Restoration of the Sun       

With the recent total eclipse, I thought I’d share with you one of the significant stories in Shinto. I revolves around Amaterasu Ō Mikami, the Kami of the Sun, her brother Susanō, and Ame no Uzume no Mikoto.

Legend in the Kojiki tells us that there was a great dispute between Amatersu Ō Mikami (kami of the sun) and her brother Susanō no Mikoto. Susanō committed outrageous acts that deeply offended Amaterasu. In her grief and anger, she retreated into Ama no Iwato (the Heavenly Rock Cave) which plunged the world into darkness!

Without sunlight, life begins to wither. Thus, the other kami gathered and convened to entice Amaterasu out of the cave.

Ame no Uzume no Mikoto—known for her clever wit—performed a humorous and enticing dance. This caused the other kami to laugh and cheer.

At the same time, the kami placed a large mirror in a nearby Sakaki tree, alongside magatama jewels and other offerings.

Amaterasu, of course, could not understand how the other kami could be so festive and gay when she—the main kami of Heaven—was not present. She peeked out of the cave to survey the situation.

Seeing the mirror, Amaterasu initially believed another shining kami was present. She emerged further to investigate, and at that moment the kami placed a shimenawa (sacred rope) across the cave entrance to prevent her from retreating again.

With Amaterasu out of the cave, light was again restored to the world and all was well!

What do we learn from this?

Darkness brings uneasiness.  During an eclipse, animals are restless and out of sorts. Humans, as well, often have strong emotion responses to an eclipse, even though in modern times we understand the planetary motions.

The word “eclipse” comes from a Greek word meaning “abandonment.” Light has abandoned us.

Which takes us back to the story of Amaterasu and the gathering of the other kami to restore illumination to the world. The joyous return of light and order.

The legend also paints a scene of clever persuasion—this is a hallmark  trait of Ame no Uzume no Mikoto. A facet of her disposition that draws so many of close. To give us courage, determination, and creativity when facing challenging situations in our daily lives.

The small forested area west of the Haiden (the area we walk through on the way to the misogi beach) is now a lovely enclave for Ame no Uzume no Mikoto.

We invite you to come experience the stillness. The brightness.