Rats! Python seems to ignore weak-linking, so the Python MapScript wouldn’t work without the OCI libraries installed (they are weak-linked). A new build is available with all Oracle support stripped out (you can use Oracle thru OGR, but it’ll probably be slower).
“The beast is actively interested only in now, and, as it is always now and always shall be, there is an eternity of time for the accomplishment of objects.” – the wisdom of Tarzan