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Shintoism, the enduring belief system that has shaped the Japanese way of life for centuries. Shintoism is an Ancient religion of Japan. Shinto (literally “the way of the Kami/gods”) is Japan’s native belief system and predates historical records. It is thought to have started at least as long ago as 1000 B.C.E. but is still practiced today by at least five million people.  And yet, Shinto is relatively unknown among the religions of the world. Shintoism is a celebration of life, focusing on the here and now rather than the afterlife. As we explore the world of Shintoism, we uncover not just a religion, but a way of living, a lens through which the Japanese people view their relationship with the world around them.

History

Although the exact origin of this native religion is unknown, many say that it started around the 3rd century BC. during the Jomon periodIn fact, Shinto did not start out as a formal religion. The belief mainly consisted of rituals and stories about a spiritual and cultural world that allowed people to better understand the world around them.

The ancient Japanese clan Yamato initially believed in Shinto only as a tribal religion but, as they grew in number, proceeded to propagate it as a means to establish and solidify their reign. 

In the 6th century with the arrival of Buddhism from China, Shinto began to incorporate some Buddhist practices. The pantheons of both religions were expanded so that Buddhist figures adopted complementary Shinto identities and Shinto kami were thought to strive toward Buddhist enlightenment. 

Shinto coexisted very well with Buddhism for centuries, as it was considered as an aspect of Japanese life as opposed to a competing religion. Throughout its history, Shinto has coexisted and syncretized with Buddhism, in a belief system known as Shugendo.

It came to be considered a religion during the Meiji period. Notably, during the Meiji Restoration, Shinto was used to promote Japanese nationalism, a period that significantly impacted its role in society.

At that time, many Shinto shrines were supported by state funding for a brief period. However, after World War II, the emperor lost his divine status and then Shinto and Buddhism were separated.

During this period, it became unacceptable that Shinto Kami were associated with Buddhist deities, so Buddhist images and rituals were removed from shrines and Buddhist monks were replaced by Shinto priests.

Nowadays, it has returned to its roots as a more personal and community-focused tradition following the post-World War II separation of religion and state.

Sacred Scriptures

Although Shintoism has no officially recognised scripture, two notable books are regarded as sacred due to their historical value i.e. Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters) and Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan). The earliest existing manuscripts of these books date back to 712 and 720 CE, respectively, and both are compilations of ancient Shinto’s oral traditions, mythology, and folklore. No ancient scripture exists which documents or verifies the religious teachings of Shinto. The Kojiki and Nihon Shoki convey the details surrounding Shintoism’s creation myth in the birth and establishment of the Japanese Islands, but both seem to differ radically in elements of the narrative.

Kojiki: Completed in 712 CE, the Kojiki is Japan’s oldest extant chronicle. Written in a mixture of Chinese characters and phonetic transcription of spoken Japanese, it compiles myths, legends, and oral traditions, along with genealogies of the imperial family. The Kojiki is a primary source for Shinto mythology and is revered for its detailed accounts of the kami and the creation of Japan.

Nihon Shoki: Completed in 720 CE, the Nihon Shoki is the second oldest book of classical Japanese history. It is more formal and comprehensive than the Kojiki and was written in classical Chinese. The Nihon Shoki details the history of Japan from a mythological and legendary perspective, starting from the creation of the world and covering the first 34 emperors.

Unlike central religious texts that dictate doctrine and moral codes, the Nihon Shoki and Kojiki are more like cultural and historical records. They provide insights into the early beliefs, practices, and societal structures of Japan, rather than serving as guiding scriptures for spiritual life.

Shinto Temples

Apart from festivals, practicing Shinto doesn’t have a specific dynamic. Believers can practice Shinto any day of the week, in public or private Shinto temples. Also, they can have a specific kami shelf, called kami-dana where offerings to spirits are placed. Anyone can enter the public Shinto temple as long as they perform a purification ritual at the gates.

Both men and women can become Shinto priests (Jichinsai) and can decide whether to marry and / or have children. Jichinsai are often called upon to bless objects such as cars, houses and new buildings. Many births, weddings and other ceremonies throughout life are performed by them in Shinto shrines.However, funerals often follow Buddhist traditions. In other words, most events related to “life” are in charge of Shinto rituals, while events related to “death” or “life after death” are in charge of Buddhist rituals. The way I like to look at it and view it is, you live shinto and die buddhist when you blend the two especially if you practice segundo.

