Understanding the triad: Gods, the Kami and Human interactions

In the first of the book of beginnings, we learn a simple yet profound truth: ‘two can form a balance, but three will lead to chaos.’ This line speaks to the delicate relationship between the Gods, the Kami and the Humans; a relationship that, when first intertwined, brings about profound changes, but also great instability.

In the early days of creation, balance was maintained through separation. The Gods remained above, untouched by human struggles, and the Kami were deeply tied to the land, their presence felt but not seen. Humans, in their ignorance, lived simply, unaware of the spiritual forces that moved around them. The Kami, instinctive and feral, knew nothing of thought or ambition, while the Gods, lofty and detached, did not concern themselves with the affairs of the human world. But all that changed when humans began to walk the earth, settling, farming, fighting and eventually dreaming.

When humans interacted with the land, they unknowingly infused it with thought, and in return, the land- through the Kami- brought emotion and feeling to human existence. The connection was powerful: the Kami gave humans the ability to feel and the humans gave the Kami ability to think…. To consider. It was a profound and lasting relationship that changed both parties forever.

But as the Gods observed this, they grew jealous. They saw the transformation of the Kami, and they saw the transformation of the humans as well. They recognised that change was powerful, and that THEY were not changing. So they involved themselves. To the humans, they came with ambitions, desires and egos. Chaos erupted. Not just a simple conflict, but the awakening of new forces within and across the three realms.

Today, the triad of Gods, Kami and Humans still shapes the world, though the dynamics are far more complex. The scripture doesn’t ask us to fear this chaos but to understand it. It is through our connection with the land and its creatures that we awaken emotions. It is from the influence of the egoic gods that we came to conceptualise a sense of being ‘better’. These were not immediately natural to us. In so doing, we are reminded that balance is not about maintaining harmony at all costs, but abut about understanding the interplay of mind, body and spirit and that each participant has their own individual equalibrium.

As modern practitioners of the Kithkin way, we are asked to steward this delicate balance. We must be mindful of our egos, honour the land and its spirits and remain in right relationship with both the past and the future. In a world that increasingly feels out of balance, this triad offers us a path; a reminder that while chaos may follow the interaction of the three so too can profound transformation