JINGIHAKU

'Councillor of Divinities' an office of the Imperial court traditionally occupied by theYoshidaandShirakawahouses who were authorised to appoint shrines and priests to ranks in return for contributions. This vital prerogative was lost to the newJingikanin 1868 but the title of Jingihaku was retained by the priestly families with control of a palace cult of theeight imperial tutelary deities.