The Blessing for the Ages of Misfortune (Yakudoshi).
During a person’s life, many changes may take place in their body and/or environment over the years. As a result, it is said there is a risk of meeting with misfortune. Years in which there is an increased chance of misfortune or challenging situations are called Yakudoshi, meaning “Critical Years” or “Ages of Misfortune.”
These years have been recognized since the Heian Period (794–1185 CE) as important turning points in life. It’s said that changes in health, family, and environment during Yakudoshi may bring difficulties. Not only the “hon-yaku” (misfortune year) but also the year before (mae-yaku) and after (ato-yaku) are seen as part of this three-year cycle.
During this three-year period, people go to Shinto shrines in order to receive blessings to ward off evil and to cleanse themselves of evil influence. Especially Taiyaku 大厄 which is the middle age of Yakudoshi are believed to be very critical. People also pray to purify their bad luck and for good luck charms to bring about better fortune.
| 女性 Female | 男性 Male | |
| 前厄 / Mae-yaku | 18 | 24 |
| 本厄 / Hon-yaku | 19 | 25 |
| 後厄 / Ato-yaku | 20 | 26 |
| 前厄 / Mae-yaku | 32 | 41 |
| 本厄 / Hon-yaku [大厄Taiyaku] | 33 | 42 |
| 後厄 / Ato-yaku | 34 | 43 |
| 前厄 / Mae-yaku | 36 | – |
| 本厄 / Hon-yaku | 37 | – |
| 後厄 / Ato-yaku | 38 | – |
| 本厄 / Hon-yaku | 61 (還暦 Kanreki) | 61 (還暦 Kanreki) |
*Kazoedoshi / Eastern Age: Before your birthday add 2 years, after your birthday add 1 year.
We offer a very special Yakudoshi ritual blessing which we have passed down for generations in our family and at Shusse Inari Shrine.
Includes: One “Kaiun Yakuyoke” (Age of Misfortune) Omamori and a Naorai Package
A Yakunan Shojo Ofuda can be included with an additional $20 donation.