 You will recognize Shinto shrines from afar, by a distinctive gate composed of two crossbars and two pillars. This conspicuous gateway to the shrine represents the barrier that separates the world of spirits from our daily world. More often than not an animal is placed at the sides of each gate, to protect it. It is estimated that there are over 100,000 Shinto temples in Japan. 

Shinto practitioners will tell you that there are eight million kami, which is not a specific number but rather a synonym for infinity. Spirits Izanami and Izanagi represent the first men and first women, and all other spirits and gods are believed to be their offspring. The sun goddess Amaterasu, is considered the most important kami. God of agriculture and rice, Hachiman, god of war Inari, and Tenjin, the spirit of education and literature, are also popular.

Significance of Emperors

The Emperor and ruler of Japan holds a significant rank in Shintoism. According to early Shinto mythology, the Emperor was previously regarded as divine because he was a representative of the Kami and a conveyer of their words. A descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu, named Jinmu (alt. Jimmu), is said to have become the first human Emperor of Japan. Folklore depicts that Jinmu inherited the magical powers and sacred treasures of the Kami and carried out the task of unifying the Japanese Islands. All subsequent emperors in Shinto history have been direct descendents of Jinmu.

Beliefs

Shinto has no religious text or a founder, it represents a set of principles that can be practiced side by side with any other religion. It grew organically from the animistic beliefs of the Japanese people, venerating the natural world and the kami, within it. 

In more recent years, people consider Shinto more as a tradition than a religion, partly because Japanese society is very non-religious. Shintoism is deeply rooted in the Japanese people and their cultural activities. Unlike many religions, Shintoism does not have a founder or honor a single God. There is also no holy book like the Bible or sacred place to pray  which is why it hasn’t really left Japan that much and you will find very few temples outside of Japan. Believers in shinto don’t feel the need to convert and/ or preach their beliefs to others in the desire to spread a sacred or holy text.

The many practices, attitudes, and institutions that have developed to make up Shinto revolve around the Japanese land and seasons and their relation with the human inhabitants. Shinto beliefs toward nature include the recognition of a divine spirit (kami) in venerable old trees, large mountains, and tall waterfalls, as well as celebrations of the highlights of each season. 

Shinto is polytheistic for worshiping many deities, as well as having an animistic view for believing that animals and inanimate beings have a spiritual essence.

One of the core principles of Shintoism is that Shintoism  is a philosophy and practice that teaches people how to appreciate and live in harmony with nature. Shinto emphasizes worshiping and thankfulness to the land, and natural elements, simultaneously reminding us that we are a part of nature and that we can elevate our spirit only if we reconnect to our surroundings.

Shinto is an animalistic religion since animals are considered to carry the spirits of the dead, which act as guardians of their successors. Apart from protecting their families, some spirits are also the guardians of the land, with various skills and occupations. If life is lived in accordance with the Shinto principles, the followers will get protection and approval from spirits. Shinto also favors truthfulness, which can be seen in everything that people do, whether it’s their career or relationships when they do it the best they can and with a true heart.

Kami

The concept of kami lies at the heart of Shinto. These spiritual entities, omnipresent in nature, are not gods in a Western sense but are revered as sacred spirits of places, natural phenomena, ancestors, and historical figures. 

Kami are omnipresent, with each having their own unique character. This diversity reflects the natural world’s richness, from grand natural formations to local landscapes. Some Kami have a national presence in the collective consciousness of Japan, while others hold significance in local communities.

The relationship between humans and Kami is characterized by reciprocity and respect. People engage in festivals, rituals, and offerings to honor the Kami, seeking their blessings, guidance, and protection in return. This interaction is an acknowledgment of the harmony between humans and the spiritual realm.

Kami manifest in various forms, often symbolized in nature or represented by animals, like the fox as the messenger of Inari, the Kami of fertility and prosperity.

The interaction with these kami forms the core of Shinto practices, which are carried out in numerous shrines across Japan. These shrines, or jinja, marked by the iconic torii gate, serve as gateways to the sacred, blending the physical and spiritual worlds.

