陰陽師 · おんみょうじ · priesthood

Onmyōji

Historically related practitioners of divination in Shinto.

Definition

Onmyōji were practitioner-scholars skilled in the esoteric arts of yin-yang theory and divination within the context of Japanese religious practices. Though they are not exclusively Shinto priests, their activities often intersect with Shinto rituals, especially in matters involving kami, auspicious days, and purification. They played prominent roles in the Heian period, influencing court ritual and belief systems.

Etymology

The etymology of Onmyōji stems from 'on' (yin), 'myō' (yang), and 'ji' (master), emphasizing their expertise in those concepts.