Usakazeya

Usakazeya [風吹缠; うさかぜや] is the god of wind in Kiren mythology. He is often portrayed as a slim, lithe spirit who wears a cloak of feathers and carries a large staff, which he uses to change the direction of the winds. He is the husband of the tree goddess Kosama, but is more typically depicted alongside his sister, the goddess of rain, Miashisama. In their combined efforts, they are able to create storms and various kinds of bad weather.
According to the Book of Ōhaki, Usakazeya and his sister Miashisama were formed specially by the moon god Uigami from pieces of his two favourite clouds. They were originally shinogami and lived in Ueshino with their father, but after it was discovered on Earth by Omiinegami that the plants could not survive if they were not watered by rain, Miashisama was sent down to the living realm to ensure that rain was always in supply. A little later, Omiinegami discovered that plants could not spread their seeds if there was no wind, and so Usakazeya was sent down too, and became a bakōgami.
It is thought that Miashisama and Usakazeya are resentful of the fact that they are bound to Earth, and wish they could return to the celestial realm. They resent humans for requiring their presence; therefore, they are both very temperamental and rather disagreeable gods. The brother and sister will often work together to bring about storms and floods, especially when they feel neglected by humans. Miashisama will also withhold rain if she feels she is not appreciated enough. For this reason, people have traditionally prayed to both kami at temples to prevent flooding, high winds or extended drought.
In the Kanna Daiki, it is mentioned that Usakazeya is considered a god of luck. This is because he controls the directions in which the four winds blow, and the wind is generally associated with fate and fortune. Praying to Usakazeya before or during one's journey for guidance was thought to keep one from straying off the path or taking an inauspicious turn.
Category:Deities
Category:Kiren