《上清元始变化宝真上经九灵太妙龟山玄箓》Vol. 2

Recite softly:

“The wondrous radiance spreads forth the jade-like breath of spirit. The Perfected One at the center rides through the air, while the three pure breaths open the path of perfect harmony. Yellow numinous splendor shines upon the crimson moon. A multitude of Perfected Ones gather in the Court of the Myriad Perfected, where the wondrous celestial palaces rise high and deep in mystery. In my hand I hold the bright autumn sun; beneath my feet I tread the law of the flying horned dragon. Jing and Qi spread forth and return to the Golden Land, sending out a brilliant, flowing yellow radiance. Transformation arises with the turns of time, nurturing the numinous breath between Heaven and Earth. I devote my mind to realizing the wondrous and subtle principle, yearn for and receive the art of the Flying Sovereign, and become one with the Perfected Ones above the Nine Origins. At a single summons, the Myriad Immortals come to pay homage.”

When the recitation is complete, tilt the head back and swallow nine breaths; the rite is then finished. If one can know the forms and names of Wuying and Zhongzhen as they transform, one can share the same root as Heaven and Earth. After practicing this Way for nine years, one can ride through the air and ascend to Yuqing, the upper celestial realm in Daoist teaching.

Recklessly divulging this secret text will bring guilt upon seven generations of one’s ancestors and cause one to lose the chance of becoming an Immortal.

The Upper Scroll of the Scripture of the Ninefold Numinous Marvel of Guishan, the Precious True Scripture of the Shangqing Primordial Beginning’s Transformations, is complete.

Note: The character “nurturing” was written as “transforming” in the original.

The Middle Scroll of the Scripture of the Ninefold Numinous Marvel of Guishan, the Precious True Scripture of the Shangqing Primordial Beginning’s Transformations.

The Sovereign Lord of Northern Mystery (the Celestial Worthy formed from the Qi of the Northern Mystery) coalesced from the Qi of the Primordial Jade Emperor and stands fifty million zhang tall.

During the three months of winter, the Sovereign Lord of Emptiness wears a purple dawn crown adorned with flying blossoms of jade, a fur robe patterned with seven transformations of cloud light, and the Seven Primordial Elixir Insignia. A purple sash binds his waist. He sits upright within a five-colored lotus above the Mysterious Void, shining brightly and illuminating Shangqing. When visualized, he contracts to a height of five cun and five fen.

During the three months of spring, the Sovereign Lord transforms into a single body with five heads. He wears a five-colored ritual robe, and each head is encircled by a halo. Standing atop a five-colored lion and purple clouds, he holds a five-colored flower banner. His radiance blazes, illuminating the north. After the visualization, he returns to his original true form.

During the three months of summer, the Sovereign Lord transforms into a human head on a crow’s body, marked with nine-colored phoenix patterns. He holds a fire bell in his mouth. The patterns and colors are vivid, and his light shines to the edge of the sky. He dwells amid mysterious clouds above the Purple Void. After the visualization, he returns to his original true form.

During the three months of autumn, the Sovereign Lord transforms into yellow and black rays of light, bright enough to illuminate Shangqing. This signifies his return to the Qi of Northern Mystery, where he again receives the refinement of the Primordial Jade Emperor’s Jing and Qi. After the visualization, he returns to his original true form.

Those who cultivate the Way of Northern Mystery should enter a quiet chamber on the day of the Beginning of Winter and face north to perform five prostrations. After paying homage to the Sovereign Lord of Emptiness, remain facing north and click the teeth three times, three clicks each time. Then visualize the Sovereign Lord appearing in his different forms according to the four seasons. In the Purple Jade Palace of Yuqing, the Vermilion Jade Court, the Village of Golden Forms, and the Quarter of the Three Sovereigns, he circulates his true Qi, casting it downward until it enters the openings of the practitioner’s two kidneys, known as the Jade Gates. Then recite this prayer softly:

“Sovereign Lord of Northern Mystery, Sovereign Lord who receives the true; refine the four paths, intertwine the five Qi, guide and nourish the radiance, and let the fetal breath be purple mist, mingling it…”

The Northern Xuanxu Emperor—the divine lord of emptiness within the northern darkness—receives true Qi and refines the Qi of the four directions, bringing the Five Qi together and weaving them into one. He guides and nourishes the Qi of radiance, transforming fetal breathing—the breath made fine and deep through regulated breathing—into purple smoke. When the various breaths blend, radiance is born, and numinous responses appear naturally. Begin the practice on an auspicious day and at an auspicious hour, and the spirits will humble themselves and descend into me. Taiyi, the revered deity who governs life, protects my life and destiny; the Emperor Lord restores my spirit and soul; and the Three Officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water form talismans that help me become an immortal. I take in essence and Qi and swallow the breath, and my body shines brightly. Clad in feathered robes and flying skirts, wearing a golden crown and embroidered headcloth, I ascend in a five-colored cloud chariot toward the Northern Dipper, in the region of the Pole Star. When the rite is complete, raise the head, swallow the Five Qi, and then stop.

Practice this method for nine years, and the Lofty, Above-Bending True Spirit will descend and meet the practitioner. It will enable them to understand the hidden and subtle principles; even while sitting upright, they will see the realm of nature. Their lifespan will match that of Heaven and Earth, and in the end they will attain the rank of a high immortal. This method should be kept secret and not disclosed; revealing it will bring calamity.

The Southern Zhu Lofty Emperor of Emptiness, the divine lord of emptiness formed from the Qi of Southern Vermilion Radiance, takes shape from the Qi of the Primordial Lofty Emperor. He is eighty million zhang tall. During the three months of summer, he wears the Pingyuan Far-Travelling jade crown, a tiger skirt patterned in nine colors, the flowing-gold fire bells, and the sash of numinous flight. He sits upon a seven-colored lotus in the Purple Void, radiant and brilliant, illuminating the Highest Clarity. When visualized, he contracts to a height of eight cun and eight fen.

During the three months of autumn, the Southern Zhu Emperor of Emptiness wears the Southern Zhu Travelling jade crown, a tiger skirt patterned in nine colors, the flowing-gold fire bells, and the sash of numinous flight. He sits upon a seven-colored lotus in the Purple Void, radiant and brilliant, illuminating the Highest Clarity. When visualized, he contracts to a height of eight cun and eight fen.

During the three months of autumn, the Southern Zhu Emperor of Emptiness also transforms into a figure with a crow’s head. Wearing a nine-colored robe patterned with phoenixes, he stands above crimson clouds within the Purple Void. His light shines brilliantly, illuminating Jade Clarity. After visualization, he returns to his original true form.

During the three months of winter, the Southern Zhu Emperor of Emptiness transforms into a phoenix with feathers mottled in nine colors. A fire bell rests in its beak, and its light gleams as it dwells in a hidden and subtle region of the Jade Clarity realm. After visualization, he returns to his original true form.

During the three months of spring, the Southern Zhu Emperor of Emptiness transforms into light in shades of blue-green and red. Its bright colors illuminate the south, and its radiance shines above Jade Clarity, within the Purple Void. This is the form taken when the Qi of Southern Zhu returns to its source and receives refinement through the essence of the Lofty Emperor. After visualization, he returns to his original true form.

To cultivate the Way of the Southern Vermilion Void Sovereign (the divine sovereign of the southern vermilion realm), enter a quiet chamber on the day of the Beginning of Summer. Face south and bow eight times. After paying homage to the Void Sovereign, click your teeth together three times.

Then visualize the Void Sovereign appearing in different forms as the seasons change, dwelling in the Palace of Numinous Reception in Jade Clarity, the Abode of Transformation, the High Realm, and the Cavern of Subtle Mystery. Visualize his true Qi turning and shining downward, entering the aperture of your heart. Then softly recite the incantation:

“Vermilion Qi of the south spreads forth the true Way; crimson clouds of Qi wheel and turn. The High Realm opens wide. The subtle spirits of the seasonal Qi soar and move, refining and transforming into the Way of the Five Phases, until its radiance is pure, bright, and majestic. True Qi courses through you; numinous Qi spreads, and spirit Qi fills the eight directions of your body. The Red Child bears a radiant vision, and all the gods gather together. The aperture of the heart receives essence and Qi; the palaces of the five organs grow clear and open. Joining with the Dao, you attain immortality. Your limbs and body grow light and rise aloft, protected and accompanied by the Five Emperors as you ascend to the Celestial Palace of Purple Tenuity.”

When you have finished, raise your head and swallow eight mouthfuls of Qi. This completes the practice.

The Lord of the High Void Emperor of Western Florescence, a revered deity of the wondrous celestial realm of Western Florescence, is a formed body condensed from the Qi of the Primordial High Emperor. He stands sixty million zhang tall.

During the three months of autumn, the Lord of the Void Emperor wears a crown of jade flowers adorned with the three lights of the sun, moon, and stars. He is clad in a robe bearing numinous script that appears spontaneously, holds the numinous banner that subdues demons in the Nine Heavens, and wears a sword of interwoven gold and solar essence. Seated upon plain clouds, he holds a golden talisman. His radiant light shines upon Shangqing. He dwells amid the plain clouds, in the distant, secluded reaches of the eight directions. When practitioners visualize him, he transforms into a figure six cun and six fen tall.

