KICHIJOTEN
The mysterious and powerful goddess who ruled over luck and fortune in Japan.
Kichijoten was a mysterious and powerful goddess who ruled over luck and fortune in Japan. She was said to bring wealth and fortune to those that worshipped her, but also brought misfortune when displeased.
Long ago, Kichijoten first gained recognition in ancient Japan when the Emperor lived simply and led by example. One day an earthquake struck the area, causing significant damage to property and infrastructure. After surveying the devastation, the Emperor vowed to hold an annual festival of thanksgiving in honour of whatever divine entity had saved his people from disaster. It was then that Kichijoten began making appearances at these festivals, bringing prosperity to those that worshipped her by showering them with gifts of rice cakes called mochi rice cakes. This occurrence lead people to believe that she may be a powerful fortuitous deity indeed!
People throughout Japan began worshipping Kichijoten as she represented luck and good fortune — something sought by many people in ancient Japan who needed it to survive the harsh environment they lived in. Owing to its primary purpose as a symbol of luck, depictions of Kichijoten were often featured on omamori charms hung outside temples or homes for protection against misfortune or disease. Over time she became a revered figure throughout Japanese folklore and religion, known for granting wishes for those petitioners that asked for help with something specific — usually of the financial variety.
Occasionally people would make pilgrimages to shrines dedicated solely to Kichijoten with hopes that their requests would be answered if they followed all instructions carefully and made certain offerings. Other methods being used more frequently were small effigies made from paper representing someone’s wish set adrift into water as well as striking coins (a method known as Uchiwa) into different shaped rocks while reciting special incantations dedicated specifically to Kichijoten which were thought necessary steps towards having your wishes fulfilled!
Today although none of these practices are conducted regularly anymore, one can still visit shrines across Japan that contain beautiful altars dedicated specifically to this powerful female deity; a reminder of long times past when superstition played an integral role in providing guidance through everyday struggles faced by many individuals looking for answers in life’s chaotic journey!
The Tale of the Kichijoten
The legendary tale of Kichijoten begins with a young, beautiful girl named Amaterasu. She lived in the small village of Isono in Japan.
One summer, while walking through the fields one day, she suddenly came across a magnificent, seven-tailed fox named Kichijoten, who said to her “If you will follow me I will show you great things.” Amaterasu obliged and followed the fox deep into the woods. She was quickly led astray and found herself unable to return home and so stayed with Kichijoten for many years.
Kichijoten taught Amaterasu many strange things and secrets of nature which she eventually shared with her fellow villagers where she lived. Her knowledge made her respected by all and gave her the name “Houshi” (a wise woman). With this new knowledge and power Amaterasu amazed the village people who rewarded her with gold coins and jewelry.
Kichoji then blessed her for not taking advantage of their friendship and special connection by transforming into a precious stone that would bring luck to anyone who owned it (the Kawano Stone). To this day, Kachoji’s stone is believed to offer protection from curses or bad luck when placed close to a shrine or temple entrance.
