Ame no Uzume

Attributes: mirth, dawn, revelry, goddess, persuasion, sensuality, dance, luck, inner beauty, kindness

Her story relates to the tale of Amaterasu Omikami, the missing sun deity. She is also symbolically tied to Okame (see Okame).

After a feud with her brother Susanoo (Storm God) Amaterasu Omikami retreated to the Heavenly Rich Cave. The world, without illumination of the sun became dark and none of the Gods could convince Amaterasu to come out of hiding.

Ame no Uzume hung a bronze mirror and jewel of polished Jade near the entrance of the cave. Ame then started dancing in front of the cave. As her dance became more feverish she started ripping her clothes off in front of the other deities. They all started laughing at the sight. Amaterasu heard all of the ruckus and came out of the cave. Upon leaving the cave she saw her beautiful reflection in the mirror. The other gods present asked Amaterasu to rejoin the divine, she agreed and the sunlight was restored to the Earth.

She is depicted in the Kyogen farce as Okame, a woman who revels in her sensuality.

Okame

Attributes: Luck, Kindness, Beauty, Inner Beauty, Good Fortune

Okame's themes are luck and kindness. Her symbols are masks and good-luck charms. She is portrayed as simple and homely. Her domain is the beautiful energy of good fortune and kind acts. She reminds us that beauty truly comes from within.