Head House of Onmyodo Tsuchimikado Calendar and Archives Institute
About the Tsuchimikado Calendar and Archives Institute
The Tsuchimikado Calendar and Archives Institute compiles calendars that serve as a guide for rites and for days spent walking with the kami, based on the calendrical arts handed down from Abe no Seimei.
At its foundation lies the principle (kotowari) of Taiitsu, yin and yang, and the Five Phases. From Taiitsu, the source of Heaven, Earth and all things, divine qi has divided into yin and yang, appeared as the Five Phases of wood, fire, earth, metal and water, and spread into the cycle of the four seasons, the movements of the sun, moon and stars, and the workings of all things.
The idea of yin and yang and the Five Phases is said to have lived on since ancient times in the rites of shrines and temples, in annual observances and the customs of daily life, and also in Ways and performing arts such as flower arrangement (kado), tea (sado), swordsmanship (kendo) and Noh.
In the heavens, the sacred form of Taiitsu is revered in the North Star and the circling of the Big Dipper. The making of the calendar begins with a rite offered to Taiitsu. We first bow in worship before Taiitsu; then, looking up to the principles of Heaven and reading the circulation of divine qi, we have reverently compiled what we read into the calendar.
Respectfully inscribed by 荒木田武邦, Negi (priest) of Kotai Jingu (the Inner Shrine of Ise), descendant of 天見通命
The calendars reverently prepared here are not mere records of dates. They record sho (signs), the circulation of divine qi taking visible form, and su (numbers), that circulation divided by time and direction and counted.
The Abe no Seimei Calendar
Our shrine’s Abe no Seimei Calendar is a calendar compiled with prayers offered before Taiitsu.
Discerning from sho (signs) and su (numbers) the cycles of the principles (kotowari) of the kami, this calendar is a guide for setting the dates of rites and bringing order to daily life.
Each copy is reverently prepared with prayers that the protection of Taiitsu may reach all who receive it.
Calendar Reflections
Here we write down notes on the calendar and the things around it (the ties between the kami and the calendar, stories handed down in this land, the turning points of the seasons, and more).
From time to time, we will record what has been handed down in the Tsuchimikado family.
Shiki no Kai
Shiki no Kai (the Four Seasons Gathering) centres on cleaning and purifying the grounds of Tensha Shrine, and on enjoying the natural surroundings of Natasho. We hold study sessions about once a month, and sometimes shared meals as well.
Our grounds are more than our staff alone can fully tend. With the help of all of you, we tend our hearts and daily lives in the shrine grounds through each of the four seasons.
The kami gain dignity through people’s reverence,
and people gain fortune through the virtue of the kami.