Shinto Home and Overseas Worship Guide (In a General Sense)

By: Rev. Olivia Bernkastel

Date: July 6th, 2021
Certain areas and sections were compiled with the help of other Shinto community members as well.
Special Thanks to the owners of the images used for illustrative purposes.
This guide is Free-To-Use. Not for sale.

In Shinto [神道], we have the practice of setting up a home altar, called usually a “Kamidana” [神棚]
to pray and express thanks to Kami-sama [神様] when we cannot worship at the shrine.

However, a Kamidana should not be rushed to set up right away. A Kamidana is not a requirement to
be a Shinto practitioner. You embody Shinto practice in your actions day to day.

A Kamidana lasts a lifetime, and often even beyond a lifetime, as it can be passed down generations in
the household and family.

Only set up a Kamidana when you know you are serious about practicing Shinto and worshipping
Kami-sama, devotedly. Setting up a Kamidana will vary in many ways, and depends on the Kami-sama
you worship.

There is no rush. You can pray to Kami-sama long-distance, and of course to respect and honour the
Kami-sama all around you. The Kamidana is the place Kami-sama is invited into your home, and is
present before you. It denotes a more intimate, personal connection, and should not be treated lightly.

Where and how to place the Kamidana?

The Kamidana should be in a quiet, clean, open space. Ideal spots are a living room, bedroom, or other
relaxed space that is frequented.

It can be placed on a floating shelf, in a bookshelves' alcove, on top of a table, and so on. Try to
safeguard the area from the disturbance of young children and pets so nothing breaks.

The Kamidana should be slightly above your eye level when you pray. Many pray standing up, so the
Kamidana is often high up - but it should not be unreachable.

You need to be able to interact with the Kamidana in order to provide offerings at times, as well as keep
it clean.

It is okay to pray sitting on a chair, or sitting seiza [星座] (on your knees) on the floor. As long as the
Kamidana is above eye level when you pray, and it is not too close to the ground - it is acceptable.

Generally speaking, never place the Kamidana on the floor, in a dirty noisy place, or over entrances
like doors.

Generally speaking, is ideal to have the Kamidana be facing South or East. However, you do not need
to worry so much about it. Unless the shrine you received your Ofuda [御札] from states other rules.
Style of Kamidana:

Kamidana generally have a common set up with a Miyagata [宮形] (small shrine) on a Tanaita [棚板]
(shelf) and a full Shingu [神具] (offering vessels/sacred tools) set.

While this is traditional, it can be very expensive to get these items; especially overseas.

There are various alternatives, such as modern-style simplistic Kamidana, having an Ofuda-Tate [御札
立] (small wooden stand) for an Ofuda, and so on.

Whether you use a Miyagata, an Ofuda-Tate, a simplistic modern Kamidana, paper Kamidana, etc.
This will be placed central on the shelf, and it will be the place to hold the main object of worship. For
simplicity sake, let's refer to this item and the object of worship as the "shrine"

In front of this shrine, we have the Shingu or sacred tools.

We usually place a Shinkyou [神鏡] (Sacred mirror) in front of the shrine. We also have the offering
vessels - generally we are supposed to make offerings of rice, sake, salt, and water every day in the
morning.

The offering vessels in a traditional Kamidana setting are: One Mizutama [水玉] or Suiki [水器]
(Round vessel) for Water, two Heishi or Heiji [瓶子] (Bottles) for sake, Two Hiraka [平瓦] Kawarake
[皿] (Plate) for rice, and salt. We also use Sakaki-tate [榊立] (Sakaki branch holder) to offer branches
of Sakaki [榊], the sacred evergreen tree in Shinto, to Kami-sama as well.

There are many more types of Shingu that can be used, such as the tray type: Sanbo [三宝], Oshiki [折
敷] and other sacred items may be present such as Torii [鳥居] (Shrine Gate marking sacred space),
Saisenbako [賽銭箱] (Money Offering Box), Masakaki [真榊] (Items representing 3 sacred treasures
and 5 colored silk), Engimono [縁起物] (amulets/lucky items from shrines) or Ema [絵馬] (plaque for
writing requests to Kami-sama) Prayer Ofuda [祈札] (from a shrine ceremony) and so on. However, it
is best to leave the Kamidana generally clear and neat. Less is more. Here is a diagram of a formal
setting:
Now, some examples of variant styles:

This is by no means a comprehensive list, and there will be some mistakes in the offering photos - but I
wanted to show the range of forms Kamidana can take.

