Kawasaki Daishi Temple · Zodiac

Twelve Guardian Generals Charm

十二神将願掛け守

$26

US duties included · free tracked shipping on 3 or more charms, mix and match · also shipping to Australia and Singapore (see Shipping)

Standard — Japan Post, tracked (about 3 weeks), $8 (free on 3+) · Express — EMS (about 1 week), $25

Each zodiac animal is paired with one of the Twelve Heavenly Generals.

Tokyo Omamori Post is an independent shop, not affiliated with or endorsed by Kawasaki Daishi Temple. The temple name shows where each charm was obtained.

What it means

In Buddhist tradition the Twelve Heavenly Generals (jūni shinshō) guard Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of healing, and each general is matched to a zodiac animal. Choose the one that matches your birth-year animal.

Each comes with a small protective charm, about 5.0 × 8.0 cm, and a wish card, about 14.0 × 14.6 cm. The wish card is meant for you to write your wish and your name on. The temple’s instruction is to offer it at the temple; if you keep it at home, it asks you to display it above eye level.

Where it's from

Ordered from the official online 授与所 (charm office) of Kawasaki Daishi Temple (川崎大師), Kawasaki, Kanagawa — just across the river from Tokyo.

Shape

Small charm with a rounded wish card, about 14 × 14.6 cm

How it's traditionally kept

Traditionally an omamori is kept closed — opening it is thought to undo its purpose. Most people carry it in a bag, pocket or wallet, or keep it somewhere clean at home.

In Japan it is common, though not required, to return an omamori to a shrine or temple (not necessarily the same one) after about a year and receive a new one.

Delivery

We obtain this charm from the temple after you order, so it ships from Tokyo in about 1 week.