onmyodo

In the Heian era (794-1192), there existed a special branch of the Japanese government called "Onmyoryo" or the department of Yin and Yang. The members of this group were the state's astrologers, Feng-Shui masters, and exorcists. The arts they practiced were collectively called Onmyodo, or the WAY of Yin and Yang.

Some understand Onmyodo to mean Japanese Taoism, because many of their methodologies and metaphysics were clearly Taoist in origin. The Taoism of the Onmyoji was not like the religious Taoism that was becoming popular in China at the time, it held more of a resemblance to its shamanistic roots. Although based on the science of Yin-Yang WuXing (5 element) theory, it also included spellcraft, the deployment of shikigami (familiars), and rituals not unlike the Tibetan 'ransom' methods as ways of protecting civilization from the dark forces.

Outside of the methods of Kyusei (known today as 9 Star Ki), Astrology, Yijing and Feng Shui, the practice known as Jugondo held a place of primary importance. Jugondo could be loosely translated as "the vanquishing of monsters". The Onmyoji, in preparation for spiritual battle, used various methods to attain a state in which they could walk through fire and perform other miracles, frightening the 'vengeful ghosts' and inspiring in the nobles an increased sense of security.

The most famous of all Onmyoji was Abe-no Seimei, whose mother was said to be a white fox-spirit. He had no equal in his skills, and consequently, he has become the main character of modern novels, Manga and movies. As a result, Onmyodo is becoming more important to seekers, as can be seen not only in the recent popularity of Seimei, but in the appearance of Onmyoji as regular characters in various Manga that are read by young people all over the world. Seimei-dono's home, over 1000 years old, has been restored as a shrine in modern Kyoto.

Onmyodo borrowed methods and concepts from original Shinto, Buddhism, Taoism and many local folk-magic practices. As the Onmyodo methods and Yijing mysticism spread beyond the walls of the imperial palace, they worked their way into folk magic and religion and lost their distinctiveness. As an example, the Kotodama "rin pyo to sha kai jin retsu zai zen" was used a great deal in their secret rituals, but today is a part of the regular practice of Shinto.

With the rising popularity of Yin-Yang WuXing metaphysics and the legend of Abe-No Seimei, we may soon see a renaissance in the practices of Onmyodo. With the state of the world today, it might not be a bad idea to recreate the bureau of Yin and Yang, to help make attaining the WAY an official priority, and to get some of the demons of fear and greed exorcised from the seats of power.