Forbidden Japan

• Shinto (indigenous shamanic animistic kami religion)
• Shapeshifting kami are not demon-monster yōkai
• Mahayana Buddhism in Japan
• Shingon Buddhism (Japanese Vajrayana)
• Nichiren Shōshū: way of devotion to other-power (tiriki)
• Zen Buddhism: the self-powered (jiriki) way

Pre-Buddhist Thai-Burmese Spirit Worlds

(GO Asia) Thailand and Burma's secret Spirit World | culture and spirituality documentary (AMP)

• What are Burma's and Thailand's "Nats" (Spirits)?
• The "Nat" spirits of Burma (gomyanmartours.com)

Pantheon of animist "Nat" spirits on altar

A spirit house is a shrine to the protective spirit of a place that is found in the Southeast Asian Buddhist countries of Thailand (Siam), Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia (Khmer Kingdom), Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. They are normally in the form of small, roofed structure mounted on a pillar or a dais. They can range in size from small platforms to houses large enough for people to enter. Spirit houses are intended to provide a shelter for spirits that could cause problems for the people if not appeased. More

• Before monks, there were wizards: weizza or weikza (shamans, ceremonial alchemists to deal with the nats the way Shinto priests deal with the kami in pre-Buddhist Japan)
• A night with the wizards of Burma (aljazeera.com)
• Spirit houses in Southeast Asia (nl.pinterest.com)

What is a nat or "spirit" in SE Asia?

Venerate me and I will help you from beyond.

The nats (နတ်) are spirits, deities, god-like ancestors, poltergeists, unseen (invisible) beings venerated in Burma (aka Myanmar) and neighboring Southeast Asian Buddhist countries in conjunction with Theravada Buddhism.

Nats are divided between the 37 Great Nats, who were given that status by King Anawrahta when he formalized the official list of nats. Most of the 37 Great Nats were human beings who met violent deaths [1].

There are two types of nats in Burmese belief, nat sein (နတ်စိမ်း), which are humans who were deified after their deaths, and all other nats, which are spirits of nature (like the kami of Japan, elementals, spirits of water, trees, etc.)

Much like sainthood, nats can be designated for a variety of reasons, including those only known in certain regions in Burma. Nat worship is less common in urban areas than in rural areas and is practiced among ethnic minorities of Burma as well as in mainstream Bamar society.

However, it is among the Theravada Buddhist Bamar that the most highly developed form of ceremony and ritual is seen [2]. More: Nat (deity)

Folk Magic, Mahayana Buddhism, and Chinese Taoist syncretism

(Benebell Wen) Mahayana Buddhism and Taoism in Asian Folk Magic and Religion explained

• Why do Bangladeshis look fully different from Burmese people even though they are neighbors?

Noah was not human (Book of Enoch)

(Scripture Legacy) Noah was not human: What the Book of Enoch (part of the Christian and Jewish Apocrypha preserved in the ancient Ethiopian Bible's 88 canonical books as well as in Gnostic texts and Lost Gospels recovered at the Qumran Caves among the Dead Sea Scrolls) actually says

• Was Noah a divine child, a "son of god" ET, or what is called a devaputra in the Dharmic religions?
• There is a "Noah" in pre-Jewish Sumerian texts
• The "Flood" in ancient Sumerian Eridu Genesis
• Genealogy of Sumerian deities
• Semitic pre-Jewish Sumerian religion
• The FaithMade™ Complete Ethiopian Bible

(Hidden Quest) Dead Sea Scrolls DNA tested: Results changed Bible history

Buddhism, Shinto, atheism East and West

If one billion Chinese Buddhists are not counted and there are only six choices, here's breakdown

(No Nonsense Spirituality | Britt Hartley) What Japan told me about atheism and belonging

• Buddhism in Japan
• Shinto (kami-controlling priests)
• Japanese Ainu shamanism: kami, pre-Shinto, Zen

Man confronted by the Fox goddess

Shintoism is a religion from Japan classified as an East Asian religion by scholars. It is often regarded by its practitioners as Japan's indigenous religion and as a "nature religion." Religious scholars sometimes call its practitioners "Shintoists," although adherents rarely use that term themselves. With no central authority in control of Shintoism, there is much diversity of belief and practice evident among practitioners. A polytheistic and animistic religion, Shinto revolves around supernatural entities called the kami (神), who are believed to inhabit all things, including forces of nature and prominent locations.

