Four Gods （shizin)

About the Four Gods

The origin of the Four Gods is said to have originated from astronomy.

There is a concept called “shisho”, derived from the symbol of “eight trigrams” that symbolizes the natural world, and it is easier to visualize these four elephants in a concrete way, and it is called “four gods.” It is said.

In Japan, in the Shoku Nihongi, “A crow-shaped flag is used in the Asaga ritual, a banner with a sun statue, a blue dragon, and a Suzaku on the left, and a moon statue on the right. ・The flag of Genbu Byakko was erected.”

Four Gods: Seiryu, Suzaku, Byakko, Genbu

The origin of the four gods is the “Four Elephants”, with the east being “Shoyou”, the south “Taiyo”, the west “Shoin”, and the north “Taiin”. It is said that the “Four Gods” were applied to the “Four Gods”.

It is said that the four divine beasts protect the four directions of the heavens: the Blue Dragon in the east, the Suzaku in the south, the White Tiger in the west, and the Genbu in the north, and the land where these four divine beasts are placed is considered the best place in Feng Shui, and is said to ward off evil spirits. It is said to block out the sun and bring happiness such as good fortune, disease-free life, and longevity.

The term “Shijin-cororo” refers to the geographical features and geological features traditionally believed to be most suitable for the existence of the “Four Gods” who control the four directions of the earth.

Where can I find a place like this…

It is said that this idea was adopted when the capital was transferred to Heijo-kyo.

It is protected by the Kamo River (Soryu), Kyoreike (Suzaku), Sanyodo (Byakko), and Mt. Funaoka (Genbu).

Similarly, it is said that the city of Edo was built according to the concept of Feng Shui and the Four Divine Beasts.

​ In addition to the directions, the four gods are assigned “spring, summer, autumn, and winter” for the four seasons, “morning, noon, dusk, and night” for the day, and “blue, red, white, and black” for the colors.