The 100-Day Winter's Peak Ritual

On New Year’s Eve, Tak, Rick, and Tim from The Yamabushido Team were in charge of pulling a giant mound of burning straw across a snowy field, marking the ritualistic death of an evil demon said to bring about death and disease. This rite is but one small part of the larger Shoreisai Festival, itself the conclusion of the 100-day Fuyu-no-mine Winter’s Peak Ritual. Then at midnight, The Yamabushido Team’s very own Master Hoshino makes an appearance as Shoshimae, the kami of the Dewa Sanzan. 

Rick getting ready for the main event.

For yamabushi, winter is the time to pray for the accumulation of energy. The Winter’s Peak Ritual lasts 100 days as that’s how long two specially-selected yamabushi, called Matsuhijiri, spend consecutively praying for the kami to possess seeds of the five grains. Once possessed, those very seeds are scattered out all over the land where they await spring. 

By the time spring gets here, the energy accumulated over winter bursts out and provides food, the energy of life, for yet another year. 

And so the cycle continues. 

The Matsuhijiri at their altar during the 100-day Winter's Peak Ritual.

This accumulation of energy during the winter is what our Winter Reset Training Program is based on. By taking part, you will be able to accumulate energy that will help with your next steps in life.