Modern-style Kamidana:

Paper-craft Kamidana:
Ofuda-showing Kamidana:

Ofuda-stand Kamidana (in a bookshelf):

Kamidana with various Ofuda outside the Miyagata, and how sake can be offered outside of the Heishi
bottles in it's own sealed bottle:

A Kamidana for the Daikokuten-sama and Ebisu-sama faith. Their faith is rooted in Shinbutsu practices
and beliefs (Blending of Shinto and Buddhism) and as such, they have statues as Yorishiro (Items to
call to Kami-sama) instead of Ofuda. Using statues is a Buddhist influence, and this is not done in
Shinto, generally speaking. But sometimes exceptions are made for Kami-sama with historical
Buddhist-influenced worship:
An example of the different style Miyagata, done in Izumo-zukuri (Izumo architecture) style. This can
be used for Izumo faith, however Izumo faith worshippers can also use the general Miyagata
architectural style as well:

There are many more variations beyond this as well.

Items surrounding Kamidana

A Kamidana can also be accompanied by two items: the Shimenawa [しめ縄] rope, and the marker of
[雲] Cloud or [天] Sky above the Kamidana where there is a 2nd floor. The Shimenawa marks the
space as sacred, and the kanji saying Cloud or Sky protects spiritually and symbolically people on the
upper floors from "stepping" on Kamisama. You can hand-make both items, but you can also buy them.

For Shimenawa, it's usually made of rice straw or hemp fibres. But these are both hard to find outside
of Japan. As a substitute, natural twine rope is fine. You can also handmake the Shide [紙垂, 四手]
(zig-zag paper denoting sacred energy). Here is a good tutorial:
http://www.turugamine.com/shidetuku.html

For the upper symbol, you can simply write or print on a small paper and stick it on the ceiling, or on
the roof of an alcove the Kamidana is placed, or on the wall behind it.

The object to focus reverence: Yorishiro

As mentioned before, the main purpose of a Kamidana is to direct our prayers to Kami-sama, and this
is often done with an item called a "Yorishiro" [依代] or [憑代]　this term cannot be easily translated
directly, but it generally means "Something resembling [the Kami]”, “A substitute for [the Kami's
sacred permanent body]”, the “sacred permanent body” in Shinto is called Goshintai [御神体].

A Yorishiro is an item that can call to a Kami-sama, and the Kami-sama can temporarily dwell in this
object to be present before you, as you pray. After you finish praying, the Kami-sama leaves the
Yorishiro and is no longer present.
Ofuda as a Yorishiro

Commonly, Yorishiro usually take the form of an item we call an "Ofuda" or "Sacred Tablet". An
Ofuda is an object often made of rice paper (rice is extremely sacred in Shinto), hemp fibres, and/or
Hinoki [檜] wood (Hinoki, Japanese Cypress, is one of the most sacred woods in Shinto and is used to
make all sorts of sacred items).

The name of the shrine or Kami-sama is written on the Ofuda, and is marked with a red seal of the
shrine to denote authenticity. It is then blessed in a secret ritual. It is an item that can only be prepared
by a priest with the proper training and etiquette towards Kami-sama. Generally, Ofuda is what's used
as the main object of reverence, enshrined in a Miyagata, or placed on an Ofuda-Tate.

Ofuda examples

Here are the various Ofuda styles offered at Ise Jingu. The ofuda of Amaterasu Omikami-sama has a
special name, called "Jingutaima" [神宮大麻]. Jingutaima are offered all across Japan and overseas,
however only Ise Jingu itself makes and distributes the Jingutaima.

The style with a pointed tip (sword-style) and thin hinoki wood is particular to Ise faith:

These are the typical Ofuda styles and size. There is a smaller size and larger size. Sometimes they are
covered with a thin rice paper, and other times they are not. Some priests say to remove the rice paper,
and others say to leave it on:
When in doubt, ask the guidance of the shrine you received the Ofuda from on how to handle the Ofuda
and how to enshrine it.

Lastly, here are more Ofuda variations. In the style of writing on the Ofuda, the specific purpose of the
Ofuda, the wood type, and some may have an image on them as well:

Acquiring the items to set up a Kamidana

Ofuda and Omamori are highly sacred items, inherently connected to the Kami, and guaranteed to call
the Kami-sama's presence to you.

