Saitama Mitsumine Shrine 'White Ki Amulet'
Mitsumine Shrine in Saitama Prefecture is one of the Kanto region's most spiritually significant shrines, known for its 'guardian deity that uses wolves (mountain dogs) as its messengers' and its 'White Ki Amulet.' It is nestled deep in the mountains at an altitude of 1,100 meters, and it is said that the atmosphere changes completely the moment you visit.
'White Ki Amulet'
Twelve-year-old Mao was being taken by her father deep into the mountains of Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture. The scenery visible from the car window was far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, consisting only of steep mountain roads and deep forests.
'Dad, is there really a shrine this far back?'
Her father smiled quietly at Mao, who had voiced her anxiety without thinking.
'There is. Mitsumine Shrine has been a place protected by the mountain gods since long ago. That is exactly why it is special.'
Mitsumine Shrine stands on a mountain over a thousand meters above sea level. The moment she passed through the torii gate, Mao caught her breath.
--The air is different.
The silence of the deep forest enveloped the shrine grounds, and although she felt the clear, cold air pricking at her skin, her heart felt strangely warm. On both sides stood not guardian dogs, but guardian wolves, staring down the approach with sharp eyes.
'Here, wolves are the messengers of the gods.'
At her father's explanation, Mao's eyes widened.
Not dogs, but wolves. Yet, their appearance felt more dignified and reliable than frightening.
On the way back after finishing her prayers at the main hall, her father called out in front of the shrine office.
'Since we're here, let's get an amulet. They have a special "White Ki Amulet" here.'
The White Ki Amulet—it is rumored to be distributed only once a month and to grant mysterious power to those who possess it. It just so happened that it was the day of distribution. The character for "Ki" (spirit/energy) was embroidered on a small cloth bag, and the white fabric seemed to glow faintly like morning mist.
The moment Mao held it in her palm, she felt as if a small sound had rung deep within her chest.
That night, staying at an inn in the mountains, Mao had a strange dream.
--The shrine grounds illuminated by a full moon.
A white wolf appeared before her.
'There is no need to be afraid.'
The voice did not come from its mouth, but resonated directly in her heart. The wolf's golden eyes stared at her.
'Within you, there is both weakness and hesitation. However, that can also become a source of strength. Do not forget your Ki. If you lose your Ki, you will be swallowed by darkness, but if you believe in your Ki, you can carve out any path.'
Mao could not reply. She simply felt with her whole being that she was being watched over by those eyes. Before long, the wolf vanished like mist, and in its place, only the white amulet shone at her chest.
When she woke up, the amulet was by her pillow, and it left a lingering warmth in her palm.
The next morning, when she returned to the shrine, the grounds were wrapped in a thin mist. Mao stood before the guardian wolf and bowed deeply. Then, a gust of wind blew through, and it looked as if the eyes of the wolf statue had flashed with light for just an instant.
'...Thank you.'
That softly whispered voice was absorbed into the forest.
In the days after returning home, Mao gradually began to change. She stopped being afraid to give presentations in class and was able to laugh naturally with her friends. At home, she became able to accept her parents' support honestly.
Every time she clutched the White Ki Amulet in her pocket, Mao remembered the eyes of the wolf in her dream.
--Do not forget your Ki.
Like the wind blowing through the mountains of Mitsumine, a certain strength resided in her heart.
----------------
The distribution of the White Ki Amulet has been suspended since June 2018. The resumption of distribution in 2025 appears to be undecided.
----------------