Hello! Just thought I'd introduce myself... I'm Aiko, and I'm very glad to have found this community! I am Shinto (since many don't know, it's a Japanese Pagan religion) I am looking forward to some nice, intelegent discussions!
Nice to meet you. I've always been quite interested in early Japanese shamanism, I've been trying to find an affordable copy of Catapla Bow: a Study on Japanese Shamanism by Carmen Blacker, but no luck. Do you have any recommendations for someone interested in learning about Shinto (not necessarily practicing it)?
Hi! ^_^ Hmm, I've actually never heard of that book, I'll have to check it out! Depending on how you practice Shinto, shamanism can be a very touchy subject. Many priests, my own included, are very disapproving of non priests or priestesses practicing any form of magic other than the daily rituals, self purification and other somewhat mundane things. Anything more is generally left to priests and priestesses. There have been many times when my priest has advised me against attempting to help friends purify their house because he was afraid I'd "get some on me" in his words. Though, I don't really hold with this for many reasons, and I practice a mix of Japanese shamanism mixed with Eastern and Western herbalism and a few elements all of my own
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Excellent! Thanks, that will go onto my (ever growing) must-buy list.
I've come across the idea of 'laity' (for want of a better term) not doing magic/'advanced' ritual in other places as well. I'm on the fence so to speak about it. While I understand the different reasons (spiritual as well as monetary and to keep social standing) I don't know if I agree completly with it. Something to think on.
Sure, no problem! If you ever decide you'd like to know more about the religion of Shinto from an academic standpoint, I also have some wonderful recomendations, just let me know!
I think I'm on the fence with it as well... not to put anyone down, but truly there are people that priests shouldn't encourage to do any sort of shamanism because they would possibly be a danger to themselves and others. And so the sentiment makes sense to me because honestly, unless you have the same training they do, how can they be sure that you won't do more harm than good? So it's very responsible of them to make a blanket policy of not doing it at all. So, since I can see where they're coming from, I persue on my own and follow my priest's instruction as best I can, and just keep my other activities to myself where he's concerned. ^_^
Re: Welcome!londons_roseNovember 12 2005, 17:16:25 UTC
Probably the most accurate you'll find in English is the website for Tsubaki Grand Jinja which is the only Shinto shrine in North America. Also, try Religious Tolerance'sShinto information. It's decent as well. Also, always feel free to ask me if you have any questions. ^_^
Nice to meet you Aiko. Hajime Mashite Dozo Yoroshiku!
I am deeply passionet about Japanese culture and tradtions myself and follow the line of Mikyo Buddhism, which as you may know contains mainy elements of Shinto as well. I receintly bought my Kamidana and am in the proccess of setting it up for the house. My Nihongo is getting a bit rusty but I have been practicing Bujinkan Ninjutsu for quite a while. Welcome to the community, I'd love to learn more aobut your explorations into modern day Shintoism. Domo Arigat Gozimasu, Ja Mata Ne!
How wonderful! Where did you get your kamidana? I was fortunate enough to find mine at Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto. I am a devotee of Inari-sama, and love all things Shinto. ^_^ If you need any assistance setting up your kamidana or if you have any questions, please let me know! Also, do you celebrate the traditional Japanese holidays? Oshogatsu is coming up soon!! ^_^
That's awesome you live so close! I would love to hear more about how your practicing Shinto in Broomfield. I drive up to Denver and the Lakewood area about twice a week from Stunt and Ninjutsu training. I'm interested to learn more about you, feel free to email me any time. I had to get my Kamidana through Ebay, and I'm having fun collecting the various pieces for it through Japanese dealers online. I still haven't been to Nihon myself which is funny because I speak the language and even had a Japanese girlfriend for a time. I guess I've done what I could while still in the states. I would love to learn more about Shinto from and avid practitioner and would also appreciate any help you would care to give in setting up my shrine. Everything I've learned thus far has been from academic study and what my Shidoshi has taught me in regard to his own Kamidana. So are you Japanese then? Japanese-American? How long have you stayed in Japan previously? I suppose you can answer all these better in email. Well, hope to chat soon
Re: SUGOI!londons_roseNovember 13 2005, 00:14:40 UTC
Hello!! I didn't find an email address for you, so I'm going to reply with mine. ^_^ aiko dot teabunny at gmail dot com. Please feel free to email me and I will be happy to answer any questions! Such a pleasure to meet you. ^_^
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Nice to meet you. I've always been quite interested in early Japanese shamanism, I've been trying to find an affordable copy of Catapla Bow: a Study on Japanese Shamanism by Carmen Blacker, but no luck. Do you have any recommendations for someone interested in learning about Shinto (not necessarily practicing it)?
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I've come across the idea of 'laity' (for want of a better term) not doing magic/'advanced' ritual in other places as well. I'm on the fence so to speak about it. While I understand the different reasons (spiritual as well as monetary and to keep social standing) I don't know if I agree completly with it. Something to think on.
Reply
I think I'm on the fence with it as well... not to put anyone down, but truly there are people that priests shouldn't encourage to do any sort of shamanism because they would possibly be a danger to themselves and others. And so the sentiment makes sense to me because honestly, unless you have the same training they do, how can they be sure that you won't do more harm than good? So it's very responsible of them to make a blanket policy of not doing it at all. So, since I can see where they're coming from, I persue on my own and follow my priest's instruction as best I can, and just keep my other activities to myself where he's concerned. ^_^
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Hajime Mashite Dozo Yoroshiku!
I am deeply passionet about Japanese culture and tradtions myself and follow the line of Mikyo Buddhism, which as you may know contains mainy elements of Shinto as well. I receintly bought my Kamidana and am in the proccess of setting it up for the house. My Nihongo is getting a bit rusty but I have been practicing Bujinkan Ninjutsu for quite a while. Welcome to the community, I'd love to learn more aobut your explorations into modern day Shintoism.
Domo Arigat Gozimasu,
Ja Mata Ne!
_Ashen ( Tsubasa)
Reply
How wonderful! Where did you get your kamidana? I was fortunate enough to find mine at Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto. I am a devotee of Inari-sama, and love all things Shinto. ^_^ If you need any assistance setting up your kamidana or if you have any questions, please let me know! Also, do you celebrate the traditional Japanese holidays? Oshogatsu is coming up soon!! ^_^
Reply
I would love to hear more about how your practicing Shinto in Broomfield. I drive up to Denver and the Lakewood area about twice a week from Stunt and Ninjutsu training. I'm interested to learn more about you, feel free to email me any time. I had to get my Kamidana through Ebay, and I'm having fun collecting the various pieces for it through Japanese dealers online. I still haven't been to Nihon myself which is funny because I speak the language and even had a Japanese girlfriend for a time. I guess I've done what I could while still in the states.
I would love to learn more about Shinto from and avid practitioner and would also appreciate any help you would care to give in setting up my shrine. Everything I've learned thus far has been from academic study and what my Shidoshi has taught me in regard to his own Kamidana. So are you Japanese then? Japanese-American? How long have you stayed in Japan previously? I suppose you can answer all these better in email. Well, hope to chat soon
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