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Talismans and amulets
Talismans (ofuda) are believed to keep away mis-fortune and bring good luck. After being blessed and invested with divine power, they are sold at Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines. Items S-13-2-l, 2, 7 & 8 are talismans which protect the owner against various misfortunes; that issued by the Grand Shrine of Ise offers divine protection throughout the coming year. Talismans are attached to the ceiling, pillars or other appropriate part of the house; in the case of S-13-2-7, for example, near the fireplace. Amulets (omamori) have a similar purpose to ofuda but they are smaller, enclosed in a brocade holder, and constantly carried around. Most shrines and temples sell these attractive amulets for a small sum. Among the most popular amulets are those guarding against traffic accidents or ensuring success in school examinations.
The omikuji (S-13-2-9), a written oracle, can also be obtained at shrines and temples. The buyer draws a numbered stick which is exchanged for an oracle bearing the same number. Many of these slips of paper are seen tied to trees and fences in the vicinity of shrines and temples - these are oracles which are either bad (kyo) or very bad (deikyo). By leaving the oracle behind, the recipient hopes to escape the evil influence.
Almanacs (gohoreki) are sold at the end of the year as a guide to the year to come. They are based upon traditional Chinese methods of divination and include astrological predictions, the good or bad directions and dates for each month and practical information such as tide tables and dates of major events throughout the country.