WORLD RELIGIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -In Shinto, female priests are allowed, but remain rare, and take on the male role of priests from recent history, more so than the traditional Shamanistic role of women in early Shinto. More common roles for women in the clergy are miko, shrine stewards who assist the chief priest.

Detailed explanation-2: -To qualify as a shinshoku, a novice must attend a school approved by the Jinja Honchō (Association of Shintō Shrines), usually the Kokugakuin University in Tokyo, or pass a qualifying examination. At one time the office of high priest was inherited.

Detailed explanation-3: -Miko, or shrine maiden, is the name of a type of priest working at a Japanese Shinto shrine. A miko typically refers to as young female priests. For centuries, miko have performed kagura (sacred dances for entertaining and satisfying the Shinto deities), conducted exorcisms, practiced divinations, acted oracles.

Detailed explanation-4: -Shinto priests perform Shinto rituals and often live on the shrine grounds. Men and women can become priests, and they are allowed to marry and have children. Priests are aided by younger women (miko) during rituals and shrine tasks.