Seimei and the Twelve-Direction Shikigami

The myth

Shikigami are the helper spirits summoned by masters of onmyōdō. The Encyclopedia of Shinto explains that they derive from the twelve guardian deities of the shikiban divination board, the jūni-shinshō, tied to the directions and months. In the Konjaku Monogatari tales, Abe no Seimei's shikigami open doors by themselves and carry out unseen orders. A medieval tradition says Seimei kept his twelve shikigami hidden under the Ichijō Modoribashi bridge in Kyoto, because his wife feared them, and summoned them when needed.

Why it has this power

An Epic level-8 Light Spellcaster with 2800 ATK and 2600 DEF, fusion only: Abe no Seimei with any Spirit, the master with his servants. He is the archipelago's strongest spellcaster. Light, Sun and Fox come from Seimei, and each shikigami reinforces attack and defense.

Did you know

Ichijō Modoribashi bridge still stands in Kyoto near Seimei Shrine, and its name, "bridge of return", comes from a legend of a dead man who came back to life there.

Connections

• Born from the fusion of: Abe no Seimei, the Great Onmyōji + Spirit

Where to get it

• Born from the fusion of: Abe no Seimei, the Great Onmyōji + Spirit
• It never joins the collection: you summon it mid-duel, by fusion or ritual.

Sources

1. Shikigami — Encyclopedia of Shinto — Kokugakuin University
2. Abe no Seimei — Encyclopedia of Shinto — Kokugakuin University
3. Seimei Jinja (official site) — Seimei Jinja