By lyuesword | 27 July 2020 | 2 Comments
A Basic Sword Naming And Purification Ritual - Selected from Junsei magazine
I've read an article from an on-line magazine about naming your sword. I'd like to share with you guys. It’s a very long passage but interesting to read. I did some reductions, I am sorry if offend the author.
A Basic Sword Naming And Purification Ritual
Do I Have To Name My Sword?
Well the simple answer is no. A sword is at its most basic no more than an extension of your body. A sharpened tool with which to you can more effectively wound an opponent whilst remaining at arms reach.
Even in Japan the vast majority of modern Iaido, Iaijutsu, Kendo, Kenjutsu and Batto students will never even consider the possibility of naming their swords. Why? Well the answer is simple: most of us stop believing that magic, ghosts and the spirits of the land at an early age.
If you count yourself in this number, then ritually naming and purifying your sword may not be for you. However bear this thought in mind, if you can accept that a name awards certain characteristics, why not give your sword a name that indicates its purpose as a protector, defender and tool of enlightenment? (There are examples of common things that people think nothing of naming. It's not important.)
Why Should I Name My Sword?
You should name your sword if you wish to create a bond between yourself and your chosen blade, more than just that of a workman and one of his favorite tools.
The Principles Of Naming A Sword?
The first step you need to consider regardless of your individual philosophical - upbringing be it Pagan, Shinto, Buddhist, Christian etc, is a belief in the principle of Kami, that everything in creation holds within it a spark of the divine.
You must accept belief that the indomitable mountains and ancient trees grow stronger as they age, both in strength and in spirit. If you cannot accept this fundamental idea then any ritual action would merely be for show. Just like an atheist attending church.
The second factor in which you must believe is the power of the spoken word. A belief that the things you say can and are heard by others, both physical and spiritual.
As such you should always consider the things you say very carefully, especially during ritual or following meditation. You must endeavour to never speak harsh words or make idle threats without giving thought as to the consequences. Your word is your bond and any oaths you make must be followed through.
“The Power Is In The Word, So Be Careful What You Say”.
The third factor one should consider is the belief in the power that a name can hold.
For example when one names a child the majority of people just pick a name they like the sound of. Some make the effort of looking into what that name means; but very few think about the consequences of giving their child that name. Take the name AIDEN, which means ‘Flame’ or ‘Fire’ and which originates from the Gaelic AODH, which carries the same meaning.
The name you choose for your sword must carry real meaning and thought as to the consequences of the name. An old friend of my mother who was a devout Asatru (Norse Pagan) ritually named his sword Blood-Letter because he was determined to give it a fighting soul, with strength and warrior instincts to match his own ideals. In the months that followed he cut himself each and every time he drew the sword from its sheath both in practice and in ritual.
Your Sword Amongst Others?
The name of a sword awards a degree of control and it is generally accepted that others should not know the name you choose. This idea is taken from the belief that if another person knows the name of your sword they can also call to it, confusing your subconscious movements with the sword during combat.
There are of course exceptions to this rule and many weapons of great strength and character can increase their potential Kami each and every time their name is spoken aloud.
Undoubtedly the most famous sword in Japan is Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi 草薙の剣the legendary blade that along with an ancient mirror and Tomeo shaped gem form the Japanese Imperial Regalia. Originally named Ama-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi 天叢雲剣(The Heavens Gathering Clouds Sword) it was renamed Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (Grass Cutting Sword) by Yamato Takeru the 12th Emperor of Japan after he discovered the sword had the power to control the movement and direction of the wind in time with the cuts made with the sword.
Another example is the spear Tonbogiri wielded by the Daimyo Honda Tadakatsu (1548 – 1610) which was awarded its name after a dragonfly landed upon the edge of the blade and was instantly cut in two; hence the blade is named Tonbogiri – The Dragonfly Cutter. Now whilst the spear itself - carries no associated mystical or magical properties, its naming has awarded it a degree of power and propelled it into legendary status amongst the weapons of Japan.
In my opinion the best way to announce your swords name to other is to omit one part of its name when speaking it aloud. Thus a sword named ‘Defender of Truth’ could be abbreviated to ‘Defender’ when in the company of others. Thus the sword may gain strength from having part of its name spoken aloud, whilst its full name is withheld, allowing just its owner full control.
