shiyakujin no hokora
A Book of Little Traditions
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Blog — 75
Need a katashiro?

形代 [ かたしろ / katashiro] — substitute figure
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Let's say you have an urgent need to curse someone, maybe it's an annoying politician, or their gormless lackey, or a micromanaging boss, or a soulless corporation. And you're too busy plotting their overthrow to perform the ushi no koku mairi rite.
Creating a katashiro is a quick and easy method that can be used in spells or curses on your intended target.
These can be a paper cutout, a straw figurine, or even a metal cutout. This time we will be using a paper cutout.
Create your katashiro:
  • Cut a shape of what you want to curse out of paper.
  • Write its name on the cutout.
  • Write its birthdate or creation date on the cutout.
  • Write any additional information on the cutout.
  • If possible include something linked to your target. Something like a bit of hair or dirt from where they've walked.
Perform your spell with the katashiro:
  • Purifying your workspace kind of defeats the whole purpose of the spell, so skip that step.
  • To cause harm, chant "[name] (w)o gaishiro" as you mutilate the katashiro.
    • Keep the katashiro in your workspace and return to work on it periodically.
  • Or to eliminate, chant "[name] (w)o kieyo" as you destroy the katashiro.
    • Either by burning the katashiro or burying it.
  • After you're done, purify your workspace
Remember this is a curse and may rebound back to you, so be sure to sever all ties when you're done. We assume no responsibility for any use or misuse of this spell.

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