Critical year purification ceremony to purify and dispel misfortune. According to the “Kigaku” (or Shinto divination method) the ages of 16, 24 and 40, 41, 42 for men and 12, 18 and 31, 32, 33 for women are considered Yakudoshi or critical year; the years 41 for men and 32 for women are considered Taiyaku or Honnyaku, meaning grand climactic years, with the preceding year Maeyaku and the following year Atoyaku requiring a special ceremony, also. These ages are according to Kazoedoshi (counting system where a person is 1 year old at birth) those who like to receive YAKUBARAE who cannot attend Taisai can make arrangements anytime by contacting Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America.

Critical Ages in 2008: Men ages 16, 24, 40 (maeyaku), 41 (honyaku), 42 (atoyaku) - born in years 1992, 1984, 1968, 1967 and 1966; Women ages 12, 18, 31 (maeyaku), 32 (honyaku), 33(atoyaku) - born in years 1996, 1990, 1977, 1976 and 1975.

Registration is from 10:30 a.m., and ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America is located at 17720 Crooked Mile Rd., Granite Falls, WA 98252 and can be reached at 360-691-6389 or Kannushi@TsubakiShrine.org.