7.6 Shinto kami possession
7 min read•august 21, 2024
is a central aspect of Shinto spiritual practices in Japan. It involves direct communication between humans and divine spirits through a human vessel, serving as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms in Shinto cosmology.
Mediums undergo extensive training to facilitate these interactions, which can be voluntary or involuntary. Possessed individuals act as intermediaries, delivering messages and performing rituals. This practice has deep roots in Japanese culture and continues to evolve in modern times.
Nature of kami possession
- possession forms a central aspect of Shinto spiritual practices in Japan
- Involves direct communication between humans and kami (divine spirits) through a human vessel
- Serves as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms in Shinto cosmology
Types of kami possession
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- Voluntary possession occurs when a trained medium invites a kami to enter their body
- Involuntary possession happens spontaneously, often during festivals or rituals
- Partial possession allows the medium to retain some consciousness and control
- Full possession results in complete takeover of the medium's body and mind by the kami
Roles of possessed individuals
- Act as intermediaries between the human and divine worlds
- Deliver messages, prophecies, and guidance from kami to the community
- Perform healing rituals and blessings using the kami's power
- Embody specific kami during festivals and religious ceremonies ()
Spiritual vs physical possession
- Spiritual possession focuses on the transfer of consciousness or essence
- Physical possession manifests through bodily changes and supernatural abilities
- Spiritual possession often involves trance-like states and altered perceptions
- Physical possession may include displays of superhuman strength or endurance
Historical context
- Kami possession practices have deep roots in Japanese religious and cultural traditions
- Evolved over centuries, adapting to changing social and political landscapes
- Continues to play a significant role in modern Shinto practices and beliefs
Ancient Japanese practices
- Originated in prehistoric Japan as part of animistic beliefs
- Shamanic traditions involved communicating with nature spirits and ancestors
- Early emperors claimed divine status through possession by ancestral kami
- (human-shaped figurines) used as substitutes for human vessels in some rituals
Influence of Buddhism
- Introduction of Buddhism in 6th century CE led to syncretism with Shinto practices
- Buddhist concepts of possession and exorcism merged with kami possession beliefs
- Emergence of mountain ascetics () who combined Shinto and Buddhist practices
- Development of complex rituals incorporating elements from both traditions
Modern interpretations
- Reinterpretation of kami possession in light of scientific and psychological understanding
- Shift towards symbolic and metaphorical views of possession in some Shinto sects
- Continued belief in literal possession among traditional practitioners and rural communities
- Adaptation of possession practices to address contemporary social and personal issues
Rituals and ceremonies
- Kami possession rituals form an integral part of Shinto religious observances
- Vary widely depending on regional traditions, specific kami involved, and purpose of the ritual
- Often performed at shrines or sacred natural sites associated with particular kami
Preparation for possession
- Purification rituals () involve cleansing the body with water or salt
- Fasting and abstinence from certain foods or activities to achieve spiritual purity
- Meditation and prayer to focus the mind and open oneself to the kami
- Wearing of special ritual clothing or adornments (such as masks or headdresses)
Invocation of kami
- Chanting of (ritual prayers) to call forth the kami
- Use of sacred objects ( wands, mirrors) to attract the kami's attention
- Rhythmic drumming, dancing, or other physical movements to induce trance states
- Offering of sake, food, or other gifts to entice the kami to possess the medium
Post-possession purification
- Rituals to safely separate the kami from the human vessel
- Cleansing of the body and mind to remove any lingering spiritual influences
- Offering of thanks and farewell prayers to the departing kami
- Period of rest and recovery for the medium to reintegrate their normal consciousness
Mediums and shamans
- Specialized individuals who facilitate communication between humans and kami
- Play crucial roles in Shinto religious practices and community life
- Undergo extensive training and preparation for their spiritual responsibilities
Training and initiation
- Apprenticeship under experienced mediums or shrine priests
- Study of sacred texts, rituals, and traditional knowledge
- Development of meditation and trance induction techniques
- Gradual exposure to possession experiences, often starting with minor kami
Social status of mediums
- Historically held positions of respect and authority in communities
