Sarutahiko Shrine

When you first visit Sarutahiko Shrine in Mie Prefecture, you might think some local gang of kids has chosen the temple for their latest prank. The main entrance is a gateway to a sub-shrine covered with colorful stickers and signatures, overlapping like the colors of a tabby cat. However, far from graffiti, the defacements are designed to appeal to the enshrined deity, Ame-no-Uzume. 

Sarutahiko Shrine Mythology

Photo by: PIXTA/ bee

According to local legend, the world was plunged into darkness when the Sun goddess, Amaterasu, became a recluse after a conflict with her storm god brother. The only one that could draw her out was Ame-no-Uzume with a wild comedic dance. As a result, her temples are deeply linked to arts and performance. Wannabe celebrities flock here to stick the names of their agencies and performance groups on the gate for good luck.

A Shrine for Artists

Photo by: PIXTA/ monjiro

Japanese myths often portray Uzume and her husband, the shrine’s namesake, as perfect complements. According to legend, Sarutahiko, the husband and god of the main shrine, helps you choose the right road, whereas Ame-no-Uzume, the wife, helps you walk it with energy, joy and creativity—and presumably a little dance. Because artists always exist halfway between careful choice and complete abandonment, both the personalities of the enshrined gods are important to them. 

Fortune Stones

Photo by: PIXTA/ bee

After visiting the shrines, the next place is the famous houiseki (fortune stone). These marks are important concepts in feng shui. The octagonal shape represents all possible directions that a decision can go. 

It is common to touch the symbols in specific orders depending on what you want to obtain. If you want to get better prospects at work, touch the 亥, 卯 and 未 characters. Feeling the pinch on your wallet? Try 巳, 酉 and 丑. Want to become more popular? Then, 寅, 午 and 戌 are the ones. Then you should feel yourself drawn to a particular direction. North is associated with introspection; south with energy; east with growth and new beginnings; and west with completion and results. The in-between directions mark transitions such as change, relationships or support. 

If you can’t understand the complicated ritual, don’t worry. Being drawn to a direction isn’t about choosing correctly. Perhaps the combination of life’s features and the way we navigate it explains the appeal of the temple and why entertainers flock here for guidance and to improve their fortunes. Even for those who balk at the thought of standing in front of a crowd, the same principles of choosing a path and walking it with powerful intentions apply.