Jaakuna Tsuihō Musubi (Evil banishment knots)
It feels like forever since Kenji began weaving the cords around my horns. I know it hasn’t really been long but there’s so much to do today. But I’m not going to argue with him today. I understand why he’s doing it. Things are getting more and more dangerous lately, he just wants to protect me. I adjust the way I’m sitting slightly and keep reading over the report from last night. The sightings of that coven of Gwanath Aras are really concerning me. They’re moving closer, getting bolder. I’m going to have to go after them before they try to venture into the city. I sigh, dropping the report into my lap. At least the walls are strong again.
"You alright Beith?" Kenji asks, lowering his hands from my head.
"Just tired, stressed." I rub my eyes.
"Maybe I should add a knot for peace of mind as well. These only ward off evil and demonic energies." He reaches for a pale blue ribbon. I go to stop him then hesitate. The bright purple ribbons tied and knotted around my horns have my full attention. He put so much work into them so that I could be kept safe. I smile.
"I think we both could use some peace of mind, aniki." He smiles at my attempt to speak his mothers' language. "Show me how to do it on me, then I'll do one for you."
"The prayer too?" I nod.
"The prayer too."
History
The tradition began in the second age, mostly as a way of protecting the Ōkami when they went into battle against demons. It didn’t take long for it to branch off to include civilians and others in the military. A terrifying thing is that it has become more and more necessary as the ages have gone by. Nowadays, there are whispers that demons roam the countrysides around the world and no one leaves their village/town/city without one.
Execution
The person/people involved will wrap the ribbons round their hair, finishing with an elaborate protection knot. The same process for the cord but around the forearm and lower legs. A prayer to banish evil and guard the wearer is said while wrapping and knotting.
Components and tools
Cord or ribbon. Usually very bright colors; green, yellow, blue or orange.
Observance
Whenever one is going to an area where evil has been or when one has been struggling greatly with darkness of the mind.
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