Shinto

==={{lang|ja-Latn|Ema}}, divination, and amulets===
[[File:Ema of Izumo taissha.jpg|thumb|A selection of wooden {{lang|ja-Latn|ema}} hanging up at a Shinto shrine]]
A common feature of Shinto shrines is the provision of {{lang|ja-Latn|[[Ema (Shinto)|ema]]}}, small wooden plaques onto which practitioners will write a wish or desire that they would like to see fulfilled. The practitioner's message is written on one side of the plaque, while on the other is usually a printed picture or pattern related to the shrine itself.{{sfn|Bocking|1997|pp=25–26}} {{lang|ja-Latn|Ema}} are provided both at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Japan;{{sfn|Bocking|1997|p=25}} unlike most amulets, which are taken away from the shrine, the {{lang|ja-Latn|ema}} are typically left there as a message for the resident {{lang|ja-Latn|kami}}.{{sfn|Bocking|1997|p=26}} Those administering the shrine will then often burn all of the collected {{lang|ja-Latn|ema}} at new year.{{sfn|Bocking|1997|p=26}}

Divination is the focus of many Shinto rituals,{{sfn|Cali|Dougill|2013|p=18}} with various forms of divination used by its practitioners, some introduced from China.{{sfn|Picken|2011|p=73}} Among the ancient forms of divination found in Japan are {{lang|ja-Latn|rokuboku}} and {{lang|ja-Latn|kiboku}}.{{sfn|Cali|Dougill|2013|p=17}} Several forms of divination entailing [[archery]] are also practiced in Shintō, known as {{lang|ja-Latn|[[yabusame]]}}, {{lang|ja-Latn|omato-shinji}}, and {{lang|ja-Latn|mato-i}}.{{sfn|Picken|2011|pp=43, 73}} Kitagawa stated that there could be "no doubt" that various types of "shamanic diviners" played a role in early Japanese religion.{{sfn|Kitagawa|1987|p=39}} A form of divination previously common in Japan was {{lang|ja-Latn|[[bokusen]]}} or {{lang|ja-Latn|uranai}}, which often used tortoise shells; it is still used in some places.{{sfn|Picken|2011|p=50}}

A form of divination that is popular at Shinto shrines are the {{lang|ja-Latn|[[omikuji]]}}.{{sfnm|1a1=Bocking|1y=1997|1p=138|2a1=Picken|2y=2011|2p=74}} These are small slips of paper which are obtained from the shrine (for a donation) and which are then read to reveal a prediction for the future.{{sfn|Bocking|1997|pp=137–138}} Those who receive a bad prediction often then tie the {{lang|ja-Latn|omikuji}} to a nearby tree or frame set up for the purpose. This act is seen as rejecting the prediction, a process called {{lang|ja-Latn|sute-mikuji}}, and thus avoiding the misfortune it predicted.{{sfnm|1a1=Bocking|1y=1997|1p=139|2a1=Picken|2y=2011|2p=74}}

[[File:Hiromine-jinja by CR 38.jpg|thumb|left|A frame at a shrine where omikuji are tied]]
The use of [[amulet]]s are widely sanctioned and popular in Japan.{{sfn|Earhart|2004|p=12}} These may be made of paper, wood, cloth, metal, or plastic.{{sfn|Earhart|2004|p=12}}
{{lang|ja-Latn|[[Ofuda]]}} act as amulets to keep off misfortune and also serve as talismans to bring benefits and good luck.{{sfn|Bocking|1997|p=135}} They typically comprise a tapering piece of wood onto which the name of the shrine and its enshrined {{lang|ja-Latn|kami}} are written or printed. The {{lang|ja-Latn|ofuda}} is then wrapped inside white paper and tied up with a colored thread.{{sfn|Bocking|1997|pp=135–136}} {{lang|ja-Latn|Ofuda}} are provided both at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.{{sfn|Bocking|1997|p=135}} Another type of amulet provided at shrines and temples are the {{lang|ja-Latn|[[omamori]]}}, which are traditionally small, brightly colored drawstring bags with the name of the shrine written on it.{{sfn|Bocking|1997|p=138}} {{lang|ja-Latn|Omamori}} and {{lang|ja-Latn|ofuda}} are sometimes placed within a charm bag known as a {{lang|ja-Latn|[[kinchaku]]}}, typically worn by small children.{{sfn|Bocking|1997|p=96}}

At new year, many shrines sell {{lang|ja-Latn|[[Hama Yumi|hamaya]]}} (an "evil-destroying arrows"), which people can purchase and keep in their home over the coming year to bring good luck.{{sfn|Bocking|1997|pp=43–44}}
A {{lang|ja-Latn|[[Daruma doll|daruma]]}} is a round, paper doll of the Indian monk, [[Bodhidharma]]. The recipient makes a wish and paints one eye; when the goal is accomplished, the recipient paints the other eye. While this is a Buddhist practice, darumas can be found at shrines, as well. These dolls are very common.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite book |title= Handy Bilingual Reference For Kami and Jinja |work= Study Group of Shinto Culture |year=2006 |publisher=International Cultural Workshop Inc. |location=Tokyo |pages=39–41}}</ref>
Other protective items include {{lang|ja-Latn|dorei}}, which are earthenware bells that are used to pray for good fortune. These bells are usually in the shapes of the zodiacal animals.<ref name="ReferenceA" /> {{lang|ja-Latn|Inuhariko}} are paper dogs that are used to induce and to bless good births.<ref name="ReferenceA" /> Collectively, these talismans through which home to manipulate events and influence spirits, as well as related mantras and rites for the same purpose, are known as {{lang|ja-Latn|majinai}}.{{sfn|Bocking|1997|pp=114–15}}