Shinto Goddess of the Sun, agriculture, peace, fertility, protection and ruler of the Takamagahara (the high celestian plain much like “Heaven.”)

The belief that the Sun is to embody the masculine while the Moon is to be viewed as feminine is a concept held in many various pantheons and beliefs. The Shinto pantheon, amongst few others, do not view either the sun or moon to be completely associated with one or the other. Many of their deities take on aspects and roles that other pantheons may not. Amaterasu is the solar deity of Fertility, fertility being another aspect highly associated by the moon. She was warm, protective, loving and giving of life. When Amaterasu cast herself away into a cave, due to her younger brother Susanoo becoming overwhelmed with power, the other gods became stricken with an unbearable sadness, as she was the light that gave hope and joy to them all!

This makes Amaterasu one of the most important, if not most important Goddesses of the Shinto religion!

Amaterasu, meaning “Great Divininity Alluminating Heaven,” was formed from the left eye of her father, Izanagi. Izanagi, left Amaterasu to be in charge of essentially what is viewed as Heaven in the Shinto pantheon! She is also the goddess of peace, agriculture, fertility, and protection. While her spirit is relatively joyus, and loving, she is also a fierce warrior and protector of the lands, with her symbols being the bow & arrow, and her sword “the Kusanagi no Tsurugi.”

Her other symbols are the pearl necklace, which was bestowed upon her from her father and her magick mirror (Yata no Kagami).

Amaterasu is the ONLY Supreme Goddess in all of the religions and pantheons! What does this mean? Essentially it means that her roles and her position made her just as important as any male deity regarded, in any pantheon! Obviously we know this is also just the Patriarchal system that’s been instilled, as there are plenty of Goddesses who deserve the title of Supreme! Either way this makes Amaterasu one hell of a Goddess and definite feminist icon!

We see the importance that Amaterasu held over the Shinto as the memorable “ rising sun “ flag is symbolic of this Goddess!

Original Source: https://www.jsouthernstudio.com/blogs/esotericinsights/goddess-of-the-month-amaterasu-september-2019