Drawings of Shrine Maidens - Serving the Sacred Spirits

Have you ever visited a Japanese shrine? If so, you may have been lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a miko (巫女, lit. “shrine maiden”). These young priestesses go through rigorous training and perform various duties at their shrines, such as sacred cleansings and traditional Kagura dance performances. Of course, these maidens also make appearances in all sorts of anime and manga.

The beautiful and powerful Kikyo (from Inuyasha) is probably the first image that springs to some fans' minds when they think of miko.

Have any of the mystic maidens below purified your heart?