Sanctifying sacred space is a key element in Shinto. The sense of the numinous is evident in its shrines and sacred rocks. Most of the ‘power spots’ which have won popularity in recent times relate to Shinto.
In an … Read the rest
Category: Paganism (Page 6 of 9)
An article in the Huffington Post today describes the practice of a Wiccan called Annie Finch. It’s of interest for the pagan commonality with Shinto. Both celebrate the blessings of nature in the seasonal round. Both share diversity in local … Read the rest
The spring equinox is celebrated in Japan with Shunbun no hi, a national holiday. It was established in 1948 as a day for the admiration of nature and the love of living things. Prior to 1948, the vernal equinox was
(Picture above shows the so-called ‘Nintoku burial mound’ aka Daisen kofun (c.400 AD) in Sakai, Osaka, considered to be the third largest funeral monument in the world)
In the compelling Japan, An Attempt at Interpretation (1904) Lafcadio Hearn put forward … Read the rest
The pagan tradition
The New Year rites in Japan are a reminder of how celebrating the yearly round is an important part of pagan traditions. It signifies our connection with the natural cycle and our rootedness in Mother Earth. Above … Read the rest
Japan Times, Jan. 3, 2013
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fm20130103a1.html
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Kitaro taps into Native American culture
By SACHIKO TAMASHIGE
New-age musician Kitaro (left) and Native American leader Dennis Banks met up in Tokyo at a party that showcased their joint album, “Let Mother … Read the rest
No, mistletoe doesn’t feature in Shinto, but it’s an important part of the European pagan tradition at this time of year. Here naturalist Kevin Short takes a seasonal look at the folklore of mistletoe in Europe, prompting thoughts about the … Read the rest