During the three months of winter, the Lord of the Void Emperor becomes a tiger-headed, human-bodied figure. He wears a robe patterned with seven-colored tiger stripes, brilliant and dazzling, and dwells among white clouds above Shangqing. When practitioners visualize him, he resumes his true form.

During the three months of spring, the Lord of the Void Emperor becomes an immortal, his skin the color of gold. A round halo appears behind his neck, and he wears thirty-two robes in nine colors. His penetrating radiance illuminates the ten directions. He dwells amid purple clouds above Yuqing. When practitioners visualize him, he resumes his true form.

During the three months of summer, the Lord of the Void Emperor becomes a reddish-white light, its colors blended like the essence of jade, illuminating Shangqing. This is the form in which the Qi of Western Florescence returns to its source and is once again refined by the vital essence of the High Emperor. When practitioners visualize him, he resumes his true form.

To cultivate the Way of Western Florescence, on the day Beginning of Autumn, enter a quiet chamber, face west, bow six times, and pay homage to the Lord of the Void Emperor. Then turn north, click the teeth nine times, and visualize the Lord of the Void Emperor arriving with the vital essence of the High Emperor. Finally, visualize him resuming his true form.

To cultivate the Way of Western Florescence, on the day Beginning of Autumn, enter a quiet chamber, face west, bow six times, and pay homage to the Lord of the Void Emperor. Then turn north, click the teeth nine times, and visualize the Lord of the Void Emperor taking on a different form in each season. He dwells in the Palace of Sound and Light, the Eight Terraces Bureau, the Four Luminous Regions, and the Utmost Subtlety within Yuqing, turning the true Qi back downward so that it shines into the gateway behind the practitioner’s lungs. Then silently recite the incantation:

Xihua, the god of radiance in the West, unfolds numinous Qi, while the Golden Gate, the portal to the realm of immortals, shines with vital essence. After four stages of refinement, this is called “Opening the Clear.” The gods and perfected beings meet; blessings spread and good fortune arises. The breath disperses, and the hun and po souls settle. The spirit is calm and secure, and the po soul is peaceful. Taiyi, a revered Daoist deity, protects the register, while Siming, the god who governs lifespan, records the name. The roots of the womb are cut off and perish, while the stomach and bowels shine with renewed vitality. Auspiciousness endures for a long time, and the Three Lights—the sun, moon, and stars—shine forth together with numinous radiance. When the ritual is complete, raise your head, swallow the Six Qi, and then stop. If you practice this way for nine years, Xihua’s curving radiance will shine upon you, and the divine perfected beings will descend and reveal themselves. You will then be able to perceive what is hidden and penetrate the arcane principles; transformations will appear at once. Seated, you can make your body disappear; standing, you can make it reappear. You can also ascend to Yuqing, a celestial realm of Daoism.

Dongming Gaoshang Xuhuang Jun, Lord of the Void Emperor, is formed from the Qi of Yuanming Huang and stands ninety million zhang tall. During the three spring months, he wears a purple crown called Flying Essence that reaches to Heaven, and a tiger skirt patterned in nine colors. He bears the seal of the Golden Radiant Treasure Spirit and wears a purple sash interwoven with spirits. Seated among azure clouds and standing upon a nine-colored lion, he shines brilliantly, illuminating Shangqing, a celestial realm of Daoism. When you visualize him, his form contracts to nine cun and nine fen. During the three summer months, Dongming Xuhuang Jun takes the form of a dragon with a human head, his body displaying nine-colored patterns. He holds a flowing bell in his mouth, shining brightly and illuminating Shangqing. After visualizing him, let him return to his original form. During the three autumn months, he takes the form of an old man, with an azure dragon appearing above his head and his feet treading the Seven Stars. Wearing a garment patterned in nine colors, he shines brightly, illuminating Shangqing. After visualizing him, let him return to his original form. During the three winter months, he becomes a light of black and azure, its colors deep and abundant, illuminating Shangqing. This is the Qi of Dongming returning to its source and then receiving the essence of Lianming Huang. After visualizing him, let him return to his original form.

To cultivate the Way of Dongming, enter a quiet chamber on the day of the Beginning of Spring. Face east and make nine bows. After paying homage to Xuhuang Jun, turn north and click your teeth nine times. Visualize Xuhuang Jun appearing in different forms as the seasons change. He is in the Southern Yang Township, Cave-Born Village, within the Vermilion Bird Office of the Purple Tenuity Palace in Yuqing. He turns his true radiance downward, and it enters the ninefold gates within the practitioner’s liver. Then recite this prayer:

The light of the East spreads out, and the nine vital essences shine. Lofty, mysterious radiance illuminates the four quarters; blue True Qi courses and turns through them. The energies of the four seasons converge and pour in, refining and nourishing the Immortal so that he may ascend. The vital essences flow down in winding paths, making the double gates bright. Then recite the invocation:

The light of the East spreads out, and the nine vital essences shine. Lofty, mysterious radiance illuminates the four quarters; blue True Qi courses and turns through them. The energies of the four seasons converge and pour in, refining and nourishing the Immortal so that he may ascend. The vital essences flow down in winding paths, making the double gates bright. Within, the inner palaces of the body settle the spirit; without, the outer passes guard against decline. He transforms into eight manifestations and sees into hidden depths and subtle places. He enjoys for a long time the numinous Qi bestowed by Heaven, and his blessings become lofty and profound. When the invocation is complete, tilt your head back and swallow nine breaths; the rite is then finished. Practice in this way for nine years, and the Highest Perfected will appear and descend to you, bestowing such elixirs as Blue Essence, Jade Fungus, and Cloud Jade, so that you may sit in stillness and behold the Nine Heavens, ultimately becoming a High Immortal.

The Central Lodge Lord of the Void Emperor of the Middle Origin is transformed from the Qi of the Primordial Great Emperor, and his body stands thirty million zhang tall. At the start of each seasonal month, he wears the Seven Treasures Crown of the Celestial Origin and a robe of flowing yellow in five colors. He bears the Fire Jade of the Six Mountains and wears a sash of entwined divine essences. He sits upon a five-colored lion atop yellow clouds. His radiance blazes, illuminating the five directions. When you visualize him, he contracts until he is three cun and three fen tall.

When Water Qi governs in winter, the Central Lodge Lord of the Void Emperor transforms into a figure with one body and five heads. He wears the Five Stars upon his heads, a five-colored feather robe, and holds a five-colored flowered banner. He stands upon five-colored clouds, his light illuminating Shangqing. When you visualize him, he returns to his original True Form.

When Wood Qi governs in spring, the Central Lodge Lord of the Void Emperor transforms into a boy dressed in five-colored robes. He rides a yellow dragon, dwells among yellow clouds, and stands upon the Seven Stars. His radiance is clear and bright, illuminating the five directions. When you visualize him, he returns to his original True Form.

When Fire Qi governs in summer, the Central Lodge Lord of the Void Emperor transforms into five-colored rays of light, interweaving and merging with one another as they illuminate the five directions. This signifies his return to the Qi of the Middle Origin in the Central Lodge, where he again receives the refining transformation of the Primordial Great Emperor’s vital essence. When you visualize him, he returns to his original True Form.

Those who practice the Way of the Central Abode’s Void Sovereign Lord should enter a quiet chamber on their natal day, when the year’s ruling Tai Sui matches their Chinese zodiac sign. They should perform the twelve bows of the “attendant king” rite and pay homage to the Void Sovereign Lord. After the ritual, they should turn to face north and click their teeth twelve times. They should visualize the Void Sovereign Lord appearing in different forms with the changing seasons, dwelling in the Quiet Abode of the Hidden Spirit Village in the Phoenix-Roar Mansion of the Golden Spirit Palace of Jade Purity. They should then turn their true Qi downward, illuminating the entrance to the Hidden Pass in their Spleen Palace. Next, they should recite:

“Ruler of the Central Origin, who gathers and commands all spirits, you are profound in truth and lofty in purity. This Qi spreads forth in radiance, making the Five Paths manifest. The four seasons bring auspicious signs in succession; through refining and nourishing the breath, they transform the body and spirit. Merging with the Great Void, you turn your light back to inspect my thoughts. Preserve and register the mysterious charts and books; record my name in the register of the living. Fix my allotted years in Nanchang, and inscribe my name in the Nine Heavens. The spirit palaces of the Eight Radiances protect the Three Pure Ones; a thousand chariots and ten thousand horsemen descend at once into my courtyard. Summon the perfected ones, so that I may become an immortal and ascend in flight to the Great Numinous Realm.”

After reciting, they should tilt back their head and swallow twelve mouthfuls of Qi. This completes the practice. After practicing in this way for twelve years, the Void Sovereign Lord of the Central Origin will descend to the practitioner’s dwelling and bestow the Register of Mysterious Life-Destiny for Ascending into the Central Mystery Chart. The practitioner will thereby penetrate the true Dao, perceive what is hidden and subtle, and ultimately attain the rank of a High Immortal. This method must be kept carefully secret; anyone who reveals it will suffer the spirits’ punishment.