In my personal experience I find talking quietly to my sword (either vocally or in just in thought) during its daily cleaning awards me a few quiet moments within which I can reflect on my thoughts for the day. It also allows me time to focus on the sword itself, and notice the gradual changes to the blades appearance and feel the many years of cleaning and handling award.
What Does The Ritual Entail?
The ritual purification of any item will naturally vary from region to region, and country to country. It is a common fact that rural Japanese towns only separated by a couple of miles frequently perform slightly different cleansing and purification rituals in their day-to-day Shinto and Buddhist venerations. This is not to say that one way is any better than another way, just that the reasoning behind the ritual differs slightly.
One should always remember that “A thousand paths lead to heaven” and that the shorter path is not necessarily any easier to walk than another.
In order to perform any ritual action each of the components of creation must be present. That is there must be Fire, Earth, Water, Air and Spirit (Sometimes named as metal).
Rituals are in my opinion best performed in outside and at either dusk or dawn at the-nor night and when the clamour of the modern world is dulled to a gentle hum in the distance.
Choosing Your Ritual Space:
In the perfect world we would all have access to purpose built shrines and temples amidst the hills and mountains in the countryside around our towns and cities. However as such sacred places are rare, you should seek out the following features in your ritual area.
A body of water be it a pond, lake, river, stream or the sea.
A hill or mountain
An area of wilderness such as woodland, forest, moor or open fields.
If you are lucky enough to find such a location the geographical features listed above should be found in their attributed compass directions.
North – Water
East – Woodland
South – Fire
West – Mountain / Hill / Metal
What You Will Need:
• A Sharp Hand-Axe Or Billhook
• A Branch From Near The Ritual Area
• A Container Of Pure Water
• A Piece Of Paper
• Incense (Granular Or In Sticks)
• Fire-Striker (Or Matches, Lighter)
Some Sample Names In Japanese:
The following short list is designed purely as a suggestion of the sort of names one could incorporate into the name of your sword. Each has the advantages that the positive associations of the name far outweigh any of the negative ones.
You should also consider combining a number of names together in order to create a name with the combined meaning you may be looking for. Just make sure that you can easily remember it and that it rolls off the tongue with relative ease.
Amaya – Night Rain (Evening Rain)
Chiyoko – Child Of 1000 Generations
Daisuke – Great help
Hogosha – Guardian
Hotaru – Firefly
Isamu – Courage
Kazuko – Child Of peace
Kazumi – Harmony And Beauty
Kouhei – Calm Peace
Makoto – Sincerity
Natsuki – Summer Hope
Onigiri – Demon Cutter (Cutter Of Demons)
Ryoshi – Pothunter (Huntsman)
Shizukesa – Serenity (Silence, Calm)
Suzumebachi – Hornet (Wasp)
Tadashi – Righteous
Tomoko – Child Of Wisdom
Yogosha – Defender (Champion)
Yukifuri – Snowfall
One should also bear in mind that the power of a word not only comes from its spoken form but also from the meaning and connotations of the name behind it. Therefore a sword named “Onigiri” could also mean in English as “The Demon Cutter”. Some Sample Names In English:
Defender –
Defender Of Justice – (Justice Defender)
Guardian –
Harmony –
Protector –
Seeker –
Seeker Of Truth – (Truth Seeker)
Sincerity –
Speed Of Thought –
The Ritual Itself:
When you have chosen your ritual space, gently sweep away any loose twigs, branches or debris, so that the ground may clearly be seen. This action fulfills the component of Earth. By lighting a small fire at the centre of your chosen ritual area you bring warmth and light unto that place. By the carrying of a burning branch (or incense) you make visible air. By the pouring of water on the ground you bring nourishment to the plants and trees about you.
Once these factors are in place any your mind is settled either through meditation or centering allow yourself to become open to the influences of the Kami. You may find that on a calm night that the moon is shining particularly brightly, that the wind suddenly begins to blow, or the unexpected call of an owl breaks the silence. These things can all be added into the naming equation in that they can be taken as the voices of the Kami.
Once the correct name has been chosen, one that feels right when spoken aloud and fits your chosen sword. You should ritually cleanse the blade. One simple form of purification is as follows. Kneel before your fire and pass the sword backwards and forwards through the flame (rapid enough that the blade is undamaged, but slow enough so as not to be cutting the flame) whilst saying in your native tongue…
Endnote:
I sincerely hope that this ritual is of some help, and although it is rather simplified it should more than suffice for any genuine believers.
