Shinto Misogi Kyo New Year’s Special Prayer Ceremony
This year marks a turning point when a different world begins to move
Chuo City, Tokyo
On January 2nd, the New Year’s Special Prayer Ceremony was held at the Shinto Misogi Kyo under the guidance of Chief Supervisor Yasuhiro Sakata. The ceremony was performed solely by the chief officiant and senior Shinto priests, while followers from all over the country participated online. This ceremony, observed on January 2nd, is carried out in deference to the founder deity Inoue Masakane’s teaching that “to neglect a visit to the ancestral shrine is a grievous deviation,” and is branded as “first shrine visit of the new year.” Following the ritual, a teaching transmission session (lecture) was held during which the year’s fortune and the guiding principles for a prosperous year—the teachings to be upheld—were conveyed.
At 1:00 p.m., the resonant sound of taiko drums marked the commencement of the ceremony. Participants chanted the Misogi purification prayers and the Threefold Purification Prayers, followed by the rituals of purification, salutation, and sacred offering. The chief officiant then recited the norito (prayers). A ritual to infuse all prayers with wholehearted devotion for the fulfillment of all wishes was performed. Next, the chief officiant offered tamagushi (sacred branches) and bowed. After the offerings were retracted and a bow was made, the assembled participants, along with the chief officiant and festival attendants, chanted the oath (vows), thereby smoothly bringing the New Year’s Special Prayer Ceremony to a close.
Subsequently, Head Teacher(Chief Supervisor) Yasuhiro Sakata delivered the transmission of the teachings. The key points of his lecture were as follows:
In the imperial year 2685 (Reiwa 7), the Kinoto-Mi year has dawned. At the start of this year, I sincerely pray for the everlasting prosperity of the Imperial Household, the flourishing of our nation, and the peace and well-being of our people. For me personally, this marks the significant milestone of 50 years since I was appointed as the chief supervisor.
This year, too, I engaged in a five-day period of fasting and sacred practice—from the end of the year until the New Year’s Special Prayer Ceremony on January 2nd. The founding deity established our teachings on the basis of the petition “to save the people and ensure the peaceful flourishing of all living beings.” Since “to walk in the footsteps of the founder” is the mission of the contemporary chief supervisor, I have long been convinced that performing the founder deity’s rain-invoking fasting practice on Miyakejima annually is also my mission, and I have faithfully undertaken this duty each year. In the midst of these practices, by uniting the three vital energies of heaven, earth, and man, I now convey the “guiding principles for a prosperous year” as handed down by the divine.
This year, “heaven(Ten)” moves with the intention of “Kinoto(Japanese zodiac)” and it is by that energy that we are enlivened. The fortune of this year calls for breaking free from outdated customs and intimate collusion, demanding even greater effort and progress toward resolving problems. Regardless of any resistance, advancing innovation will undoubtedly be the central theme of the year.
The “earth(Chi)’s” energy is represented by “Mi(Japanese zodiac),” signifying that new life is poised to be born for the next generation. It is time to contemplate the ideal form of the coming new era and to set forth toward fresh creation. Thus, the unification of the energies of heaven and earth—embodied in “Kinoto-Mi”—indicates that, in order to push forward reform and creative innovation while fending off external pressures, we must break away from our conventional, erroneous way of life. There is no room for compromise or half-measures; it is time to put an end to a life of deception and pretense.
The human(Jin) energy, represented by the “Jikokudosei” (Two Black Earth Star – Nine Star Kiology), embodies the nurturing, compassionate spirit of Mother Earth—a star of gradual progress and development. By steadfastly resisting temptations and difficulties and by steadily building up our abilities, we will unlock the key to fortunate progress and development. This will indeed be a year that demands resilience and perseverance.
The integrated energy of heaven, earth, and man for this year is one of “revival and regeneration,” a time brimming with the energy of shedding old skin—a turning point that calls for strength both mentally and physically. It will be a year in which, learning from past reflections, we must accurately grasp our current situation and carefully consider the way forward. Notable events in previous Kinoto-Mi years include the Taika Reform (645), the Battle of Dan-no-ura (1185), the Battle of the Sea of Japan (1905), and the Izanagi economic boom (1965). From these past events, it becomes evident that this is a year when a new kind of society will emerge and set things in motion.
Furthermore, this is a year for “accumulating efforts to solidify a stable foundation.” Approaching matters from a long-term perspective, keeping one’s feet firmly on the ground, steadily working through diligent efforts, and fostering cooperation and harmony with those around you are all essential. By valuing stability and nurturing growth, you can turn the year’s fortune in your favor. Additionally, cherishing time with family and resolving domestic issues are also crucial factors in enhancing one’s luck.
“The guiding principles for a prosperous year”, as conveyed to us by the divine this year, are as follows: Based on the foundation of ①Valuing humility, never forget proper etiquette and decorum, ②Maintaining a spirit of challenge, ③Embracing the joy of both the power to live and the ability to be empowered:
- Foster relationships of empathy and resonance with like-minded companions and progress gradually with a compassionate heart.
- Fully commit to the tasks at hand and concentrate on what must be done.
- Sever ties with the past and put an end to a life of pretense and deceit.
I earnestly hope that throughout this year you will stand as a true pillar of the faith and demonstrate to the world the sanctity of the teachings of the Shinto Misogi Kyo.