The High Lord Born from the Intermingling of the Five Spirits and Seven Lights receives the original Qi of the Primordial Purple Emperor and stands eighty million zhang tall. During the three summer months, he wears a Threefold Splendor jeweled crown of Heaven and a purple brocade robe embroidered with phoenix patterns. He carries a flowing-gold fire bell and wears the register of the Cinnabar Emperor of the Nine Heavens. Seated upright upon crimson clouds, he holds a golden talisman whose circling radiance shines through the Upper Clarity (Shangqing), one of the Daoist celestial realms. When visualized, he contracts to a height of eight cun and eight fen.

During the three autumn months, the High Lord takes the form of a nine-headed phoenix with nine stars in its beak. Its feathers are richly patterned in nine colors. Amid crimson clouds, it shines brightly, illuminating the Upper Clarity. When visualized, it contracts to a height of eight cun and eight fen, then returns to its original form.

During the three winter months, the High Lord takes the form of a human figure with nine heads. Wearing a feather robe patterned with phoenixes, he holds a jade tally and stands upon a seven-colored lotus amid dark clouds. His circling radiance shines through the Upper Clarity. When visualized, he returns to his original form.

During the three spring months, the High Lord becomes blue and red light, its radiance dense and brilliant as it illuminates the south. This signifies his return to the Qi of the Five Spirits, where he again receives the refined essence and Qi of the Primordial Purple Emperor. When visualized, he returns to his original form.

Those who cultivate the Way of the High Lord generally enter a quiet chamber on the summer solstice and face south to make eight bows. After completing their homage to the High Lord, they turn north and click their teeth three times. Next, they visualize the High Lord changing form with the seasons, dwelling in the Seven Transformation Lands and Nine Assembly Hamlets of the Grotto of Radiant Light in the Palace of Phoenix Birth in Jade Clarity. His circling true Qi shines downward and enters above the cultivator’s heart aperture. Then they recite the incantation:

The five kinds of numinous energy spread out, revealing their true radiance; the highest divinity gives off a brilliant light. All manner of visions shift and intermingle, while the immortal spirits, refined through alchemical transformation, ascend and fly in every direction. True Qi (vital energy) flows and permeates all things, its blessings reaching the nine quarters. At the Yuan Festival, the gods celebrate together, and good fortune rises high and spreads far. I receive the pure, authentic Dao (the Way); radiance arises from my body, and my lifespan lasts as long as the sun and moon. Through ten thousand kalpas I do not decay. Feathered robes grow upon me, and I ascend to the Taiwei Heaven, a high realm of the Shangqing heavens. When the ritual is complete, I raise my head and swallow the Qi of the eight directions surrounding my body. At the Yuan Festival, the gods celebrate together, and good fortune rises high and spreads far. I receive the pure, authentic Dao; radiance arises from my body, and my lifespan lasts as long as the sun and moon. Through ten thousand kalpas I do not decay. Feathered robes grow upon me, and I ascend to Taiwei Heaven. When the ritual is complete, I raise my head and swallow the Qi of the eight directions until I stop.

The Supreme, Mysterious Elder of the Three Origins, the Primordial Sovereign of the Void, Lord of the Primordial Stars—an exalted divinity who governs the Qi of the Three Origins—takes form from the Qi of the Primordial Essence Sovereign. His body stands sixty million zhang tall. During the three months of autumn, he wears the dark morning cap of the Three Qi, adorned with flying ornaments. He is dressed in a nine-colored, ever-changing robe that symbolizes long life, wears the Jade Emperor’s summons to the immortals, and girds himself with a golden sash bearing dark patterns and purple streamers. He stands upon a seven-colored lion, surrounded by plain clouds. His brilliant light shines upon the Shangqing heavens. When you visualize him, his form contracts until he is six cun and six fen tall.

During the three months of winter, Lord of the Primordial Stars becomes a seven-headed youth, dressed in a tiger-patterned robe and standing upon white clouds. His flowing, shimmering radiance illuminates the Shangqing heavens. When you visualize him, he returns to his original true form.

During the three months of spring, Lord of the Primordial Stars becomes a tiger-headed, dragon-bodied figure. He wears a resplendent garment patterned in blue-green and yellow, its designs vivid and bright, and stands upon purple clouds, radiating light in the ten directions. When you visualize him, he returns to his original true form.

During the three months of summer, Lord of the Primordial Stars transforms into red and white rays of light. Their blazing radiance illuminates the Shangqing heavens. This signifies his return to the Qi of the Three Origins, where he receives anew the radiance of the Primordial Essence Sovereign. When you visualize him, he returns to his original true form.

During the three months of summer, Lord of the Primordial Stars again transforms into red and white rays of light. Their blazing radiance illuminates the Shangqing heavens. This signifies his return to the Qi of the Three Origins, where he receives anew the vital essence of the Primordial Essence Sovereign. When you visualize him, he returns to his original true form.

To cultivate the way of the Primordial Star Lord (a revered deity in the Void Sovereign system), enter a quiet chamber on the day of the autumn equinox and bow six times facing west. When you have finished, turn north and click your teeth twelve times. At the same time, visualize the Primordial Star Lord taking on different forms and shadows with the changing seasons. He is located in the Village of Upright Service, Township of Heavenly Virtue, Radiant Flower Prefecture, Bright Pattern Palace of Jade Clarity. Watch as he turns the true Qi downward, shining into your own Lung Palace, beneath the upper pass.

Then recite the spell:

“The Three Primordials—the upper, middle, and lower—scatter their radiance; the Primordial Star Lord answers the talismanic command. Refining and transforming the nine paths, he changes form and journeys through the four directions. Blending together, they become true; their Qi and appearance return to their origin. Turning back the numinous light, it bends and shines within; Jing and Qi pour into my body. Taiyi, the Daoist high deity, preserves my life and bestows the talismanic command of the immortals. The Five Elders, the emperors of the five directions, descend to their seats; the High Perfected, those who have attained the Dao, roam freely. They wander at ease in the wondrous realm of harmony. The Three Primordials scatter their radiance; the Primordial Star Lord answers the talismanic command. Refining and transforming the nine paths, he changes form and journeys through the four directions. Blending together, they become true; their Qi and appearance return to their origin. Turning back the numinous light, it bends and shines within; Jing and Qi pour into my body. Taiyi preserves my life and bestows the talismanic command of the immortals. The Five Elders descend to their seats; the High Perfected roam freely, wandering at ease in the wondrous realm of harmony. My body joins with the Great Void, vast and boundless; I absorb the rosy mists and swallow the breath, keeping company with the spirits.”

When you have finished reciting, tilt your head back and swallow twelve breaths, then stop. The scripture says this is the supreme Daoist method of the Void Sovereign, secretly stored on the Three Primordials’ Mysterious Terrace, a sacred realm of Daoism, and revealed only once in many kalpas. Whoever obtains it can become an immortal. Keep it secret and the true spirits will descend; disclose it and disaster will follow.

The Lord of the Nine Origins of Mysterious Stillness and Supreme Void was born through transformation from the vital energy of the Primordial Flying Sovereign. His body stood fifty million zhang tall. During the three months of winter, he wore a purple crown of flying immortals and a tiger-skin robe patterned in five colors. He hung a flowing-gold bell from his person, tied on a plain sash interwoven with spirit designs, and stood on the back of a dark tortoise amid dark clouds. His light flowed and shimmered, illuminating Shangqing. When contemplated, he shrank to five cun and five fen.

During the three months of spring, the Lord of the Nine Origins of Supreme Void took the form of an old man, wearing a yellow headcloth and a black feather robe. He held a golden halberd and stood upon purple clouds. When contemplated, he returned to his original true form.

During the three months of summer, the Lord of the Nine Origins of Supreme Void took the form of nine suns joined to one another. Their light shone brilliantly, illuminating Shangqing. When contemplated, he returned to his original true form.

During the three months of autumn, the Lord of the Nine Origins of Supreme Void took the form of light in black and white, shining brightly over the north. This is the manifestation of the returning Qi of Mysterious Stillness. The black and white lights joined together, their radiance flowing as they illuminated Shangqing. When contemplated, he returned to his original true form; he then received the refining of the essence and Qi of the Primordial Flying Sovereign, after which he was contemplated once more in his original true form.

Those who practice the Way of the Lord of Supreme Void usually enter a quiet chamber on the day of the winter solstice. Facing north, they bow five times, pay homage to the Lord of Supreme Void, and click their teeth three times. Next, they visualize the Lord of Supreme Void changing his appearance with the four seasons, residing in the Northern Primordial Palace, in the Village of Tranquil Waters and the Hamlet of Supreme Goodness, north of the Jade Clarity Palace of Seven Jewels. He turns the true Qi downward, illuminating the depths of the palaces within the practitioner’s two kidneys. Then they recite this incantation:

“The Qi of Mysterious Stillness reaches into the hidden depths, spreading the essence and Qi of the Emperor of the Void. The Three Origins unite, and mysterious Qi flows and shines. The divine boy irrigates me; the Jade Maiden scatters fragrance for me. The Primordial Father bestows blessings in turn, and blessings will come to me. The spirits of the Eight Luminaries protect and assist me; the Five Elders descend into my inner chamber. May I behold the spirits of the upper realm, and may my appearance draw near to that of the immortals.”

