The Order of the White Moon Goddess Galley presents

Benzaiten

A Level I final project By Diana Fox
for Sisters of the Rising Moon School

Benzaiten used with permission from La Petite Mascarade at https://www.etsy.com/shop/LaPetiteMascarade

History and Associations

Benzaiten is a protector-deity and goddess of wealth, luck, and beauty. She is associated with anything that flows including ki, words, music, water, resources, creative arts, and knowledge. As a water goddess, she is often called upon to bring rainfall for bountiful harvests and to protect coastal towns. Her sacred creatures include dragons, turtles, white foxes, and snakes. White is her sacred color and her animal messengers often appear in this color. She is also associated with boats, salt water, and guitars. Benzaiten is often depicted with a biwa (lute). She is sometimes portrayed in her protector's role with eight arms, each wielding a different weapon. She wears a jewel that grants wishes on her robes. It is sometimes carried by the fox or dragon that accompanies her. Benzaiten is venerated on New Year's in hopes that she will bring good fortune. This is especially true during the year of the snake. Other snake zodiac days are also sacred to her.

Given her various associations, Benzaiten has been popular with different groups during different periods. She was venerated by the samurai as the Happi Benzaiten, the defender who wields eight weapons. Her association with water makes her the favorite of those who live in coastal and agricultural communities. Around the 15th century, the characters spelling her name changed to include one that meant "wealth". At this point she became associated with good fortune and the Seven Lucky Gods. In the Edo Period (1603-1868), this association as well as those of arts and business made her popular with merchants, geisha, and artisans. Today, she is seen as a muse of the arts, a protector of the coasts, and an inspiration to students. She also blesses some who come to her in search of love. Along with her fellow Lucky Gods, she bestows prosperity on those who seek it, especially during the New Year.

Stories and Legends

The Seven Lucky Gods

Seven Lucky Gods votive tablet. Copyright Mark Schumacher. http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/seven.shtml

Benzaiten and the Dragon

Benzaiten votive tablet. Copyright Mark Schumacher. http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/benzaiten-sanctuaries.html#Enoshima

Blessing of Knowledge

Flowing water at a temple in Tokyo. Used with permission from Jason Blood.

Mini Rituals and Devotions

• Meditate while listening to lute music or flowing water
• Wear jade, pearl, or moonstone for wish granting
• Write your intentions to Benzaiten on a piece of white paper and fold it to look like a snake. Burn the paper to send your intention
• Carry fabrics that resemble dragon scales to bring wealth
• Lovers can write their names or a love note on a pink tablet and ring a bell, as done in Enoshima, to bring love
• Drink epimedium tea and ask the goddess to bless your studies

Blessings of Benzaiten Witch Bottle by Diana

Ritual Recipes

• Prosperity incense
• 2 spoons of frankincense
• 1 spoon citron
• 1 spoon lemon balm
• Prosperity oil
• 1 drop cinnamon oil
• 2 drops nutmeg oil
• 1/4 cup of carrier oil (such as olive)
• Blessings of Benzaiten Witch Bottle
• Honeysuckle flowers
• Basil
• Cedar
• Rice

Place the herbs together in a clear glass bottle. Once the bottle is full, seal the bottle shut with white wax. Decorate the bottle with lucky charms such a gemstone or a key. Hold the bottle and visualize the blessing that you would like Benzaiten to bring to your life.

Benzaiten statue in Imizu, Japan. Photograph taken by Lugus Talhathier. Used with permission.

Benzaiten Candle Ritual for Prosperity

Tools:
• 2 Goddess candles: 1 to represent Benzaiten (white works best) and another to represent an animal associated with her with which you feel close (dragon, snake, fox, or turtle)
• 1 candle to represent yourself
• 1 candle to represent wealth & prosperity (green or brown)
• Salt water or another sacred water of your choice
• Money (or symbol of money such as a checkbook or resume)
• Incense burner
• Incense for prosperity (substitute: clover, pine, or bergamot)

Place candles in each of the four corners of the altar in front of you, with a goddess candle in each of the corners farthest from you. The personal candles should be placed to the closest corner to your left, and the intent candle should be placed in the right corner nearest to you. Place incense burner and money in the center of your altar. Light the candles and invoke the goddess Benzaiten. Meditate on your blessings on the last year and envision yourself having the prosperity you desire in the upcoming year. Anoint the money with salt water. Thank the goddess for her many blessings.

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