Shinto: The Kami Spirit World of Japan

These shapeshifting kami are worshipped at kamidana household shrines, family shrines, and jinja public shrines staffed by priests, known as kannushi (those who deal with the kami), who oversee offerings of food and drink to the specific kami enshrined at that location. This is done to cultivate harmony between humans and kami [shapeshifting spirits, apparitions, ghosts, genies, poltergeists, elementals, ghouls, monsters, tricksters, fairies, gargoyles, or other invisible beings] and to solicit their blessings. Other common rituals include kagura dances, rites of passage, and kami festivals. Public shrines facilitate forms of divination and supply religious objects, such as amulets, to the Shintoists. The religion places a major conceptual focus on ensuring purity, largely by cleaning practices such as ritual washing and bathing, especially before worship. Little emphasis is placed on specific moral codes or particular afterlife beliefs, although the dead are deemed capable of becoming kami. The religion has no single creator or specific doctrine and instead exists in a diverse range of local and regional forms.

History of Japan through housing

(Patina) Why do Japanese houses not touch the ground?

Statue of legendary Japanese cryptid to be replaced after years of 'service' | Coast to Coast AM

• Weird Japanese Monsters | Coast to Coast AM
• Something Wicked from Japan: Ghosts, Demons, Yokai
• Tales of Japan: Traditional Stories of Monsters and Magic
• The Book of Yokai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore

What are kami?

Yoshitoshi ground spider yōkai

Yōkai are also referred to as ayakashi (あやかし), mononoke (物の怪), or mamono (魔物). Some academics and Shinto practitioners acknowledge similarities within the seeming dichotomy between the natures of yōkai and most kami, which are generally regarded as relatively beneficent by comparison. Shintoists classify the two as ultimately the same type of spirits of nature or of a mythological realm [3]. Their behavior can range from malevolent harm or mischievous trickster pranksterism to benevolent towards humans. More: yōkai

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  Joe Smith, John the Baptist, Oli Cowdery

  Mormonism: the theology and religious tradition of the Latter-Day Saint movement of Restorationist Christianity started by Joseph Smith in Western New York in the 1820s and 1830s. As a label, it has been applied to various aspects of the movement, although since 2018 there has been a push from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) to distance itself from this label [1]. A prominent feature of the theology is the Book of Mormon, a 19th-century text that describes itself as a chronicle of early Indigenous peoples of the Americas and their dealings with [the white man's] God [2]. This theology combines mainstream Christian beliefs with modifications stemming from belief in revelations to Smith and other religious leaders.

All hail the Great Spirit of the Indians! (Rainbow Gathering Bosnia, Europe, 2007)

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The atheist symbol is an atomic whirl

Atheism: knowing that there are no Gods (theos); in the broadest sense, an absence of belief in the existence of deities. Less broadly, atheism is a rejection of the belief that any deities exist. In an even narrower sense, atheism is specifically the position that there are certainly no deities. Atheism is contrasted with theism, which is the belief that at least one deity exists.

• A world of atheism topics

Nontheism is not atheism

The "whatever" religion

NONTHEISM: The position that whether there is a God(s) or not, that has no bearing on an individual's enlightenment, liberation, deliverance, salvation, emancipation. (Why? The gods/Gods are caught in this samsaric rounds just as other beings are). It is a range of both religious [1] and non-religious [2] attitudes characterized by the absence of espoused belief in the existence of a God or gods.

• What are some nontheistic religions?

How much do we care what the Truth is?

