NAHO'S NODS TO THE NETHERWORLD
Personal blog of Naho Saenoki, high school paranormalist, medium and author

Charms and Spells: Sachiko Ever After - 11/19/2005
In this world, there's nothing worse than parting ways with a dear friend. Some may say it's "sweet sorrow," but as far as I'm concerned, sorrow is sorrow – sweet or not, it's still depressing.

Fortunately, I've learned of a charm that can help take some of the sting from any goodbye. It's a sort of ritual that one can perform with friends to ensure their bonds of friendship are never broken, no matter how far or wide any may travel.

This ritual centers around a local folk legend from the small town of Tenjin. There, an innocent, spirited young elementary schoolgirl named Sachiko went missing right around 30 years ago. Sadly, she died within its grounds, but her spirit still walks this Earth, and some say she's been given the power to grant wishes and ease worries.

The ritual I outline here is intended to induce communion with the spirit of Sachiko, and is guaranteed to work from anywhere in Japan (and possibly from foreign countries as well, though I have yet to confirm this). If performed correctly, Sachiko will pass through and grant you her blessing, and you will all be bound together as true friends for eternity. Be warned, though, that if this ritual is not performed exactly as specified, Sachiko may be angered. And I would hope any regular readers of this blog know by now that angering spirits can only lead to trouble!

The first thing you'll need to do is obtain a paper proxy representing Sachiko. The exact design of this paper proxy is pictured below, and may be printed and cut out for use in the charm. It's fairly simplistic, but don't let its basic design fool you: the shape is very deliberate, is designed for white paper only and must remain completely blank.

The ritual is designed for virtually any number of participants, but the more there are, the harder it becomes to perform. I wouldn't recommend more than 9 or 10 people at most.

Gather in a circle around this paper proxy, each person gripping it wherever they can. Participants must now invoke Sachiko's name by chanting the phrase, "Sachiko, we beg of you." This phrase should be repeated numerous times – specifically, once for each person in attendance. No more, no less. If you should flub the line in any way, DO NOT attempt to restate it. Instead, just move on. This is of the utmost importance. Correcting a flubbed line counts as invoking the chant one extra time, and could have dire consequences!

Sachiko will now be watching, and you should all still be holding on to the paper proxy very tightly. If necessary, dig into it with your fingernails so it won't slip away. Then, when you're ready, pull back as hard as you can. If done correctly, the paper will be torn into pieces, resulting in one scrap for each person.

Congratulations! Sachiko's spirit has now been divided amongst you. These scraps of paper should be cherished and kept with you at all times. As long as you have them, there will be an indelible bond of friendship linking each and every one of you. Never again will you need to feel alone!

Got photos (or videos) of you and your friends preparing to live "Sachiko Ever After"? Share them with me here!

May Sachiko grant you her blessings. And as always, thanks for reading.
Until next time, this is Naho, signing off!

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