Incense and the Tsuba Guards.

While doing some Taoism research, I discovered incense is a way to communicate with the 12 Divine Generals.

 In Taoism you can use incense to communicate with the Divine generals. The Tsuba guards(containing the divine generals' powers) charge with incense! 

That's how I learnt that the 12 Divine Generals are associated with the animal zodiac and that it's a very common idea in Eastern myth!

Soh's sword is said contain the power of the 12 generals. Remember how she can fast forward and rewind time using it? And we see the animal zodiac?

But, more on incense...

Ten has a post on the Tsuba Guard power.

The world of "Kunitsugami" (Path of the Goddess) as seen through its design: The spiritual power of the tsuba.

Isn't that beautiful?

The 12 Tsuba Guards are the 12 divine general's powers. Incense is used to communicate with them.

So the Tsuba Guard gauge being incense fits perfectly because we need it to be 'full' in order to use the power of the generals! (We are offering incense to them)

Taoist Incense Culture

Shinto has its roots in Taoism so they have much in common. That's why I wonder if the Shinto present in Kunitsu-Gami is closer to Taoism.

(I know it's correct English to write out 'twelve' but that's just for books, right? I prefer using 12.)

"Who is Tenko?" Tsuba Guards and Villager roles.

When I was looking at the Tenko's Sacrifice tsuba guard, I noticed the Goddess symbol on it but with less curves.

On her headbad

You obtain this guard in Narusawa Wind Caves, the same place you obtain the 'Human Sacrifice/The Sacrifice' scroll.

After thinking, this ability reminds me of what the Shaman does when she dies: resurrects everyone around her and heals them.

Was Tenko the first shaman? If so, and she was possibly a Maiden as well...

Who are the Divine Generals?

At first, I tried matching up roles to guards:

Suzaku's Flame is the woodcutter. Default.

Sumo Wrestler is likely Genbu's Might, as you shake the earth, which is what this role is known for.

Thief is probably Toda's Snare.

Seiryu's Gale is the archer, known for being good at hitting flying Seethe.

Kochi's Ward, ascestic?

Taijo's Favor...the priest?

Rikugo's Vigor, ascetic?

Spearman, Taion's Lightning. Slow but powerful.

Sorcerer is Kijin's Specter. Because you summon a shinikami to aid you.

I stopped when I began to look at the names.

These are names of mythological creatures! I was totally wrong!

Although there might be a link between roles and tsuba guards...

I linked the thief to Toda's Snare and we obtain Thief after fighting the centipede. The story of Toda is here.

I'm going to make a post looking at all the Tsuba Guards but it'll take awhile.

(Tenko is also a type of kitsune? Interesting...)