For those of you who don’t know, I am a Miko (Shrine Maiden) in training! I completed my intermediate level at Miko School, and I hope to (finally!) finish my training this year
I get asked questions about Shinto religion sometimes, so here is a basic thread!
I get asked questions about Shinto religion sometimes, so here is a basic thread!
Q: I’m not Japanese, can I practice Shinto? Is it a closed religion?
A: YES, you can practice Shinto! It isn’t a closed religion; anyone can practice Shinto.
(Please note that practicing Shinto doesn’t “make” you Japanese! I have seen weebs try this and I’m ????)
A: YES, you can practice Shinto! It isn’t a closed religion; anyone can practice Shinto.
(Please note that practicing Shinto doesn’t “make” you Japanese! I have seen weebs try this and I’m ????)
Q: Do I need to formally dedicate myself like in a ritual or something similar to baptism?
A: Nope! For anyone to start practicing, there is no formal initiation required. If you wish to go to a shrine and state in your heart/prayer that you wish to worship, that’s up to you!
A: Nope! For anyone to start practicing, there is no formal initiation required. If you wish to go to a shrine and state in your heart/prayer that you wish to worship, that’s up to you!
Q: Do I need a kamidana at home?
A: You don’t NEED one, but it is helpful! I start my day praying at mine tbh.
If you can’t get a kamidana, there is a super cute app called “kamidana”. I often use it even though I have a physical one now. It’s very helpful!
A: You don’t NEED one, but it is helpful! I start my day praying at mine tbh.
If you can’t get a kamidana, there is a super cute app called “kamidana”. I often use it even though I have a physical one now. It’s very helpful!
Q: Okay, I’m interested but I don’t live in Japan. Are there any shrines near me?
A: Perhaps! Here is a *verified* list of shrines outside of Japan. Please note that sometimes people try to start illegitimate shrines outside Japan
livingwithkami.com/shrines
A: Perhaps! Here is a *verified* list of shrines outside of Japan. Please note that sometimes people try to start illegitimate shrines outside Japan
livingwithkami.com/shrines
Q: You go to Miko School? That’s super cool! Where do you train?
A: I train here in Osaka. Yes, you DO need Japanese. The school is the first formal Miko school in Japan, but it’s expanding! We have several branches.
Here’s the website (Japanese only!) momoyama-shachu.com/miko/
A: I train here in Osaka. Yes, you DO need Japanese. The school is the first formal Miko school in Japan, but it’s expanding! We have several branches.
Here’s the website (Japanese only!) momoyama-shachu.com/miko/
Q: Wait, so are you clergy?
A: Not quite! I’m not technically ordained like a priest, but I’m quite not a layperson anymore either.
A Miko’s job is to assist a Priest in ceremonies, help care for the shrine, and help take care of worshippers. We also do sacred dances (kagura)
A: Not quite! I’m not technically ordained like a priest, but I’m quite not a layperson anymore either.
A Miko’s job is to assist a Priest in ceremonies, help care for the shrine, and help take care of worshippers. We also do sacred dances (kagura)
Q: Are there many types of Shinto or only one?
A: There are several types. The “main” types are Shrine Shinto (Jinja), Sect Shinto (Kyoha), and Folk Shinto (Minzoku).
I personally practice Konkokyo, which is Kyoha Shinto
A: There are several types. The “main” types are Shrine Shinto (Jinja), Sect Shinto (Kyoha), and Folk Shinto (Minzoku).
I personally practice Konkokyo, which is Kyoha Shinto
Q: Where can I learn more about Shinto and get started?
A: A good friend of mine and ordained Konkokyo Priestess has made a wonderful beginner’s resource pack here:
livingwithkami.com/post/655943598…
A: A good friend of mine and ordained Konkokyo Priestess has made a wonderful beginner’s resource pack here:
livingwithkami.com/post/655943598…
Also, the fabulous @KaitlynUgoretz contributed to the Religion for Breakfast’s YouTube video about Shinto! She’s a great resource, and she knows her stuff!
Most Japanese people say this because… most Japanese people actually don’t know that much about Shinto in-depth 😅. They know the basics at best (how to pray, basic Shinto mythology, etc)
I’m in my mid/late 30s and I have senpai older AND younger than me, so no age limit!
I’m in my mid/late 30s and I have senpai older AND younger than me, so no age limit!
https://twitter.com/santa_evita1/status/1627818715273392129
As for how long it takes to work at a shrine, it really depends on how serious you’re training!
Basic Miko jobs at New Year’s (selling amulets and whatnot) doesn’t take very long afaik.
But my training is more serious.
I had a workshop for each level + extra review/hands on
Basic Miko jobs at New Year’s (selling amulets and whatnot) doesn’t take very long afaik.
But my training is more serious.
I had a workshop for each level + extra review/hands on
I’m required to practice how to give offerings, lead prayer in cases of an ordained Priest not being present, and more.
So, it depends on what kind of job you’re doing and how much you’re contributing to the shrine as a Miko afaik! My education has only been through the school
So, it depends on what kind of job you’re doing and how much you’re contributing to the shrine as a Miko afaik! My education has only been through the school
WOW this has really blown up
Hi! I’m also a professional kimono stylist! I talk about kimono here: @mainichi_kimono
If you are interested in seeing what the Miko school is up to, please consider following on IG!
Osaka: kansai.mikoschool
Tokyo: kanto.mikoschool
Me: @/tohsaka
Hi! I’m also a professional kimono stylist! I talk about kimono here: @mainichi_kimono
If you are interested in seeing what the Miko school is up to, please consider following on IG!
Osaka: kansai.mikoschool
Tokyo: kanto.mikoschool
Me: @/tohsaka
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