Color of the day: Coral Incense of the day: Vanilla Incense of the day: Vanilla Today is Aio Matsuri Hollyhock festival in Japan. Place on your altar a large bouquet of red hollyhocks, water with sea salt, a bell, and some red ribbons. Light incense and call the directions. Then say, "Oh honored gods and goddesses. Hear my wishes." Sprinkle salt water to each direction and breathe deeply. After invoking each god or goddess, ring the bell. Benten, goddess mother of luck and love, may the keepers of these flowers know love and good fortune. Fukurokuju, god of long life and wisdom, may the keepers of these flowers know good health and knowledge. Hotei, god of wealth and laughter, may the keepers of these flowers know joy and freedom from worry. Ring the bell three times. Tie each hollyhock with a red ribbon and deliver to a friend. Make sure to give one to yourself. |