun

• Plants:

• Sabbats: Mirror

• Stones:

• Symbols:

• Trees:

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     Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto is the goddess of dawn, mirth, meditation, revelry and the arts in the Shinto religion of Japan, and the wife of fellow-god Sarutahiko Ōkami. She famously relates to the tale of the missing sun deity, Amaterasu Omikami. Her name can also be pronounced as Ama-no-Uzume. She is also known as Ōmiyanome-no-Ōkami, an inari kami possibly due to her relationship with her husband. She is also known as Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto, The Great Persuader, and The Heavenly Alarming Female. She is depicted in kyōgen farce as Okame, a woman who revels in her sensuality.

Goddess of Wonderous Sounds

Benzaiten

• Animals: Dragons, Foxes, Snakes, and Turtles.

• Colors:

• Elements: Water

• Festivals/Holidays:

• Food:

• Herbs:

• Incense:

• Magical Attributes: Agriculture, Bountiful Harvest, Femininity, Learning, Literature, Longevity, Luck, Music, Performing Arts, Poetry, Time, Water, Wealth, Weather, and Wisdom.

• Metal:

• Musical Instruments: Biwa (Lute)

• Offerings: Ema Plaques with Snakes, Gemstones, Images of Dragons & Snakes, Instruments near the Alter, Money, Musical Writings, Rice, Sake, and Water.

• Planets:

• Plants: Lotus

• Sabbats:

• Stones: Wish-Granting Jewel

• Symbols:

• Trees:

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     Benzaiten is the goddess of love and luck, a figure of much popularity and meaning across Japan. A manifestation of the Indian goddess Sarasvati, Benzaiten has adapted across landscapes, locations, and time periods, becoming a chief symbol of the way Japanese culture has combined elements from various religious traditions. She is one of the Seven Lucky Gods.

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     Most commonly, Benzaiten is associated with luck and wisdom, dispensing wise words and fortune to those she blesses. She is a joyous figure and is rarely pictured without her biwa, a type of stringed Japanese instrument. She is muse to artists of all varieties, and her blessings are sought by farmers hoping for a bountiful harvest, merchants hoping for good yields, and women hoping for success in love.

     During the Edo period (1603-1868), Benzaiten was especially popular with jealous women hoping to gain favor over their rivals. She is a goddess of all that flows: wisdom, music, water, love, knowledge, wealth, and the march of time itself.

God of Warriors

Bishamon-ten

• Animals:

• Colors: Black

• Elements: Fire

• Festivals/Holidays:

• Food:

• Herbs:

• Incense:

• Magical Attributes: Buddhist Temple Healings, Protector, Luck, Soldier, Treasure, Victory in Battle, War, Warrior, Wealth, and Winter.

• Metal:

• Musical Instruments:

• Offerings: Prayers for Victory from Warriors.

• Planets:

• Plants:

• Sabbats:

• Stones:

• Symbols: Stupa

• Trees:

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     Bishamon, spirit of benevolent authority, enforces justice, punishing criminals and malefactors. He protects people and their possessions. Bishamon is a Japanese manifestation of the Buddhist Dharma Protector, Vaishravana, who is turn may be an avatar of the Hindu Kubera, Lord of Wealth. Although theoretically, the three spirits may be identified as one, each manifests and behaves differently and has different concerns.

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     Bishamon is included among the Shiki Fujukin, the Seven Spirits of Good Luck. He is the only warrior of the seven, and the only one who engages in violence.

Smiling God of Luck, Prosperity, & Luck

Ebisu

• Animals: Jellyfish, Puffer Fish, Red Seabream, Sea Bass, Tai (Red Snapper), Whale Sharks, and Whales.

• Colors: Blue and Red

• Elements: Water

• Festivals/Holidays: Ebisu Festival

• Food: Daikon and Fish.

• Herbs:

• Incense:

• Magical Attributes: Business, Fishing, Fortune, Luck, Patron of Fishermen & Tradesmen, Prosperity, and Wealth.

• Metal:

• Musical Instruments:

• Offerings: Incense, Large Radishes (Diakon) Steeped in Vinegar (Bettara), and Yebisu Beer.

• Planets: Sun

• Plants:

• Sabbats:

• Stones:

• Symbols: Fishing Poll and Tai.

