Reizei Morimoto, Onmyoji to the Emperor

Onmyoji were specialists in magic & divination. Their court responsibilities ranged from tasks such as keeping track of the calendar to mystical duties such as divination & protection of the capital from evil spirits. It is said that an onmyoji could also summon & control shikigami. (They are thought to be kami which are deities, divinities, spirits, mythological, spiritual or natural phenomena that are venerated in the Shinto religion. They are also considered to be the ancient ancestors of entire clans.)

Onmyoji had political clout during the Heian period but in later times when the Imperial Court fell into decline, their state patronage was lost. They were abolished in 1870 but were permitted again after propagation of religious freedom in 1945.

Onmoji still exist today.