In the context of Shintoism (Japan’s indigenous religion), **Ōasa (大麻)** is considered one of the most sacred substances. It is not used as a drug, but rather as a **tool for purification and a symbol of the divine.** Here are the specific forms in which this hemp is considered sacred: ### 1. The Purification Wand (Haraegushi) The most common form of "Ōasa" you will see is the **Haraegushi**. This is the wooden wand that a Shinto priest waves over people, buildings, or objects to purify them. * **The Structure:** While many modern wands use only zig-zagging paper (*shide*), the most traditional and formal wands have long, thin strips of **raw hemp fiber** attached to the wood. * **The Ritual:** The act of waving the wand is believed to shake off "kegare" (spiritual impurity/stagnation). In this context, the wand itself is often referred to simply as the **"Ōasa."** ### 2. The Refined Fiber (Seima) Before it is used in rituals, the hemp undergoes a labor-intensive process to become **Seima** (refined hemp). * The bark is stripped, soaked, and scraped until only the strongest, whitest, and most lustrous fibers remain. * **The Symbolism:** The white, shimmering quality of the fiber represents **purity and light.** Because hemp is incredibly strong and does not rot easily, it symbolizes sincerity and an unbreakable connection to the gods. ### 3. The Ise Grand Shrine Amulet (Jingu Taisa) This is perhaps the most important "form" of sacred hemp in Japan. The **Jingu Taisa** is the official amulet of the Ise Grand Shrine (the most sacred shrine in Japan, dedicated to the Sun Goddess Amaterasu). * The word for this amulet is written with the same kanji: **大麻 (Taisa/Ōasa).** * Historically, these amulets contained a small piece of sacred hemp fiber or a wooden shaving from the shrine’s rebuilding process. * Millions of Japanese households keep a *Jingu Taisa* in their home altar (*kamidana*) every year. In this sense, "Ōasa" refers to the **presence of the Goddess herself.** ### 4. Ritual Clothing and Accessories * **Priestly Robes:** High-ranking Shinto priests occasionally wear garments made of 100% hemp for the most important ceremonies. * **Shimenawa (Sacred Ropes):** While most sacred ropes seen at shrines are made of rice straw, the most important ones—such as those at the **Izumo Taisha** shrine or those used by Sumo Grand Masters (*Yokozuna*)—are traditionally made from hemp. * **Bell Ropes:** The thick ropes hanging from the bells at shrines (which you pull to wake the deity) are ideally made of hemp, as it is believed to be a "conduit" for spiritual energy. ### Why Hemp? Shinto prizes hemp for three main reasons: 1. **Vitality:** Hemp grows incredibly fast and tall, symbolizing the healthy growth of children and the prosperity of the community. 2. **Purity:** Salt and water are used to wash away physical dirt, but hemp is believed to "wipe away" spiritual impurities that water cannot touch. 3. **Connection:** In ancient Japanese mythology, hemp was used as a "guide" or a "ladder" to bring the gods down to the human world.
