Immanent Spirit Within
I recently had an interesting discussion about spirituality being immanent or transcendent.
Omamori
Omamori (お守り) are amulets for protection and blessings. The word “omamori” can be translated to “to protect” or “to guard.”
Shichi-Go-San
It’s fun! It’s festive!
Shichi Go San is a special Shinto ceremony in gratitude for the safe growth and development of children at these ages.
Kinomori Jinja Taisai
Kinomori Jinja shrine
Chanting with Vibration
Chanting prayer is a multi-faceted experience.
New Life as a Manifestation of Kami
New life, whether it’s the birth of a human of the growth of plants and animals—is an expression of divinity. It is mystical, without doubt.
More Shrines
The Mikoshi is a portable shrine, traditionally used for 祭 Matsuri festivals. The kami are transferred into the Mikoshi for the festival, and are carried around as part of the celebration. Weighing over 500 lbs, we carried this up the boat ramp at low tide! Having it safely placed inside the haiden was a cause for celebration!
Summer Solstice: a Fresh Start
It’s no accident that one of the year’s most important purification rituals takes place at the end of June. We’re halfway through the year already. Time to pause. Reflect on what’s gone well. And what hasn’t. Shinto is all about gratitude. And purification to move forward with the brightness and renewal of our ki, our […]
Transferring Kami to Shin Mei
Above: Guji Yukiyasu Yamamoto, 97th generation High Priest of Tsubaki Grand Shrine
Mystery and Awe
Above: Ame no Uzume no Mikoto dances to coax Amaterasu no O Kami out of the Rock Cave
標縄 Shimenawa
Above: Shimenawa and shide, Kinomori Jinja
May Peace Prevail on Earth
When we think and pray ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth,’ all people are embraced by those deep and vast words of love, even though we may not be praying for them directly. All the people who are unloved, all the people who are unforgiven, all the innocent children, all the tiny organisms whom no one […]
Lakota Creations
In the Lakota tradition, a person who is grieving is considered most wakan, most holy. There’s a sense that when someone is struck by the sudden lightning of loss, he or she stands on the threshold of the spirit world. The prayers of those who grieve are considered especially strong, and it is proper to […]