They must only be obtained at a shrine, or from a licensed priest, no exceptions. Not Amazon, not
eBay, not from any other third-party place

Miyagata, Ofuda-tate, the Shinki (Offering vessel) set, Sakaki branches (false or real), and so on can be
obtained outside of the shrine, and on third-seller shops and sites like eBay and Amazon. You don't
need to mind.

You may also handmake these items, or use different types of offering dishes than the traditional
Japanese ones. If you handmake a Miyagata or Ofuda-Tate out of wood, you must use an evergreen
wood. Hinoki (Japanese Cypress) is ideal #1 choice, but a native evergreen cousin will work too.

When hand-making a wood piece, it is best to avoid using nails. The typical action of hammering nails
into wood is seen as reminiscent of cursing and harming.

Nails are used in the construction of shrines, especially for the metal fittings. But they use special soft
nails called Wakugi [和釘] and is best left to professional shrine carpenters. If you make your own
wooden kamidana at home, joinery is best. Wooden pegs and glue are good as well.

You can handmake it by paper as well. This Paper Craft "Ofuda-tate" is designed by the Tokyo Shinto
Seinen-kai. It is an association made up of Shinto priests under the age of 40 ("seinen" in Japanese,
usually translated as "youth"). On their webpage http://www.tokyo-shinsei.jp/papercraft.html, you can
download the template and watch a video about how to put it together.
Acquiring Ofuda

If you live in Japan, acquiring Ofuda is easily done after worshipping at the shrine.

If you live outside Japan, it becomes more difficult. However, there are Ofuda available for the
following Kami-sama for those overseas:

Amaterasu Omikami (Any shrine overseas except Inari, Izumo, and Konko shrines)

Ookuninushi Okami (Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii)

Tenjin-sama, Konpira-sama (Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha)

Inari Okami (Shusse Inari Shrine, or Fushimi Inari Inernational Dojo*) *[You must be a member]

Sarutahiko Okami, Ame no Uzume no Mikoto (Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America)

Ooguchi no Makami-sama (Kamunabi Banyu Ko-Shinto Shrine)

Exception:

Tenchi Kane no Kami (Worshipped at Konko shrines)

They do not require an Ofuda or any Yorishiro to be present, as they are the energy dwelling in the
universe.

In lieu of an ofuda, the teaching of the Tenchi Kakitsuke is often displayed prominently as a reminder
to the one praying. Sometimes, goshinmai (sacred rice wrapped in paper) is used as well as the center
of prayer focus.

If you wish to acquire an Ofuda, or begin worship at home, please first read the etiquette guide below:
Etiquette Guide for interacting with Priests and Shrines Overseas:
This applies for emails, social media, and phone calls. Any communication.

1. State your first and last name clearly. No initials, no unrealistic names. You don't have to use your
formal legal name, but it should be a name you'd use in a professional setting. If you are transgender,
this does not mean you need to use your deadname. But, you need to use the public name you use (or
would/intend to use) that matches your gender identity. Communicate as if you were applying for a job.

2. Your email address, or screen name, should be one you would use in a professional, at the least,
polite capacity as well, no strange or offensive usernames or profile pictures.

3. Speak and write formally, clearly, and with proper grammar to the best of your ability. No netspeak
or slang.

4. When you address the priest, always use the formal "Rev." title in front of their last name. Example:
Priest's name is "John Yamada", so address him as Rev. Yamada, no exceptions.

If you address the shrine, use the shrine's full name. Example: “Suwa Grand Shrine of America”, not
just "Suwa Shrine".

Let's do our best to set a good example together. It's also polite to address other community members
with "-san" at the end of their last name, or Mr./Ms./Mx. before their last name too in the public Shinto
spheres, until corrected with how to address them otherwise.

Donation and handling of sacred items etiquette

1. Do not say you want to, or are going to "Purchase" or "Buy" Omamori and Ofuda. They are not
products nor goods. You are receiving, or acquiring, these sacred items humbly, in return for giving a
donation to the shrine.

2. Only acquire Ofuda and/or Omamori from a shrine. Anywhere else is strictly prohibited. Any other
ritual tools (Offering set, Kamidana, Mirrors) are fine to acquire at shrines or elsewhere.

3. When you receive the sacred items in the mail, it's customary to give thanks and notification you
received the items safely via e-mail, or the shrine/priests' preferred contact method.

