What is what does miko mean?

Miko is a Japanese term that refers to a shrine maiden or a female Shinto priestess. Miko are often young women who assist the Shinto priest in conducting rituals and ceremonies at Shinto shrines. They may also perform traditional dances, act as mediums for communicating with spirits, and participate in various religious practices and ceremonies.

In addition to their religious duties, miko may also serve as caretakers of the shrine grounds, cleaning and maintaining the shrine buildings and grounds, and assisting visitors with offerings and prayers. Miko are considered to have a special connection to the spiritual world and are believed to possess psychic abilities and the power to communicate with kami, or spirits.

The role of miko has ancient roots in Japanese history and has traditionally been passed down through generations within certain families. While the role of miko is primarily associated with Shintoism, there are also modern iterations of miko who may work independently or as part of non-traditional spiritual practices.