Shikigami (式神) are a type of spirit found in Japanese folklore. They are summoned to serve a practitioner of onmyōdō, much like a Western familiar. Shikigami cannot be seen by most people, but, according to the Heian period onmyōji said to control them, often look like a child-sized oni. Shikigami supposedly can, at the onmyōji's command, take a variety of human or animal forms, possess or bewitch people, and even cause bodily harm and death.
The famous onmyōji Abe no Seimei was said to be particularly skilled at manipulating shikigami, and even had them performing odd jobs around the house. The Twelve Heavenly Generals were reportedly among the shikigami that he employed.
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