According to Shinto tradition and Japanese mythology, **yes, hemp is considered the most important plant to Amaterasu Omikami (the Sun Goddess).** It is not just "prized" by her; it is considered the primary physical medium through which her presence and protection are transmitted to the world. Here is why hemp is so closely tied to Amaterasu: ### 1. The Myth of the Heavenly Cave (Amano-Iwato) In the most famous story of Amaterasu, she hides in a cave, plunging the world into darkness. To lure her out, the other gods performed a grand ritual. * According to the *Kojiki* and *Nihon Shoki*, the god **Futodama-no-mikoto** held a sacred Sakaki tree decorated with various offerings. * Chief among these offerings were **blue hemp fibers** (representing the earth/people) and white paper/cloth (representing the divine). * When Amaterasu finally emerged, restoring light to the world, hemp was one of the first things she saw. It was the material used to "welcome the light" back into the world. ### 2. The Name of Her Protection: "Jingu Taisa" The most significant link is found at the **Ise Grand Shrine** (Ise Jingu), which is Amaterasu's primary home on earth. * The official name for the amulet (the *ofuda*) that people receive from Ise Jingu is **Jingu Taisa (神宮大麻)**. * The word **Taisa** (or *Ōasa*) literally means **"Great Hemp."** * Historically, these amulets actually consisted of a bundle of hemp fibers. Even though many modern versions use paper, the name remains "Great Hemp" because the plant is synonymous with Amaterasu’s blessing. When a Japanese person puts a *Jingu Taisa* in their home, they are literally putting "The Great Hemp of Amaterasu" on their altar. ### 3. The Emperor’s Sacred Hemp Robe (Aetae) The Emperor of Japan is considered the direct descendant of Amaterasu. In the most sacred ceremony of an Emperor’s life—the **Daijosai** (the Great Thanksgiving Festival following his enthronement)—he performs a secret ritual to communicate with Amaterasu. * For this ritual, he must wear a very specific garment called the **Aetae**, which is made of **100% pure hemp.** * While he wears silk for other ceremonies, the hemp robe is reserved for his most intimate encounter with his ancestor, Amaterasu. This signifies that hemp is the "highest" fabric, superior even to silk in spiritual purity. ### 4. Symbolic Connection: The Sun and Growth There is also a natural symbolism that connects Amaterasu (the Sun) to Hemp: * **Rapid Growth:** Hemp is one of the fastest-growing plants on earth, "stretching" toward the sun with incredible vitality. This is seen as the plant "answering" Amaterasu’s light. * **Purity:** Hemp does not require heavy pesticides or fertilizers and produces a clean, white fiber. This mirrors the Shinto ideal of *Makoto* (sincerity/truth) and *Kiyome* (purity), which are the core attributes of Amaterasu. ### Summary In the eyes of Shinto, hemp is the **"Plant of the Sun."** If you were to ask a traditional Shinto priest, they would likely tell you that hemp fiber is the "cloth of the gods" (kami-no-nuno), and specifically the fabric that best resonates with the vibration of Amaterasu.
While Amaterasu is the most famous figure associated with hemp, there are several other deities (Kami) who are specifically credited with its creation, cultivation, or ritual use. In Shinto, hemp is often associated with the **Inbe (Imbe) clan**, a lineage of ritualists who were historically responsible for providing sacred hemp goods to the Imperial Court. Here are the other Japanese deities closely tied to hemp: ### 1. Ame-no-Hiwashi-no-Mikoto (The God of Hemp) If there is one "Hemp God," it is **Ame-no-Hiwashi**. * **The Role:** He is the ancestral deity of the Inbe clan and is known as the god of hemp cultivation and papermaking. * **The Legend:** After Amaterasu came out of the cave, Ame-no-Hiwashi was tasked with growing hemp and weaving "white cloth" for the gods. * **Where he is worshipped:** He is the primary deity of the **Awa Region** (modern-day Tokushima Prefecture), which was historically the most important center for hemp production in Japan. He is also worshipped at **Otori (Eagle) Shrines**, such as the famous one in Asakusa, Tokyo (the *Torino-ichi* festival). ### 2. Futodama-no-Mikoto (The God of Ritual) Futodama is the deity who presided over the ritual to lure Amaterasu out of the cave. * **The Connection:** He is the "Grand Master of Rituals." He held the sacred Sakaki tree that was