4. It's customary to return sacred items (Ofuda, Omamori, also anything else like old Daruma or ritual
arrows) after one year, generally should be done at the beginning of December, where they will be
burned in January.

When you return it, mail the sacred items back in a clean and safe envelope (I recommend bubble
mailers). It is polite to include in this package a letter greeting, and a donation to the shrine for the
ritual ceremony of burning the old Ofuda and Omamori.

It is best to donate what you sincerely feel is best for the ritual burning ceremony. Please prepare any
donations in the currency of the country the shrine is located in.
It's traditional to place this donation in a white vertical envelope with the kanji 奉 (Hou, Matsuru.
Meaning "Dedication, Offering") written on the top, and your full name written clearly and neatly
below this kanji. (You can write these yourself, you don't need to print them.)

An Email template for when asking to receive ofuda

Hello,

My name is (name), I'm (age), and I'm from (place). I began practicing Shinto (x number of time ago)
and have been learning more since.

If it is possible to send it to (city, province/state, country where you live) I would like to receive an
ofuda from the shrine as (explain your background with the kami/Shinto, but don't get too into personal
or deeply spiritual details)

Example of a basic background explanation:

"I have felt a connection with Inari Okami, and I had an experience where I felt received their blessings
strongly. I wish to revere them properly and express my appreciation to them. This is why I would like
to set a kamidana for them and I humbly request to receive an ofuda for this purpose."

I also request to be taught the proper instructions to enshrine the ofuda of Kamisama in the most
respectful way possible, and the method I may send the donation for the ofuda, and payment for the
shipping expenses.

Thank you very much for your time.

Sincerely,
(First and Last Name)
Where to acquire ofuda and omamori that ship (Total 7 shrines):

Daijingu Temple of Hawaii:

https://daijingutemple.org/product-category-omamori/omamori/

Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha (Domestic USA Only):

http://www.e-shrine.org/omamori.html

Izumo Taishakyo of Hawaii (you can ask for Izumo Ofuda contacting directly ):

https://www.izumotaishahawaii.com/

Hilo Daijingu:

https://hilodaijingu.amebaownd.com/pages/215923/page_201511290156

Kamunabi Ban'yu Ko Shinto Shrine:

https://www.atelierkanawa.com/amulets

Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America:

https://tsubakishrine.org/omamori/index.html

Shusse Inari Shrine of America:

https://shintoinari.org/shinto-items/

Where to acquire information about setting an altar for Tenchi Kane no Kami-sama (Tenchi Kakitsuke,
Goshinmai):

Please contact Konkokyo International Center at kic@konkokyo.or.jp, or you may contact me directly
at livingwithkami@gmail.com

Additional Resources:

This site is connected to a Nichiren Shu Buddhist Temple. It is maintained by a layperson volunteer, so
there is some slight miswording (such as calling the sacred items products).

It's an excellent resource for acquiring legitimate items for Shinbutsu-related worship - Ofuda,
Omamori, Altar tools, including an inexpensive Ofuda stand, and even Engimono like Ema. Most of
these items will need to be used in the proper Buddhist context – it is best to email to ask:

https://gasshodo.com/product-category/omamori-ofuda/
Placing Ofuda

Generally, there is a guideline of the order to place Ofuda. I will show a diagram below:

However - while this is a guideline, not many necessarily follow it, nor are you absolutely required to.
The most important thing is to follow your heart sincerely regarding the number and placement of the
Ofuda. You are not absolutely required to obtain a Jingutaima, or the Ofuda of any other shrine
(especially for folks overseas, there is often no Ujigami shrine).

The order is up to what you feel is best as well. These are just general guidelines - but they aren't the
absolute rule.

That being said, the rules/guidelines may change depending on the faith, or the shrine as well. So
always ask the shrine you recieved the ofuda from how to order, enshrine, and caretake the ofuda
you receive.
Renewing Ofuda

Another one of these rules/guidelines is it's generally said the Ofuda loses it's power as a Yorishiro one
year after acquiring it, so you must replace it every year, generally at New Years, and send the old
ofuda back to a shrine to be ritually burned.

While not everyone will abide by this 1-year belief, it is good practice to help support the shrine each
year (when you can acquire it easily).

However, if you do not follow this guideline, you still must replace, or send back to ritually burn the
Ofuda when it is too old, stained, ripped, or broken. Be sure to treasure it well.

Gohei

A Gohei is an older form of Yorishiro, based as a dedication of fibre and cloth to Kami-sama, before the
Ofuda which is a concept introduced to Japan via China from Daoism.