The Dao of stillness and profundity connects with subtle principles, while Jing and Qi spread throughout the realm of the Void Emperor, the highest realm of emptiness. The Qi of the Three Origins blends together, and mysterious Qi flows and shines. A divine youth irrigates me, and a Jade Maiden scatters fragrance for me. The Primordial Father descends together with them, bringing joy, and blessings return to my person. The spirits of the Eight Radiances assist and protect me, and the Five Elders descend to dwell in my abode. I gain the ability to see the higher spirits and meet the Immortal Kings. From then on, I enjoy boundless blessings and longevity; raising myself, I fly into the open sky, light as a feather, and ascend to the upper palace. When the ritual is complete, raise your head and swallow ten breaths, then stop. This is the Mysterious Stillness Supreme Dao, secretly preserved in the Purple Chamber of the Supreme Six Directions, a sacred realm of Daoist esoteric teachings. According to the precepts, it is transmitted only once in ten thousand kalpas, and only to those who are already high immortals. Whoever receives this method can become an immortal and ascend to Shangqing.

The True, Unsurpassed Lord of Great Clarity’s Spiritual Radiance, a venerable deity formed from the Qi of Great Clarity, is ninety million zhang tall. During the three spring months, he wears a Seven-Treasure Flying-Blossom crown and robes decorated with the five colors of the Five Yellows. He bears the Sun Essence Threefold Radiance seal and wears at his waist a golden kerchief and the Flowing Essence sword. Standing atop a Azure Dragon amid emerald clouds, he shines brilliantly, illuminating Yuqing, the upper celestial realm of Daoism. When you visualize him, he returns to a height of nine cun and nine fen.

During the three summer months, the Unsurpassed Lord takes the form of a dragon with a human head. He holds the Sun Essence in his mouth, his body patterned with nine colors, and carries the golden kerchief and Flowing Essence sword. Standing atop a Azure Dragon amid emerald clouds, he shines brilliantly, illuminating Yuqing. When you visualize him, he returns to a height of nine cun and nine fen. During the three summer months, the Unsurpassed Lord also takes the form of a dragon with a human head, holding the Sun Essence in his mouth, his body patterned with nine colors. His radiance illuminates the east, and he dwells amid azure mists. When you visualize him, he returns to his original form.

During the three autumn months, the Unsurpassed Lord takes the form of a nine-headed dragon, his body dazzling with nine colors. His radiance illuminates Shangqing, and he dwells in purple space. When you visualize him, he returns to his original form. During the three winter months, the Unsurpassed Lord becomes a light of blue and black, its Qi dense and powerful, illuminating the east. At this time, he returns to the Qi of Great Clarity and once again receives the refining nurture of the essence and Qi of Primordial Mystery and Emptiness. When you visualize him, he returns to his original form.

To cultivate the way of the Unsurpassed Lord, enter a quiet chamber on the day of the Beginning of Spring. Face east, bow nine times, and pay homage to the Unsurpassed Lord. When the bows are complete, turn north and click your teeth nine times. Visualize the Unsurpassed Lord appearing in different forms according to the four seasons, then returning to his original form in Yuqing.

The one who cultivates the Way of the Supreme Lord (Wushang Jun) should enter a quiet chamber on the first day of Lichun (Beginning of Spring), face east, and bow nine times. After bowing to the Supreme Lord, they should turn to the north, knock their teeth together nine times, and visualize the Supreme Lord appearing through the changing seasons. He dwells within the cloud-nets of the Jade Clarity Yusen Palace and the Golden Net Village of the Eight Dark Offices, and turns his true Qi downward to shine into the practitioner's liver mansion, entering the place of the Central Gate. The practitioner then recites the incantation:

"The great brightness shines in layers, scattering numinous light and golden flowers. Its mysterious radiance spreads to the eight directions, the essential Qi flows and circulates, and passes through the hidden darkness. The Supreme Lord sends down sweet dew, and his grace fills the nine regions. Inner and outer are both replenished, and blessings reach the seven generations of ancestors. Even the stagnant and withered are moistened and raised to the realm of the Great True. May I receive the Way of the immortals, fly into the Moon Forest, grow feathers on my body, and transform at will."

After the incantation, the practitioner lifts the head, swallows the breath nine times, and then stops. Practiced for nine years, this brings the seven generations of ancestors to immortality, causes the divine immortals and perfected beings to descend, and allows the practitioner to see their faces. If one carelessly divulges this method or treats it with negligence, the body will sink into the source of the River.

The Sanyuan Siji Xuanshang Xuhuang Yuan Linggun (Celestial Lord of the Three Primes, Four Poles, and Mysterious Upper Void) is a divine being formed from the Qi of the primordial phoenix void, whose body measures eighty million zhang in height. During the three months of summer, he wears the Baochen jade crown, which symbolizes the three Qi, is clothed in a tiger-skin garment with five-colored markings, and carries the Huoluo Seven Origins at his waist. The scripture once again warns that if one carelessly divulges this method or treats it with negligence, the body will sink into the source of the River.

The Lord Xuanshang Xuhuang Yuanling (Xuanshang Xuhuang Yuanling Jun), the Mysterious Sovereign who unifies the qi of the Three Origins and Four Poles, is formed from the qi of the primordial phoenix void, and his body is eighty million zhang tall.

In the three months of summer, the Lord wears a dawn-jade crown of the Three Qi, a tiger-skin robe marked with five colors, the Huoluo Seven Origins (Huoluo qiyuan) at his waist, and a sash of Jiaoling (Jiaoling zhi shou). He stands upon a vermilion phoenix amid crimson clouds, his light brilliant and shining over Yuqing (Jade Clarity). When one visualizes him, his form shrinks to eight cun and eight fen.

In the three months of autumn, the Lord transforms into a three-headed vermilion crow, dressed in a crimson feather garment whose patterns glow with bright color. His radiance illuminates Shangqing (Highest Clarity), and he stands upon a purple cloud. When one visualizes him, he returns to his original true form.

In the three months of winter, the Lord transforms into three vermilion crows, each holding a fire bell in its beak. They stand upon the essence of the sun, amid crimson clouds, their light brilliant and illuminating the south. When one visualizes him, he returns to his original true form.

In the three months of spring, the Lord transforms into streams of blue and red light, blazing brightly and illuminating the south. This signifies that the qi of the Three Origins and Four Poles revolves and converges, further refining the essence (Jing) of the primordial phoenix void. When one visualizes him, he returns to his original true form.

To practice the Way of the Lord Yuanling, one should enter a quiet chamber on the day of the summer solstice, face south, and perform eight prostrations. After worshipping the Lord, one turns to the north and knocks the teeth together twelve times. One then visualizes the Lord's seasonal forms as residing within the Xiaoshang Fu of the Yunlin Palace in Yuqing, in the hamlet of Qinghan and the district of Suling. He returns to his true form and descends to shine downward, entering the Liang Ziu, the inner gate of the heart where the shen (spirit) dwells. Then one recites the incantation:

"The Yuanling penetrates the true Way, and the Mysterious Supreme manifests its radiance. The qi of the Three Origins mingles, and the spirit-breath of the Four Poles soars. Turn the essence and let it flow in winding currents, so that the myriad paths open clear and bright. The three lights of sun, moon, and stars shine forth, and the Jade Emperor travels to and fro. Free me from the bonds of my fated registry, preserve my true nature, and let me dwell in the Purple Subtlety. May I live as long as heaven and earth, enduring for countless eons without decay. On this auspicious day and at this fortunate hour, may blessings and joy extend far."

When the incantation is finished, one lifts the head, swallows eight breaths of qi, and then stops.

The Sanyuan Chenzhong Huangjing Xuhuang Yuantai Jun (Lord Yuantai of the Three Primes, Morning Yellow Center, Vacuous Radiance) is a spirit formed from the Qi (vital energy) of the Yuanzi Xu (Primordial Purple Void). He stands sixty million zhang (about 200 million feet) tall.

During the three months of autumn, Lord Yuantai wears the qiyuan baochen yingguan (seven-primes treasure crown of the morning infant) on his head and a brocade robe with flying patterns. He wears liuhsan huoyu (six-mountain fire jade) and ties the tongzhen zhi zhang (seal of penetrating truth). He stands on white clouds and sits on a seven-colored lion. His radiance is brilliant and illuminates the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) realm. When one visualizes him, he contracts to six cun six fen (about six and a half inches).

During the three months of winter, Lord Yuantai takes the form of a human head with a black beak. Treasure light rises above his head. He wears a white feathered robe and flying skirts, stands on a lotus, and sits within purple clouds. His light flows and illuminates the Shangqing realm. After visualization, he returns to his original form.

During the three months of spring, Lord Yuantai appears as a true person with a blue-yellow complexion, as firm as a vajra. He carries a precious disc behind his neck and wears a nine-colored Dao robe. He stands on white clouds, and his light is bright and shines in all directions. After visualization, he returns to his original form.

During the three months of summer, Lord Yuantai becomes a light of red and white, dazzling and brilliant, illuminating the Shangqing realm. This shows the Qi of the Sanyuan Chen turning and transforming, and being refined again by the Jing (essence) of Yuanzi Xu. After visualization, he returns to his original form.

The Dao of cultivating Lord Yuantai can illuminate the Shangqing realm, turn and transform the Qi of the Sanyuan Chen, and have it refined anew by the Jing of Yuanzi Xu. After visualization, the practitioner's image of him returns to its original form.