• Trees:

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     Ebisu, Kami of happiness, luck, and abundant harvests from land and sea, is one of the Shichi Fukujin, Seven Spirits of Good Fortune. Ebisu is guardian of the morning sun. He is often partnered with Daikoku, who may be his father. An alternative theory suggests that Daikoku and Edisu are respectively master and apprentice. Two smiling spirits, they share alter space. Merchants and shopkeepers often maintain alters honoring them. Ebisu brings the fish, Daikoku brings the rice. Together they deliver complete and abundant bounty. This ma be understood literally or as a metaphor for financial success.

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     Another myth identifies Ebisu with Hiruko, the leech baby or watery child; very first child of the primordial couple, Izanami and Izanagi, who was born either lacking limbs or lacking bones as punishment for spiritual transgressions during his parents' wedding ceremony. When he was almost three and still unable to stand, he was placed in a boat of reeds and cast out to sea. He survived and, with time, healed. The only obvious sign of his previous disability is his limp. (A different version of this story suggests that Ebisu is the man who rescued and raised the baby Hiruko.)

     Ebisu may be invoked to safeguard the health of young children. Place his alter in the kitchen. Restaurants are frequently named in Ebisu's honor, especially restaurants specializing in fugu, the potentially toxic puffer fish and high-priced Japanese delicacy. Only specially trained chefs are legally permitted to serve fugu: Ebisu is their patron spirit and the guardian of their restaurants. Should you ever be unfortunate enough to suffer fugu poisoning, he is the spirit to invoke for help. (THERE IS NO KNOWN MEDICAL ANTIDOTE IN EXISTANCE!!)

God of Wind

Fūjin

• Animals: Leopards

• Colors: Green and Red

• Elements: Air

• Festivals/Holidays:

• Food:

• Herbs:

• Incense:

• Magical Attributes:

• Metal:

• Musical Instruments: Death, Destruction, Power, Protection, Storms, True Nature, and Wind.

• Offerings:

• Planets:

• Plants:

• Sabbats:

• Stones:

• Symbols: Bag of Air

• Trees:

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     Fūjin is the Japanese god of the wind and one of the eldest Shinto gods. He is portrayed as a terrifying wizardly demon, resembling a red-headed green-skinned humanoid wearing a leopard skin, carrying a large bag of winds on his shoulders. In Japanese art, the deity is often depicted together with Raijin, the god of lightning, thunder and storms.

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     As god of the wind, Fujin is always on the move and seemingly ever-present, but he is said to be primarily visible during storms, particularly powerful typhoons, where the winds can fell trees and destroy houses. Although Fujin is seen mostly as a destructive force, he can also be associated with less intense winds that are gentle and refreshing. Therefore, compared to his brother Raijin, Fujin is somewhat less intense and more lackadaisical.

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     According to Kojiki, Fūjin and his brother Raijin were born from Izanami after she died. When Izanagi went down to Yomi to retrieve his wife, he saw her as a decaying corpse covered with demons. Izanagi rejected her, making Izanami furious, leading her and a few monsters to chase after Izanagi. Izanagi then blocked the entrance to Yomi. However, a few demons and oni escaped the underworld through a crack in the boulder, including Fūjin and his brother Raijin.

Divine Warrior

Hachiman

• Animals: Doves

• Colors:

• Elements: Wind

• Festivals/Holidays: Hojo-e 

• Food:

• Herbs:

• Incense:

• Magical Attributes: Agriculture, Archery, Fishing, Military, The People of Japan, Protection, Soldiers, and Warrior

• Metal:

• Musical Instruments:

• Offerings:

• Planets: Mars

• Plants: Lotus

• Sabbats:

• Stones:

• Symbols: Bow, Dove, and Mitsudomeo.

• Trees:

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     Hachiman is the Devine Warrior and patron and defender of Japan. In his past life, he was Emperor Ojin, son of Emperor Jingu. Mother, son, and Ojin's wife, Himegami, are venerated together as a triad at Hachimangu shrines. Hachiman may or may not also be Bishamon in disguise. Hachiman transcends boundaries: he is venerated at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Originally a shamanic spirit, he became patron of the Minamoto Clan and was revered by Samurai and Peasants alike. 

