TYPE: Goddess of Luck
ORIGIN: Shinto [Japan]
INFORMATION: One of seven deities classed as gods of fortune and the only goddess in the group. A popular deity wiht many sanctuaries dedicated to her, she is a patron of music, and hold a biwa instrument in her hand. Snakes, believed to stand for jealousy, are often coiled around her statues. Because of this, married couples are reluctant to visit her shrines together. Her priesthood is both Shinto and Buddhist and she is closely linked with the goddess Sarasvati.