To practice this Dao, one should enter the chamber on the Lichiu (Beginning of Autumn) day or on a jiazi day. Facing west, perform five bows and worship Lord Yuantai. Then turn to the north and knock the teeth three times. Next, visualize Lord Yuantai changing his form with the seasons, situated in the Nine Qi Township and Huayao Ward of the Yanzhen Mansion within the Yuqing Dongxiao Gong (Palace of the Jade Clarity Cavern Sky). He turns his true Qi downward to shine upon the practitioner's lungs, entering the Jinmen Shangque (Upper Gate of the Golden Gate). Then recite the incantation:

"Huang jing zhong yuan, san qi jiao zhen, xu huang si du, lian hua yu tian, fei zhi liu yi, tao guan wo shen, bao jing gu qi, zong lu wan shen, you qi xue si, zuo gong shou xian, shang bing tai xu, wu lao tong xuan, bian hua wu fang, xing zao zi chen."

(Roughly: "Yellow radiance, central primal; three Qi join in true union; the Vacuous Emperor passes four stages, refining the Jade Heaven; flying fungus overflows, pouring over my body; preserve Jing and fix Qi; govern and register the myriad spirits; the right covenant cuts away death, the left palace bestows immortality; above it receives the Great Void; the Five Elders ride together; transformations without limit, form attained in the purple dawn.")

When the incantation is finished, tilt the head back and swallow seven breaths. The rite then ends.

Purple light from the Three Primes shines upon the empty void of the Spirit, and from it arises the Lord of the Original Embryo (Yuantai Jun). He is formed by condensing the qi of Yuanrong Xu, the Original Fusion of Emptiness, and his body measures fifty million zhang in length.

In the three months of winter, the Lord of the Original Embryo wears a three-treasure dawn crown and a tiger-skin robe embroidered with dragon patterns. He carries the talismanic staff bestowed by the Supreme Emperor on immortals, and at his waist hangs the Longyuan Sword. He sits upright on a dark tortoise, among three white clouds. His light is brilliant and illuminates the Highest Clarity (Shangqing). Once one has visualized him, he gathers in his form and returns to a length of five cun and five fen.

In the three months of spring, the Lord transforms into a youth. He wears a seven-star crown and a scarlet robe of five colors, and he stands on a five-colored spirit tortoise within the dark void. His light is clear and bright, shining across the ten directions. After the visualization, he returns to his original form.

In the three months of summer, the Lord transforms into a person with five heads. He wears a five-star crown and a brocade robe of five colors, treads on five-colored clouds, and holds a golden talisman. He stands above the dark void, and his light shines across the ten directions. After the visualization, he returns to his original form.

In the three months of autumn, the Lord transforms into light of black and white. His radiance is intense and bright, and it illuminates the north. At this time he returns to the qi of the Three-Primes Purple Radiance and again receives refinement and nourishment from the essential qi of Yuanrong Xu. After the visualization, he returns to his original form.

To practice the Way of the Lord of the Original Embryo, one should enter a quiet chamber on the Lichun (Beginning of Winter) and on one's own birth-day (the day determined by the sexagenary cycle of one's birth). Facing north, one performs five prostrations to the Lord. After paying homage, one clicks the teeth together twelve times. Then one visualizes the Lord changing his appearance with the seasons, dwelling within the Changjin Lodge of the Qingle Township in the Fengwu Mansion of the Fanxiang Palace in Yuqing (Jade Clarity). Next, one visualizes him turning his true qi and shining downward, entering the space between one's two kidneys, above the Fumen (Hidden Gate). Afterward, one recites the incantation:

Purple light shines across the sky, and from the Void arise the Three Origins (the three primal sources of qi that Daoist cosmology identifies as Heaven, Earth, and Humanity). Above them stands Xuanchang, the sovereign within the Dipper. Clad in flying-azure robes and draped in brocade skirts, he exercises the power of cultivation to effect transformations. Four times he appears in alternation, and, his light refracting as he descends, he takes bodily form and bestows upon me the divine elixir script (sacred writings of the elixir). Through fulu (talismans and registers), he delivers Nanyang, so that I may safeguard my immortal body and live without end. I drive a golden carriage (an ornately decorated chariot), ride upon sunlight and clouds, unite with the Perfected, and ascend to the Golden Gate. When the rite is complete, I tilt my head back and swallow ten breaths, then stop. This is the highest method of the Three Origins. It is transmitted only to the Supreme Perfected (high-ranking immortal adepts) and never circulated in the world. Without a mystic name (an entry in the Daoist secret registers), one cannot see or venerate the numinous script. Whoever beholds the numinous script will surely attain the rank of Upper Immortal.

The Lord of the Supreme Perfected of Azure Essence and Inner Vision (Neijing Jun) is a spirit condensed from the qi of the Yuanshi Cavern (the pure essence of the Dongzhen cavern, born of Yuanshi), and he stands nine thousand zhang tall. He is not circulated in the world. Without a mystic name, one cannot see or venerate the numinous script, and whoever beholds it will surely attain the rank of Upper Immortal.

The Lord of the Supreme Perfected of Azure Essence and Inner Vision is transformed from the qi of the Yuanshi Cavern and stands ninety million zhang tall. In the three months of autumn, he wears the Three-Flower Precious Bright Crown, a robe of seven-colored patterned fur, and a Jiaoling cord (an interlinked spirit ribbon). He sits upon clouds of yellow, white, and azure, his radiance brilliant as it illuminates Shangqing (the Highest Clarity, the pure celestial realm). He dwells above the Purple Void and within the subtle. When he is visualized, he shrinks to nine cun.

In the three months of winter, the Inner Vision Lord transforms into a single body with seven heads. He wears seven-colored ritual robes, has a round halo behind his neck, and stands upon a nine-colored lion. The splendor of his light reflects back and forth and illuminates Shangqing. When he is visualized, he restores his original form.

In the three months of spring, he transforms into a figure with the moon upon his head and the sun in his mouth. He wears a tiger-striped fur, and his radiance is bright. At times he stands upon purple clouds. When he is visualized, he restores his original form.

In the three months of summer, the Inner Vision Lord becomes a brilliant radiance of azure, white, and yellow, shining as it illuminates Shangqing. At this time he manifests as the qi of the Supreme Perfected of Azure Essence and once again receives the refining of the Essence of the Yuanshi Cavern. When he is visualized, he restores his original form.

To cultivate the Way of the Inner Vision Lord, one should enter a quiet chamber on the day of the Autumn Equinox or on a Gengshen day (a date in the sexagenary cycle). Facing west, one performs nine prostrations and then offers worship, again receiving the refining of the Essence of the Yuanshi Cavern, and visualizes the Inner Vision Lord restoring his original form.

To cultivate the Way of the Lord of the Inner Landscape of the Upper Pure Realm (Shangzhen Neijing Jun, the deity dwelling within the inner landscape of Shangqing, the Highest Clarity), one should enter a quiet chamber on the autumn equinox and on a Gengshen day. Facing west, one performs nine bows. After paying homage to the Lord of the Inner Landscape, one turns to face north, clicks the teeth three times, and visualizes the Lord appearing in different forms and shadows with the four seasons. He resides in the sheer cliffs within the Zhuque Township of the Taidan Mansion in the Qiong Palace of Upper Clarity. One turns the true qi (zhenqi) back and casts it downward, causing it to enter the gate named "Fuchen zhi Hu" (the Gate of Lying in Wait for Dawn) within the left ear. One then recites:

"Beginning to penetrate the refined essence, the azure true one scatters its numinous spirit. Nine gates open their paths, three primes illuminate their doors. The vermilion numinosity casts its reflection, jade blossoms fly in four directions. Riding the dawn, driving the qi, the azure youth of the Purple Subtlety. Golden light penetrates within, a cinnabar radiance arises on the face. Matching the brightness of the moon, circling together with the sun, we pay court to the Supreme Perfected and enjoy everlasting, undiminishing life. May we extend blessings to the seven ancestors, and may the dead souls ascend together."

After reciting, one tilts the head back, swallows seven breaths, and then stops. Practicing in this way for nine years allows the high numen to cast its light downward, to communicate with the perfected, and to bring the countenance into correspondence. The body then manifests the signs of water and fire, and at last one ascends to Dichen (the Celestial Dawn Heaven).

The Sun's Nine Qi Jade Worthy Lady (Taiyang Jiu Qi Yuxian Yuanjun) is transformed from the qi of the Yuanyu Pillar and stands seventy million zhang tall. During the three winter months she wears the Crown of Penetrating Heaven and the Precious Radiance, a garment of nine natural colors without seams, a tiger-striped fur cloak, and a sash of true penetration, and she sits upon a purple cloud ten thousand zhang high. From within the cloud she emits bright radiance that illuminates the dark realms of the eight directions. When one visualizes her, she contracts to a height of seven cun seven fen. During the three spring months, she takes the form of one who wears a yellow dragon crown, holds the Seven Stars, and dons a yellow feathered robe with flowing skirts, standing upon three-colored clouds. After the visualization, she returns to her original form. During the three summer months, she appears as the Three-Headed Laozi, her body golden, clad in yellow brocade flying skirts and a blue feathered shawl, standing on a lotus within purple clouds. After the visualization, she likewise returns to her original form. During the three autumn months, she transforms into a light as white as jade, bright and clear, shining over the Upper Clarity. This signifies her return to the qi of the Sun's Nine Qi, and her renewed receiving of the refining of the essence of the Yuanyu Pillar. After the visualization, she again returns to her original form.

