Amaterasu

No more hiding

Come out of the cave.

Shine brilliantly.

Amaterasu (pronounced AH-mah-tey-RAH-soo) is a supreme Japanese Shinto sun goddess and daughter of the creator god Izanagi. Her name means “Great Shining Heaven.” Japanese emperors are said to be descended from Amaterasu, and she’s the highest deity in Japan. Shinto legend relates how Amaterasu retreated into a cave when her brother, Susanoo, began neglecting his divine role and creating mayhem. So important was Amaterasu’s light that her disappearance plunged heaven and Earth into disastrous darkness. Desperate for her to emerge, the deities created rituals to entice her out, including a mirror placed at the mouth of the cave. Amaterasu saw her shining light in the reflection and never hid herself away again.

You’re an introspective soul with a deep and multi-layered inner life. You need time to process and reflect on life’s events. Private space is vital for your well-being.

It can feel safe and familiar to keep yourself closeted away, but Amaterasu is asking you to share more of your beautiful light and wisdom. You have a special energy that needs to be seen, so don’t hide it.

What do you fear might happen if you reveal your true spirit? Does it feel as if your energy may be somehow damaged or destroyed if it’s brought out into the open? Or perhaps that you’ll be hurt, judged or misunderstood?

Even if this has happened before, Amaterasu wants to restore your trust. She understands your fears about coming out of the dark cave and offers you her hand.

“Come out, shining one,” she says.

“Remove your cloak so we can receive your inner light. You can be an important guide for others.

“It’s safe and trustworthy out here, and you’ll be met with love, respect and gratitude for sharing what’s inside your heart.”

Additional meanings:

Share your feelings openly with someone

You’ll soon gain wider or public recognition for your work

Don’t censor yourself to win other’s approval

Invocation

I reveal what’s in my heart, and it’s received with love.