鏡開き [Kagami Biraki – “Breaking Open the Mirror”]

(redux but hopefully worth the re-read)

The posted picture is a traditional Japanese New Year’s decoration – kagami mochi “mirror rice cakes,” large round rice cakes with centuries-old meaning.

The mirror is one of 3 imperial regalia of Japan symbolizing 3 principle virtues – wisdom in reflection (the mirror), courage in action (the sword), and benevolence in the balance of mind, body, and spirit (the jewel).

The meaning of the mirror is revealed in the myth of Amaterasu the Sun Goddess –

Amaterasu’s brother Susanoo the Storm God destroyed her rice fields in a rage so Amaterasu turned her back on the world, hiding in a cave which plunged the world in cold darkness . . .

Crops withered without Amaterasu's nourishing light so the other gods danced around a bonfire, reflecting firelight into the cave with a giant mirror to encourage her to reappear . . .

Curious, Amaterasu peeked out, saw herself in the mirror, and reappeared at last, warming the world with her abundant light.

Kagami biraki celebrates Amaterasu’s “enlightenment.” The traditional Japanese ceremony “breaks open” kagami mochi “rice cakes” or a round cask of saké – both symbolizing the mirror – to mark the importance of self-reflection, personal redefinition, and self-refinement to begin a new year full of promise and potential.

In 2024 Peachtree celebrated the 30th anniversary of our community’s founding. Still, we always look forward to improvement and a new perspective. With the right mental attitude we can define - and redefine - ourselves, physically and spiritually.

Peachtree’s emblem is enso, the Japanese ideal of a perfect circle – with a little artistic flare to resemble the peach. Striving to attain and maintain the center of that perfect circle, on and off the mat, calm and stable on the inside, dynamic on the outside, never ending, that is our training.

Congratulations to Tai Scott on his promotion to 6th Kyu – and to Mitsuko Sensei on her promotion to USAF fukushidoin “assistant instructor”!

And yes, the rumor is no rumor, it’s official, Peachtree is going to Japan in January 2026, details TBA.

Meantime . . . Best wishes to you all for the New Year!

And see you on the mat!

AND REMEMBER –

Saturday, January 4, 2025 – Kagami Biraki @ Aikido Center of Atlanta (free seminar, 10a-12p, 2-4p)

Peachtree children’s class @ 9:30a @ Peachtree

Adult classes canceled – all adults should attend Kagami Biraki