Eight Million Gods
General Description - This pantheon is worshiped in Kozakura & Wa.
Marriage and Divorce -
Ceremonies -
Interactions with other Religions -
This ancient religion is a collection of beliefs and rituals that relate to various nature deities. There is no great teacher or book for the Eight Million Gods, nor uniform rituals of worship. Observances vary from deity to deity and shrine to shrine. Shrines dedicated to the Eight Million Gods fall into two categories: First shrines and normal shrines.
First shrines have been officially recognized and supported by the emperor and other nobles for centuries. They are often located in the old districts of cities and provincial capitals, and are larger and more powerful than other shrines. Many establish branches in other provinces to promote their particular beliefs and acquire a larger economic base of support.
Normal shrines are often built and supported by local peasantry. They may commemorate past events, ensure good harvests, ward off evil influences, or even appease powerful evil beings. Local nobility also support shrines, particularly in towns or villages near their homes.
Regardless of the type, most shrines are independent and unrelated to others. They are usually associated with a site of natural beauty or legendary significance, and may be found on the slopes of major mountains, along river banks, by the sea, or hidden away in forests. Many important shrines are dedicated to the sun goddess and the emperor, who is believed to be of divine ancestry.
Worship at these places often consists of ritual purification, offerings of food or donations of money, and prayers. At least once a year major shrines have more elaborate festivals, involving sacred dances, bonfires, and processions through the streets. The group of Ama-Tsu-Kami is the list of kami of the heavens.
Chirasu is one of the Eight Million Gods. She is the neutral evil goddess of stealth, patron of ninja, yakuza, and those who wish to carry out their actions undetected by others. Most of the shrines of Chirasu are supported or were built by the Konishi ninja family. Some of the sohei or shukenja who tend the shrines are ninja themselves. Contact can be made with Konishi ninja at a shrine of Chirasu, which is usually located near or within a city.
