Shinto

Shinto	Tradition
Combat	Air
Detection	Water
Health	Plant
Illusion	Beast
Manipulation	Man
Drain	Willpower + Charisma
Preferred Spells	Astral Window, Control Emotions, Stun Bolt, Thought Recognition

The official religion of Japan, Shinto has spread with the power of Imperial Japan and the corporations that originated there. Shinto features a number of public shrines devoted to the kami, or gods. Its tenets are largely based around harmony with kami spirits, with Awakened activities being considered a natural extension of this concept, and it lacks dogmatic approach to its worship. The religion currently has 115,000 shrines and over 25,000 priests in Japan, with more around the world. The Emperor has increased the influence of the religion in national politics by including practitioners part of the national rebuilding effort.

Shinto is one of the few shamanic traditions accepted into the ranks of the corporations, largely as many executives are immersed in aspects of the religious beliefs from a young age and do not find its practitioners too rebellious. Unlike Amerindian traditions, most kannushi do not have a single mentor but attempt to live harmoniously with all the kami. Key portions of this harmony are respect for nature and ensuring physical and spiritual cleanliness though proper ritual. Honoring the kami is important to the Awakened, as they regularly ask favors of the spirits, especially looking for assistance in the use of magic.

Shinto magic techniques are closely tied to the religion whose name they share. Protective charms, normally called ofuda are used to anchor wards within a building, normally placed within the home’s kamidana, or household altar. Personal protection amulets, called omamori, are frequently used to ward off bad luck or to encourage success in different endeavors; for the Awakened they are commonly made into foci for Counterpelling or Banishing. Other protective charms are also used by believers to bring good fortune, fight against bad luck, or induce and bless child birth.

Shigetoshi Suzuki is a priest at the Atsuta shrine who frequently works as a tutor to promising young students. A former employee of Fuchi, he left as the corporation disintegrated and entered the private sector. His teaching methods are reportedly guided self-discovery, with the kami being the central focus of the lessons and sometimes guest instructors.

(p48-49 SG)