Mikos are female shamans from Japan who practice trance, telepathy, and divination.
- The term may alternatively mean "witch," "priestess," or "shrine-maiden."
- They connect with the spirit world as well as people who have crossed over into the realm of the dead as mediums.
- The custom dates back to a time when women controlled shamanism.
- Ancient East Asian shamanism was especially associated with women.
The first mention to Japanese female shamans may be found in a Chinese chronicle from the third century CE, which recounts Himiko, the ruler of an early Japanese political union.
- The miko may still be found in remote regions and tiny communities.
- Shinto ritual has essentially overtaken her function in bigger cities.
You may also want to read more about Paganism here.
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