What is a Magatama 勾玉?

What is a Magatama 勾玉?

A Magatama 勾玉 is a C-shaped or comma-shaped bead used in ancient Japan as a personal accessory and a tool for rituals. The materials were often precious stones such as jade, agate, and crystal, making them exceedingly valuable in ancient times. More than just a simple ornament, it has been revered since antiquity as a sacred amulet, protecting its owner from misfortune and inviting good fortune.

Its unique shape symbolizes the source of life and the mysteries of the universe, and it can be described as a special treasure positioned at the very heart of Japanese history and culture.

Eternal History and the Three Sacred Treasures

The history of the Magatama 勾玉 is incredibly ancient, with its origins tracing back to the Jomon period. Initially crafted in the likeness of animal fangs, they evolved over time to be made by polishing beautiful stones.

Particularly in the Kofun period, the Magatama 勾玉 was not merely an adornment but a symbol of the owner's power and status; numerous examples have been excavated from the tombs (kofun) of powerful clans and rulers.

The Magatama 勾玉 holds its most significant position in Japanese history as the "Yasakani no Magatama," one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan. As an emblem of the Imperial Throne, it is said to have been passed down from the sun goddess Amaterasu Ōmikami to the successive emperors, alongside the mirror and the sword. This demonstrates that the Magatama 勾玉 is a treasure forming the very foundation of Japan's spiritual culture.

The Meanings Embedded in its Mystical Shape

The distinctive shape of the Magatama 勾玉 is imbued with the thoughts and prayers of ancient peoples, and a variety of spiritual meanings have been discovered within it.

• Symbol of the Moon: Its shape, representing the moon waxing and waning, symbolizes growth, development, and mystical energy.

• Symbol of Life and the Soul: Its resemblance to a fetus in the mother's womb carries the meaning of an amulet for the source of life, the prosperity of descendants, and safe childbirth. Furthermore, its form—uniting a head (yang 陽) and a tail (yin 陰)—is said to represent the soul itself in perfect yin-yang 陰陽 balance.

• Connection to the Gods: The hole opened in its center was believed to be a channel connecting one's own soul to higher existences, such as ancestors and the gods.

The Fortune-Bringing Power Recorded in Myth

The fortune-bringing power of the Magatama 勾玉 is symbolized in the myth of "Ama-no-Iwato" (The Heavenly Rock Cave), recorded in Japan's oldest historical text, the Kojiki.

When the sun goddess Amaterasu hid in the rock cave and the world was plunged into darkness, the goddess Amenouzume performed a sacred dance, wearing long strings of Magatama 勾玉. Aided by this divine dance and the sacred power of the Magatama 勾玉, Amaterasu reappeared from the cave, and light returned to the world.

From this myth, the Magatama 勾玉 came to be believed to possess the sacred power to dispel darkness and bring back the light—in other words, to "ward off calamity and summon good fortune".

KICHIYA's Proposed "Good Fortune Actions"

Here are specific actions to draw out the maximum power of the Magatama 勾玉.

1. Choose Your Magatama 勾玉 with Intuition More than anything, please trust your own intuition. The Magatama 勾玉 whose color, shape, or stone type you feel drawn to—the one that gives you energy or a sense of calm when you look at it—is the one with the energy you need right now.

2. Imbue it with a Wish When you first receive your Magatama 勾玉, begin by purifying it with running water or moonlight. Then, gently cup it in your palms, take a deep breath , and convey your wish to it in your heart. The key is to conclude with a feeling of gratitude.

3. Wear it as a Talisman By always wearing it as a necklace or bracelet, the Magatama 勾玉 becomes a powerful barrier that protects you. When you want to realize a wish, it is said that wearing the Magatama 勾玉 with its rounded "head" pointing toward you makes it easier to receive its energy.

4. Purify it Regularly and Express Gratitude The Magatama 勾玉 is believed to absorb the negative energy of its owner. Therefore, it is important to purify it periodically to allow its power to rest. By treating it with care and expressing your gratitude by saying, "Thank you, always," your bond with your Magatama will deepen even further.