Japanese Shamans

Shamanism is a spiritual tradition that has been practiced in various cultures throughout the world. In Japan, it is known as Shinto shamanism, or "Miko" shamanism, and has played an important role in the country's spiritual and cultural history.

The practice of shamanism in Japan dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of its use in the Jomon period (14,000 BC to 300 BC). It has since been interwoven with other indigenous beliefs, such as Shintoism, to form a unique spiritual tradition in Japan.

Shamanism in Japan involves the use of ritual and trance to communicate with the spirits or gods, called "kami", and to gain insight into the future or help with problems in the present. The role of the shaman, or "Miko", is to act as a mediator between the human and spiritual realms. They are typically women who undergo training and initiation to become shamans.

One of the most important rituals in shamanism is the "O-harai" purification ritual, which is performed to cleanse the spirits of the dead and the living. The shaman calls on the spirits to come to the purification altar and removes any evil spirits that may be present. This ritual is believed to bring peace and harmony to the community.

Another important aspect of shamanism is the use of "Yuta" oracle bones. These are pieces of animal bones that are used to predict the future or provide guidance. The shaman will perform a ritual and then interpret the cracks that appear in the bones to reveal the message from the spirits.

Despite being a powerful spiritual tradition in Japan for thousands of years, shamanism was suppressed during the Meiji period (1868-1912) when Japan underwent significant modernization. The government sought to promote state-sanctioned religious institutions and suppressed indigenous spiritual practices, including shamanism. However, the tradition has since been revitalized and is still practiced by a small number of people in Japan today.

In conclusion, shamanism has been an important spiritual tradition in Japan for thousands of years and has played a significant role in the country's cultural and spiritual history. The practice of shamanism involves the use of ritual and trance to communicate with spirits and gain insight into the future. Despite suppression during the Meiji period, the tradition has been revitalized and continues to be practiced by a small number of people in Japan today