One who cultivates the Way of Jade Worthy Yuanjun (Yuxian Yuanjun, a Daoist goddess) should do so on the day of Lichun (the Beginning of Winter) and practice over three months. At that time, Yuxian Yuanjun transforms into a light like white jade, brilliant and clear, illuminating Shangqing (Highest Clarity, a Daoist celestial realm). The practitioner then circulates the Nine Qi of the Sun and receives the refinement and nurturing of the Essence of the Jade Pillar of Origin. After visualization, the practitioner restores their original true form.

For cultivating the Way of Jade Worthy Yuanjun, one should choose the day of Lichun or a jiazi day (a day in the sexagenary cycle used for counting days). Enter a quiet chamber, face north, and perform three bows. After paying homage to Yuxian Yuanjun, knock the teeth twelve times. Then visualize Yuxian Yuanjun manifesting her form and shadow in accordance with the four seasons, dwelling in the Jade Pure Qiong Palace, within the Three True Hamlet of the Spirit Residence in the Hall of Longevity. She turns her true light downward and enters the practitioner's right ear through the gate called the "Gate of Lying in Wait for Dawn." Then softly recite the following prayer:

"The sun radiates its essence, and the jade pillar opens and shines bright. The Six Qi flow forth, and their light falls into the Vermilion Court. Transformation enters the realm of primal mystery, refining and reshaping my body. The Five Palaces open their true Qi, and the Six Stomachs send forth radiance. I wear flying robes and violet sashes, with embroidered upper garments and blue lower garments. Three-colored clouds swirl about me, and a green carriage with an azure canopy follows. I wander the mysterious path and am carried up into the realm of clarity. Taiyi (the Supreme One) grants me my mandate, and Yuanjun observes and protects my life. The Nine Perfected share my destiny, and my work on the Way is accomplished. Transformation returns to the Great Void (Taiwu), and I enjoy the Celestial Emperor's protection for a long time."

After the prayer, look upward, swallow three breaths, and then stop. Practicing this for nine years summons the immortal carriage to descend, so that one may wander the mysterious path and ascend into the realm of clarity. Taiyi bestows the mandate, Yuanjun observes and protects, the Nine Perfected share one's destiny, the work of the Way is accomplished, transformation returns to Taiwu, and one enjoys the Celestial Emperor's protection for a long time. Afterward, one attains the Highest Perfected state, welcomes the descent of immortal perfected beings, converses with spirits, comprehends the numinous, enters the true realms, and endures alongside Heaven. This method must be kept secret in order to be efficacious. If it is divulged, misfortune will follow.

Taichu Jiusu (Nine Plain Essences of the Great Beginning) Jinhua Jingyuan Jun, the honorific name of a deity in Shangqing (Highest Clarity), was born from the Yuanhuang lingqi (spirit qi of the Primordial Sovereign), and her body stands ninety million zhang tall.

In spring, for three months, she wears a purple Yuanchen Chenying jade crown, a robe of bright seven-colored cloud patterns, and a Suling sash, and she carries the Miemo Lingfan (Banner of Destroying Demons). She sits upon three layers of plain cloud, and her light illuminates the subtle realms above Shangqing. When one visualizes her, she shrinks to nine cun and nine fen.

In summer, for three months, Jinhua Jingyuan Jun transforms into a single body with three heads, her form resembling a phoenix, her patterns and colors splendidly radiant, illuminating Shangqing. When one visualizes her, she returns to her original true form.

In autumn, for three months, Jinhua Jingyuan Jun transforms into a body of a dragon with a human head, her five-colored light splendidly radiant, illuminating Zixu and standing above the three colors. When one visualizes her, she returns to her original true form.

In winter, for three months, Jinhua Jingyuan Jun transforms into light of purple, red, and yellow, brilliantly bright and reflecting upon Shangqing. At this time, she is remade from the qi of the Taichu Jiusu and receives further refinement from the jingqi (essential qi) of the Yuanhuang. When one visualizes her, she returns to her original true form.

To cultivate the Way of Jinhua Jingyuan Jun, one should, on the winter solstice and on the Taisui day (the day corresponding to the Grand Duke of the current year), enter a quiet chamber and face northeast to perform nine bows. After paying homage to Jingyuan Jun, one turns to the north and knocks the teeth together three times. One then visualizes Jingyuan Jun changing her appearance with the seasons, dwelling in the Youle Lane of the Tianquan Township in the Lingjin Mansion of the Mingzhen Palace in Shangqing. She turns her true spirit and shines downward from above, entering the place where the practitioner's head and face are. Then one silently recites the incantation:

In the primordial chaos before division, the three primordial Qi separated and became clear. The Golden Flower Chamber (Jinhua Dongfang), the inner sanctum for visualization in internal practice, was named Jingyuan. One visualizes the Great Dao (Dadao) circulating nine times, whereupon four transformations merge into clouds. Above, they condense into a jade talisman; below, they guard the Elixir Gate (Danmen), the bodily passage through which elixir Qi is refined, and gather the hun and po souls so that one's true nature is steadied and preserved. One then refines the form and transforms the bones, so that marrow and brain become immortal substance. Next, dragons fly and phoenixes dance, rising to the dwelling place of the Heavenly Emperor. When the rite is complete, one raises the head and swallows nine breaths. Practicing this method for nine years brings about the manifest descent of divine perfected beings, allows the body to transform, and enables flight through the realm of Tailing.

The Lord of Destiny, the Supreme Perfected Sovereign of the Nine Sovereigns (Jiuhuang Shangzhen Siming Jun), is a deity who governs life and allotted years. He is formed of primordial jade numinous Qi and stands fifty million zhang tall. During the three months of summer, he wears a Flying Crown of Cinnabar Blossom and Purple Radiance, a robe of five-colored flying yellow cloud silk, and carries golden fire bells and the Divine Tiger Talisman at his belt. He stands upon clouds of five colors, his light illuminating the boundless Great Void. When one visualizes him, he shrinks to a height of five cun and five fen.

In the three months of autumn, the Lord of Destiny transforms into a phoenix whose feathers bear nine-colored patterns. Its brilliance illuminates Shangqing (the Highest Clarity Heaven). When one visualizes him, he returns to his original true form.

In the three months of winter, he transforms into an old man wearing a purple headcloth and a tiger-skin robe of seven-colored stripes. He holds a golden staff and treads upon clouds of the Three Qi, his radiance blazing and shining through Shangqing. When one visualizes him, he returns to his original true form.

In the three months of spring, the Lord of Destiny transforms into light of blue, green, and black, shining brilliantly and reflecting upon Shangqing. This signifies his return to the Qi of the Nine Sovereigns, where he is again refined and gathers the essence of primordial jade numinosity. When one visualizes him, he returns to his original true form.

The practice of an advanced adept (a Shangzhen, or Perfected of the highest rank) seeking the Dao should be carried out on the first day of Lichun (Beginning of Spring) and on one's own ben ming ri (the day corresponding to one's birth date). One enters a room facing east, performs the nine prostrations, and worships Siming Jun (Lord of Destiny), the deity who governs human lifespan and the registers of life. The practitioner then clicks the teeth nine times. In meditation, one visualizes Siming Jun appearing in forms that correspond to the four seasons, dwelling in the Shenglian Huagong (Flowery Palace of the Birthplace) to the north of the Seven Treasure Palace in the Ziyao Palace of Upper Clarity (Shangqing). The deity turns the true qi (zhenqi) and directs it downward, entering one's chest and abdomen. Then one softly recites the incantation:

"Supreme Perfected of the Nine Emperors, who governs transformation and gathers the growth of all things; who presides over the span of life in Nanyang and oversees the Vermilion Court; Taiyi (Supreme Unity) confers the talismanic mandates, and the Five Elders record the names. May the true qi of the Nine Returns and Eight Subtleties descend and enter my chest and abdomen."

Next, one continues to recite softly:

"Supreme Perfected of the Nine Emperors, who governs transformation and gathers the growth of all things; who presides over the span of life in Nanyang and oversees the Vermilion Court; Taiyi confers the talismanic mandates, and the Five Elders record the names. May the true qi of the Nine Returns and Eight Subtleties descend to make the immortal soul (xian hun) manifest. Through three transformations and five refinements, may my decayed bones be restored to the state of an infant, and my countenance be radiant like a rosy child, enduring together with the Heavenly Emperor. By virtue of the talismanic mandate, may I share the lifespan of the sun and moon, and outlast even heaven and earth. Transforming without end, may I ascend to the palace courts of the Heavenly Emperor."

When the ritual is complete, one lifts the head and swallows three breaths, then stops. If this practice is sustained for nine years, Siming Jun will register the practitioner's life record, the Perfected will descend to the chamber, and the practitioner's name will be entered in the Danlai (Register of Immortal Perfected). In this way, life is preserved forever and continued indefinitely.