Here are some sword names you may like
A Basic Sword Naming And Purification Ritual
By Taran McCarnun
Do I Have To Name My Sword?
Well the simple answer is no. A sword is at its most basic no more than an extension of your body. A sharpened tool with which to you can more effectively wound an opponent whilst remaining at arms reach.
Even in Japan the vast majority of modern Iaido, Iaijutsu, Kendo, Kenjutsu and Batto students will never even consider the possibility of naming their swords. Why? Well the answer is simple: most of us stop believing that magic, ghosts and the spirits of the land at an early age.
If you count yourself in this number, then ritually naming and purifying your sword may not be for you. However bear this thought in mind, if you can accept that a name awards certain characteristics, why not give your sword a name that indicates its purpose as a protector, defender and tool of enlightenment? (There are examples of common things that people think nothing of naming. It's not important.)
Why Should I Name My Sword?
You should name your sword if you wish to create a bond between yourself and your chosen blade, more than just that of a workman and one of his favorite tools.
The Principles Of Naming A Sword?
The first step you need to consider regardless of your individual philosophical - upbringing be it Pagan, Shinto, Buddhist, Christian etc, is a belief in the principle of Kami, that everything in creation holds within it a spark of the divine.
You must accept belief that the indomitable mountains and ancient trees grow stronger as they age, both in strength and in spirit. If you cannot accept this fundamental idea then any ritual action would merely be for show. Just like an atheist attending church.
The second factor in which you must believe is the power of the spoken word. A belief that the things you say can and are heard by others, both physical and spiritual.
As such you should always consider the things you say very carefully, especially during ritual or following meditation. You must endeavour to never speak harsh words or make idle threats without giving thought as to the consequences. Your word is your bond and any oaths you make must be followed through.
“The Power Is In The Word, So Be Careful What You Say”.
The third factor one should consider is the belief in the power that a name can hold.
For example when one names a child the majority of people just pick a name they like the sound of. Some make the effort of looking into what that name means; but very few think about the consequences of giving their child that name. Take the name AIDEN, which means ‘Flame’ or ‘Fire’ and which originates from the Gaelic AODH, which carries the same meaning.
The name you choose for your sword must carry real meaning and thought as to the consequences of the name. An old friend of my mother who was a devout Asatru (Norse Pagan) ritually named his sword Blood-Letter because he was determined to give it a fighting soul, with strength and warrior instincts to match his own ideals. In the months that followed he cut himself each and every time he drew the sword from its sheath both in practice and in ritual.
Your Sword Amongst Others?
The name of a sword awards a degree of control and it is generally accepted that others should not know the name you choose. This idea is taken from the belief that if another person knows the name of your sword they can also call to it, confusing your subconscious movements with the sword during combat.
There are of course exceptions to this rule and many weapons of great strength and character can increase their potential Kami each and every time their name is spoken aloud.
Undoubtedly the most famous sword in Japan is Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi 草薙の剣the legendary blade that along with an ancient mirror and Tomeo shaped gem form the Japanese Imperial Regalia. Originally named Ama-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi 天叢雲剣(The Heavens Gathering Clouds Sword) it was renamed Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (Grass Cutting Sword) by Yamato Takeru the 12th Emperor of Japan after he discovered the sword had the power to control the movement and direction of the wind in time with the cuts made with the sword.
Another example is the spear Tonbogiri wielded by the Daimyo Honda Tadakatsu (1548 – 1610) which was awarded its name after a dragonfly landed upon the edge of the blade and was instantly cut in two; hence the blade is named Tonbogiri – The Dragonfly Cutter. Now whilst the spear itself - carries no associated mystical or magical properties, its naming has awarded it a degree of power and propelled it into legendary status amongst the weapons of Japan.
In my opinion the best way to announce your swords name to other is to omit one part of its name when speaking it aloud. Thus a sword named ‘Defender of Truth’ could be abbreviated to ‘Defender’ when in the company of others. Thus the sword may gain strength from having part of its name spoken aloud, whilst its full name is withheld, allowing just its owner full control.
In my personal experience I find talking quietly to my sword (either vocally or in just in thought) during its daily cleaning awards me a few quiet moments within which I can reflect on my thoughts for the day. It also allows me time to focus on the sword itself, and notice the gradual changes to the blades appearance and feel the many years of cleaning and handling award.
