Japanese tradition: "Omikuji" is a familiar fortune-telling method for Japanese people.

 "Omikuji" has been used in Japan since ancient times to divine fortune.

What is Omikuji?

Omikuji is an oracle that is believed to express the will of God in the act of "kuji," which determines things mechanically and fairly. It is said that by drawing an omikuji after visiting a shrine, one can learn the true intention of God.

Usually, the result of a lottery is determined by chance. In Japan, however, it has been believed since ancient times that the will of the gods and Buddha intervenes in the outcome of sacred lotteries.

Omikuji are generally used to divine one's fortune or good fortune, but there are many different types, and each shrine has its own twist. The contents of the omikuji include descriptions of fortune telling in terms of good or bad fortune, or in terms of big, medium, small, or small good fortune, as well as descriptions covering all aspects of life, such as money, love, lost possessions, travel, waiting, and health. Some also include waka poems and other poems that serve as guidelines for daily life.

In the past, lots were used to determine the will of the gods on important matters related to national politics and the selection of successors. It seems that lots were also used to determine roles related to shrine festivals.

There are various methods of kuji, but in the past, names and choices were written on several pieces of paper, and after praying before the gods, one piece was chosen to determine the successor, etc. In other cases, the person would wave a mikuji staff over the paper, and the decision would be based on what was written on the paper attached to the mikuji staff.

These days, most shrine omikuji are made up of a box of lots, one of which is chosen and contains a fortune result such as "daikichi" or "kichi", a detailed message such as "kinun" or "waito", and a waka poem or other words of encouragement.

How to divine your fortune

Draw your omikuji after you have finished praying to God. Tell God what you want to ask specifically before drawing your omikuji.

Omikuji are omens, or messages, from the gods and Buddha, so it is important to pray before drawing the omikuji.

There is no expiration date for Omikuji. It can be drawn every year, every month, or every week.

If you have a specific request for advice, focus your mind on that question and draw your omikuji.

Try to picture in your mind as specific a request as possible, such as your current situation, upcoming challenges, or concerns. By doing so, you will be able to read a specific message from God and Buddha.

The order of fortune differs from shrine to shrine, but basically, the order is: big fortune, good fortune, medium fortune, small fortune,and bad fortune.

Please read the written content more carefully than the result of the fortune. Even if it is "Daikichi", what is written may be severe, and even if it is "Shokichi", there may be cheerful contents written.

After drawing your omikuji

If you have received the message of the omikuji well, you may tie it to the "omikuji-hanger" where you keep the omikuji.

Incidentally, if you no longer need the omikuji you brought back after some time has passed, you can return it to the temple or shrine's Nosatsu-sho or put it out for burning at the end of the year or at the beginning of the New Year's holiday to be thanked to the end. Of course, do not forget to express your gratitude when you deliver the omikuji.


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