The gods Ohonamochi and Sukunabikona are credited with the invention of medicine and magic. Much of the non-religious magic of Japan has its roots in the Chinese Yin and Yang philosophy and geomancy.
The following is a selection of instances of Japanese magic translated from the printed books mentioned:—
The art of using great stones for confirming houses. By this art all manner of calamities of supernatural origin and malignant influences are averted and quieted. On the last day of the twelfth month,—(the date of the oni-yarai, or demon-expelling ceremony),—bury a large stone at each of the four corners of the dwelling-house. Or bury a round stone at each corner and on each of these stones crush seven peach -stones. Evil influences can then work no mischief. Let not this be doubted. Or you may plant at each corner a branch of a peach tree which has grown to the south-east. As an alternative it may be hung on the entrance gate. Or you may take a peach which is still hanging on the tree in the eleventh month. This is called a divine peach. Hang it up in the house, and it will keep away the hundred devils, the five poisons, and all inauspicious things.[1]
To prevent devils and apparitions of all kinds from entering a house and practicers of magic from exercising their devilish art. Sprinkle the blood of a white dog on each of the four entrance gates.
When, by reason of malignant influences or curses, a man is troubled by nightmare (lit. dream-attack) let him use a pillow made of a boot of red blanket. Or he may use a pillow made of rhinoceros horn.
To prevent nightmare caused by other than malignant influences. Boil peaches and drink in urine twenty-one kernels.
The art of making a husband and wife live together in harmony. Take the leg-bones of a pigeon which has cooed on the fifth day
- ↑ The peach occurs very frequently in Japanese and Chinese conjurations. It represents the kteis, a symbol of life and an enemy to death and disease. [The origin of the practice of keeping off evil spirits by peaches is ascribed to an adventure of the creator Izanagi in his descent to the Netherworld in search of his dead consort. See Aston, "The Nihongi," p. 30, Supplement to The Transactions of the Japan Society, (1896).—Ed.]