Spirit of Abundance, Fertility, Growth, & Rice

Inari Ōkami

• Animals: Dragons, Foxes, and Snakes.

• Colors: Red and White

• Elements:

• Festivals/Holidays: Autumn Equinox

• Food: Cakes, Rice, Sake, and Tea.

• Herbs: Tea Herbs.

• Incense:

• Magical Attributes: Abundance, Babies, Blacksmiths, Childbirth, Fertility, Good Health, Luck, Prosperity, Protection of Warriors, and Wealth

• Metal: Iron

• Musical Instruments:

• Offerings:  Food, Inari Fox Statues, Inarizushi (Fried Tofu with Rice), Incense, Sake, and Traditional Inari Statues).

• Planets:

• Plants:

• Sabbats: Mabon

• Stones: 

• Symbols: Fox and Voltive Torii.

• Trees: Cryptomeria and Pine

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     Inari may be Japan's most popular Kami. Over one-third of all Shinto shrines are dedicated to Inari, and that's not counting innumerable roadside and domestic shrines plus those set up in rice fields. One count suggests over forty thousand official shrines.

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     Inari is a mysterious, adaptable deity, venerated by Shintos, Buddhists, Shamans, and independent practitioners. Inari manifests as a female, male, neither, or both. Inari is extremely closely identified with foxes, although whether the fox is merely her messenger, mount, or a form of Inari is subject of bitter, passionate debate.

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     It is unclear which is the original form of Inari. It's not clear that there is an original form: it's possible that different spirits have been subsumed under that one name. The earliest documentation of Inari worship dates back to 711 CE, but scholars believe veneration began centuries before on Inari Mountain near Kyoto. The earliest form of Inari seems to have been a shamanic rice goddess. Under the influence of Buddhism, more sober male forms became prevalent; however, Inari, like her totem animal, is a shape-shifter: all forms may belong to Inari equally.

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     Originally a rural spirit, Inari made an easy transition to urbanization. Geishas, Samurai, Prostitutes, and Merchants were among those who promoted and spread her worship. Inari is petitioned for luck, wealth, abundance, food health, babies, and easy childbirth. There is little that Inari cannot provide or for which s/he is not petitioned. Inari is renowned for granting wishes of devotees and was once counted among the Shichi Fukujin, the Seven Spirits of Good Fortune.

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     Inari is incredible benevolent and generous, but s/he does have a temper and expresses zero-tolerance for disrespect. Any being powerful enough to save lives, grant fertility, and fortune, is also capable of causing harm if angered. It's crucial to always be polite in her presence or at an Inari shrine, and NEVER cause harm to foxes. If harm is caused accidentally, apologize profusely and expiate immediately. Any fox may be Inari's messenger.

The Male who Invites, Primordial God

Izanagi

• Animals:

• Colors:

• Elements:

• Festivals/Holidays:

• Food:

• Herbs:

• Incense:

• Magical Attributes: Creation, Father of the Islands of Japan, and Life.

• Metal:

• Musical Instruments:

• Offerings:

• Planets:

• Plants:

• Sabbats:

• Stones:

• Symbols:

• Trees:

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     Izanagi and Izanami, the Celestial Pair, formed the universe. They are the seventh generation of Kamiyonanayo and the children of Omodaru and Kashiko-ne. Together with Izanami, Izanagi drew the islands of Japan from the sea; in this way, the two deities effectively gave birth to the islands, which in turn are considered to be their children. The islands in this creation myth are generally thought to be Kyushu, Shikoku, and Honshu, as well as the smaller islands that surround them. Izanagi then fathered the first great generation of kami, culminating in the birth of the fire god Kagutsuchi, who killed Izanami.

     In despair, Izanagi set out for Yomi-no-Kuni, the Land of the Dead. This land was defiled and impure, full of oni and other monsters. Once there, Izanagi found a seemingly normal Izanami; when he shone a light upon her, however, he discovered that she was little more than rotting flesh, full of demons writhing like maggots. He learned she had partaken of the food of Yomi, and as such was bound to remain there for all eternity. Filled with dread, Izanagi fled from her, but Izanami pursued, sending a host of demons to catch him and inflict suffering upon the world. Knowing Izanami would devour the world if she escaped Yomi, Izanagi placed a giant boulder at the mouth of the underworld in order to prevent her return. Furious, Izanami cursed the world, saying she would kill a thousand people each day. Izanagi responded by vowing one thousand five hundred people would be born each day. Though this action, Izanagi was able to protect creation and keep the land of the living plentiful.

