In preparing for the ritual, the kakishi is rubbed with aromatic leaves, invoking the diviner's consulting spirit. The diviner will be informed of the client's concerns. Seated on a mat, they will each grasp the kakishi with their first two fingers. The kakishi, as all ritual artifacts, is an extension of the diviner's spiritual power. The kakishi remains motionless until the correct question has been asked.
Negation is indicated by the object's movement of tipping forward and backward.
The process continues until diviner and client are prepared to discuss the client's problems in light of the responses conveyed through the motions of the kakishi. In the figure above, beads have been added by the diviner. As the Roberts observe, beads are not simply decorative. In contrast, fig. 4 is distinctive with its Janus head, gracefully elongated neck, and the extension of the shoulders.