Sacred Reflections: Unveiling Japan’s Mirror Deity Worship
When you step into a Shinto shrine in Japan, peering into the dim interior of the worship hall, you will rarely see a statue of a god. Instead, on the altar, you are often greeted by a simple, circular mirror. For the uninitiated traveler, this can be puzzling. Is it for vanity? Is it decoration? In the realm of Japanese spirituality, the mirror is neither. It is the shintai—the physical vessel for the deity itself.
Mirror Deity Worship, or the veneration of the sacred mirror, is one of the most profound and ancient aspects of Japanese culture. It bridges the gap between the visible world and the divine, serving as a portal to the history of the Chrysanthemum Throne and the soul of the nation.
Origins: From Bronze to Divinity
The spiritual significance of the mirror in Japan dates back to the Yayoi period (300 BC–300 AD). Bronze mirrors were originally imported from China and the Korean peninsula, viewed by the ancient Japanese not merely as reflective surfaces, but as rare, magical objects capable of capturing light and starting fires from the sun.
Over centuries, these objects transformed from symbols of political authority and shamanistic power into religious icons. In Shinto, the native spirituality of Japan, gods (kami) do not have physical forms. They need a vessel to inhabit when descended to earth. While swords and jewels are also used, the mirror is considered the most perfect vessel because it reflects everything truthfully, hiding nothing. It represents the purity of the kami and the honesty required of the worshiper.
Legend: The Cave and the Sun Goddess
To understand why the mirror is worshipped, one must look to the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters), Japan’s oldest historical record. The mythology centers on Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun Goddess.
According to legend, Amaterasu was once so offended by the cruel pranks of her storm-god brother, Susano-o, that she retreated into a cave, the Ama-no-Iwato, and sealed the entrance with a rock. The world was plunged into eternal darkness and chaos. The other gods gathered to lure her out, organizing a party outside the cave.
Crucially, they crafted a large bronze mirror (Yata no Kagami) and hung it on a tree facing the cave entrance. When Amaterasu heard the laughter outside, she peeked out and asked why they were celebrating while the world was dark. A deity replied, “We are rejoicing because there is a god here more noble than you.” Curious, Amaterasu looked out and saw her own brilliant reflection in the mirror. Entranced by the light, she stepped forward, and the gods sealed the cave behind her, restoring light to the world.
This mirror was later given to the first Emperor of Japan with the command: “Regard this mirror exactly as if it were my august spirit, and reverence it as if reverencing me.”
Modern Culture: The Mirror of the Soul
Today, Mirror Deity Worship is not just a relic of mythology; it is a living part of Japanese psychology. There is a famous linguistic play on words often cited by Shinto priests regarding the mirror (kagami). The Japanese word for God is Kami. If you remove the ga (which represents the “ego” or “self”) from Kagami, you are left with Kami.
Kagami (Mirror) – Ga (Ego) = Kami (God)
This teaches that when a worshiper stands before the shrine mirror, they must strip away their ego and selfishness. Only when the self is removed can the divine be reflected within the human heart. The mirror acts as a tool for self-reflection and spiritual purification, reminding modern Japanese people to live with sincerity (makoto).
Traveler’s Tips: Experiencing the Sacred Reflection
For travelers hoping to witness this unique aspect of Japanese culture, here are the best places and practices:
1. Ise Jingu (Mie Prefecture)
This is the holiest site in Shinto. The Inner Shrine (Naiku) is believed to house the original Yata no Kagami, the mirror given by Amaterasu. Note: The mirror is kept deep within the main sanctuary and is never shown to the public—not even to the Emperor. However, the atmosphere of the shrine is charged with the presence of this sacred relic.
2. Kagami-jinja (Saga Prefecture)
Located in Karatsu, this shrine is explicitly dedicated to the worship of the mirror deity. It claims to possess a mirror dedicated by the legendary Empress Jingu. It is a fantastic off-the-beaten-path destination for folklore enthusiasts.
3. Shrine Etiquette
When you approach a shrine altar and see a mirror:
- Do not use it to fix your hair or check your appearance.
- Bow deeply and clap your hands (usually twice) to signal your presence.
- Reflect inward. Use the moment to clear your mind of negative thoughts.
Sources & Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of the mythology surrounding Mirror Deity Worship, the following historical texts are essential:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): The oldest chronicle in Japan (712 AD), detailing the myth of Amaterasu and the cave.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Completed in 720 AD, offering a parallel and slightly more detailed historical account.
- Shinto: The Kami Way by Sokyo Ono: A great primer for Western readers on the philosophy behind the sacred objects.