穢れの神 · Pollution and Misogi

Pollution Kami

These kami are born from the remnants of impurities that Izanagi encountered during his misogi. They embody the idea of pollution resulting from death, illness, and decay. Their worship includes purification rituals to cleanse spaces and individuals of spiritual pollution, reflecting the fundamental Shinto belief in cleanliness.

Mythology

According to the Nihon Shoki, the pollution kami arose when Izanagi, during his purification ritual post-Yomi, was tainted by his encounter with Izanami. The subsequent kami represent the darker aspects of existence, necessitating rituals for purification in Shinto practices.