Please note: You can only obtain an Ofuda (神札) from a Shinto shrine (神社).
Ordering an Ofuda from online shops or third-party sellers are not connected to Kami-sama and therefore have no effect and are seen as disrespectful to Kami-sama. In that sense, they are essentially just “inactive” decorative merchandise. Only items received from an actual Shinto shrine are blessed and receive a connection to Kami-sama, which is what gives them their intended effect. If you are unable to visit a shrine in person, it is perfectly fine to ask a friend to obtain one for you. However, it should always come directly from a shrine.
If you have an Ofuda or other Juyohin (Shinto Items) from a different shrine and are unable to return them to that shrine, our shrine will accept it and properly care for it.
Step 1: Change into respectful clothing and tidy yourself.
Step 2: Perform Temizu (wash your hands and rinse your mouth).
Step 3: Present the Shinsen (offerings or water, salt and rice), unless it has already been done on this day.
Step 4: Prepare a clean table, preferably covered with a white tablecloth. Make sure it is large enough to hold both the old and new Ofuda, as well as the envelope you will use for shipping.
Step 5: Place the new Ofuda and the envelope for the old Ofuda onto the table.
Step 6: Take a few moments to clear your mind and level your spirits.
Step 7: Approach the Kamidana with the same etiquette used during offering and removal of Shinsen (stay off the Seichū, the straight line directly in front of the Kamidana, when approaching).
Step 8: Perform two bows, two claps, one bow.
Bows should be a deep bow of 90 degrees, palms covering the knee caps. Put your hands together, at chest level, and clap twice. Slide the right hand back slightly before clapping.
Keep your hands together at chest level while expressing your gratitude and appreciation to Kami-sama, and stating your intent to replace the Ofuda. Perform another deep bow.
Step 9: Approach the Kamidana and open the doors gently with both hands. (If you have a Shinkyō mirror, set it aside with both hands.)
Step 10: Politely take the old Ofuda using both hands, with thoughts of appreciation, and bring it to the table. Carefully place it inside the envelope.
Step 11: With both hands, pick up the new Ofuda and gently place it into the Kamidana, with respect and thoughts of appreciation.
Step 12: Close the Kamidana doors with both hands. (If you have a Shinkyō mirror, set it back.)
Step 13: Leave the Kamidana with the same etiquette used, when leaving it during the offering and removal of Shinsen.
Step 14: Be sure to request your Otakiage Ceremony and submit your $10.00 ceremony donation.
Please note that the $10.00 donation is per person submitting Juyohin, not per item.
Shipping Address:
Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America
9854 National Blvd. #284
Los Angeles, CA 90034
USA
You might also like:
Juyohin Glossary
List of our Juyohin (Shinto Items)
Otakiage – Returning old Shinto Items
How can I request Juyohin (Shinto Items)?