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     After Izanami's death and Izanagi's narrow escape from the realm of death, he cleansed and purified himself from the taint of death by bathing in a sacred river. As he bathed, Izanagi gave birth to three of the most significant Kami without female assistance:

• Amaterasu was born of his left eye.

• Tsukiyomi was born from his right eye.

• Susano'o was born from his nose.

Izanagi handed the reigns of power over to these three children:

• Amaterasu, Lady of the Sun and Supreme Ruler, was given dominion over day.

• Tsukiyomi, Lord of the Moon, was given dominion over night.

• Susano'o was given dominion over storms and sea.

Then Izanagi retired to Northwest Kyushu, where a shrine is dedicated to him and Izanami.

The Female who is Invited, Primordial Goddess

Izanami

• Animals:

• Colors:

• Elements:

• Festivals/Holidays:

• Food:

• Herbs:

• Incense:

• Magical Attributes: Creation and Death

• Metal:

• Musical Instruments:

• Offerings:

• Planets:

• Plants:

• Sabbats:

• Stones:

• Symbols: Spear

• Trees:

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     According to the creation saga told in Japanese epics, the Kojiki and Nebonshoki, in the beginning there was chaos. The primordial world was formless, fluid, and volatile. Seven generations of invisible Kami arose. In the eighth generation, Izanagi and Izanami, August Male and Female, stood on the Floating Bridge of Heaven and dipped a jeweled spear into this watery, chaotic abyss. An island, the very first land, formed, and Izanami and Izanagi descended to Earth. This primal celestial pair proceeded to create the universe.

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     When they sought to reproduce, they engaged in sacred marital rites. They built a pillar; then circled it in opposite directions. When they met face-to-face, Izanami spoke first. Their first child was a deformed, boneless, "leech baby." The couple sought council from the older Kami, who advised them that their misshapen child was punishment for incorrect marital rites. Izanagi, the male, should have spoken first. Rites were repeated according to direction, and Izanami gave birth to the Japanese Islands and various Kami. Finally she gave birth to the Kami of fire but was so badly burned in the process that she dies. Buried on Mount Hiba, she traveled to Yomi, Realm of Death.

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     Izanagi determined to bring her back, but he had no experience of death. He traveled to Yomi, expecting to find the Izanami he remembered. Instead he discovered an animated but rotting, maggot-infested corpse. He ran for his life. When he reached safety on Earth, re rolled a huge boulder over the entrance, effectively separating the realms of life and death. Izanami now rules over Yomi as its queen.

Goddess of Mount Fuji

Konohanasakuya-hime

• Animals: Dragons and Snakes.

• Colors: White

• Elements: Fire

• Festivals/Holidays:

• Food: Rice

• Herbs:

• Incense:

• Magical Attributes: Mount Fuji and Volcanoes.

• Metal:

• Musical Instruments:

• Offerings: Flowers, Incense, Pilgrimages, and Rice.

• Planets:

• Plants: Sakura Blossoms

• Sabbats:

• Stones:

• Symbols:

• Trees: Cherry Blossom

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Konohanasakuya-hime is the presiding goddess of Japan's Mount Fuji and the Kami of Blossoming Cherry Trees. the youngest daughter of the mountain spirit, Oyama Tsumi; she was given in marriage to Amaterasu's grandson, Ninigi. She conceived on their wedding night, leading him to suspect in infidelity.

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     Konohanasakuya-hime was so aggravated and affronted by his suspicions that she entered a cavern on Mount Fuji, sealed it shut and lit a fire within, announcing that if she and her child emerged unscathed, that was proof of her innocence. She successfully gave birth to her son while her home was consumed by flames. She reconciled with her husband with whom she had two more children. Konohanasakuya-hime is invoked for safe, easy childbirth and abundant milk as well as by those who seek fertility. Verious shamanic rites were associated with her shrine; amulets associated with her are prized for stimulating pregnancy and safeguarding birth.

