As we talked in the previous installation, the rumors and urban legends about the barriers was very famous and well-known among the Japanese people that most believe to be true. But for people outside of Japan, there is only a handful to know since most rumors are oral stories or written in Japanese. So, we thought that bringing it to the world might spark some interests!
The Urban Legends about Barriers
It was not merely a rumor since Onmyōji were very influential and active back then. The record of moving capitals also showed that it was through the consult with Onmyōji, as you can see in the design and map of Kyoto; very orderly designed, almost like a checkboard.
But coincidently or not, certain holy sites, now called “Power Spots”, ominously situated in a certain arrangement that caused people to believe that they were built there by design. And the purpose of these sites? One can only guess that it was to act as a barrier. But enough from me, let’s see them for yourself!
The Heijō-kyō Barrier (平城京結界)
The center of the barrier seems to be on Heijō-kyō the first capital, but Heian-kyō sit directly north of the previous capital and still within the same barrier (on the intersection of lines when the five-star-seal is drawn), so sometimes it is known as Heian-kyō Barrier (平安京結果).
The Barrier formed from Pentagram (五芒星 Gobōsei, Five-Star Seal) surrounding the old capitals Heijō-kyō and Heian-kyō, by drawing the lines between five power-spots:
- Toyuke-Daijinja (Motoisegaiguu 元伊勢外宮) in Kyoto
- Ise-Jinguu(Isenaiguu 伊勢内宮) in Mie Prefecture
- Izanami-Jinja (Izanami-Jinguu 伊弉諾神宮) in Hyogo Prefecture
- Ibukiyama (伊吹山) in Gifu Prefecture
- Kumano-Honguu-Taisha (熊野本宮大社) in Wakayama Prefecture
Note that four out of five have the Kanji 伊 (i) on their old name. The Five-Star Seal draws upon the power of five elements in the Art of Onmyō, thus each point represents each element. Note that the seal on this one is upside-down pentagram, which in Western belief is the diabolical symbol, but the intention for the Japanese was to put one spot in the northeast against Demon Gate (鬼門 Kimon).
This may be one of the largest seals among the urban legends, spanning over five prefectures. Seeing how difficult it is to visit all of them in one day, it would cost much of your will power, physical condition, time and money. Some see them as a challenge, believing that if you could do so you would be very lucky (to achieve the feats itself alone) and it would bring more fortune. Are you up to the challenge?
The Imperial Palace Barrier: Pentagram Legends (皇居結界：五芒星説)
This one has more reasonable backing belief that the five spots were meant for each element in the Five Elements system in Onmyōdō. These spots do not actually form a perfect pentagram on the map, but people still make a round trip to visit these places.
- Tokyo-Daijinguu (東京大神宮) representing Wood (木)
- Kanda-Myōjin (神田明神) representing Fire (火)
- Suitenguu (水天宮) representing Water (水)
- Kotohiraguu (金刀比羅宮) in Tora-no-mon representing Metal (金)
- Hiejinja (日枝神社) representing Earth (土)
It is believed that Tokugawa Ieyasu consulted an Onmyōji when he made Edo Castle (江戸城) his base of operation, and these spots were built to create the barrier around Edo Castle. When Tokyo became the official capital and the royal family of the Emperor moved to Tokyo, they made Edo Castle the Imperial Palace.
There are still more legends about the barriers, such as the Leylines and the sealing of Taira no Masakado’s head! Be sure to look forward for Part 2 next week!
Previous Articles:
Horror Stories to keep you chilled in Summer
Horror & Mystery Series Vol. 1: Japanese Phenomena
Horror & Mystery Series Vol. 2: Obon and Its Origin
Horror & Mystery Series Vol. 3: Strange Occurrences During Obon
Horror & Mystery Series Vol. 4: The Mystery of Aokigahara “The Sea of Trees”
Horror & Mystery Series Vol. 5: The Horror of Aokigahara Episode 1
Horror & Mystery Series Vol. 6: The Horror of Aokigahara Episode 2
Horror & Mystery Series Vol. 7: The Union of Izanagi and Izanami
Horror & Mystery Series Vol. 8: The Separation of Izanagi and Izanami
Horror & Mystery Series Vol. 9: Half-Human Half-Yokai Rokurokubi
Horror & Mystery Series Vol. 10: Tales of Okiku, Sarayashiki (Manor of the Plates) Part 1
Horror & Mystery Series Vol. 11: Tales of Okiku, Sarayashiki (Manor of the Plates) Part 2
Horror & Mystery Series Vol. 12: Short Horror Stories Around the Web, “Hotels”
Comments