I toss a coin and pull a strip of paper from the box. Tightly bound, I pulled open the scroll and check my fortune for the year ahead: 吉 (kichi)

On January first, I joined my uncle’s family for, “hatsumode,” or, the first visit to a temple in the new year. We strolled through the tranquil forest, down the calm walkway lined with stone structures, leading the way deeper into the green.

Throw a coin. Two bows, two claps, one more bow.

We all drew predictions on the blessing side, the Isogawa clan is lucky.

These fortune-telling strips are called, “omikuji,” and are found at various temples across Japan.

Typically, you’ll offer a small donation to the temple, draw from a metal or wooden box, and find the corresponding paper with your fortune. The Japanese written on these fortunes are a bit cryptic, and can be interpreted a number of different ways (like most fortune-telling activities).

The initial information you’ll see is the overall ‘luck’ of your draw. Here’s a somewhat-universal listing:

大吉（Daikichi) - Great Blessing

中吉（Chukichi) - Middle Blessing

小吉（Shokichi) - Small Blessing

吉（Kichi) - Blessing

半吉（Hankichi) - Half Blessing

末吉（Suekichi) - Future Blessing

末小吉（Sueshokichi) - Small Future Blessing

凶（Kyo) - Curse

小凶（Kokyo) - Small Curse

半凶（Hankyo) - Half Curse

末凶（Suekyo) - Future Curse

大凶（Daikyo) - Great Curse

The text following your fortune may be different based on which temple you visit. From love to employment, travel and pleasure, the omikuji covers a variety of topics, leaving you with a wealth of knowledge to face the new year.

Mine mentioned positive change with the coming of new seasons, big fish transforming into dragons (cool), and that love may take a bit longer (…great).

Whether you believe in it or not, it’s a fun activity to enjoy if you are in Japan.