Translation guide
In the traditional Japanese calendar, certain days are associated with specific directional deities. This entry explains how to refer to one of these eight gods in Japanese.
The learner wants to mention one of the eight gods of the traditional calendar without specifying which one.
This is the most natural way to say 'one of the eight gods of the traditional calendar'. 八将神 (はっしょうしん) refers to the group of eight directional deities, and 一柱 (ひとはしら) is the counter for gods.
今日は八将神の一柱である大歳神の日です。
Today is the day of Ōtoshi-no-kami, one of the eight gods of the traditional calendar.
A slightly more formal or written variant. うちの means 'among', and 一神 (いっしん) means 'one god'.
八将神のうちの一神がこの方角を守護している。
One of the eight gods of the traditional calendar guards this direction.
Similar to the above, using 中 (なか) for 'among' and the counter 柱.
八将神の中の一柱が毎年交代で巡ってくる。
One of the eight gods of the traditional calendar comes around in rotation each year.
The learner wants to name a specific god and clarify that it is one of the eight calendar gods.
Use this pattern to introduce a specific god. Replace [god name] with the actual name, e.g., 大歳神 (Ōtoshi-no-kami), 歳徳神 (Toshitoku-jin), etc.
大歳神は八将神の一柱です。
Ōtoshi-no-kami is one of the eight gods of the traditional calendar.
Means 'is included among the eight gods'. Slightly more formal.
歳徳神は八将神に含まれます。
Toshitoku-jin is included among the eight gods of the traditional calendar.
The learner wants to describe what the eight gods are in a general sense.
A clear, explanatory sentence. 暦 (こよみ) means calendar, 方位 (ほうい) means direction, 司る (つかさどる) means to govern.
八将神とは、暦の上で方位を司る八柱の神々のことです。
The eight gods of the traditional calendar are eight deities that govern directions according to the calendar.
When counting gods in Japanese, use the counter 柱 (はしら, or ばしら/ぱしら depending on the number). For one god, say 一柱 (ひとはしら). For eight gods, say 八柱 (やはしら). This counter is used specifically for deities and is more respectful than the generic つ or 個.
The phrase 'traditional calendar' can be translated as 伝統的な暦 (でんとうてきなこよみ), but in the context of the eight gods, it's more natural to simply say 暦 (こよみ) or 陰陽道の暦 (おんみょうどうのこよみ, calendar of Onmyōdō). The eight gods are specifically part of the Onmyōdō tradition, so mentioning that can add clarity.