- Often consulted for advice on personal, social, and agricultural matters
- Status varied depending on regional traditions and historical periods
- Modern mediums may face skepticism in urban areas but retain influence in rural settings
Gender roles in possession
- Traditionally, women played prominent roles as mediums ()
- Male shamans (kannushi) more common in formal shrine settings
- Gender dynamics shifted over time due to social and political changes
- Contemporary practice sees both men and women serving as mediums in various contexts
Manifestations of possession
- Physical and mental changes observed in individuals during kami possession
- Vary depending on the specific kami, the medium's experience, and the ritual context
- Considered evidence of successful communication between human and divine realms
Physical symptoms
- Altered facial expressions or voice changes to reflect the kami's personality
- Involuntary body movements or gestures associated with the kami's attributes
- Display of unusual strength or agility beyond the medium's normal capabilities
- Changes in breathing patterns, heart rate, or body temperature
Altered states of consciousness
- Trance-like states where the medium's normal awareness is suppressed
- Heightened sensory perceptions or extrasensory abilities
- Temporary amnesia or dissociation from the possession experience
- Shifts in personality or behavior to match the kami's characteristics
Communication with kami
- Direct vocalization of the kami's messages through the medium
- Use of archaic language or dialects associated with the kami
- Non-verbal communication through gestures, dance, or symbolic actions
- Interpretation of visions or sensations experienced by the medium
Cultural significance
- Kami possession plays a vital role in shaping Japanese cultural identity
- Influences various aspects of art, literature, and social practices
- Reinforces connections between communities and their local kami
Kami possession in folklore
- Featured prominently in traditional stories and legends (mukashibanashi)
- Used to explain natural phenomena or historical events
- Portrayed in popular tales of divine intervention or punishment
- Incorporated into regional festivals and customs (matsuri)
Influence on Japanese art
- Depicted in classical paintings and woodblock prints (ukiyo-e)
- Inspired theatrical performances in Noh and Kabuki traditions
- Represented in literature, poetry, and modern manga or anime
- Influenced architectural designs of shrines and ritual spaces
Role in community cohesion
- Kami possession rituals serve as focal points for community gatherings
- Reinforce shared beliefs and cultural values among participants
- Provide opportunities for collective problem-solving and decision-making
- Strengthen intergenerational bonds through transmission of traditional practices
Controversies and debates
- Kami possession practices have faced scrutiny and criticism in modern times
- Debates arise from conflicting interpretations and changing societal values
- Raise questions about the nature of spiritual experiences and religious authority
Authenticity of possession claims
- Skepticism regarding the genuineness of possession experiences
- Concerns about fraudulent practices or exploitation of believers
- Difficulty in scientifically verifying or disproving possession claims
- Debates over criteria for distinguishing authentic from simulated possession
Psychological vs spiritual explanations
- Psychological interpretations attribute possession to dissociative states or suggestibility
- Neurological studies examine brain activity during trance-like states
- Spiritual perspectives emphasize the reality of kami and their ability to interact with humans
- Attempts to reconcile scientific and religious viewpoints on possession phenomena
Ethical considerations
- Concerns about potential harm to individuals undergoing possession experiences
- Debates over the use of possession for financial gain or manipulation
- Questions about informed consent and free will in possession rituals
- Ethical implications of using possession practices in mental health contexts
Contemporary practice
- Kami possession continues to be practiced in modern Japan, albeit in evolving forms
- Adapts to changing social, technological, and cultural landscapes
- Faces challenges of relevance and authenticity in a rapidly modernizing society
Kami possession in modern Japan
- Continued practice in traditional shrines and rural communities
- Integration with new spiritual movements and alternative healing practices
- Use of technology to document and share possession experiences
- Adaptation of rituals to address contemporary concerns (economic success, relationship issues)
Adaptation to urban settings
- Emergence of urban shamans and mediums catering to city dwellers
- Simplified or shortened possession rituals to accommodate busy lifestyles
- Use of online platforms and social media to connect with clients and followers
- Reinterpretation of possession practices in psychological or self-help frameworks
Influence of globalization
- Cross-cultural exchange with other possession traditions worldwide
- Increased interest from foreign practitioners and researchers
- Incorporation of elements from other spiritual practices (New Age, Western esotericism)
- Efforts to preserve and promote traditional kami possession as part of cultural heritage
Comparison with other traditions
- Kami possession shares similarities with other spiritual practices worldwide
- Unique aspects reflect Japan's specific cultural and religious context
- Comparisons provide insights into universal themes of human-divine communication
Kami possession vs spirit mediumship
- Kami possession involves divine spirits rather than human ancestors or nature spirits
- Emphasizes the sacredness and power of kami as opposed to general spirit entities
- Rituals and preparations specific to Shinto cosmology and Japanese cultural norms
- Often tied to specific locations (shrines, sacred mountains) unlike some other mediumship practices
Similarities to other Asian practices
- Parallels with Korean mudang shamanic traditions
- Commonalities with Chinese spirit mediumship practices (tongji)
- Shared elements with Tibetan oracle traditions
- Influences from and exchanges with Southeast Asian animistic beliefs
Unique aspects of Shinto approach
- Integration with Japan's imperial mythology and national identity
- Emphasis on purification rituals and natural elements in possession practices
- Specific pantheon of kami with diverse attributes and domains
- Blend of ancient animistic beliefs with structured religious and state practices
Key Terms to Review (21)
Divine spirit: A divine spirit refers to a supernatural entity or force that embodies a sacred presence in various religious traditions, often associated with the essence of deities or other spiritual beings. In many belief systems, divine spirits play a vital role in connecting the physical and spiritual worlds, influencing human affairs, and being the focus of worship and reverence. This concept is crucial in understanding how individuals relate to the sacred and the manifestations of spiritual power within their cultural contexts.
Gohei: Gohei refers to ritual shide, which are paper or cloth streamers used in Shinto practices to symbolize purity and the presence of kami, or spirits. These offerings are often seen at shrines and are used during rituals to invite the kami's presence and blessings, marking a sacred space where the divine can manifest.
Haiden: A haiden is the hall of worship in Shinto shrines where visitors can offer prayers and engage in rituals. This sacred space often features a simple, yet elegant design, emphasizing a direct connection between the worshippers and the kami, or divine spirits. The haiden plays a crucial role in Shinto practice, serving as a focal point for religious activities, including ceremonies and festivals.
Hitogata: Hitogata refers to a human-shaped doll used in Shinto rituals, symbolizing the presence of a kami, or spirit. These dolls are believed to carry the wishes or sins of individuals and can serve as a medium for communication with the spiritual realm. In essence, hitogata acts as a vessel that facilitates the connection between humans and kami, playing a significant role in various Shinto practices.
Inari: Inari is a significant kami in Shinto, representing agriculture, particularly rice cultivation, as well as prosperity and fertility. Associated with foxes, Inari is worshipped in many shrines across Japan, where rituals and offerings are made to seek blessings for bountiful harvests and good fortune. This kami embodies the interconnectedness of nature, agriculture, and the spiritual realm in Japanese culture.
Kami: Kami are the sacred spirits or deities in Shinto, embodying elements of the natural world, ancestors, and revered figures. They play a central role in Shinto practices and beliefs, influencing various aspects of life, nature, and spirituality.
Kami possession: Kami possession refers to the phenomenon in Shinto where kami, or divine spirits, temporarily inhabit or influence a human being, often during rituals or ceremonies. This possession is believed to facilitate communication between the kami and participants, allowing for blessings, guidance, or healing. In this context, kami possession plays a crucial role in Shinto practices, emphasizing the connection between the spiritual and physical worlds.
Kojiki: The Kojiki, or 'Records of Ancient Matters,' is the oldest extant chronicle in Japan, completed in 712 CE. It serves as a foundational text for Shinto, documenting myths, legends, and the early history of Japan, including the genealogy of the gods and the imperial family, thereby intertwining the divine and the political.
Matsuri: Matsuri refers to traditional Japanese festivals that are deeply rooted in Shinto practices, celebrating the presence of kami, or spirits, within a community. These vibrant festivals often involve rituals, parades, and offerings at Shinto shrines, showcasing a blend of religious significance and cultural expression that reinforces the connection between people and their local deities.
Miko: Miko are traditional shrine maidens in Shinto, serving as intermediaries between the kami (gods or spirits) and the people. They perform various ritual duties, including purification ceremonies, dances, and offerings, which are essential for maintaining the spiritual health of the community. Their role is deeply rooted in Shinto practices and connects to historical texts that record their significance.
Misogi: Misogi is a Shinto purification ritual aimed at cleansing the body and spirit, often involving water and performed in natural settings. It embodies the deep-seated belief in the importance of purity within Shinto practices, connecting individuals to the sacred and facilitating a harmonious relationship with the kami, or spirits.
Mono no aware: Mono no aware is a Japanese term that expresses a deep awareness of the impermanence of things, evoking a gentle sadness or nostalgia for their transient beauty. It reflects an appreciation for the fleeting nature of life and the emotions associated with it, highlighting the beauty in impermanence and the human experience of loss.
Nihon Shoki: Nihon Shoki, also known as the Chronicles of Japan, is one of the oldest written records of Japanese history, completed in 720 CE. It serves as a historical and mythological account, detailing the origins of Japan and its imperial lineage, while also intertwining Shinto beliefs and practices with historical events and figures.
Norito: Norito are formal Shinto prayers or rituals that involve invoking the kami, the spirits or gods in Shinto belief. These prayers are characterized by their structured language and specific formulas, often recited during ceremonies to communicate with the kami and seek their blessings. Norito serves as a crucial means of establishing a connection between humans and the divine, emphasizing the importance of ritual in Japanese indigenous beliefs.
Pollution: In the context of Shinto, pollution refers to a state of spiritual or physical impurity that disrupts the natural harmony between humans and kami (spiritual beings or gods). This concept is deeply ingrained in Shinto beliefs, where maintaining purity is essential for favorable interactions with kami, especially during rituals or ceremonies that involve possession by these spiritual entities.
Shaman: A shaman is a spiritual healer and mediator who interacts with the spirit world to seek guidance, healing, and knowledge for their community. They often enter altered states of consciousness through rituals, drumming, or dancing to connect with spirits and perform ceremonies that address the needs of individuals or the community. Shamans are deeply rooted in various cultures, including those influenced by Shinto beliefs.
Tamashi: Tamashi, often translated as 'soul' or 'spirit,' is a fundamental concept in Shinto that embodies the essence of a being, whether human or kami (spirit). It represents the life force that animates individuals and connects them to the spiritual world, emphasizing the belief that everything possesses a spirit. This concept is crucial for understanding the relationships between humans and kami, particularly in rituals of possession where kami may temporarily inhabit a person.
Tatari: Tatari refers to a form of divine retribution or misfortune attributed to the actions of kami, or spirits, within the Shinto belief system. This concept emphasizes the relationship between humans and kami, where failure to honor or appease these spirits can result in negative consequences for individuals or communities. Tatari highlights the importance of rituals, offerings, and proper conduct in maintaining harmony with the spiritual world.
Torii: A torii is a traditional Japanese gate that marks the entrance to a sacred space, often seen at Shinto shrines. It symbolizes the transition from the mundane to the sacred, representing the boundary between the physical world and the realm of kami, or spirits. Torii gates play a significant role in various Shinto practices, helping to define spaces for purification rites, kami possession, indigenous beliefs, and the interplay between Shinto and Buddhism.
Wa: Wa is a Japanese term that signifies harmony and peace, reflecting a cultural emphasis on social order and cooperative relationships. It is deeply rooted in Japanese society, influencing various aspects of life, including interpersonal relations and spiritual practices. In the context of Shinto and indigenous beliefs, wa embodies the connection between humans and kami, emphasizing balance and unity within the community.
Yamabushi: Yamabushi are practitioners of a form of asceticism within Japanese Shugendo, a spiritual tradition that combines elements of Shinto, Buddhism, and Taoism. These mountain ascetics are known for their rigorous training in the mountains, where they seek spiritual enlightenment and communion with kami, or spirits. Their practices often involve rituals, meditation, and physical endurance to connect deeply with nature and the divine.