~~ Shrine Descriptions ~~
Each of the Elements that the shrines represent will be explained in detail here. They will be given a symbolization and a definition. Read the definition before you decide which is right for you.
/~TSUCHI~
Tsuchi, meaning "Earth", represents the hard, solid objects of the world. The most basic example of tsuchi is in a stone. Stones are highly resistant to movement or change, as is anything heavily influenced by tsuchi. In people, the bones, muscles and tissues are represented by tsuchi. Emotionally, tsuchi is predominantly associated with stubbornness, stability, physicality, and gravity. In the mind, it is confidence; and emotionally it is a desire to have things remain as they are; a resistance to change. When under the influence of this tsuchi mode or "mood", we are aware of our own physicality and sureness of action.
/~MIZU~
Mizu, meaning "Water", represents the fluid, flowing, formless things in the world. Outside of the obvious example of rivers and the like, plants are also categorized under Mizu, as they adapt to their environment, growing and changing according to the direction of the sun and the changing seasons. Blood and other bodily fluids are represented by Mizu, as are mental or emotional tendencies towards adaptation and change. Mizu can be associated with emotion, defensiveness, adaptability, flexibility, suppleness, and magnetism.
/~KA~
Ka, meaning "Fire", represents the energetic, forceful, moving things in the world. Animals, particularly predators, capable of movement and full of forceful energy, are primary examples of ka objects. Bodily, ka represents our metabolism and body heat, and in the mental and emotional realms, it represents drive and passion. ka can be associated with motivation, desire, intention, and an outgoing spirit. Besides the obvious examples of heat and flame, lightning can also be thought of as an extension of Ka.
/~KAZE~
Kaze, meaning "Wind", represents things that grow, expand, and enjoy freedom of movement. Aside from air, smoke, and the like, Kaze can in some ways be best represented by the human mind. As we grow physically, we learn and expand mentally as well, in terms of our knowledge, our experiences, and our personalities. Kaze represents breathing, and the internal processes associated with respiration. Mentally and emotionally, it represents an "open-minded" attitude and carefree feeling. It can be associated with will, elusiveness, evasiveness, benevolence, compassion, and wisdom.
/~SORA~
Sora, most often translated as "Void", but also meaning "Peace" or "Heaven", represents those things beyond our everyday experience, particularly those things composed of pure energy. Bodily, Sora represents spirit, thought, and creative energy. It represents our ability to think and to communicate, as well as our creativity. It can also be associated with power, creativity, spontaneity, and inventiveness.
Sora is of particular importance as one of the most vital of the elements. In martial arts, particularly in fictional tales where the fighting discipline is blended with magic or the occult, one often invokes the power of the Void to connect to the quintessential creative energy of the world. A warrior properly attuned to the Void can sense his surroundings and act without thinking, and without using his physical senses.
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