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     Konohanasakuya-hime is a benevolent but formidable goddess who must always be approached with respect. This is meant literally: when approaching Mount Fuji, one approaches her. She slew followers of the 12th century hero Nitta Tabatsune when they trespassed in a sacred cave. Tadatsune was an exceptionally brave man but when Konohanasakuya-hime warned him to retreat or meet his fate, he took the escape route. People honor her by walking the pilgrimage route up Mount Fuji. She is also venerated at home alters.

Goddess of Good Fortune

Ōkame

• Animals:

• Colors:

• Elements:

• Festivals/Holidays:

• Food:

• Herbs:

• Incense:

• Magical Attributes: Banish Evil People, Ghosts, & Spirits, Fertility, Success, and Victory.

• Metal:

• Musical Instruments:

• Offerings: Anything with her Face on it, Incense, Plum Wine, and Sake.

• Planets:

• Plants: Ume (Plum Blossoms)

• Sabbats:

• Stones:

• Symbols:

• Trees: Blossoming Plum

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     The dance of Uzume, the shamanic strip-tease dance. Daughters of provincial aristocrats were once sent to Kyoto where they were trained to dance and perform sacred ancestors of North Kyogen, and Kabuki theater. Masks of Uzume were incorporated. Uzume eventually evolved into Okame.

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     The name Okame and Otafuku are used interchangeably:

• Okame means "tortoise", symbolic of longevity.

• Otafuku means "abundant good fortune."

     Okame is the goddess of good fortune. Her image could be placed beside the dictionary definition of good: Okame is good-natured, good-humored, good-hearted, generous, kind, serene, and patient. She doesn't process a mean bone in her body, although she is smart, strong-willed, and competent. She is not naïve but powerful, capable of shooing away evil spirits as if they were little pesky flies. She in considered the epitome of the ideal wife.

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     As with Daruma, Nang Kwak, and Maneki Neko, Okame's blessings are accessed via her images. Her face and image are ubiquitous in Japan, ornamenting the sacred and mundane. She appears as masks, statues, and amulets but also on textiles, folk art, clothing, and commercial advertising. There's even candy made in her image. Okame's face is incorporated into Japanese Kumade ("Bear Paw") maulets: bamboo rakes that gather good luck and prosperity.

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     Okame may look like a mundane house-wife, but she's the great goddess Uzume in disguise. She's still an erotic spirit. Many sacred amulets and images depict her in various states of undress. Sometimes she exposes her vulva. Erotic images of Okame may be found at the bottom of sake cups.

God of Mount Miwa

Ōmononushi

• Animals: Snakes

• Colors:

• Elements: Water

• Festivals/Holidays:

• Food: Rice and Sake

• Herbs:

• Incense:

• Magical Attributes: Agriculture, Brewing, Business, Medicine, Nation Building, Seafaring, and Warding off Evil.

• Metal:

• Musical Instruments:

• Offerings:

• Planets:

• Plants:

• Sabbats:

• Stones:

• Symbols: Snake

• Trees:

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     Ōmononushi is a kami in Japanese mythology associated with Mount Miwa (also known as Mount Mimoro) in Sakurai, Nara Prefecture.

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     He is the guardian of human life, cooperating with Sukuanhikona-no-mikoto to cultivate the land and develop all forms of industry including agriculture, industry and commerce, and contrived to augment social welfare including curing disease, manufacturing medicine, and marriage. Afterwards, he attached his soul, (Saki-mitama and Kushimitama) to Mount. Miwa. Because of this, the whole mountain is worshiped and there is no one definitive shrine dedicated to Ōmononushi.

Spirit of Thunder and Lightning

Raijin

• Animals:

• Colors: Red

• Elements: Air and Fire

• Festivals/Holidays:

• Food: Rice

• Herbs:

• Incense:

• Magical Attributes: Agriculture, Lightning, Storms, and Thunder.

• Metal:

• Musical Instruments: Drums

• Offerings:

• Planets: Earth

• Plants:

• Sabbats:

• Stones:

• Symbols: Drums and Tomeo

• Trees:

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     Raijin is the god of thunder, lightning, and their accompanying noise and electricity. Thunder is the sound of Raijin beating his drums. Buddhist cosmology classifies Raijin as a demon who now protects the Dharma. He is credited with saving Japan from Mongolian invasion in 1274. He sat on a cloud and directed endless lightning bolts at the Mongolian ships. Raijin's constant companions including Fujin, an ancient wind god, and Raiju, the thunder beast, essence of electricity.

