Kajishin

ORIGIN:

Japan

CLASSIFICATION:

Kami

Kajishin is the kami of ironworking and smithcraft. In Japan, as elsewhere, ironworkers doubled as shamans (or at least were perceived as such). This is especially true of nomadic, itinerant smiths. Kajishin thus is more than just an artisanal spirit: he also has dominion over shamanism, magic and secret, mystical rites known only to the initiated. Kajishin forges powerful, magical swords.

Kajishin is venerated as a teacher who transmits secrets of shamanism and smithcraft but also as an ancestral spirit. Ironworkers tend to form inter-related clans: Kajishin may be understood as the root ancestral founder of these clans.

Kajishin literally means blacksmith spirit. The name may refer to one specific kami or to the family of spirits associated with smithcraft including Amatsumara and Kanayago.

MANIFESTATION:

Kajishin may have one eye

Sacred day: The Bellows Festival on the eighth day of the eleventh lunar month

OFFERINGS:

Rice wine (sake); oranges

SEE ALSO:

Amatsumara; Inari; Kami; Kanayago; Ogun

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.