Kami are also thought to be the spirits of the dead. In other words, when a person dies, they become kami, and the kami of important people is held in Shinto shrines. Once a human being dies, it is said that he becomes a Kami and should be remembered by his living descendants.

Not all Kami are considered good, however, and the goal is to ward off evil Kami. The Kami are seen as beings who exhibit qualities of harmony and cooperation and who assist people in accomplishing their objectives.  Shintoists seek and worship the respective Kami who are particular to their needs and wishes.

KANNAGARA

Kannagara is the idea of living in harmony with the kami and essentially flowing with the natural order of the universe. It’s about aligning one’s life with the rhythms and principles that the kami represent.

The principle of Kannagara suggests that every action, thought, and aspect of daily life should be in accordance with the way of the kami. This includes showing respect for nature, participating in communal activities, and maintaining purity in both a physical and spiritual sense.

Purification

 Traditionally, Shinto also involves purification rites and customs to overcome the polluting effects of death and decay. Unlike many other religions, in Shinto, there is no right and wrong, per se. People are considered good and evil is caused by evil spirits. In order to keep themselves away from the evil spirits, believers must perform rituals of purification, prayers, and offerings. Purification is seen as a way to get rid of the impurities of the inner mind.

However, Shinto does not speak of  a moral code, lacks religious scriptures, and does not conceive of a life after death. Shinto places great emphasis not only on personal virtues such as loyalty and honesty, but also on achieving “makoto no kokoro” (“a heart of truth”). As a basic attitude towards life, it is generally considered more important to achieve purity of heart, upon which one’s personal virtues are naturally manifested

KEGARE

Kegare is a fundamental concept in Shintoism that addresses the idea of impurity, but it’s important to understand it within the unique context of Shinto beliefs. Kegare is not necessarily moral wrongdoing or “sin” in the way many Western religions perceive it; instead, it’s a natural state of impurity that can affect people, objects, and spaces, disrupting the harmony in the world.

In Shinto, kegare is often associated with certain life processes that are considered to disrupt the natural order. This includes natural occurrences like death, childbirth, illness, and menstruation. Again, it’s important to note that these events are not seen as bad. They are simply part of the natural cycle of life that can cause a temporary state of spiritual imbalance.

To address kegare, Shinto practices include various purification rites such as Misogi and Harae. Essentially, these rituals are aimed at restoring purity.

KIYOME

The sense of purity, or Kiyome, is integral in maintaining a harmonious relationship with the natural world, the kami, and the broader community.

In Shinto, natural elements like rivers, mountains, and forests are revered as sacred and inherently pure. This reverence extends to the kami, who are believed to reside in these natural spaces.

Maintaining purity is thus crucial for a harmonious relationship with the kami.

Beyond the physical aspect, Shinto also places a strong emphasis on mental and ethical purity. This involves nurturing sincerity, a clear conscience, and positive intentions in one’s actions and thoughts.

Living in harmony with others and nature, and avoiding negative emotions, is considered essential in upholding purity.

MUSUBI

Musubi represents the power of creation, and it plays a role in the understanding of how life and the universe are interconnected.

Musubi can be translated to mean “tying together“, but its significance goes far beyond these simple definitions. It’s the coming together of elements to create something new and the natural forces that drive growth and development. 

This concept is seen as a fundamental force in the universe, one that governs not just the physical world but also the spiritual realms.

In the context of Shinto, Musubi is often associated with the kami. It’s believed that the kami themselves are manifestations of Musubi, embodying the creative and harmonizing energy of the universe. 

This energy is what brings things into existence, sustains them, and allows them to flourish. Everything in the universe, from the largest celestial body to the smallest human action, is connected through this divine interplay of creation and growth.

AFTERLIFE

Unlike religions with detailed doctrines on the afterlife, Shintoism focuses more on life and living in harmony with nature and the kami. The concept of an afterlife in Shinto is not clearly defined, and there isn’t a strong focus on what happens to an individual after death.

However, Shinto does acknowledge the continuation of the spirit after death. Spirits, or reikon, are believed to exist beyond physical demise. Ancestral spirits are particularly significant, with the belief that ancestors watch over their descendants. Festivals like Obon honor these ancestral spirits

Shintoism maintains a unique stance on death. Death is considered a form of kegare. Consequently, traditional Shinto practices do not involve funeral rites (and even when they do, they are largely derived from Buddhist practices), which are instead typically conducted under Buddhist customs in Japan, again this is the syncretic relationship between Shinto and Japanese Buddhism in action.

