Description
Miko Matriarch
I feel a little history lesson is due here! Being as Akiyo is the founder of the Seishin Priestesses, as well as it’s leader for a number of years, I felt it would be nice to explore the little organization she founded. As we see Akiyo donning her head priestess attire (don’t worry, her cleavage is usually covered), some may wonder why she felt the need to start up such a group? Well...
The Seishin group was started when Akiyo learned how to access a small portion of her spiritual power, allowing her to pass that knowledge on to the others in the hopes of being able to combat things that couldn’t be seen or dealt with physically. Priestess performed various rituals and ceremonies in order to eliminate negative energies and spirits, but over time the group gained so much notoriety that many people would request them if they believed ominous energies were responsible. However, the shifts in leadership have caused several rule changes that have somewhat hampered their capabilities, the most infamous being: priestesses are forbidden from physical engaging in altercations. Oblivia has stated that if this rule were not imposed, they could have been an extremely valuable asset in the elimination of the shadows; Megumi being a prime example of this!
So what does a Seishin priestess do exactly? Well, they have a variety of different things they do so let’s take a look:
Spiritual Purification: Due to the spiritual training each member goes through, all the priestesses have the ability to “see” negative energy as well as demonic influence. As such, they can purify energies that may be inflicting either people or objects, thus preventing either corruption or destruction. However, there are two types of ranks for a Seishin priestess: Blesser and Exorcist. A blesser is low ranking priestess and is responsible for cleansing people of negative energies and dispelling slight demonic influence from locations. An exorcist is higher ranking and is responsible for destroying denser forms of dark energies, but they are also capable of eliminating malevolent specters and quelling restless spirits. An exorcist is powerful enough that they can imbued objects with their power to act as protection against ominous energy and spirits; these objects can include, prayer beads, talismans, and even weapons.
Funerary Services: If someone were to die, a priestess can be requested to perform a funeral service in order to bless the departed and their grave so that they may find peace in the afterlife. In doing this, it also prevents the creation of restless spirits or vengeful ghosts.
Tea Ceremonies: Priestesses can host elaborate tea ceremonies in order to honor someone such as a guest or those of higher status. These ceremonies can be requested for special occasions or meetings. Conventionally these ceremonies are held to welcome someone back or as a celebration for overcoming trials or hardships.
Medicinal Healing. Spiritual healing isn’t the only thing Priestesses are capable, as they are required to learn medicine as well. Priestesses can act as convenient nurses should someone need help during their traditional services or when a situation occurs.
Shrine Guardians: A Seishin priestess’ main duty is to act as protectors of shrines wherever they reside. While offerings to deities are commonplace, Priestesses can issue both prayers for those who visit and offer whatever guidance they can to assist others.
As you can see, Akiyo has set up an extremely useful group and has thus offered many people comfort from the unnatural. However, despite their power and influence, the priestesses are still susceptible to the power and influence of shadows, and though they might be able to delay or weaken them, they can’t effectively kill them as they still lack the physical power offered from completely unlocking their sparra, which would give them more of a chance if they were to ever encounter a shadow face to face. But, Megumi, having defied the traditional structure proves just how effectual a priestess can be if the non-combat rule were lifted. Soon…soon…
This lovely piece was done by the ever awesome pollo-chan featuring Akiyo in her priestess attire, as you see it’s a bit different from a traditional miko attire. The fall leaves on the sleeves and white sakura petals on the bottoms indicate that Akiyo is a head priestess. Priestess’s of lower rank have somewhat different outfits and have red petals on their sleeves. Hope you all enjoy and be sure to five good offerings.
*TRIVIA: Akiyo has stated that before her death, there was talk about her marrying one of the shogun’s sons, who happened to be a general at the time. The reason for this is to form a permanent relationship between the Seishin priestess and the shogun’s men. However, despite this not happening, the priestesses have formed a relationship with the shogun’s soldiers, with the latter acting as guardians of the former.
Dragonspine123
Blockedooooo la la
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