After realizing that his origin was in "heaven," Wake Ikazuchi ascended to the clouds and became a powerful kami of rain, thunder, and storms. Because of his influence on the Kamo and Takano rivers running through (and frequently flooding) the Kyoto basin, the imperial court would negotiate with Kamigamo Shrine to conduct rituals to calm the deity. Conversely, when the shrine felt its interests were being ignored by the court, Wake Ikazuchi could always be petitioned to get their attention with a storm, lightning display, or flood. (I heard this story from many individuals connected with the shrine in formal and informal ways, but I have not verified it with historical research.)
All photos and text © Copyright John K. Nelson, 1999