decorated with hemp fibers. * **The Power:** He is believed to be the protector of all ritual tools. Because hemp is the ultimate tool for purification, Futodama is considered its spiritual "manager." He ensures that the hemp used in ceremonies is pure enough to reach the gods. ### 3. Sarutahiko Okami (The God of Guidance) Sarutahiko is the formidable, long-nosed deity who stands at the "Eight Crossroads of Heaven" to guide the gods. * **The Connection:** Sarutahiko is the patron of **Shimenawa** (the sacred rice straw or hemp ropes that mark the boundary between the human and spirit worlds). * **The Symbolism:** Hemp is used as a "guide" or "conduit" for energy. In some traditions, hemp fibers are tied to Sarutahiko’s staff to help "clear the way" of spiritual blockages. If you are starting a journey or a new business, hemp is used to appeal to Sarutahiko for a clear path. ### 4. Sukunabikona (The Tiny God of Medicine and Agriculture) Sukunabikona is a small but powerful deity who helped create the world alongside Okuninushi. * **The Connection:** He is the god of medicine, hot springs, and sake, but also of the **"Vitality of Plants."** * **The Use:** Historically, because hemp has medicinal properties and grows with incredible speed, it fell under his domain. He is often associated with the "magical" or "healing" properties of the plant rather than just its fibers. ### 5. The Deity of the "Seven Herbs" (Inari Connection) While **Inari** (the Fox Deity) is primarily the god of **rice**, there is an old agricultural tradition where hemp and rice were seen as two sides of a coin. * **Rice** represented the "flesh" or "food" of the people. * **Hemp** represented the "spirit" or "clothing" of the people. * In ancient farming rituals, farmers would pray to the local harvest gods for the "Five Grains" (which often included hemp seeds in ancient lists) to ensure the community was both fed and spiritually protected. ### Summary: The "Inbe" Lineage If you want to look at the "Hemp Gods" as a group, look for shrines associated with the **Inbe (Imbe) Clan**. While the **Nakatomi clan** (ancestors of the Fujiwara) focused on **words and prayers** (Norito), the **Inbe clan** focused on **objects and purity**, with **Hemp (Ōasa)** being their most powerful tool. Any shrine that honors the Inbe ancestors is essentially a shrine where hemp is the most prized and sacred substance.
Beyond Lord Shiva (who is famously known as *Bholenath* or the "Lord of Bhang"), Indian mythology and the Vedic tradition recognize the cannabis plant as a divinity in its own right, as well as associating it with several other figures. In India, cannabis is often referred to as **Vijaya** (The Victorious One), and it is personified as a goddess. ### 1. Goddess Vijaya (The Personification of Cannabis) In the *Atharva Veda* (one of the four most ancient sacred texts of Hinduism, dating back to 1200–1000 BCE), cannabis is called **Vijaya**. * **The Goddess:** She is personified as a feminine deity who was created from the "churning of the ocean" (*Samudra Manthan*) by the gods and demons. * **Her Role:** She is considered a "liberator" and a "bringer of joy." The texts suggest that the gods consecrated cannabis so that humans might attain "delight" and "lose all fear." * **Worship:** During certain Tantric rituals, the plant itself is worshipped as Goddess Vijaya before it is consumed. Prayers are offered to her to purify the mind and allow the practitioner to achieve a state of *Samadhi* (deep meditative bliss). ### 2. Indra (The King of the Gods) Before Shiva became the primary figure associated with cannabis in the later Puranic period, the **Vedas** linked cannabis closely with **Indra**, the King of Heaven and God of Thunder. * **"Indra's Food":** In the *Atharva Veda*, cannabis is one of the five sacred plants that "release us from anxiety." * **The Link to Soma:** Some scholars argue that while "Soma" (the legendary immortal nectar) was a different plant, cannabis was often used as a substitute or was referred to as "Indra’s favorite drink" to give him the strength to slay the dragon Vritra. ### 3. Goddess Parvati (Shiva’s Consort) While Shiva is the one who consumes it, **Parvati** is often credited with its "discovery" or its "taming." * **The Legend:** One folk legend says that Shiva once wandered into the mountains after a domestic argument and fell asleep under a plant. When he woke up, he sampled the leaves and was instantly