The Heavenly Emperor, Supreme Perfected Jade Flower Three Primes Lord (Tianhuang Shangzhen Yuhua Sanyuan Jun), is a divine perfected formed from the primordial numinous qi of the Yuandong Cavern, and its body stands some seventy million zhang tall.

In autumn, for three months, the Jade Flower Three Primes Lord wears a violet crown of flying blossoms with dawn-tassels, and a robe of five colors in black, yellow, and purple. It bears the purple seal-writings of the Supreme Dan and is girded with the purple cord of Jiaoling, and it stands upon a nine-colored lion. Its radiance is brilliant and illuminates Shangqing (Highest Clarity). After visualization, the divine form returns to a height of seven cun and seven fen.

In winter, for three months, the Jade Flower Three Primes Lord transforms into the form of a woman, with hair dressed in flying-cloud coils and a robe of purple and yellow gauze. It holds the moon in its mouth and treads on clouds of yellow, purple, and blue, its light shining over the ten directions. After visualization, it returns to its original true form.

In spring, for three months, the Jade Flower Three Primes Lord divides into three women. They wear triangular hair-buns and crowns of the seven designations, carry the moon on their backs and embrace the sun, and dwell within purple clouds while standing on lotus blossoms. After visualization, it returns to its original true form.

In summer, for three months, the Jade Flower Three Primes Lord transforms into rays of purple, white, and blue light, bright and radiant, shining through Yuqing (Jade Clarity). This signifies its return to the qi of the Heavenly Emperor, its renewed refinement, and its condensation of the essence of the Dongling. After visualization, it returns to its original true form.

To cultivate the Way of the Supreme Perfected Jade Flower Three Primes Lord, one should enter the chamber on the spring equinox or on a Dingmao day. Facing southeast, one performs three bows to the Three Primes Lord, and after the veneration is complete, turns to the north and knocks the teeth together three times. One then visualizes the Three Primes Lord appearing in different forms with the seasons, dwelling in the Tongmiao Palace of Yuqing, the Weifu Mansion, the Yunlu Township, and the Qingyuan Hamlet. The deity turns its true form and casts its light downward, entering the practitioner's body, passing through the Lower Gate and the lower abdomen, and reaching the feet. Then one recites the incantation:

Jade Flower scatters numinous qi, the Three Primes refine and nourish essence and qi, returning and uniting with the Jade Perfected, and transforming their images within the Cloud Courtyard. They flow through the Tongmiao Palace of Yuqing, the Weifu Mansion, the Yunlu Township, and the Qingyuan Hamlet, turning their true forms and casting their light downward, entering the practitioner's body, passing through the Lower Gate and the lower abdomen, and reaching the feet.

Jade Radiance (the luminous sheen of jade) disperses numinous breath, and the Three Primes (the qi of the Upper, Middle, and Lower Primes) refine essence, returning to the realm of Jade Perfection. The scene shifts among the cloud courts: drifting clouds linger, fire-bells shine as they fall, and golden talismans appear alongside dragon banners and the Ten Peerless Pennons (banners of the ten directions' ceremonial guard). One stands upon the Upper Scene Cinnabar Terrace and gazes out over the dim realms of the eight directions. The Supreme Spirits of the highest heights look down in protection, observing whether I have achieved success in cultivation. The Three Morning Lights (the three sun deities in Daoist belief) join with me in a shared wish, enabling me to attain longevity and to transform and penetrate the subtle depths, equal in brilliance with the sun and moon. When the rite is complete, I swallow three breaths and then stop. Practicing in this way for nine years, the Spirits of the Three Primes will look down upon the practitioner's dwelling, descend, and manifest, so that one sees the countenances of the gods with one's own eyes and ultimately attains the Way and becomes an immortal.

The Upper Primal Sovereign of the Supreme One (the sovereign lord who governs the Upper Prime among the Supreme One spirits) is formed from the numinous breath that flies up from the Primal Origin, his body rising ninety million zhang high. In the three months of winter, he wears a purple crown adorned with the Three Treasures, morning tassels, and flying blossoms, and a robe of nine-colored dark-yellow flying clouds. He wears Six-Mountain Fire Jade and ties the purple sash of the Spirit Essence Interlacing. He sits upright within seven-colored clouds, radiant and brilliant, illuminating the Upper Clarity (a Daoist celestial realm). He dwells above the Nine Heavens, and when one visualizes him, he shrinks to a height of nine cun and nine fen.

In the three months of spring, the Upper Primal Sovereign takes on a towering form, his whole body golden, with a halo behind his neck. He wears a garment of forty-two strands in nine colors and sits within the Three Breaths, radiant and brilliant, shining upon the Upper Clarity. After visualization, he returns to his original true form.

In the three months of summer, the Upper Primal Sovereign takes the form of three moons, their lights layered upon one another in undifferentiated chaos, gathering and separating in turn, dwelling within purple clouds. After visualization, he returns to his original true form.

In the three months of autumn, the Upper Primal Sovereign becomes lights of azure, green, and purple, winding around one another and dwelling within the Jade Clarity (a Daoist celestial realm). At this time he returns to the qi of the Upper Primal One and once more receives the refining of the Flying Numinous Essence. After visualization, he returns to his original true form.

To practice the Way of the Shangyuan Jinjun (Sovereign of the Prohibitions of the Primordial Origin), one should enter a quiet chamber on the day of Lixia (the Beginning of Summer) and on a Gengshen day. Facing south, perform three bows, then facing north, click the teeth nine times. Next, visualize the Shangyuan Jinjun conforming to the changes of the four seasons and manifesting his form, dwelling in the Palace of the Celestial Sovereign within the Jade Void Mansion of Shangqing (Upper Clarity), in the Ziche Hamlet of Kaiyuan Township. He turns his true qi (zhenqi) downward to shine upon the practitioner and enters the gate on the practitioner's left side. Then recite the incantation:

"Taiyi governs life, and Taokang regulates the hun and po souls (hun-po). The Lords Wuying and Baiyuan, two true spirits, together with the three true spirits, shed their radiance to guard and stabilize the gate of death, refine the qi (breath) so that it communicates with the shen (spirit), and unite the body with the Imperial Lord. Passing through the four transformations and penetrating the eight mysteries, I become an immortal through change. A thousand chariots and ten thousand riders escort me, lifting me on the clouds to fly through Shangqing, and my body enters the realm of Purple Dawn."

After reciting, tilt the head back and swallow twelve times, then stop the practice. Continue this cultivation for nine years, and one will see the Shangyuan Jinjun and have one's name registered in the Register of Immortals of the Southern Pole. In this way, the immortal body is protected and endures for a long time.

The Lord of the Yellow Chamber of the Primordial Void, True Dawn Lord (Yuanxu Huangfang Zhenchen Jun), is a divine being formed from the qi (vital energy) of the Primordial Clarity and Numinous Spirit. His body is sixty million zhang tall.

During the three months of spring, the Lord of the Yellow Chamber wears a seven-colored crown of vermilion essence (jing) and a robe patterned with clouds. He is adorned with ornaments bearing golden tiger and phoenix designs and a divine tiger jade seal. He sits upright on a five-colored lotus within a purple cloud, his radiance shining through Shangqing (Highest Clarity). He dwells beyond the dark realms of the eight directions, in a place of subtle and refined perfection. When practitioners visualize (cunxiang) him, he contracts his form to about six cun six fen in length.

During the three months of summer, the Lord transforms into a figure with three heads. He wears a purple headband and a robe in purple and yellow, and he holds a golden halberd while standing atop a five-colored lion in the cloud palace of the Yellow Chamber. When practitioners visualize him, he returns to his original true form. An earlier passage of the scripture contains a repeated account of the summer appearance, adding that his light illuminates Shangqing and that his body measures six cun six fen.

During the three months of autumn, the Lord takes the form of a human body with a dragon's head, displaying markings of nine colors. His brilliant light illuminates and penetrates the yellow clouds of Shangqing. When practitioners visualize him, he returns to his original true form.

During the three months of winter, the Lord manifests as rays of yellow, white, and red light, which shine brightly and reach the Nine Heavens. This signifies that he returns to the qi of the Primordial Void Yellow Chamber and once again receives refinement by the spirit (shen) essence of the Primordial Clarity. When practitioners visualize him, he returns to his original true form.

To cultivate the Way of the True Dawn Lord, one should enter a quiet chamber on the day of the summer solstice or on a jiazi day. Facing southwest, one bows nine times to the Lord. After completing the worship, one turns to face north and knocks the teeth together nine times. One then visualizes the Lord appearing in different forms as the four seasons change. He dwells in the Yongkang Ward of Changming Township, within the Purple Life Mansion of the Golden Flower Palace in Jade Clarity. He turns and shines downward, entering through the gate of the practitioner's right hand. Then one recites the incantation:

In the Yellow Chamber (huang fang), the dwelling of the spirits within the inner landscape, the True Spirit (zhen shen) is pervaded by clarity and emptiness. At noon it changes its name and is called Fangying (Square Fullness). At this time the Vermilion Terrace (zhu tai) shines brightly and illuminates the Golden Court (jin ting). The practitioner holds and nurtures the embryonic breath (taixi), so that the breathing becomes long and fine. Purple qi flows and azure light appears as the yin-yang energies merge, and the body transforms until it attains immortality. Fluids circulate within the body as if they were making a sound, the complexion turns ruddy like a child's, and the face takes on the youthfulness of an infant. In this way one naturally rises and soars, entering the realm of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing). When the rite is complete, the practitioner stops after swallowing twelve breaths. Cultivating in this manner for nine years, one can see the divine perfected (shen zhen), attain the subtle and numinous realm, and fly through the air.

