Suijin
ALSO KNOWN AS:
Suiten; Mizu no Kamisama; Ame no Minakanushi
CLASSIFICATION:
Kami
Suijin is the goddess of water and ruler of all spirits associated with water. She also has dominion over creatures that live in water, including fish, snakes, and eels. Like the rice deity, Inari, Suijin may manifest in female or male forms, although the female seems to be the older or original version. Suijin and Inari are often invoked together to provide and guard an abundant rice harvest. Suijin is also an agricultural goddess, as it’s crucial to have just enough water. Suijin is invoked against storms, floods, and mudslides.
Suijin is involved with all forms of water, from oceans to ponds, rivers, and even stagnant pools on your lawn. She has dominion over water in your tap and the water in the sewer. Suijin is a gracious, benevolent spirit, invoked for safety when traveling on or in water. She protects against drowning and offers children special protection. Amulets bearing her name allegedly protect against shipwreck.
Water spirits are traditionally linked with human fertility, and Suijin is no exception. She has dominion over conception, pregnancy, and childbirth. Her blessings are invoked for easy, pain-free labor. Although many shrines are dedicated to Suijin, she is also a popular household spirit; the focal point of home altars.
FAVOURED PEOPLE:
Those who catch or sell fish, farmers, women, children
Festival:
5 May
Sacred site:
Shrines include Suitengu Shrine in Tokyo, where she is venerated alongside Benten.
SEE ALSO:
Benten; Inari
Suijin is also a blanket term referring to Japanese water spirits—benevolent, ambivalent, and otherwise. Suijin as a class includes any type of spirit associated with water, including dragons, mermaids, and Kappa.
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.