You may make one for home worship as an item which may attract Kami-sama's essence to you.

This should only be done if you absolutely under all circumstances cannot acquire an Ofuda for
the Kami-sama you worship – no exceptions.

It is important to know that for both Gohei and Shide, it is not arts and crafts. They are sacred items
you are making for Kami-sama.

Before making it, please be sure you're clean, please put on day clothes, rinse your mouth and hands
and dry them well. Then put a mask on before starting.

You will need a large retractable X-acto knife (usually they are yellow), a cutting board, white plain
Washi paper (Paper for calligraphy, with a smooth and rough side – the smooth side being the
“face”/front of the Shide), and a large ruler to hold down the paper as you cut. It is ideal to have these
items specifically for Kami-sama, seperate from your daily use items.

Here is a guide from Atago Jinja:

https://kinocho.com/atagojinjya_shinsen/?page_id=137

The wood base should be an evergreen wood, ideally Hinoki (Japanese cypress), but bamboo I have
seen used as well. It is recommended securing the shide onto the heigushi with clean hemp string.

Here is some videos of folding and making Gohei:

https://youtu.be/zejWRZadMaw

https://youtu.be/zq8iKSuH1Q4

It’s also worth noting that both these videos do treat the paper a little roughly, it's better to be more
careful and sincere.
If you make a mistake, you must start over again from the beginning. Any works in progress can be
discarded normally, as you haven't offered it to Kamisama yet. Of course when you discard them, as
with all things, please do so with gratitude to the item.

However, once you offer it to be used by Kamisama, you will have to have it ritually burned like
Ofuda.

This is because, before offering it to Kamisama, it's just a usual wood and paper you may use. But once
you offer it, it is like giving a gift to someone. Even though it was made by you, it now belongs to the
person. It's a similar manner in this case for Kami-sama. Once you offer it to them, it is their sacred
item now.

Create Gohei with a sincere and pure heart (Magokoro) and keep in mind that this is an item that is for
Kamisama – this is why so much care goes into making it.

There are different shapes for some Kamisama, but a lot of this can depend on the shrine, family, and
tradition (like Shugendo).

This simple lightning shape is almost universally used and therefore it is the most reccomended.

Enshrining a Gohei

Enshrining a gohei is the same as ofuda, be sure to do so in a clean environment and in the proper space
as the Kamidana. It is good to ensure it stays upright on your kamidana. There are stands for gohei to
this end that you can purchase online or make yourself.
Offerings

Offerings (Osonae [御供]) are a way we show appreciation to Kami-sama for the blessings of the food
and drink that sustain our lives every day. Without food and drink, which are blessings from nature, we
would die. So to show appreciation for this great blessing of life and sustenance, we present the food
offerings in a show of gratitude towards Kami-sama.

Offerings at the home Kamidana are not meant to "feed" Kami-sama as they do not get physically
hungry, nor are they "sacrifices" - they are presentations with a heart of appreciation towards Kami-
sama for providing us with these blessings. We enjoy a sense of gratitude and community via the
offerings as well.

It is ideal, and important to consume the offerings after, because the purpose is that they sustain our
life. It is acceptable to not offer foods you don't eat or drink.

For example, one who doesn't drink alcohol or use it in their cooking doesn't need to offer sake. You
want to offer something you are grateful for. However, the one exception to this would be white rice is
extremely important in Shinto, so it is good to try to make an effort to offer a small bit of rice.

The most important thing as well is to not waste offerings. Don't pour out sake as a libation, don't toss
water in the sink after - this is seen as being "mottainai", or wasting the offerings. Be sure to consume
or use them in some manner after offering to strengthen your body.

The general ranking of offerings is as follows. Bolded offerings are staple offerings, which are
traditionally always offered even if the other items aren't.

1. Rice
2. Sake
3. Mochi
4. Other Alcohol
5. Fish, Meat, Shellfish (Living Creature - Fish must be gutted, and Meat/Shellfish must be cooked or
cured, never raw)
6. Dried Foods, Canned Foods
7. Vegetables
8. Fruits
9. Cakes/Desserts
10. Salt
11. Water*

There is a reason behind this order, but if you can tell - the first 3 are rice and rice-based food and drink
(rice is extremely sacred). *In some traditions, water is offered first place instead of rice, because it's
thought there would be no life without water.

