Olivia BernkastelThroughout the years and even now, I have often been asked the view Shinto holds in regard to…Historically speaking in Japan, there are many examples of LGBT+ people and practices that were present, a prominent and most-cited…Dec 15, 2018Dec 15, 2018
Olivia BernkastelShinto and Sexuality: A gift of lifeWith the recent ban on adult content on Tumblr, it has given way to a lot of discussion about adult content online and what is or isn’t…Dec 7, 20181Dec 7, 20181
Olivia BernkastelAutumn Grand Ceremony & 120 Years Anniversary!This November 3rd, 2018, we held our Autumn Grand Ceremony (Shuuki Reitaisai) and the 120th year anniversary of our shrine’s founding in…Dec 6, 2018Dec 6, 2018
Olivia BernkastelAutumn in Japan: A season of the moon, ancestors, and godsIt is now Autumn in Japan, one of the most important seasons of the year.Oct 17, 20181Oct 17, 20181
Olivia BernkastelReflections of AugustA tumultuous month, but one of growth. As September begins, the fire inside that was being whipped in the wind, will now begin to glow…Sep 1, 2018Sep 1, 2018
Olivia BernkastelHealing from my own heartOriginally I wanted to write about the sacred mirror in Shinto for my next article. However, informational articles take some time as I…Aug 4, 2018Aug 4, 2018
Olivia BernkastelThis past month of July — Nagoshi no Oharae, Tanabata, flooding, heatwave, and lantern matsuriI am surprised that the month is almost already over, and what a month it has been. I had been meaning to write since the year end…Jul 17, 20181Jul 17, 20181
Olivia BernkastelCeremony day at Konkokyo Hongo ShrineThis article will be a little different than my usual informational style, it is a more of an experience day to share! I hope you will also…Jul 12, 2018Jul 12, 2018
Olivia BernkastelShinto in Yokosuka:The deities as neighbors, dwelling in the concrete jungleIn 2015, I first landed in Japan and stayed in Sanda, Hyogo prefecture for a few days before heading to live in Konko, Okayama prefecture…Jul 12, 20183Jul 12, 20183
Olivia BernkastelKonkokyo LGBT KaiSo, this is more of a news article, but also one that is very near and dear to me! First, I will share the announcement from the Konkokyo…Jul 12, 2018Jul 12, 2018