It has generally been used to describe silence towards the subject of gods (deus, theos, dīvus) and differs from atheism, which is an active disbelief in any gods. It has been used as an umbrella term for summarizing distinct and even mutually exclusive positions.

Some of these are default atheism, the ever-popular agnosticism (not knowing), apatheism (apathy), egotheism [not to be confused with messiah complex, egoism, egotism, narcissism, Trumpism, or solipsism], ignosticism, ietsism, pantheism, deism, pandeism, 🌈 transtheism, skepticism, or the greatest bunco-religion ever invented, at least so far, Flying Spaghetti Monsterism (aka Pastafarianism).

Religion with most believers is the right one

Science: As pirates go down, temperatures go up (misleading graph)

 

Believe and be saved or deny and go to hell

(We apologize in advance if our statements have offended any FSMists; it is never our intention at WQ to offend, diminish, mock, or otherwise find fault with the religion or nonreligion of anyone's choosing. Do carry on believing and never mind our backwards ways. In fact, everyone should convert to this religion and/or make up their own, such as George Costanza Sr.'s Festivusism. We ourselves are nontheists, Buddhists yes, but nontheists.)

FSM Pastafarianism

One day the eternal Creator Deity blessed humankind with starch but cursed it with gluten

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Impale the shorthaired nonbelievers!

The Flying Spaghetti Monster (FSM) is the supreme deity of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster [of the latter-day tortellinis], an ironic, satirical, and parodic new religious movement that promotes a light-hearted view of religion [3]. The parody originated in opposition to the teaching of intelligent design in public schools in the USA. According to adherents ("Pastafaris"), Pastafarianism (a portmanteau of pasta and Rastafarianism 🌬️) is a "real, legitimate religion, as much as any other" [4]. It has received some limited recognition as such [5, 6, 7, 8, 9]. More

Tartarian traces in elite family trees

(Deep Trace) The Mystery of Tartaria and the Hidden Timeline: Joe Rogan Experience with Roger Avary; The history they don’t teach: 1492–1775?

How Israel worships their Gods Molech, Baal

(ESOTERICA) What was Moloch (Molech, Mlk, Molek) Ancient Israeli or Jewish (Canaanite, Israeli) demonic God or just innocent [child] fire sacrifice?

Epstein files hunting humans keyword details - Old white men at cannibal fast food McD's

Beauty of the patriarchy for old rich white men: The Unequal Marriage | Vasili Pukirev

(ESOTERICA) Who is Baal? The rise of a storm deity fought sea, death, and Yahweh (Jehovah) only to become a demon

• Yahweh (tribal god Jehovah)
• Asherah (consort of Baal then Jehovah)
• Tiamat (sea dragon Nāga)
• Enūma Elišh (Babylonian creation myth)
• The Infographics Show (animated)

AI analysis exposes how ancient Egyptians cut granite, changing everything

How to please God the Semitic way

"The babies we eat, the food we eat"? - It's not a Disney Moloch theory, but... 😱

Epstein Files expose Israel’s ritual hit on Princess Diana. - Human hunting in Afghanistan?

(Bible Origins) Who were the Canaanites? They made a civilization based on child sacrifice

• Who are the "Semites"? For our purpose, it may refer to any peoples who speak Semitic languages: Sumerians, Palestinians (called "Arabs" by Jews), Jews, Bedouins, Mesopotamians, those cultures in and around the Levant.

Ancient way of "worship"

Kill Palestinians and feed them to me.

Traditionally, the name Moloch (Molech, Molek) has been understood as referring to a (or the) Canaanite God [3]. However, since 1935, possibly biased scholars have speculated that Moloch refers to the sacrifice itself, since the Hebrew word mlk is identical in spelling to a term that means "sacrifice" in the closely related Punic language [4]. This second position has grown increasingly popular, but it remains contested [5].

How shall we serve God Baal?