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     Raijin is the bringer of rain, a boon to farmers. When drought came to Japan, it was said that Raijin was either slacking off or imprisoned, as depicted in one kabuki play. He is also the protector of temples and shrines. In Shinto and Buddhism, Raijin is a warrior-protector who brings both destruction and life, illustrating how the two are deeply connected. It is said that Raijin’s lightning, when it struck a crop, would produce a bountiful yield.

     Raijin is more a trickster than a malevolent figure. Stories depict him as being unwilling to listen to priests, monks, or even the Emperor of Japan, yet he is very much answerable to other deities and to the revered Buddhist figures known as bodhisattva, who are on the path to enlightenment and Buddhahood.

The Thunder Animal

Raiju

• Animals: All Insects & Sea Creatures, Badger, Bears, Bats, Boar, Cats, Civets, Deer, Elephants, Foxes,  Leopards, Martens, Mongoose, Monkeys, Pangolins, Porcupine, Rabbits, Rats, Rhinoceros, Squirrels, Tanuki, Tapir, Tigers, Weasels

• Colors: Blue

• Elements: Fire

• Festivals/Holidays:

• Food:

• Herbs:

• Incense:

• Magical Attributes: Lightning, Shape-shifting, and Thunder.

• Metal:

• Musical Instructions:

• Offerings:

• Planets:

• Plants:

• Sabbats:

• Stones:

• Symbols: Blue Wolf, 

• Trees:

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     Raiju, the thunder animal, is Raijin's companion or possible his pet. Raiju is usually calm, peaceful, and docile but he gets electrified during thunderstorms, leaping about wildly. Lightning damage to trees, buildings, or monuments may be ascribed to his claws. Riaju may be the essence and spirit of electricity.

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     Riaju's true form is believed to be a fireball or ball of electricity, but he is a shape-shifter. Riaju manifests in the guise of animals like cats, weasels, or tanuki. Sometimes Riaju flies in the form of a blue wolf. Although he may physically resemble a loup-garou, the flying wolf associated with lightning balls, Riaju doesn't demonstrate any of its antisocial tendencies. With the exception of lightning damage, the worst thing Raiju does is make himself tiny enough to sleep in people's navels, a favorite napping spot. He does little damage himself, but his absence may attract Riajin's attention. Riajin, who knows all Riaju's favorite spots to nap, shoots arrows at belly buttons to souse him from slumber-in the process injuring the human host. The traditional solution? Keep your belly button covered while you sleep.

Dragon King of the Sea

Ryujin

• Animals: All Sea Creatures and Dragons

• Colors: Red and White

• Elements: Water

• Festivals/Holidays:

• Food:

• Herbs:

• Incense:

• Magical Attributes: Fertility, Good Health, 

• Metal:

• Musical Instruments:

• Offerings:

• Planets:

• Plants:

• Sabbats:

• Stones: Coral

• Symbols: Dragon and The Tide Jewels.

• Trees:

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     Ryujin, the Japanese Dragon of the Sea, rules an underwater realm from his luxurious palace at the bottom of the sea. He is known as a gracious host who welcomes guests to his home. His palace, known as Ryugu and constructed from crystal and coral, is rumored to be located near Japan's Ryuku islands.

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     Ryujin is served by an entourage of sea creatures, including octopi, jellyfish, and turtles. He is incredibly wealthy, bestowing fertility, good health, and prosperity to those he favors. Ryujin rules the tide and controls storms and is invoked for safety on land and sea.

Goddess of Water

Suijin

• Animals: All Water Animals

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• Elements: Water

• Festivals/Holidays: May 5th

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• Magical Attributes: Childbirth, Children, Farming, Fertility, Fishing, Motherhood, and Women.

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• Offerings: Cucumbers

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     Suijin is the goddess of water and ruler of all spirits associated with water. She also has dominion over fish, snakes, and eels. Like rice deity, Inari, Suijin may manifest in female or male forms, although the female seems to be the older or original version. Suijin and Inari are often invoked together to provide and guard an abundant rice harvest. Suijin is invoked against storms, floods, and mudslides.

