39 Days of Prayer – Day 5

Day 5 – To See the True Self

Amaterasu Omikami – Japanese Goddess of the Sun.  As ruler of the High Plain of Heaven, Amaterasu is the central figure of the Shinto pantheon.  She is the highest manifestation of the universe, Her radiance shining its life-giving rays over Her people and the earth.  Her beauty and light is encompassing, producing fertile fields of rice, wheat, and flowers. Her most popular and prevalent myth tells of when Amaterasu, overcome with grief, hid Herself away in a dark cave, causing the world to be plunged into darkness and despair.  Only the mirror reflection of Her exuberance and glory was powerful enough to draw Her out of hiding.  She is the inventor of weaving and spinning, and is represented by the mirror.

Uzume  – Japanese Goddess of Laughter.  Uzume is the full figured goddess of happiness and femininity.  She is the embodiment of energy in action, and gives birth to light and hope.  When Amaterasu hides herself away in a cave, Uzume entices her out by performing a lewd comical dance and then holds a mirror to her face so that Amaterasu may see her beauty. Bells and dancing are sacred to Uzume.

Amaterasu Omikami, Goddess of light and sun

You hid your splendor from the world

And humanity suffered

But through the laughter and joy of Uzume

You made your way back

Allow me to learn from you, Amaterasu Omikami

Guide me from the darkness of the cave,

Heal the sadness and doubt within me and allow me to see my true spirit.

Show me how to look at my reflection with honor, respect, and reverence

And I, like you, can bless the world with my beauty.

Uzume, Goddess of Laughter

You are proof I can live life without shame

and laugh without fear

Teach me how to give my smile freely, how to laugh with my whole body and soul

So that I may release the hurts of the past

And move into my joyous future.

Thank you Mothers, for your love of me.

So mote it be.