Among proponents of this second position, controversy continues as to whether the sacrifices were offered to the Jewish tribal god Yahweh or some other holy deity and whether they were a native Israelite religious custom or a Phoenician import [6]. More

• Canaanite religion
• Who were the ancient Canaanites, modern Jews?
• Moloch
• Baal and Anat

Is there a Pro-Semitism in America?

(The Jimmy Dore Show)

Skull: Native face of 'Kennewick Man'

Kennewick Man: 'most important' face revealed after 8,500 years (Cicero Moraes).

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Meet the Kennewick Man: Face of "most important" ancient Native American revealed after 8,500 years

Strong and resilient ancestor of current residents

The face of one of the most significant skeletons ever unearthed in North America has been reconstructed for the first time -- more than 8,000 years after the man's death.

The individual, known as the Kennewick Man, was approximately 40 years old when he died during the early Holocene period, which started roughly 11,700 years ago following the conclusion of the last major ice age.

Columbia River, Washington, USA

His remains were discovered along the banks of the Columbia River in 1996, close to Kennewick City in Washington state, from which he derived his name.

• Racism: Trump posts late-night MLK Day message buried on White House website after being slammed
• Incest: Husband and wife find out they're brother and sister - and decide to stay together
• Related: Million-year-old human skull discovered in China (unbranded - Newsworthy)

Map: Where is the Columbia River?

The find represented one of the most intact specimens from this era and offers proof of Native American habitation in the region for more than 8,000 years. The skeleton has been pivotal in academic discussions surrounding the earliest inhabitants of the North American continent.

Scientists have now created a reconstruction of his living facial features using his skull, providing insight into the man's history, reports the Express US.

Chief Joseph, Nez Perce People

Lead researcher Cicero Moraes described the reconstruction as depicting a "strong and resilient man," whose characteristics reflected "a life marked by continuous physical effort and survival."

He continued: "First, the skull is analyzed using known averages of soft-tissue thickness and anatomical guidelines to position key features such as the eyes, nose, lips, and ears. More

Are we guilty of 'magical thinking'?

(Theory of Samsara) Are we guilty of "magical thinking"? Well, awakening (enlightenment) isn't some kind of "blessing"

• Dalai Lama: Why 'praying' for peace to God [has never and] will never work #fypシ 

It's Native American Heritage Month

Native Americans dancing used to be so beautiful in full regalia. Now we party nearly naked:

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White Indigenous tribes of Scandinavia (Sami)

Tell us more about Native American Heritage Month. National Native American Heritage Month celebrates the culture, contributions, and heritage of Indigenous populations called Native Americans or American-Indians.

In 1990 Pres. George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month.”

Decolonize Your Diet (vegan recipes)

Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including “Native American Heritage Month” and “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month”) have been issued each year since 1994.

This month is a time to educate the public about Native American tribes, raise a general awareness about the unique challenges the Indigenous (First Nations) have faced, and to illuminate the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.

• Native American Heritage Month – LA County Library

Native American Food Sovereignty

Progressive plant based Native eating

In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, join the Los Angeles County Public Library in highlighting how Native communities are taking control over their food sources and production by revitalizing traditional, healthy [predominantly vegan], and localized food sources.

In this hands-on workshop, learn how to start a Salvia columbariae plant and explore its cultural uses among various Native groups. This event has multiple dates and locations throughout November. View events list below to find the program at the nearest location.

• Native American Food Sovereignty (LACL)

The Americas are home to many tribes

Tongva (Kizh) Cultural Classes

Main Altadena Library, burn scar, Los Angeles County

Altadena Library District

On Nov. 1st, 2025, we learned to make Cloth Medicine Bags with Councilwoman Neminski and Councilwoman Murillo of the Gabrielino/Tongva (Kizh) Nation, who taught the workshop for ages 10 and up.

Beaded Wire Wrap Bracelets Workshop

Saturday, Nov. 15, 2:00-4:00 pm: Councilwomen of the Gabrielino/Tongva (Kizh) Nation teach class for ages 8 and up.

Pine Needle Basket Medallion

Saturday, Nov. 12, 2:00-4:00 pm: Councilwomen teach class for ages 8 and up.

