Sample Prayer and Offering

Prayer:

Takaamahara Ni Kami Tsumari masu. 

Kamurogi Kamuromi no Mikoto wo Mochite Sumemioya Kamu Izanagi No Mikoto 

Tsukushi No Himuka No Tachihana No Odo No Ahagi Hara Ni Misogi Harai Tamau Toki Ni 

Narimaseru Haraidono Ookami Tachi Moromoro No Magagoto Tsumi Kegare Wo 

Harai Tamae Kiyome Tamae To Mousu Koto No Yoshi Wo Tamatsu Kami Kunitsu Kami Yaoyorozu No Kamitachi Tomomi 

Ameno Huchikoma No Mimi Furitatete Kikoshimese To Kashikomi Kashikomi Mo Maosu  

Spirits  of purification 

created for order of  and the mother 

that they inhabit the Sky, 

exactly as when 

The God Izanagi no Mikoto 

bathed in the narrow estuary 

of a covered river with trees 

permanently leafy, in the South region.

With all the respect from the depth of our hearts 

We ask that they hear us, such as the spirit that hears our 

intent, with sharpened ears, together with 

Spirits of the Sky and the Land, 

Take the badnesses, disasters and sins and purify all.

Miroku Oomikami 

You bless us and proteject us

Meishu Sama 

You bless us and protect us

For expansion of our soul 

And the fullfillment of your will

Offering:

1) Ema are small wooden plaques often adorned with pictures of animals and other Shinto Imagery, and may have the word meaning “wish” written along the side, on which worshippers write their prayers or wishes. They are left on a shrine, where the kami (gods) receive them.

2) The most traditional five offerings are rice, rice wine (sake), water, salt and evergreen branches. They are offered in small, symbolic quantities, presented in white pottery containers. Depending upon the region, season and festival, local produce such as fish or boar might be offered as well. It is traditional to offer any delicacy to spirits before the humans partake of it.