Hoshimatsuri Service

Early February

     We cannot escape the pains of birth, illness, aging  and death.  Happiness and health are two wishes that we hold dear.  To realize these wishes and ward off misfortune, a prayer service is held at New Year's Setsubun* according to the lunar calendar, which usually falls in February.  This service is referred to as the Hoshimatsuri Prayer Service.  
     Hoshimatsuri literally means "Star Festival".  The movements of the heavenly bodies influence all life.  The ancient horoscope using the Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Sun, stars, comets and constellations is integral to this unique Shingon Esoteric Service.  

* Setsubun is the ceremony of cleansing and driving away evil spirits that bring misfortune by throwing fuku mame (good luck beans). It is customary to eat roasted soybeans, one for each year of your life, to bring in good luck.  

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