WORDS
ONMYOJI 陰陽師: A practitioner and/or master of "Onmyodo," the craft which uses the Yin and Yang principle to interpret between natural and unnatural phenomena and astrological occurrences to foresee the fortunes of humans. One of the primary duties of the Onmyoji involved using his occult powers to serve and protect the Heian Emperor, the royal families, and the kingdom from malevolent spirits and demons. Other terms comparable to Onmyoji are: exorcist, supernatural protector, Yin and Yang master, soothsayer, mage, mystic, shaman, wizard, sorcerer, magician, and even necromancer.
HEIAN PERIOD 平安時代: The Heian period (794-1185 AD) is a significant era of medieval Japan known for the presence of an aristocratic ruling class and a culture of refined lifestyles, whereby language, literature, music, other fine arts and crafts developed and flourished. It was during this period of luxury and grandeur that the famous Japanese literature, "The Tale of Genji," considered the world's first romance novel, was authored by a female aristocrat. The Heian period embodied peace, an elegant society and great prosperity, however, many years later, the absence of a single, unifying administration to rule all of Japan would eventually plunge the country into a long-term civil war between hundreds of feudal lords, all vying for power, glory and territory.
THE FIVE ELEMENTS OF YIN AND YANG 陰陽五行: This is a philosophy, which explains the existence of all things by combining the five natural elements with the basic principle of Yin and Yang. The two spirits of Yin and Yang gave birth to the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.
ABE NO SEIMEI 安部晴明: He is the most recognized Onmyodo master among the imperial order of the Onmyoji serving the Heian Emperor. Although Seimei is officially sponsored by the ruling family, the Fujiwara clan, he does not reside at the royal palace, but lives on his own private estate. Aside from his highly regarded mystical and medicinal skills, little is known about the enigmatic Seimei. He has been described by both men and women as beautiful, aloof, carefree, and not seemingly human, perhaps due to the popular folklore belief that his mother was a kitsune (a magical white fox creature that could impersonate a human being). As with other Onmyoji, Seimei dons a special head ware and robe that signifies his specialty and high rank within society. He is often the target of jealousy among other Onmyoji (in particular, his rival, Doson) and avoids becoming involved with their political powerplays. (Historical footnote: Seimei was an actual real-life person and Onmyoji who lived in the capital city, Kyoto, from 921-1005 AD during the Heian period.)
MONONOKE 物の怪: A general term for evil spirits, ghosts, monsters or demons. Demons were also referred to as "Yokai." Vengeful spirits were known as "Onryo." In addition to causing panic, pestilence and death, malicious apparitions and demons were believed to be capable of possessing the mind and body of unsuspecting human beings or even creating an alternate body. Onmyoji were heavily relied upon to perform incantations and other arcane rites to either control or vanquish the mononoke.
Mago 孫: Grandson in japanese