After, Other /Foreign alcohol was once extremely rare and expensive, so it was highly ranked. Animals
gave their life to sustain us, so they come next. Dried/Canned foods can sustain us through harsh
weather, so they are regarded highly. Vegetables after as well, are more food we eat in all sorts of
meals, where Fruits come after because they are more of a treat/snack. Following this, are actual cakes
and desserts.
Finally, salt and water are very important to sustain our lives, but they come in steady abundance. Salt
came from the ocean in Japan and Water came from the many rivers, lakes, and rain. They are staples
which is why they are always offered, but they are in abundance unlike the above offerings which can
be more difficult to acquire. Rice is a staple food - but without farm work, or the right weather and
natural elements - it cannot grow in abundance. It also requires all the blessings of nature to grow (sun,
rain, soil, animals, including humans, contribute to the growth and consumption of rice). Which makes
it extremely sacred in the traditional view.

Ordering of Offerings

The highest ranked is closest to Kami-sama (closest to the shrine, and center) - next is to the right, and
then to the left. (in odd number)
In even number, it goes from right to left, and back and forth.
So the order would be, for example ...

Shrine
. 53124
. 11 9 7 6 8 10
(You)

Keep this order in mind, and you can offer anything without a mistake in the right order. Unlike the
other guidelines, the order of offerings is more rigid, so please be mindful!
Eg. If I'm offering rice, water, and a dessert, it would be

Kami-sama

Water Rice Dessert

(3) (1) (2)

You

Eg. If I offer canned fish (this is actually under #6, not #5 because it's in a can),
an Orange, Water, and Salt

Kami-sama
|
Water Orange | Canned Fish Salt
(4) (2) | (1) (3)
|
You

The reason it's positioned that way is that symmetry, and balance is very valued and important in
Shinto, so you'll always see things set up like that at shrines (odd number things, it's center-right-left
pattern, if even number things, they are arranged so they parallel).

Timing of Making Offerings

The general guideline is to make an offering of rice, salt, water, and sake every day at sunrise, and then
take them down at sunset to eat /consume for dinner.

Then, on Special Festival Days (1st of the month, 15th, and 22nd~24th) you replace the fresh Sakaki
branches/evergreen branches, and offer special items such as fruit, or desserts alongside the staple
offerings.

Some people only offer Sake on the Special Festival Days as well.

However this guideline can be difficult for various reasons.

You can adjust how you make offerings, since you're expressing appreciation, and it's not a formal
strict rule to ensure you make offerings everyday, and special offerings on the festival days.
Some options:

1. Offering Sake in a large bottle. Because the Heishi are hard to clean fully, and you may only like
alcohol sometimes. It's okay to leave the Sake in a closed new bottle for a week or a day (perhaps the
special festival day) , and then bring it to your kitchen to open and consume. You may also only offer a
small bit of sake on the festival day, and take it down to drink after the day. You don't need to fill up the
Heishi. I often leave mine empty, since it's difficult to clean them and they easily mold.

2. Offering only water daily, then full offerings on festival days

3. Offering on festival days only

4. Offering your meals before you eat - before you eat, you can pray to Kamisama in your heart and
thank them for the meal. It's good to practice this regardless, but it is also a form of offering when we
cannot do so at the Kamidana

5. Offering only during prayers at the Kamidana, that is, offer the food, pray, and then take them down
right after - this is especially useful if you worry about bugs, pets, or children getting into the food.

Osagari: Consuming the offerings

After we offer food, we should consume it. The offered food is called Osagari [撤饌], we receive it
from Kami-sama blessed. If we eat it together with everyone, especially at shrines, this is called Naorai
[直会] But if we can't consume it right away, we can save it for later.

We should put Osagari offerings in a seperate container than the food we haven't offered yet. This is
because it is blessed.

So if you offer rice, salt, and water daily - it's good to get a seperate container for your Osagari Rice
and Salt, or a seperate place in the fridge or drawer for offered vegetables, fruits, and dried/canned
foods - and so on. And eat those first when you have enough to make a meal.
Etiquette to Pray and Make Offerings at the Kamidana

Once we have set up the Kamidana, and understand all the guidelines about Offerings, we then can
pray at the Kamidana.

To pray, we should ideally be clean, in clean clothes for the day (no pajamas), and rinse our hands and
mouth (Misogi) before praying. These are all symbolic actions that we do to approach Kamisama
respectfully and in a manner to express sincerity.

