Onmyo (Craft)

Onmyoji literally means a person who practices Onmyōdō, The Way of Yin and Yang. The Craft mixes Chinese ideas of the five elements, yin and yang, Taoism, Buddhism, and divination, occultism, and native Japanese Shintoism and folk beliefs. They combine traditional Japanese esoteric cosmology, natural science, and occultism.

The origin of the Onmyoji can be traced back to the 7th century CE. Their heyday was during the Heian period (794 to 1185), when they were classified as prominent civil servants belonging to the Bureau of Onmyō. They would divine lucky or unlucky times and provide directions for their royal patrons. They would also communicate with Shinto spirits, kami (gods), and the spirits of the dead.

With the decline of the Imperial Court in the 12th century CE and the establishment of the Shogunate, the Bureau of Onmyō was disbanded. The Craft continued to occupy its niche in the occult life of Japan, but their numbers dwindled, and they have never regained the status they once held.

Today the Craft is small but still occupies an important role in Japanese occult practice. The Onmyo is centered around the Seimei Shrine in Kyoto and at the Bodai-ji Monastery at Mount Osore, a volcano and is believed to be one of the gates to the underworld. Members are all male and are traditionally recruited from among the sons of Shinto priests. Once a prospect shows an affinity for Magick, they will be moved Bodai-ji where they will study the rituals of Onmyōdō. If a prospect Awakens, he will become an Onymoji. Those who do not will continue to serve as priests.

The Onmyo is not a member of the Tetsukiko, nor do they serve the Yama King Mikaboshi. Nevertheless, they are sometimes called upon to perform certain rituals in the name of the Emperor. Refusing such a request would be a great apostasy and could cause great danger to the Craft.

Primary Spheres: Spirit and Entropy.

Prohibited Sphere: Life.

Famous Onmyoji: Abe no Seimei.