A new month has started. October is jyugatsu (十月), and its old name is kannazuki (神無月), which means the month without gods. Because all the gods get together in Izumo (出雲). So in Izumo it is called kamiarizuki(神在月) which means the month with gods.
However you need to be very careful about the calendar because they count in the luner calendar and the actual kannazuki sometimes falls in November or even in December. And the welcoming festival for gods are held according to the luner calendar.
Two years ago I went to Izumo in October and knew about it for the first time, and last year I went there in November but the actual festival was held in December. So I have expected to visit there for the festival wishing sandome no shojiki (三度めの正直) "The third is the charm. "
But since my father passed away in August I cannot visit there this year. Those who lost family member are required to refrain from visiting shrines for a year. This period is called mochu (喪中) which means being in mourning.
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