Shinsen (Sacred Lottery)
Shinsen (神籤, also read as “mikuji”) is the classical term for omikuji. It refers to the sacred lots used to ascertain divine will when asking the gods a question. The word combines “shin” (神, god) and “sen/kuji” (籤, lot). When the honorific prefix “o” (お) was added, it became the familiar word omikuji that is used today.
Variations in written form
Throughout history, omikuji has been written with several different kanji combinations. You can still find these older forms in the historical records of shrines and temples that sell omikuji.
| Written form | How the characters work, and the reading | Where you mostly see it |
|---|---|---|
| 神籤 | “shin” (god) + “sen/kuji” (lot): a lot addressed to the gods. Read shinsen, or mikuji | Shinto contexts, such as the historical notices posted at shrines |
| 御籤 | The honorific “go/mi” + “kuji” (lot). Read mikuji | Buddhist temple contexts |
| 神鬮 | 鬮 carries the same meaning as 籤. Read jintou | An archaic form, almost never seen today |
| おみくじ | The honorific “o” + “mikuji”, written in hiragana | The standard modern spelling, and everyday speech |
The character 籤 (kuji, lot) is thought to derive from “kuki” (茎, plant stem), referring to the practice of drawing lots made from bamboo or wooden sticks cut to equal lengths.
When was this word used?
The term shinsen was originally used in any situation requiring divine guidance, including:
- National decisions (timing of battles, order of succession)
- Choosing heirs and successors
- Assigning roles in religious ceremonies
- Personal divination
Over time, the practice shifted from solemn political decision-making to personal fortune-telling, eventually evolving into the casual “fun little ritual” that omikuji represents today.
“Mikuji” vs. “omikuji”
In everyday conversation, people say “omikuji.” In historical texts and shrine records, you will encounter “shinsen,” “mikuji,” or “gosen.” The difference in meaning is negligible; it is essentially a matter of formality in written language.
For more on the history of omikuji, see the column The history and origins of omikuji.
Shinsen in the context of Yuru Omikuji
This site offers a modern “Yuru Omikuji,” but its design philosophy is rooted in the old idea of “asking the gods.” We have simply replaced it with something lighter: asking yourself how you feel right now.