That Was Messed Up

[Ava Jarvis]

Well, Shinto is a very localized religion. And really not organized at all. We've got shrines but apart from a few common special days that are cross-shrine (like New Year's and such), festivals are localized. Even which particular kami are around depends on your locality, exception being that every shrine incorporates Amaterasu-omikami, sun goddess and head god of the pantheon.

That said, not many local festivals with a Shinto bent in America. There's only one shrine for the whole nation, Tsubaki Grand Shrine, not counting individual home shrines.

Shinto folks visit shrines for some holidays, but otherwise it's kind of "go on a need to go" basis. Got a terrible exam coming up? Visit your local shrine. Health problems and you've managed to make a day out? Visit your local shrine. Performance review time? You know what to do. Etc. Great time to pick up an omamori from the shrine as well, other things also.

It's nice to visit an official local shrine because the priests know all the rituals and can say the words for you if you want. They do the rituals during the big holidays too.

 

[EveHarrington]

This is an article I found related to what @Ava Jarvis said

http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/quiet-hour-instituted-at-grocery-store-is-gift-for-autistic-shoppers/

It's in Manchester.

Unfortunately that wouldn't really help me as it's not so much the music or the lights but the people. People cause the worst overload for me. I stick to shopping at quiet (slow) times. Fortunately I live in Hooterville (haha Green Acres reference) so our "busy" is like a slow day down in the city.

I do avoid wal mart like the plague for various reasons.

 

[Ava Jarvis]

I find having a specific Goddess and God I work with really helps focus. Deity is One but is way t...

For me thus far it's Amaterasu-omikami. She's the sun, so a nice big focus area.

It's funny. My friend (who is Hindu) keeps having to remind me that it's OK to ask Amaterasu-omikami for help, and that it's not "using up Her resources" because she is the sun and the sun fits a million earths.

So hard for me to open up to her, still, even though that helps every time.

 

[Whyteferret]

For me thus far it's Amaterasu-omikami. She's the sun, so a nice big focus area.

It's funny. My fr...

I know what you mean. Wicca isn't really an organized religion. I am more or less a Solitary. A lot of reading, research, meditation. One of the core concepts taught is "She helps who help themselves." I grew up in a very negative church that taught fear. Happened to be Christian. I still sometimes have trouble "bugging" the Goddess when I need help. Brighid found me and sent me my familiar. I think that's also why I work more with the Goddess aspect than the God. I was taught to gear God- fear punishment. Never good enough- flawed. All the negatives. Working with the Feminine is different. She will teach and discipline. But you don't have to fear Her, even though some of Her faces are frightening.

I also have metaphysical leanings. They tend to go together well