FOUR AFFIRMATIONS

The Four Affirmations in Shintoism are a set of principles that encapsulate the core ethos of the Shinto faith. These affirmations are not formal doctrines, but they effectively convey the underlying values of Shinto.

Tradition and the Family: The emphasis here is on the importance of ancestral heritage and the continuity of cultural and family customs. This includes honoring ancestors and recognizing the role of family kami in daily life.

Love of Nature: This principle embodies the belief that the natural world is sacred and that kami are present in all natural elements. It’s not just about appreciating nature but also about living in harmony with it and taking on a stewardship role towards the environment.

Physical Cleanliness: Cleanliness in Shinto goes beyond physical cleanliness; it’s closely linked to spiritual purity. Regular purification rituals are essential in Shinto practice, reflecting the belief that maintaining a clean body and environment is integral to spiritual well-being.

Festival: Festivals (Matsuri) are occasions to honor the kami and to reinforce community bonds. Matsuri are celebrated to mark the changing seasons, significant life events, and historical moments..

FIVE ELEMENTS

The concept of the Five Elements in Shintoism, though not as central as in some other Eastern philosophies like in Feng Shui and Hinduism, still plays a significant role in understanding the natural world and its relation to spiritual beliefs. These elements are seen as fundamental aspects of the universe:

Chi (Earth): Represents solidity, stability, and nourishment. It is the foundation upon which all things rest and grow. In Shinto, the earth is revered as a source of life, providing the environment for nature and humanity to thrive.

Sui (Water): Symbolizes fluidity, purification, and the flow of life. Water is crucial in Shinto purification rituals, used to cleanse both the physical body and the spiritual essence. It is also revered for its life-sustaining properties and its constant, flowing nature.

Ka (Fire): Embodies energy, transformation, and vitality. Fire is often used in Shinto rituals as a purifying force, burning away impurities and conveying prayers to the kami. It represents the dynamic and consuming aspects of nature.

Fu (Wind): Signifies movement, change, and the unseen. Wind in Shinto is often considered a messenger of the kami, carrying blessings and vital life forces. It symbolizes the invisible yet powerful forces at work in the world.

Ku (Void): Represents the spiritual realm, the infinite, and the source of all potential. This element transcends the physical, embodying the essence of existence and the connection to the kami. It is the space where spiritual insight and enlightenment reside.

Creation Myth and Rituals

Shinto beliefs and rituals are founded mainly upon creation myths surrounding the birth and development of the sacred Japanese Islands. It is said that Izanagi and Izanami (Heaven and Earth) were a pair who gave birth to the Japanese Islands and various deities. The sun goddess Amaterasu was produced from the left eye of Izanagi and the moon god Tsuki Yomi from his right. We are going to talk about this a lot more next time though so just hang in there until there!

Practices of Shintoism

Shintoism has plenty of practices that are culturally ingrained to the Japanese daily life. These practices are diverse, ranging from personal rituals to community-wide festivals. Key practices include:

Misogi: This is a purification rite that involves cleansing the body, particularly in a natural body of water like a river, waterfall, or the sea. Misogi is believed to cleanse both physical and spiritual impurities.

Harae: Another form of purification, harae is a broader ritual that can involve various methods, such as waving a white paper wand (harai-gushi) or a branch of the sacred sakaki tree over someone.

Visiting Shrines: These visits involve paying respects to the kami, making offerings (like money, food, or sake), and praying for blessings, guidance, or purification.

Omamori and Ofuda: These are amulets and talismans acquired from shrines. Omamori are protective charms that people carry with them, while ofuda are talismans placed in homes or offices for blessings.

Kagura: Traditional ritual dances and music known as kagura are performed at some shrines and during certain festivals. Kagura is considered to be a way of entertaining the kami and is often accompanied by ancient music.

kamidana:a miniature Shinto shrine designed for home worship

How to create a Kamidana

The most important part of the kamidana is the ofuda, お札. This is the paper or wood charm that is imbued with kami essence and it functions as the central point of veneration. It is housed inside a miniature replica of a Shinto shrine building called an omiya, お宮.