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     Suijin is invoked with all forms of water, from oceans to ponds, rivers, and even stagnant pools on your lawn. 

She has dominion over water in your tap and water in the sewer. Suijin is a gracious, benevolent spirit, invoked for safety when traveling on or in water. She protects against drowning and offers children special protection. Amulets bearing her name allegedly protect against shipwreck.

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     Water spirits are traditionally linked with human fertility, and Suijin is no exception. She has dominion over conception, pregnancy, and childbirth. Her blessings are invoked for easy, pain-free labor. Although many shrines are dedicated to Suijin, she is also a popular household spirit; the focal point of home altars.

Lord of Water, Storms, & Thunder

Susano'o

• Animals: Dragons

• Colors:

• Elements: Air and Water

• Festivals/Holidays:

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• Magical Attributes: Seas, Slaying Dragons, Storms, Summer Storms, and Underworld.

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• Symbols: Sword

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     Susano'o is Amaterasu's wild brother. It was his violence that sent Amaterasu fleeing to her cave. Simplified mythology books paint Susano'o as a "bad" god who creates havoc from sheer malice, but his actions stem from a commonly overlooked root reason. Susano'o is Amaterasu's rival for dominion over Japan and rulership of the Kami.

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     There are different versions of exactly what precipitated of crisis: although Susano'o has dominion over the sea, he was jealous of Amaterasu and challenged her authority. An alternative version suggests a friendly competition gone wrong. The two had a contest to see which possessed greater fertility power. Although technically Susano'o won in terms of numbers, Amaterasu claimed victory based on interpretation of the value of what was created.

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     Outraged, Susano'o went on the rampage that led to Amaterasu retreating from the world. After Amaterasu emerged from cave, her victory was confirmed. Susano'o was punished by being banishe from the celestial regions. He came to live on Earth where, in another famous myth, he rescues a youth girl from an eight-headed dragon, then marries her and founds a dynasty. Susano'o pulled a sword from out of the dragon's belly or tail, which he eventually presented to Amaterasu as a reconciliation gift. That sword is one of the three treasures of Japan.

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     Susano'o is volatile, emotional, passionate, and prone to temper tantrums, but he is also generous, courageous, clever, and afraid of nothing. He is a great musician and a repository of occult knowledge. Susano'o is credited with inventing fermentation and alcoholic beverages (initially in order to sedate that dragon.) He is a powerful god and, as his legend testifies, invoked for fertility and abundance. Susano'o protects against epidemics, but he can also send them. Susano'o has access to the realm of death and some influence in the area.

God of Swords

Takemikazuchi

• Animals: Catfish

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• Magical Attributes: Abundance, Alcohol Making, Conquest, Fertility, Magic, Occult Knowledge, Sumo, and Thunder.

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• Symbols: Sword

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     Takemikazuchi is considered a god of thunder and a sword god. He also competed in what is considered the first sumo wrestling match recorded in history. He is otherwise known as "The kami of Kashima"" (Kashima-no-kami), the chief deity revered in the Kashima Shrine at Kashima, Ibaraki (and all other subsidiary Kashima shrines). In the namazu-e or catfish pictures of the Edo period, Takemikazuchi/Kashima is depicted attempting to subdue the giant catfish supposedly dwelling at the kaname-ishi of the Japanese landmass and causing its earthquakes.

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     In the Kamiumi ("birth of the gods") episodes of the Kojiki, the god of creation Izanagi severs the head of the fire deity Kagu-tsuchi, whereupon the blood from the sword (Totsuka-no-Tsurugi) splattered the rocks and gave birth to several deities. The blood from the sword-tip engendered one triad of deities, and the blood from near the base of the blade produced another triad that included Takemikazuchi (here given as "Brave-Awful-Possessing-Male-Deity" by Chamberlain).

     The name of the ten-fist sword wielded by Izanagi is given postscripturally as Ame-no-ohabari, otherwise known as Itsu-no-ohabari.

God of Wind, Water, & Agriculture

Takeminakata

• Animals: Dragons and Snakes

• Colors:

• Elements: Air and Water

• Festivals/Holidays: Misayama Festival and Ontosai

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• Magical Attributes: Agriculture, Hunting, Warfare, Water, and Wind.