refreshed. Parvati, seeing how it calmed his fierce temper, began to cultivate it. * **The Domesticator:** In many Himalayan traditions, Parvati is seen as the "Mother" of the plant, ensuring that it is used for healing and spiritual peace rather than just raw intoxication. ### 4. Goddess Matangi (The Outcaste Goddess) In the Tantric tradition, **Matangi** is one of the ten *Mahavidyas* (Wisdom Goddesses). * **The Taboo:** She is the goddess of the "polluted" and the "marginalized." She is often offered things that are traditionally considered "unclean" or taboo in mainstream society. * **Intoxication:** Because cannabis was historically associated with wandering ascetics and people outside the caste system, it is frequently associated with her worship. She represents the "ecstatic" side of spirituality where social norms are broken to find God. ### 5. Lord Bhairava (The Fierce Manifestation) **Bhairava** is a terrifying manifestation of Shiva, often seen as the guardian of the city of Varanasi. * **The Offering:** While regular Shiva is offered *Bhang* (a milk-based cannabis drink), the fierce Bhairava is often associated with the consumption of *Ganja* (the dried flowers) and other strong substances. * **Purpose:** In this context, the "weed" is used to represent the destruction of the ego and the burning away of worldly illusions. ### 6. The Five Sacred Plants of the Vedas It is worth noting that in the *Atharva Veda* (11.6.15), cannabis is grouped with four other "Divine Plants" that are treated as deities/sacred beings: 1. **Darbha** (Sacred grass) 2. **Soma** (The nectar of immortality) 3. **Yava** (Barley) 4. **Saha** (A medicinal herb) 5. **Bhanga** (Cannabis/Hemp) The text says: *"To the five kingdoms of the plants which Soma rules as Lord we speak. Darbha, Bhanga, Barley, and Saha—may these deliver us from woe!"* **Summary:** If you are looking for a specific "Weed Goddess," it is **Vijaya**. If you are looking for a god who used it for war and power, it is **Indra**. If you are looking for the goddess of the "high" and the "socially taboo," it is **Matangi**.
It is a hilarious mental image: the "MLG" subculture—with its airhorns, Mountain Dew, neon "420" signs, and Snoop Dogg memes—suddenly realizing they are accidentally referencing 3,000 years of high-priest ritualism. If those "MLG" folks actually looked into the history, the "silly" factor hits on a few levels: ### 1. "420 Blaze It" vs. "The Purifying Fire" In the MLG world, "blazing it" is about being a rebel or a "thug." In Shinto, "blazing" is literal—they use **hemp-fed fires** at the gates of shrines to welcome the spirits of ancestors during the Obon festival. They aren't "blazing it" to get high; they are using the smoke as a **spiritual telephone line** to talk to the dead. ### 2. The "Victorious" Irony The MLG crowd loves "winning" (Major League Gaming). The irony is that the Sanskrit name for cannabis is **Vijaya**, which literally means **"Victory."** * **MLG version:** Getting a "360 no-scope" and flashing a weed leaf on the screen to celebrate. * **Vedic version:** Consuming *Vijaya* to gain victory over your own ego and the illusions of the material world. They’re both chasing "Victory," but one is looking for a leaderboard rank and the other is looking for Nirvana. ### 3. The "Swag" of the Emperor The MLG aesthetic is all about "swag" and looking "dank." But the ultimate "flex" actually belongs to the **Japanese Emperor**. During the *Daijosai* (Enthronement), he wears a 100% hemp robe that has been woven by a specific family (the Arimitsu family) who has been doing it for centuries. If an MLG gamer knew that the most formal, "god-tier" outfit in one of the world's oldest monarchies is basically a "hemp suit" designed to meet a Sun Goddess, their heads would probably spin. ### 4. Snoop Dogg vs. The Inbe Clan MLG montages always use Snoop Dogg as the "High Priest" of weed. But the real "Snoop Doggs" of history were the **Inbe Clan** of Japan. They were a hereditary class of spiritual technicians whose entire job was to grow the "dankest," purest, whitest hemp possible to keep the universe from falling apart. They didn't do it for the "memes"; they did it because they believed the Sun wouldn't shine without it. ### The Ultimate "Reverse Card" The funniest part is that the MLG folks think they are being **subversive** and "anti-establishment." In reality, they are accidentally participating in the **most "establishment" tradition possible**. Nothing is more "establishment" than the Imperial House of Japan or the Vedic Priesthood. The gamer thinks: *"I'm so edgy for posting this leaf."* The Shinto Priest thinks: *"Ah, I see you are showing respect to the sacred fiber of Amaterasu. Very traditional of you."*
In China, the relationship with cannabis (known as **Ma 麻**) goes back at least 5,000–6,000 years. Because of this, the "weed deities" in China are less about "rebellion" and more about **immortality, healing, and the fabric of civilization.** Here are the heavy hitters from Chinese mythology: ### 1. Magu (The Hemp Maiden) If there is a "Queen of Weed" in world mythology, it is **Magu** (麻姑). Her name literally translates to **"Hemp Maid"** or **"Auntie Hemp."** * **Who she is:** A Taoist *xian* (immortal) who represents eternal youth and the protection of women. She is often depicted with bird-like fingernails and carrying a basket of peaches (for immortality) or hemp leaves. * **The "Hemp Fields" Legend:** There is a famous Chinese idiom, *"The blue sea has turned into hemp fields"* (Cānghǎi sāngtián). It refers to the vast cycles of time. Magu is said to have seen the Eastern Sea turn into a forest of hemp three times over her immortal life. * **The MLG Connection:** While the gamers use the leaf for "swag," Magu represents **longevity.** Ancient Taoists believed that cannabis was a key ingredient in the "Elixir of Life." To them, Magu wasn't just "high"; she was so "pure" that she would never age or die. ### 2. Shennong (The Divine Farmer) Shennong is one of the "Three Sovereigns," the god-kings of ancient China. He is the father of Chinese agriculture and traditional medicine. * **The Lab Rat God:** Legend says Shennong had a transparent stomach and would eat every plant he found to see how it affected the body. He "tasted the hundred herbs" and was poisoned dozens of times a day, using tea as an antidote. * **His Discovery:** In the *Shennong Bencao Jing* (The Divine Farmer's Herb-Root Classic), written nearly 2,000 years ago but based on older oral traditions, **Cannabis (Ma)** is listed as a **"Superior Herb."** * **The Spiritual Effect:** The text states: *"If taken over a long term, it makes one communicate with spirits and lightens one's body."* * **The Verdict:** In China, the God of Medicine basically gave weed a 5-star review, not as a drug, but as a way to "talk to the gods" and achieve weightlessness (spiritual lightness). ### 3. The Taoist Alchemists (The "Smoke of the Tao") While not a single god, the early Taoist "High Priests" (the *Fangshi*) treated cannabis smoke as a medium for the divine. * **The Censer Rituals:** Ancient Taoists used bronze incense burners (censers) to burn "Hemp Seeds and Resin." They believed the smoke allowed them to **"travel to the heavens"** and speak with the **Three Purities** (the highest deities in Taoism). * **The "Hallucination" Distinction:** To a Taoist, if you saw things while inhaling hemp smoke, you weren't "hallucinating"—you were finally seeing the **True Reality** that your boring, sober eyes were too "clogged" to see. ### 4. Kui Xing (The God of Examinations) This one is a bit of a linguistic and cultural "deep cut." * **The Character:** The Chinese character for Hemp is **Ma (麻)**. It depicts two plants hanging inside a drying shed. * **The Pun:** In some folk traditions, because hemp was used to make the paper that scholars wrote their exams on, there was a loose association between the "fiber of the plant" and the "fiber of knowledge." You couldn't have the God of Literature without the plant that provided his paper. ### Why Chinese "Weed Gods" are different: In the West, weed is often "The Devil’s Lettuce." In India, it’s "The Drink of Shiva." In Japan, it’s "The Purity of the Sun." **In China, it was "The Tool of the Immortal."** The Chinese gods of cannabis are all about **Time.** Magu sees the oceans turn to hemp over millions of years; Shennong uses it to extend the human lifespan. **The "MLG" Irony again:** If an MLG fan saw Magu, they’d see a girl with a hemp basket and think, "Cool, a stoner girl." But in Chinese culture, Magu is the **most powerful being in the room.** She’s the one who stands outside of time, watching the world end and begin again, all while holding a plant that represents the "Great Cycle." The gamer uses weed to "kill time." Magu uses hemp to **outlast time.**
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