This episode offers a scholarly exploration into the ancient Japanese spirituality of Shinto, or Kami-no-Michi, to understand Shinto's core principles and rituals, unravelling its place within historical contextsand modern esoteric traditions.

We address pivotal questions central to Shinto's spiritual narrative:* How do Shinto practices integrate into the daily lives of the Japanese?* What are the historical origins of Shinto rituals like Misogi and Saisen?* In what ways do Omikuji and Omamori embody the intersection of faith and practice?* How do the ceremonies of Shinto reflect Japan's cultural ethos and thebroader animistic worldview?

We delve into the Misogi ritual of purification, the meaning behind the traditional offering of Saisen, and the significance of bell-ringing in shrine visits. We demystify the Omikuji practice of fortune-telling and the role of Omamori as protective talismans, examining their relevance to both adherents and curious scholars.

This video not only shares vivid images and descriptions from my recent visit to Japan but also embeds these experiences within a framework of peer-reviewed scholarship. It is an indispensable resource for those studying comparative religion, Japanese culture, or the diverse expressions of the sacred in daily life.

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REFERENCES 📚Ambros B. (2012). Bones of Contention: Animals and Religion in Contemporary Japan. University of Hawai‘i Press.Breen, J., & Teeuwen, M. (2010). A New History of Shinto. Wiley-BlackwellHardacre, H. (2017). Shinto: A History. Oxford University PressKasulis, T. P. (2004). Shinto: The Way Home. University of Hawaii Press.Nelson, J. K. (1996). A Year in the Life of a Shinto Shrine. University of Washington Press.Picken, Y. (2002). Kami no Michi - The way of the Kami: The Life and Thought of a Shinto Priest. Scarecrow Press.Reader, I. (1991). Religion in Contemporary Japan. University of Hawaii Press.Reader, I., & Tanabe, G. J. (1998). Practically Religious: Worldly Benefits and the Common Religion of Japan. University of Hawaii Press.Yamamoto, Y. (1999). Kami no Michi - The way of the Kami: The Life and Thought of a Shinto Priest. Tsubaki America Publications.

00:00 Introduction: Shinto Magic01:02 Support Angela’s Symposium02:05 Shinto: Animism in Japanese daily life04:42 The Kami: Shinto Spirits of Nature and Ancestors05:21 Ritual Purity and Purification in Shinto05:59 Harmony with Nature and the Universe in Japan06:37 Magic as Communication and Communion in Shinto07:10 The Ritual of Misogi: Purification Through Water07:58 Saisen: The Act of Tossing Money in Japan08:38 Omikuji: Japanese Divination and Destiny10:22 Omamori: Shinto Amulets of Protection and Blessing11:02 Analysis of Japanese Shinto Shrine Rituals12:25 Esoteric Practices within Shinto Priesthood13:54 Conclusion: Similarities and differences between Shinto and Western Traditions15:07 Support Angela’s Symposium

⚠️ Copyright of Dr Angela Puca, in all of its parts ⚠️Music by Erose MusicBand. Check them out!