The other accessories that accompany the kamidana are called shingu 神具, which can be translated as “spirit tools” or “items for worship.” These include:

Sakaki 榊 – Two branches of sakaki are placed either side of the kamidana. Sakaki is a type of Japanese evergreen tree and is sacred in Shinto; the kanji for sakaki is in fact made up of the characters for tree 木 and kami 神. It’s common these days for people to display artificial sakaki with their kamidana. This might seem a little strange, but it has the advantage that it doesn’t need to be changed or watered. For people living outside Japan where no sakaki grows, artificial sakaki leaves like these are a good solution

Sakaki-tate 榊立 – Small, white vases for displaying sakaki leaves. In cases where real plants are used, the water in the sakaki-tate should be changed regularly and the plants should be disposed as soon as they start to wither.

Kagari-bi 篝火 – Candle holder, also called rōsoku-tate, ローソク立. They are designed for burning tiny white candles (rōsoku) which are lit whenever you visit the kamidana for prayers.

Kumo 雲 – This is just a piece of paper with the Japanese kanji for cloud, kumo, written on it. This is for fixing above the kamidana when it is not possible to position the kamidana in the highest point of the house; it’s sort of a way of acknowledging to the kami that they should be enshrined at the highest point but regrettably circumstances may prevent you from doing so.

Torii 鳥居 – Torii are “gateways” that you’ll find at the entrance Shinto shrines. They symbolise the separation of the mundane world from the sacred world of the shrine. They are particularly ubiquitous at Inari shrines, where they are usually painted red.

Heishi 瓶子 – Little bottles for offering nihonshū (aka sake), Japanese rice wine.  This only really needs to be offered on special occasions, like New Year’s Day. Sake can sometimes be hard to find outside Japan, so other beverages are also acceptable. Be warned though – the size and shape of the heishi make them rather hard to clean, and this, coupled by the fact that they are usually white in colour, means that you should avoid putting in drinks that might stain, like red wine.

Shinko 神狐 – Statues of the (usually white) foxes that are said to be the messengers of Inari Ōkami. For kamidana enshrining other kami, you might find statues of komainu (“lion dogs,” sometimes called “foo dogs” in the west) instead.

Shinkyō 神鏡 – “Sacred mirror.” In a way, this represents the kami themselves, as mirrors are often used in Shinto shrines as a yorishiro – an object into which a kami can be attracted. As it reflects back the devotee’s reflection, the mirror is also said to play the role of reflecting the devotee’s sincerity to the kami.

Mizutama 水玉 – A little bottle for offering water. When offering it to the kami the top is removed, and then replaced once prayers are finished. Devotees should aim to replace the water every day.

 Hirazara 平皿 – Most sets of shingu include two small flat dishes, called hirazara. One is filled with rice and goes on the left, while the other is filled with salt and goes on the right. Ideally these too should be replaced every day, but once a week also seems to be acceptable.

There are many other shingu that can be used to honour the kami, but these are the basics.

Shinto Symbols

Shintoism uses various symbols to represent its core concepts. For instance:

Torii Gate: Perhaps the most recognizable symbol of Shinto, the torii gate marks the entrance to a sacred space, separating the physical world from the spiritual realm. It’s typically found at the entrance to Shinto shrines.

Shimenawa and Shide: Shimenawa are sacred ropes, often made of straw, which are used to demarcate holy spaces. Shide, the zigzag-shaped paper streamers often attached to shimenawa, signify purity and the presence of kami. 

Sakaki Tree: Considered sacred in Shinto, the sakaki tree is used in various rituals. Branches of the sakaki tree are often used in ceremonies and as offerings to kami.

Mirror: Mirrors are common in Shinto shrines and are symbolic of truth, wisdom, and the kami. The mirror reflects the heart and soul, encouraging introspection and the pursuit of purity. 

Shinto Customs

Ema: Writing wishes on small wooden plaques and hanging them at shrines. People visit shrines to leave these ema in the hope that their prayers will be answered by the kami.

Omikuji: Drawing fortune-telling strips at shrines. These paper strips, which can be found at many Shinto shrines, offer predictions about the person’s future in various aspects of life, such as health, love, and success.

