Amaterasu
Ancestor of the Imperial Family
Amaterasu is the Sun Goddess in Japanese Shinto religion and not only the ruler of the sky, but also the highest deity of all. She is the daughter of the deities Izanagi and Izanami and the ancestor of the imperial family. The Sun is the source of all life, Goddess of Creation, and is so powerful that she illuminates both heaven and earth. Amaterasu’s light is radiant, her beauty ethereal and her presence enchanting. Without her, all forms of life would cease to exist.
Women's Rights Activist
In the myths, she not only stands up to bullies, but she also doesn’t take shit and teaches them a lesson, even her own brothers. The moon god, the one who kills a woman through not having his own emotions and actions under control, even gets exiled permanently to the opposite side of the sky. This shows that Amaterasu is not only a leader and ruler but also a women’s rights activist!
The Cave
When she retreats into a cave after this argument, she also proves her worth and self-respect by no longer engaging with those who do not value her. At the same time, it is a demonstration of power because she proves quite clearly that life without her, neither in the sky nor on earth, can continue without her radiant, nourishing light. It is only with a ruse that the other gods finally get her to emerge and close the cave, so she can no longer retreat.
The 3 Items of Imperial Regalia
Her three items that make up the imperial regalia are a mirror, beads and a solar sword. The first is a symbol of looking within and finding truth that is (sometimes) hidden. The second reminds of all the beauty in life if we only have eyes to see it, whether it’s external or intrinsic. The sword symbolises rulership and leadership, as well as protection. It helps us to cut ties with whoever or whatever we need to severe connections with, we can use it to set clear boundaries and lead ourselves and others with clarity and radiance.