Japanese occult magic, also known as Kekkaijutsu, is a fascinating and mysterious aspect of Japanese culture. It encompasses various supernatural practices and beliefs that have been passed down through generations. Kekkaijutsu is deeply rooted in Japanese folklore and is believed to possess the power to control the spiritual world. One significant aspect of Japanese occult magic is the use of amulets and talismans. These are small objects, usually made of paper or wood, that are believed to contain spiritual energy and provide protection or good luck to the bearer. These amulets are often inscribed with mystical symbols or prayers to enhance their potency.
These amulets are often inscribed with mystical symbols or prayers to enhance their potency. Another common practice of Japanese occult magic is divination. Divination methods are used to obtain insight into the future or gain guidance from spirits.
Tree Mysteries
Every once and a while, a tree will stand out among the others. Something about its shape, color, or pattern will emerge and catch my eye. A giant lump protruding from a tree trunk, a thick cluster of branches, some curious etchings under some bark. These tree mysteries can be found throughout the forest and all have a story to tell. I thought I would share some common conundrums you might find while in the woods.
One such mystery is a burl. A burl often appears as a large rounded bump on a tree’s trunk or branches. This growth results from a tree undergoing some form of stress, such as an injury, virus or fungus. The burl has a barked exterior and its interior is composed of a tree’s bud tissue that has not sprouted foliage or grown into a twig. As a burl grows, it absorbs the tree’s undeveloped buds that surround it and folds them into its enlarging form.
Burl cells are different from regular tree cells, often growing faster and during all seasons, which causes their unpredictable size and presentation. Despite its appearance however, a burl itself is not diseased or contagious. In fact, it is important to leave burls on living trees as they are act as a bandage and seal off the injured area. Burls from dead trees are highly prized for their beauty and rarity and are used by furniture makers, artists, and wood sculptors.
Witches Broom in a Tree
Another tree mystery is known as witches broom. Witches broom appears as a dense growth of shoots from a single point, resembling a birds nest or a broom. This is another case of a tree undergoing some form of stress, such as an injury, virus, or fungus. The normal order of growth is interrupted, causing buds to grow wildly. The witches broom growth will last for many years, usually for the life of the tree and can provide nesting habitat for birds and mammals, such as the northern flying squirrel.
Wood Boring Insect Paths
The final mystery I would like to share is most often seen under the bark of dead trees, or those on their way to being so. What appears like small carvings in intricate patterns are actually the feeding paths of borer insects. These beetles and moths spend part of their life tunneling beneath the bark, consuming a trail as they move. Borer insects can damage trees, but they usually arrive after the tree is already stressed, injured, or dying.
These are just a few of the common tree mysteries one might encounter on a walk in the woods. Next time you are in the forest, be sure to keep an eye out. If you find a mystery of your own, we welcome you to take a picture and share it with us. Who knows, it might be what I write about in the next blog post.
One popular form of divination is using fortune-telling cards or Etegami, which involves drawing or choosing cards that portray different scenarios or situations. The interpretation of these cards provides guidance and advice to the seeker. Japanese occult magic also includes rituals and spells to ward off evil spirits or bring about desired outcomes. These rituals may involve chanting incantations, performing specific gestures, or creating carefully constructed symbols. Engaging in these rituals is believed to harness the power of the spiritual realm and direct it towards a particular intention or goal. The practice of Japanese occult magic is often linked to Shinto and Buddhism, two major religions in Japan. Shinto focuses on the worship of kami, which are spirits or deities believed to exist in all natural elements. Buddhism, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of meditation and mindfulness to connect with the spiritual world. These spiritual beliefs heavily influence the rituals and practices associated with Japanese occult magic. It is important to note that Japanese occult magic is not widely accepted or practiced by the general population in Japan. However, it continues to hold a significant place in Japanese culture, especially among those who are deeply interested in the supernatural and spiritual aspects of life. In conclusion, Japanese occult magic is a captivating and enigmatic aspect of Japanese culture. It encompasses various practices, rituals, and beliefs that revolve around the supernatural and spiritual realms. From the use of amulets and divination to rituals and spells, Japanese occult magic provides an intriguing glimpse into Japan's rich folklore and spiritual traditions..
Reviews for "The Healing and Protective Powers of Japanese Occult Magic"
- John Smith - 2/5
I didn't enjoy "Japanese occult magic" as much as I thought I would. The book promised to delve into the fascinating world of Japanese occult practices, but it felt more like a shallow overview rather than an in-depth exploration. The author barely scratched the surface of topics like onmyodo or Shinto rituals, leaving me feeling unsatisfied and wanting more. The writing style was also quite dry and lacked the vibrant storytelling I was hoping for. Overall, I found "Japanese occult magic" to be a disappointment.
- Emily Johnson - 2/5
"Japanese occult magic" was a letdown for me. While I appreciate the attempt to introduce readers to Japanese occult practices, the execution fell flat. The information provided was scattered and lacked depth, leaving me with more questions than answers. The book also failed to capture the mystique and allure that one might expect when exploring the world of occultism. I was hoping for a captivating and immersive experience, but unfortunately, "Japanese occult magic" failed to deliver.
- David Thompson - 1/5
I found "Japanese occult magic" to be a waste of time. The book was poorly written and poorly researched, making it difficult to trust the information presented. The author's shallow understanding of the subject matter was evident throughout, and it felt like a half-hearted attempt to cash in on the popularity of the occult. There are far better resources available for those interested in Japanese occult practices, and I would recommend avoiding this book altogether.