JAPAN
developed during the sacred trance, its uses are of the simplest character. It might, indeed, be more accurately described as clairvoyance, since it discloses events actually happening beyond the range of normal observation rather than events still lying in the lap of the future. For the rest, it does not occupy any prominent place in the usages or thoughts of the nation. The healing power, however, is frequently invoked; for all sickness and disease being attributed to the influence of evil spirits, it seems natural and proper that the tutelary deities should be summoned to drive out these demoniacal tormentors. This record is confined to a mere outline sketch of the connection that the Shintō creed undertakes to establish between its disciples and supernatural beings. To fill in the details of the picture would involve long descriptions of rites and incantations which precede and accompany spirit-possession, but are only accessories, having much the same relation to the central phenomenon as the faceted glass held before a subject's eyes in Europe has to the mesmeric state induced by staring at it.
The Ichiko or Kuchi-yose belongs to this context. She is a species of medium who undertakes to summon the soul of a dead person (shini-ryo) or a living (iki-ryo), and to make it speak its owner's thoughts through the mouth of another. This custom seems to have had its origin in the Heian epoch, and to have been continued through all generations without change. The Ichiko uses
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