• Metal: Iron

• Musical Instruments:

• Offerings: Animal Sacrifices and Ritual Hunting.

• Planets: Earth

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• Symbols: Nagikame (Snake-shaped iron Sickle blade)

• Trees:

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     Takeminakata is historically worshiped as a god of wind, water and agriculture, as well as a patron of hunting and warfare, in which capacity he enjoyed a particularly fervent cult from various samurai clans during the medieval period such as the Hōjō or the Takeda. Takeminakata was also held to be the mythical ancestor of certain families who once served at the shrine as priests, foremost among them being the Suwa clan, the high priests of the Upper Shrine of Suwa who were also revered as living vessels of the god.

     Whereas in the Kojiki (ca. 712 CE) and later derivative accounts, Takeminakata appears as one of the sons of the god Ōkuninushi who fled to Lake Suwa after being defeated by the warrior god Takemikazuchi, other myths (mostly of medieval origin) instead offer alternative explanations regarding the god of Suwa Shrine's origins and identity, portraying him either as an interloper who conquered Suwa by defeating the local kami, as a king from India who manifested in Japan, or as a snake or dragon deity.

Goddess of Divine Meals

Toyouke-Ōmikami

• Animals:

• Colors:

• Elements: Earth and Water

• Festivals/Holidays:

• Food: All Food, especially Grains.

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• Magical Attributes: Agriculture and Industry.

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• Offerings: Rice

• Planets: Earth

• Plants: Rice Paddies

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     Toyouke-Ōmikami is the goddess of agriculture and industry in the Shinto religion. Originally enshrined in the Tanba region of Japan, she was called to reside at Gekū, Ise Shrine, about 1,500 years ago at the age of Emperor Yūryaku to offer sacred food to Amaterasu Ōmikami, the Sun Goddess.

Dragon Princess of the Sea

Toyotama-Hime

• Animals: Dragons and Turtles

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• Elements: Water

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• Magical Attributes: Fertility and Safe Childbirth

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     Toyotama-hime (literally “Princess Toyotama”) is a dragon princess, the daughter of Ryujin, Dragon King of the Sea. She married Hikoho-hodemi no Mikoto (also known as Hoori), youngest of Konohana and Ninigi’s sons. He lived with her in a palace beneath the sea for three years but then became homesick. Although pregnant, Toyotama-hime returned to Earth with him. She made him swear not to watch her while she was giving birth but to give her privacy. He broke his promise: she transformed into a dragon in labor, her true form.

     Angered by this betrayal, Toyotama-hime abandoned Hoori and returned to the sea, where she remains. She sent her sister Tamayori-hime to raise and guard her son. Aunt and nephew eventually married. Their child became Emperor Jimmu, first emperor of Japan.

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     According to the Ryugu Fellowship, a Shinto sect also known as the Dragon Princess cult, Toyotama-hime is humanity’s true savior. They believe their founder, the shaman Fujita Himiko, to be an avatar of Toyotama-hime.

Moon Night Possessor

Tsukuyomi-Mikoto

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• Elements: Water

• Festivals/Holidays:

• Food: Barley Cakes and Honey

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• Offerings: Food, Moon Watching, Rituals, and Water.

• Planets: Moon

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• Symbols: Mirror

• Trees:

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     Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto is the moon god in the Shinto religion and estranged husband of the sun goddess Amaterasu. A proud but violent deity, his killing of Uke Mochi and consequent separation from his wife were the origins of day and night. However, there is so little known about Tsukuyomi that even their sex is unknown. Still, in Man'yōshū, Tsukuyomi's name is sometimes rendered as Tsukuyomi Otoko, implying that they are male.

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     After the primordial mother Izanami died while giving birth to the fire Kami, her brother/lover alter ego Izanagi traveled to Yomi, the realm of death after her. As he didn't yet comprehend death -a new concept- he expected to find her as she was when she was alive. Instead he fled from her rotting corpse. Izanagi was defiled by contact with death, and so upon reaching safety, he ritually bathed to purify himself. Tsukuyomi emerged when Izanagi bathed his right eye. Amaterasu emerged from the left eye, and Susano'o from Izanagi's nose. They are the Three Noble Children. Izanagi proclaimed Tsukuyomi to be ruler of night.

The Mountain Crone