Shinto Household Kamidana and Jichinsai Groundbreaking Norito Prayers: Liturgy for Home Shrine, Land Pacification and Ancestral Spirits
Opening Salutation (Ippai: Stand upright before the Kamidana, bow gently at 45 degrees once to quiet the mind, then recite the Purification Words Harae-kotoba).
Purification Invocation (Harae-kotoba): With deep awe and reverence before the Great Kami of Purification born when the August Sovereign Izanagi-no-Okami washed and purified Himself at the river mouth of Awagihara in Tachibana of Himuka in Tsukushi! Oh Great Kami of the Purification Place (Haraedo-no-Okami), we humbly pray that You sweep away and cleanse every unintentional fault (Tsumi), every stagnation or impurity (Kegare), and every obstacle resting upon our bodies, minds and household. Hear our petition in peace! (Kakemaku mo kashikoki Izanagi no Okami, Tsukushi no Himuka no Tachibana no Odo no Awagihara ni, misogi harae tamaishi toki ni narimaseru Haraedo no Okami-tachi, moromoro no magagoto tsumi kegare aramu wo ba, harae tamae kiyome tamae to maosu koto wo kikoshimese to kashikomi kashikomi mo maosu).
Two Deep Bows and Two Reverent Claps (Nirei Nihakushu): Bow deeply at a 90-degree angle twice in solemn reverence (Nirei). Bring both palms together at chest height, slide the right hand slightly lower by one knuckle beneath the left fingertips in humility, open hands shoulder-width apart and clap twice with a clear, resonant sound (Nihakushu). Align both palms together at the chest and speak the Norito from a sincere heart (Makoto).
In deep awe and reverence, we speak before this sacred Kamidana sanctuary (Kashikomi, kashikomi mo maosu)! We bow before the Supreme Sun Goddess Amaterasu Omikami enshrined at the Grand Shrine of Ise (Jingu Taima), whose radiant light sustains all living beings across heaven and earth.
We bow before the Tutelary Guardian Kami of our local land and community (Ujigami and Ubusunagami), the Revered Patron Deities (Suhaujin), and the Eight Million Kami (Yaoyorozu no Kami) dwelling throughout mountains, rivers, forests and seas.
Today is ……………………, in the ………… Year.
………… ………………………………, of the ………… family lineage, residing at: ………….
In the clear light of this new morning (or on this monthly Tsukinamisai observance of the 1st and 15th), through the boundless grace and august protection of Amaterasu Omikami and the Guardian Kami, our household has awakened in good health, peace and harmony.
With profound gratitude and in accordance with the Way of Nature (Kannagara), ………… have purified our hands and mouth, tidied the sacred shelf, and respectfully placed before the Kamidana the five pure gifts of earth and sea (Shinsen): freshly washed white rice (Kome), crystal morning water (Mizu), pure white sea salt (Shio), sacred rice wine (Omiki) and fresh evergreen branches of Sakaki.
May Amaterasu Omikami and the Guardian Kami graciously accept these offerings and bestow Your benevolent blessing (Mi-megumi): protecting our residence at ………… from fire, storm, illness and misfortune; and granting every member of ………… robust vitality, a heart as bright, pure and upright as the Sacred Mirror (Yata no Kagami), diligence in our daily work, and enduring family harmony.
………… pledge to walk each day with a bright, pure, upright and sincere heart (Akaki Kiyoki Naoki Makoto no Kokoro), honoring the gifts of nature and serving our community with honesty and kindness.
Closing Salutation (Ichirei): In deep awe and gratitude we humbly pray! (Kashikomi, kashikomi mo maosu). Lower both hands to your sides, bow deeply at 90 degrees once (Ichirei), and offer one gentle 45-degree bow (Ippai) before stepping back.