However, there are times when we cannot do so, and we may be a mess or troubled, or find ourselves
in a crisis.

In my personal sincere advice to you, please don't let that stop you from praying.

Kami-sama is here to support us, and you should not feel afraid or shy to rely on them anytime.

As long as you approach with a sincere, genuine heart - "dress your heart in silk" this is far, far more
important than your physical appearance and/or if you had done misogi.

Those actions are only to prepare our heart and mind to be sincere before approaching Kami-sama. So
the sincere heart, Magokoro, is of utmost importance.

Relying on Kami-sama wholeheartedly and trusting them, having faith in them - is of very core
importance above all else.

With this as well, do not chant or pray, or make offerings regarding it as a problem, chore, or feel
forced as "something you have to do".

This goes against the Shinto importance of Magokoro [真心], sincere , true heart, and in it's most
heaviest case would be regarded as telling lies to Kami-sama, or being very disrespectful.

It's important to take it with an at-ease approach, and pray and make offerings because you geninuely
want to - not because you feel pressure, forced, or guilty to do so.
General praying etiquette (may vary, good to ask shrine you acquire Ofuda from) :

General:

Light bow, Bow twice, Clap twice, Pray, Bow Once More, Light bow

Izumo faith:

Light bow, Bow twice, Clap four times, Pray, Bow Once, Light bow

Fushimi Inari Taisha:

Bow lightly once, bow heavily twice, clap twice, pray silently, bow heavily once, bow lightly once\
or

Bow lightly once, bow heavily twice, clap twice, recite norito out loud, clap twice, bow heavily twice,
bow lightly once

Konko faith:

Light bow, Bow once, Clap Four times, Pray, Clap four times, Bow Once More, Light bow

※ The light bows at the beginning and end are often omitted in more casual instructions

You can pray silently in your heart, or chanting prayers (norito).

Please note that norito is not an incantation and should be seen as speaking to Kamisama rather than
magic words.

This ties into the importance of "Kotodama", or the power of words, and we should speak clearly and
with intent

General Offering etiquette

When we want to offer something to Kami-sama, first rinse and prepare all the dishes. Place them on a
tray. Fill the vessels with Offerings, careful not to breathe on them to be polite (using a mask is good).
Then bring the tray to the altar, and place it before the shrine. Pray to Kami-sama and express your
appreciation.

When you take down the offerings, first pray to Kami-sama, and inform them you are doing so, and
express appreciation. Take down the whole tray, place the old offerings in their proper Osagari
containers or to use to cook, or consume. Then, rinse the dishes, refill them with fresh offerings, and
bring it back to the shrine, placing it in front. Then, Pray to Kami-sama and express appreciation.

If you don't leave the offerings all day - after offering and praying to Kami-sama to show appreciation,
then inform them you will take it down from now , and you can take it down soon after
Offering incense?

Many people ask about offering incense at the Kamidana. Generally, it is Shinto tradition to offer two
candles or electric lanterns (a light source) flanking the Kamidana instead of incense. Incense is seen as
a Buddhist offering, so it's why it's not used.

Of course, for Kami-sama who come from the 1000-year old connection of Shinto and Buddhism
(Shinbutsu Kami-sama) sometimes incense is used in special cases. But it is best to follow the
guidelines of the shrine you acquire your Ofuda from, as always.

There are some additional theories and reasons why Incense is not offered. It is also because
traditionally, incense was used and associated with funerals. It was used to mask the scent of a body
decaying. Certain Kami-sama, especially Amaterasu Omikami-sama, are said to dislike any reminders
of decay, death, or withering, so it is important to avoid using anything that will give the reminder, such
as incense.

Some say, tying into this, the Kami-sama does not as a whole like the scent of it (relating to funerals),
or some say they simply dislike strong scents as a whole, but this is also only personal theories and
experiences I've heard.

Regardless, it is mostly stated we do not offer it because it is not traditional to do so.

If you want to burn incense in the same room as a Kamidana, or burn incense as an offering to the
Buddhas, or other religion's deities – you may do so.

But, please ensure it is not burning when you pray at the Kamidana.

When you pray, this is when Kami-sama is in your presence, so it is best not to have the incense
burning when they are present. A lingering smell can't be helped, but best to avoid directly offering it or
having it burning.

That should be all areas covered for general home and overseas worship. If you have any more
inquiries or suggestions for this guide, please contact me at livingwithkami@gmail.com