• Native American History Month Discussion, Thursday, November 20, 2025, 1:30 - 2:30pm - Programs — Altadena Library District

American Day of the Dead (Nov. 1)

What is the Day of the Dead?

Buddhist saint who saved his mother from hell

(ReligionForBreakfast) Writer: Dr. R. Andrew Chesnut. Editor: Mark Henry. Executive producers: Daniel Cuevas, Jay Gotschalk, Producer: Lyndsay Ballew.  Further reading: R. Andrew Chesnut, Devoted to Death: Santa Muerte, the Skeleton Saint, 2011. RFB Patreon community: religionforbreakfast.

• In Buddhism, HOW can we transfer our merit (good karma) to benefit the grateful dead, the dearly departed, those who have gone beyond so that it gets to them today?
• Buddhist Saint Mulian rescues his mother

The Aztec Lady of the Dead: Mictēcacihuātl

Does beauty lure and lead us to Death?

(Lady of the Library): Cinzia DuBois is a part-time, self-funded doctoral (Ph.D.) student and writer, YouTuber, and podcaster. She has been creating videos for over 15 years. On this channel she talks about dark and ancient history, literature, and folklore. On a second channel, she discusses productivity, personal development, her doctoral thesis, academia, and mental well-being.

Aztec Goddess the Lady of the Dead

Mictēcacihuātl ("Lady of the Dead"), in Aztec mythology, is a [goddess] death deity and the consort of Mictlāntēcutli, the god of the dead [like Buddhism's Judge Yama in the underworld also known as Yama in Hinduism] and ruler of Mictlān, the lowest level of the underworld [1].

Her role is to watch over the bones of the dead and preside over the ancient festivals of the dead. These festivals evolved from Aztec traditions into the modern Day of the Dead after synthesis with invading Spanish traditions. She now presides over the contemporary festival as well. In this respect, the pseudo-Catholic cult of Santa Muerte owes much to her. More

Devoted to Death: Santa Muerte

Devoted to Death (Chesnut)

The third edition of Devoted to Death: Santa Muerte, the Skeleton Saint offers a fascinating portrayal of Santa Muerte [female Saint Death], a skeleton saint whose cult has become the fastest growing new religious movement worldwide over the past two decades.

Although condemned by mainstream churches, this folk saint's supernatural powers appeal to millions in Latin America, the USA, and beyond. Devotees believe the Bony Lady (as she is affectionately called) to be the fastest and most effective miracle worker, and as such, her statuettes and paraphernalia now outsell those of the Virgin of Guadalupe and Saint Jude, two other giants of Mexican religiosity.

Folk Saint Death

(RFB) Santa Muerte: The Mexican (Catholic) Folk Saint of Death

Aztec St. Muerte, Tepito, MX

In particular, Santa Muerte has become the patron saint of drug traffickers, playing an important role as protector of peddlers of fentanyl and marijuana; DEA agents and Mexican police often find her altars in the safe houses of drug smugglers.

Yet, Saint Death plays other important roles: she is a supernatural healer, love doctor, money-maker, lawyer, and angel of death. She has become without doubt one of the most popular and powerful saints of both the Latin American and American religious landscapes. More

(AJ+) Condemned by the Catholic Church, St. Death gathers devotees

Dark Tales and Myths from History: ✨ Support on Patreon: cinzia. 💌 Newsletter: tinyurl.com/4j3rhdkm 🎥 Productivity channel: theclassicalacademic. 🎙 Podcast on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1zQ7J1g... 📩 Episode request form: tinyurl.com/2db5a7ar. 🌍 Website/blog: ladyofthelibrary.com. SOCIALS: 📚 Goodreads: c-dubois.

• Religion for Breakfast, Oct. 24, 2021; R. Andrew Chesnut (book); Cinzia DuBois, Sept. 5, 2023; AZTLAN (song); AJ+, 2015; Crystal Quintero, Pfc. Sandoval, CC Liu (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly