This column, In Search of The Gods, will expose the many diverse spiritual practices and systems of indigenous cultures around the globe. In recognizing Merita (ancient Africa) as the birthplace of spirituality, we shall attempt to show the similarities, as well as the differences, between the original model of the World of Gods and how this concept is understood and acknowledged by those who have maintained or preserved the ways of their ancestors. In this issue, our search takes us to Asia and the practice of Shintoism, a traditional spiritual system of Japan. 

Shinto (or Kami no michi, "Way of the Gods") is a prehistoric spiritual tradition that has been influenced by Buddhism and Chinese spiritual systems. It provides a world view which has become central to Japanese culture and national identity today; however, there is only speculation as to where Shintoism began. Shinto does not recognise an all-powerful deity. It consists of a diverse set of traditional rituals and ceremonies, rather than a single system of dogmatic beliefs of ethics. The essence of Shintoism is Kami, the divine spirit that they believe is found in all things in heaven and in earth, mountains and rivers, sun and moon, plants, animals and human beings. 

Shinto's Kami (Gods) are collectively called "Yaoyorozu no Kami", a traditional expression literally meaning "eight million Kami". The most widely worshiped of all Kami is the sun-goddess Amateras. However, the Japanese do not specifically worship her nor invoke her name to ask for help. Her main shrine is the Grand Shrine of Ise, but many lesser shrines are dedicated to her. To symbolise her presence within the shrine, Amaterasu is often symbolised by a mirror; alternatively, she is symbolised by leaving the shrine empty. However, this emptiness does not mean non-existence rather, it signifies that everything one sees through the mirror is the embodiment of Amaterasu and every other Kami. 

Shinto creation stories tell the history and lives of the Gods. According to one such story, there was a divine couple, Izanagi-no-mikoto and Izanami-no-mikoto, who gave birth to the Japanese islands. Their children became the deities of the various Japanese clans. Amaterasu, one of their daughters, is the ancestress of the Imperial Family, and it was her descendants that unified the country. Many other deities are conceptions in many forms: some are related to natural objects and creatures; others are related to abstract creative forces; still others are guardians of particular areas and clans. Shinto spirituality sometimes regards even exceptional people as representation of Gods. 

There is no comprehensively developed theology or moral code in Shintoism. It generally follows the code of Confucianism, and bases morality upon that which is of benefit to the whole. Shinto emphasizes right practice, right sensibility and right attitude among its adherents. Ancestral spirits are deeply revered and worshiped, and they view all of humanity as "Kami's children", thus, all human life and human nature is considered sacred. 

There are four main forms of Shinto traditions: 

Koshitsu Shinto (The Shinto of the Imperial House) - This form involves rituals performed by the emperor, whom the Japanese Constitution defines to be the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people. The most important ritual under this form is Niinamesai, which gives an offering of the first fruits of each year's grain harvest to the deities. Male and female clergy (Shoten and Nai-Shoten) assist the emperor in performing these rites. 

Jinga (shrine) Shinto - This form is practised by the largest Shinto group and is the original form of the spiritual system, with roots dating back to pre-historic times. Until the end of World War II, it was closely aligned with Koshitsu (State) Shinto. The emperor was worshiped as a«living God. Almost all shrines in Japan are members of Jinga Honcho (Association of Shinto Shrines), which currently includes about 80,000 shrines. 

Kyoha (sectarian) Shinto - This consists of 13 sects, which were founded by individuals since the start of the 19th century. Each sect has its own beliefs and doctrines, and most emphasize worship of their own central or local deity. 

Minzoku (folk) Shinto - This form of Shintoism has no formal central organization or creed. It is seen in local rural practices and rituals, e.g. small statues by the side of the road, agricultural rituals practised by individual families, etc. A rural community will often select a layman on an annual basis, who will be responsible for worshiping the local deity. 

These four forms are closely linked, although they may appear different in concept. Shintoism is a tolerant spiritual system, which accepts the validity of other systems of spirituality. It is common practice for a believer to pay respects to other religions, their practices and objects of worship. Unlike most other religions, and similar to the Kemetic (ancient African) spiritual system, no book is used to help a person learn Shintoism. The knowledge is transmitted from generation to generation by experiencing the rituals together as a group. Within the Kemetic culture, this process is an actual initiation period, and each group that shares this experience becomes a spiritual generation to its members, regardless of their ages. 

There are many diverse paths we take in our searches for the Gods. Numerous indigenous cultures, including Shintoism, use the power of music (mainly drumming) and of dance to appease their Gods so that they may manifest themselves in one form or another. Kagura is the name of the ancient Shinto ritual dance. The word "Kagura" is thought to be a contracted form of "Kami no kura" or "the site where the God is received". Interestingly, this word could be loosely translated as "spirit of Ra comes" in the Medu Neter (language of Gods), which is also known as the hieroglyphs spoken by the Kemioo (People of Kemet) of Merita. 

Miko Kagura is the oldest type of Kagura within Shintoism, and is performed by women in Shinto shrines. The ancient Miko (female clergy) were women holding a spiritual position but are now considered priestesses in the service of the shrines. This form of ritual dance was originally a trance dance and involved authentic possession by the Kami (God) invoked. In modern day Japan, it has become more of an art and is interpreted as a prayer dance that is performed in many of the larger shrines. 

Shishi Kagura is another form of ritual dance. This form uses the dance of a Shishi (lion or mountain animal) mask as the image and presence of the deity. Unlike during other Kagura types in which the Kami appear only temporarily, during the Shishi Kagura, the Kami is constantly present in the Shishi head mask. (See Rising Firefly vol. 44 for the true history of masks). 

Purity is undoubtedly a necessity in any attempt to connect with Gods on any level. The most common form of purification is known as ablution. Introduced to the world by the Kemetic civilization, the significance of the ablution has been adopted by many spiritual systems and religions, ancient and modern, although the methods may vary among cultures. Within Shinto practice, the ablution is known as "Misogi" , and involves purification in a waterfall or other natural running water. Before undergoing Misogi, the practitioner undergoes a preliminary purification practice. The female participants will put on a white kimono and headband, while the males will put on a loincloth and headband. They will then "shake the soul" by bouncing their hands in front of the stomach to become aware of the soul's presence within. They then start warming- up with a method of calisthenics called "bird rowing". They then begin shouting invocations that are said to activate the soul. This affirms the potential for realizing one's soul, and unifies the people with the Gods. 

Right before entering the waterfall, the participants raise their metabolism and absorb as much ki (energy) as possible using a special form of deep breathing. They are then sprinkled with purifying salt and given sake (alcohol) to spit into the waterfall in three mouthfuls. The individual leading the ceremony then counts aloud to nine and cuts the air while shouting the word "yei!" to dispel impurities. They then enter the waterfall while continuously chanting the phrase "harae-tamae-kiyome-tamae-ro- kon-sho-jo!" This phrase asks the Gods to wash away the impurities from the six elements they believe make up the human being; his five senses and his mind. 

Shinto beliefs and ways of thinking are deeply embedded in the subconscious fabric of modern Japanese society. Although the majority of the Japanese population practices Buddhism, Shintoism is revered as one of the most ancient of all Eastern systems. We shall explore this indigenous system further in an upcoming issue of this magazine. So stay tuned. In the meantime, let's continue to learn and grow, as we continue our journey in search of the Gods...