Hatsumode: The first shrine visit of the New Year. This is a widespread custom where people visit a shrine in the first few days of the New Year to pray for good fortune and health in the year ahead. 

Shinzen Kekkon: Shinto-style wedding ceremonies. These traditional weddings are conducted in accordance with Shinto rites, involving specific dress codes, offerings, and rituals that honor the kami and celebrate the union.

Shichi-Go-San: A festival for children aged three, five, and seven. These numbers are considered auspicious and this celebration involves visiting a shrine to pray for the healthy growth and well-being of young children.

Chinowa-kuguri: This involves passing through a large ring made of cogon grass, known as a Chinowa. This ring is often set up at the entrance of Shinto shrines. The ritual of passing through the Chinowa, typically in a specific pattern (often a figure-eight), symbolizes purification and the removal of bad luck.

Oharae no Gyoji: Often referred to as the “Great Purification Ceremony,” is one of the most important rituals in Shintoism. Conducted twice a year, traditionally at the end of June and December, it serves as a communal purification rite to cleanse the sins and impurities (tsumi and kegare) accumulated by the people over the past six months. 

Daily Shinto Practices

The Ritual of Salt Cleansing

Use the Purification Power of Salt

Sprinkling salt or placing a cone of salt, morishio, at the entrance purifies the energy coming into your home. You can also carry a small amount of salt wrapped in cling film, in the same way you might carry a crystal or amulet. In this case, make the package fresh each day.

The Ritual of Offering

Connect With the Divine Spirit

You may have a spot with candles and crystals in a corner of your room. Make it an altar and bring an offering of water or light a candle in the morning. If you are not into making such an altar, be creative! Plants or flowers in the house can be your spot to connect to the divine. As you bring an offering, sit still or stand still, put your palms together, close your eyes, and focus on your breath for a few seconds or as long as you can.

The Ritual of Speaking

Refrain From Harmful Words

This is something very simple, but we tend to forget it. Refrain from using harmful words or speaking ill of others. Words carry energy and vibrate as sound. We tune into the lower vibration by using harmful words. We can express ourselves without using these harmful words.

The Ritual of Appreciation

Express Appreciation to the Universe

Make a habit of expressing appreciation throughout a day. In Japanese, they have the expression itadakimasu, which is used before the meal and also when they receive something. This little phrase means something like, “I humbly accept and receive. Thank you, everyone, who was involved in bringing this to me. Thank you, nature, for making this grow. Thank you, universe.” This act of appreciation elevates our energy frequency and connects us to the realm of the divine.

The Ritual of Nature

Connect With Nature

Nature is the gateway to divine energy. Go for a walk in nature. If you are in a city or in the office, you can find a piece of nature around you. Trees, flowers on the terrace, sunshine, rain, moon in the sky … quiet your mind, focus on your breath, feel the existence of trees, plants, or flowers and feel the beauty of it and simply appreciate being here.

The Ritual of Seasons

Celebrate Seasonal Produce

Celebrate each season with the fresh produce of the season. With the act of appreciation, you enjoy what the universe and nature have brought to you and connect to this divine energy.

The Ritual of Washing

Take a Shower or Bath Before Sleeping

In Japan, having a bath in the evening is a daily routine. It cleanses not only the physical body but also our energy fields. This purges out impurity by sweating and it is a wonderful way to end the day and wake up refreshed the next morning.

Conclusion

Shintoism has forever been a part of Japanese civilization, so much so that a study of its development over thousands of years can rightfully be considered reflective of the history of Japan itself. It beautifully teaches its adherents a philosophy of morals that removes human evils and vices from the root. Shintoism is an optimistic faith and brings a very refreshing and harmonious way of living to your life.

 Next time we will take a look at a list of the main kami that are worshiped like Inari, Amaterasu, Susanoo, Izanagi, Izanami and more. We will also dive into the main stories and mythologies of the practices and culture, and take a look at Yokai. 

To expand your knowledge about Shintoism or if you’d rather listen than read; you can watch my free class with Divination Academy on YouTube below!

Reading Recommendations

https://ia800104.us.archive.org/22/items/ShintoSokyoOno/Shinto%20-%20Sokyo%20Ono.pdf

https://www.academia.edu/14183581/The_Fox_and_the_Jewel_Shared_and_Private_Meanings_in_Contemporary_Inari_Worship