BENTEN
Shigato Hajime (Japan)
Themes: Luck; Wealth; Beauty
Symbols: Boats; Dragons; Guitars; Snakes; Saltwater
About Benten:
As the Japanese goddess steering the New Year’s Treasure Ship, Benten is a perfect figure to call on for financial improvements this year. She is the only goddess of luck in Japan and is referred to as queen of the seas and patroness of gamblers.
Japanese women invoke her to bring beauty and fortune into their lives. Benten is depicted as riding a golden dragon, playing a biwa (guitar), and sending out white snakes with her missies. Her robe bears a jewel that grants wishes.
To Do Today:
To welcome Benten’s prosperity into your home, sprinkle a little saltwater on the threshold today. Or, to generate beauty within and without, soak in a bath of Epsom salts while listening to guitar music. The Shigato Hajime festival honors the beginning of the work week
in Japan, where it is believed that good omens for work begin today. If you want to get a peek at how your employment will fare this year, try divination by dice (a traditional gambler’s tool). Hold one die in your hand, ask for Benten to provide a sign, then roll it. The results can be interpreted as follows:
(1) a negative omen; (2) feeling torn between two good options; (3) a good omen; (4) financial security (5) not much material change, but improvements in interoffice relationships (6) an excellent omen; roll again. If you get two more sixes, Benten’s treasures will be yours!
By Patricia Telesco
Witches Of The Craft® 