For those who want to improve their financial and business luck: Limited time only! ~Anahachimangu Shrine's 'Ichiyo Raifuku' Amulet~

Hello. This is Beetle Mom.

It seems that infectious diseases and the like are going around, but is everyone doing well?

Now, for those of you living in the Tokyo area, are you familiar with the Anahachimangu Shrine's "Ichiyo Raifuku Amulet", which can only be obtained between the winter solstice and Setsubun?

What is the "Ichiyo Raifuku Amulet"?

"Ichiyo Raifuku" originates from the I Ching and means "the yin energy has reached its limit, and the yang energy is returning," which is to say, the winter solstice.

It is also said to mean that winter is ending and spring is arriving, or that bad things are ending and luck is improving.

The "Ichiyo Raifuku Amulet," which bears the name of this "Ichiyo Raifuku," is distributed annually at Anahachimangu Shrine in Waseda, limited to the period from the winter solstice to the day of Setsubun.

It is said to be a custom that began in the Genroku era of the Edo period.

This amulet is called the "Amulet for Financial Prosperity", and because it is said to bring benefits for financial luck and business prosperity, long lines form
every year during this period, especially on the day of the winter solstice.

How to enshrine it

For this special amulet, not only is the time you can obtain it limited, but the days and times you can enshrine it are also limited.

You can only enshrine the amulet at midnight on the winter solstice, New Year's Eve, or Setsubun!

The place to enshrine it is also determined.
You should attach it to a high pillar or similar spot in your home or office so that it faces the lucky direction of the new year.
Using thumbtacks, tape, or attaching it to a backing board is a no-no, and it is supposed to be attached using Japanese paste or similar.

Me and the "Ichiyo Raifuku Amulet"

I first learned about the "Ichiyo Raifuku Amulet" about 15 years ago.

There was a crowd in front of the shrine, so I looked into what it was, and drawn by the "limited to this period" aspect, I started getting one every year (except during the COVID period).

When I first started, you could only get them at the shrine office window, and even on a weekday at the end of January, there was a long line, and it took quite a while to get one (about an hour?).

However, since a few years ago, temporary windows were set up, and even if a line forms, it moves smoothly, and I've been able to get one in about 20 minutes.
(I don't know how long it takes around the winter solstice or on weekends.)

You might think, "You've been doing this for 15 years, how much good fortune have you had!?"
but even looking back, I can't recall any specific "this is it!" stroke of good luck 😅

Well, if I had to force myself to say something, I guess I'm not struggling for money to live on?
(That's not very convincing!!)

However, looking at the visitors, there are more elderly people than young women who like spiritual things, and I get the feeling that everyone is taking it quite seriously.

According to information online, the effects are immense, and it seems some people even come from far away to visit, so perhaps there are people who have had amazing good fortune.
(I'd love to hear what kind of good fortune they had!)

Oh, and in my case, even though it's written in the prohibited items that you shouldn't do it, I've violated the rules by using thumbtacks or tape when enshrining it, or attaching it to a backing board (I was afraid it would fall and be ruined...), so maybe that's why it's not working 😅💦?

Still, the reason I continue every year is because it's somehow fun. Just imagine it.

The image of thousands or tens of thousands of people measuring directions with a compass at midnight and enshrining the amulet facing the lucky direction.

Isn't it somehow comical?

Having said that, I am doing it seriously myself.

If I'm going to do it, I have to do it right, so measuring the direction and waiting for midnight is a bit exciting.

I get a little nervous thinking about what if the direction is off or what if the time passes while I'm sticking it up💦

And when I can enshrine it safely, I feel a small sense of accomplishment😆㊗️

And it's deeply moving to think that there are many other people doing the same thing at the same time✨

I can't get enough of this somewhat mysterious feeling!

Oh, by the way, the 'Ichiyo Raifuku' amulet also comes in a pocket amulet version that you can put in your wallet, etc., which is convenient if you are reluctant to stick it on a pillar or similar.
However, like me, many visitors receive both.

After visiting the shrine...

After visiting, I used to look forward to having the seasonal soba at the soba restaurant in front of the shrine, but it closed many years ago and became a FamilyMart.

My current pleasure is crossing the pedestrian crossing and buying taiyaki at Natural Taiyaki Naruto Honpo right in front of me.

My son loves it too, so I buy it as a souvenir.
They bake them carefully, so you have to wait for several tens of minutes when it's crowded, but they are truly delicious✨ (even though it's a chain store)

Summary

So, that's the limited-time Ichiyo Raifuku amulet from Anahachimangu Shrine.
There is only one week left, so please go if you'd like.

If financial luck could be improved by something like this, we wouldn't have any trouble, right?
Well, 'those who believe shall be saved'... maybe😅

I plan to go sometime this week as well.

Thank you for reading today as well.