What Does The Ritual Entail?
The ritual purification of any item will naturally vary from region to region, and country to country. It is a common fact that rural Japanese towns only separated by a couple of miles frequently perform slightly different cleansing and purification rituals in their day-to-day Shinto and Buddhist venerations. This is not to say that one way is any better than another way, just that the reasoning behind the ritual differs slightly.
One should always remember that “A thousand paths lead to heaven” and that the shorter path is not necessarily any easier to walk than another.
In order to perform any ritual action each of the components of creation must be present. That is there must be Fire, Earth, Water, Air and Spirit (Sometimes named as metal).
Rituals are in my opinion best performed in outside and at either dusk or dawn at the-nor night and when the clamour of the modern world is dulled to a gentle hum in the distance.
Choosing Your Ritual Space:
In the perfect world we would all have access to purpose built shrines and temples amidst the hills and mountains in the countryside around our towns and cities. However as such sacred places are rare, you should seek out the following features in your ritual area.
A body of water be it a pond, lake, river, stream or the sea.
A hill or mountain
An area of wilderness such as woodland, forest, moor or open fields.
If you are lucky enough to find such a location the geographical features listed above should be found in their attributed compass directions.
North – Water
East – Woodland
South – Fire
West – Mountain / Hill / Metal
What You Will Need:
• A Sharp Hand-Axe Or Billhook
• A Branch From Near The Ritual Area
• A Container Of Pure Water
• A Piece Of Paper
• Incense (Granular Or In Sticks)
• Fire-Striker (Or Matches, Lighter)
Some Sample Names In Japanese:
The following short list is designed purely as a suggestion of the sort of names one could incorporate into the name of your sword. Each has the advantages that the positive associations of the name far outweigh any of the negative ones.
You should also consider combining a number of names together in order to create a name with the combined meaning you may be looking for. Just make sure that you can easily remember it and that it rolls off the tongue with relative ease.
Amaya – Night Rain (Evening Rain)
Chiyoko – Child Of 1000 Generations
Daisuke – Great help
Hogosha – Guardian
Hotaru – Firefly
Isamu – Courage
Kazuko – Child Of peace
Kazumi – Harmony And Beauty
Kouhei – Calm Peace
Makoto – Sincerity
Natsuki – Summer Hope
Onigiri – Demon Cutter (Cutter Of Demons)
Ryoshi – Pothunter (Huntsman)
Shizukesa – Serenity (Silence, Calm)
Suzumebachi – Hornet (Wasp)
Tadashi – Righteous
Tomoko – Child Of Wisdom
Yogosha – Defender (Champion)
Yukifuri – Snowfall
One should also bear in mind that the power of a word not only comes from its spoken form but also from the meaning and connotations of the name behind it. Therefore a sword named “Onigiri” could also mean in English as “The Demon Cutter”. Some Sample Names In English:
Defender –
Defender Of Justice – (Justice Defender)
Guardian –
Harmony –
Protector –
Seeker –
Seeker Of Truth – (Truth Seeker)
Sincerity –
Speed Of Thought –
The Ritual Itself:
When you have chosen your ritual space, gently sweep away any loose twigs, branches or debris, so that the ground may clearly be seen. This action fulfills the component of Earth. By lighting a small fire at the centre of your chosen ritual area you bring warmth and light unto that place. By the carrying of a burning branch (or incense) you make visible air. By the pouring of water on the ground you bring nourishment to the plants and trees about you.
Once these factors are in place any your mind is settled either through meditation or centering allow yourself to become open to the influences of the Kami. You may find that on a calm night that the moon is shining particularly brightly, that the wind suddenly begins to blow, or the unexpected call of an owl breaks the silence. These things can all be added into the naming equation in that they can be taken as the voices of the Kami.
Once the correct name has been chosen, one that feels right when spoken aloud and fits your chosen sword. You should ritually cleanse the blade. One simple form of purification is as follows. Kneel before your fire and pass the sword backwards and forwards through the flame (rapid enough that the blade is undamaged, but slow enough so as not to be cutting the flame) whilst saying in your native tongue…
Endnote:
I sincerely hope that this ritual is of some help, and although it is rather simplified it should more than suffice for any genuine believers.
Here are some sword names you may like
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