The Four Perfected Lords (si zhen ren yuan jun) of the Supreme Ultimate (Taiji), who are formed from the qi of the Four Radiances of Origin (yuan si mang), stand seventy million zhang tall. During the three months of summer, they wear the far-roaming jeweled crown, robes of blue feathered brocade, and skirts of five-colored plumage. They carry the sword that nourishes the spirit infant (shen ying yu yan zhi jian) at their side, a flowing gold fire bell at their waist, and a jade talisman of the divine tiger in hand. They sit within clouds of four colors, their radiance flowing and illuminating the Upper Clarity (Shangqing). When they are visualized in their subtle form, their bodies shrink back to seven cun and seven fen.

During the three months of autumn, the Four Perfected Lords transform into four human figures with phoenix heads. They wear tiger robes marked with nine colors and tread upon five-colored lions, sometimes standing on lotus flowers within purple qi. After visualization, they return to their original forms.

During the three months of winter, the Four Perfected Lords transform into four youths, colored blue, red, white, and black. Each wears a brocade skirt of his or her color and holds a tally and banner of the same hue, standing on purple clouds. After visualization, they return to their original forms.

During the three months of spring, the Four Perfected Lords transform into radiances of blue, red, white, and black. The colors blend together like clouds and mist, bright and shining. They then return to the state of the Supreme Ultimate qi and once again receive refinement from the essence of the Four Radiances of Origin. After visualization, they return to their original forms.

Those cultivating the Way of the Four Perfected (Sì Zhēn zhī Dào) should, on the day of Lìqiū (Beginning of Autumn) and on a Jiǎzǐ day, enter a quiet chamber and face west to perform four prostrations. After paying homage to the Four Perfected, they turn to the north and knock their teeth nine times. They then visualize the Four Perfected Lords (Yuánjūn) appearing in succession with the changing seasons, dwelling in the Eight Lǎng Mansion (Bālǎng Fǔ) of Golden Jade Township (Jīnqióng Xiāng), Jíyīng Lane (Jíyīng Lǐ), within the Four Brightnesses Palace (Sìmíng Gōng) of the Jade Clarity Heaven (Yùqīng). They turn their True Light downward so that it shines and enters the practitioner's left eye. Next, they chant the incantation:

"Taiji and the Four Spirits, the Lords ascend to the capital; Golden Essence and Vast Spirit, refine the shen (spirit) into light; the sunlight scatters its radiance, the vermilion moon pours forth its essence; Lingzhi dispersing in eight directions, opens my bright bridge; Tàiyī has decreed, and the Four Directors come to greet me; the body grows wondrous fur, feathered robes flutter about; ascending into the void in pacing steps (bù xū), flesh and bone take wing together."

After chanting, they lift their heads and swallow the eight qi (qì), and then stop the practice. Continuing in this way for eight years, the Four Perfected will descend and shine their numinous light, allowing the practitioner to see their countenances with their own eyes. The practitioner's name will also be registered within the Taiji, and in the end they will become a Realized Person (zhēnrén).

The "knocking of the teeth" mentioned here is one of the methods of visualization (cúnsī) and circulation of qi (xíngqì) in Daoist ritual practice. "Swallowing the eight qi" refers to visualizing and taking in the qi of the eight directions in accordance with the method's formulas.

Sanhua Jun, the Lord Who Scatters Radiance and Perfected of the Seven Dawn Stars (Qichen Sanhua Jun), who governs the vital energy of the Seven Dawn Stars among the Perfected of the Four Dippers, was born from the primordial Qi of the Four Chaotic Primes (Sidun), and his body stands forty million zhang tall.

In the three months of autumn, Sanhua Jun wears a crown of the Seven Dawn Flying Essence (Qichen Feijing Hua Guan), a yellow brocade robe, and a skirt of blue-green feathers. He wears the Numinous Flying Purple Sash and treads upon the Seven Primes. He holds the Jingxing (Radiant Star) in his hand, and his light is brilliant, illuminating Shangqing (the Highest Clarity), the heaven of subtle purity described in Daoist teaching. When one visualizes him in a state of subtle minuteness, he shrinks to a height of four cun and four fen.

In the three months of winter, Sanhua Jun takes on a form with four heads, with sun-shaped horns upon his head. He wears robes of four colors and holds the Dougang (the Dipper's protective force, or the stellar position of the Northern Dipper). He treads upon purple clouds, and his radiance shines through Shangqing. After visualization, he returns to his original true form.

In the three months of spring, Sanhua Jun becomes four youths, each four chi tall, dressed in robes of five-colored patterns. He holds the Dougang, treads upon purple clouds, and his radiance shines through Shangqing. After visualization, he returns to his original true form. He may also become four youths, each four chi tall, dressed in robes of five-colored patterns, holding a flowered banner and standing among yellow clouds. After visualization, he returns to his original true form.

In the three months of summer, Sanhua Jun becomes a radiance of four colors, blue, red, white, and black, their hues merged and illuminating Shangqing. At this time he returns to the Qi of the Perfected of the Four Dippers, receiving and refining the essence of the primordial Four Chaotic Primes. After visualization, he returns to his original true form.

To cultivate the Way of Sanhua Jun, one should enter a quiet chamber on the day of the autumn equinox and face north to perform eight prostrations. After paying homage to the true deity, knock the teeth together three times, and visualize Sanhua Jun in his seasonal forms, residing in the Hall of the Morning Radiance of the Palace of Jade Clarity (Yuqing Huachen Gong), within the Kuiyuan Prefecture, in the Golden Canopy Hamlet of Qigang Township. Visualize him turning his true light downward and shining it into your right eye, then recite the incantation:

Four Dippers gather their upright and correct qi, and the true qi at the center sends out radiance. The sun, moon, and stars join their three lights, and the practitioner inhales and exhales mysterious clouds. Following the Jiazhang Liming (the Jia-Zhang ordering of fate), the seven spirits subdue demonic evils and arrange the five kinds of talismanic diagrams (fulu). The practitioner's age becomes the same as that of the earliest antiquity. A golden wheel and jeweled canopy appear above the head, the mysterious essence (jing) shines with spirit light, and the body rises into the void until it reaches the palace-hut (shenlu) where the spirits dwell. On completion, one swallows the breath seven times and gathers in the rosy mist qi (xiaqi). Practice then repeats the Jiazhang ordering, the subjugation of demons by the seven spirits, and the arrangement of the five talismans, until one enters the spirit-hut. On completion, one again swallows the breath seven times and gathers the rosy mist qi. Practiced in this way for seven years, one's name is entered into the Xuantu (Mysterious Diagram). The Qiyuan (the seven stellar spirits linked to the Northern Dipper) respond and connect, and a Perfected (zhenren) descends. The practitioner is able to see the face of a divine immortal with their own eyes, receive the shenjing (divine scripture transmitted by the immortals), and obtain a cloud chariot with feathered canopy, ascending to heaven in broad daylight.

Chenzhong Huang Jingyuan Lady is a spirit formed from the qi of Yuanhuang Hui, and her body is seventy million zhang tall. During the three winter months she wears a golden flower crown, a fur robe with five-colored patterns and a garment of flying-feather brocade, carries the Qiyuan treasure insignia and a flowing-gold fire bell, and holds a nine-colored jade tally. When she sits in stillness she dwells within yellow clouds, her light is bright, and her radiance streams across the nine heavens. It penetrates the eight darknesses (bami) within Shangqing, illuminating even the finest and most minute places. When one visualizes her, she shrinks to seven cun and seven fen.

During the three spring months, Huang Jingyuan transforms into a single body with three heads. She wears a phoenix crown, her whole body is yellow, and she holds a golden halberd and treads on a five-colored lion. Her light is brilliant and shines through Shangqing. After visualization, she returns to her original true form.

During the three summer months, Huang Jingyuan transforms into the form of three people. She wears the sun as a crown, holds the seven stars in her mouth, wears garments of five colors, and often stands above the yellow clouds. After visualization, she returns to her original true form.

During the three autumn months, Huang Jingyuan transforms into yellow, purple, and blue-green lights, whose qi encircles one another and merges with the yellow qi of outer space. This signifies her return to the morning qi of Chenzhong, where she again receives refinement from the essential qi of Yuanhuang Hui. After visualization, she returns to her original true form.

Those who cultivate the Way (Dao) of Lady Huangjing (Huangjing Yuanjun, a revered deity of Daoism) should enter a quiet chamber on the two days of Lichun (the Beginning of Summer) and Dongzhi (the Winter Solstice) and perform three bows facing east. After paying homage to Lady Huangjing, they kneel upright and click their teeth three times, visualizing the Lady appearing in form and shadow as the seasons change and dwelling among the Seven Essences of Yuqing (Jade Clarity). They then visualize her returning to her true form.

The practice of Lady Huangjing's Way also calls for entering the quiet chamber on these two days and performing three bows facing east. Once the homage is complete, one kneels upright, clicks the teeth three times, and visualizes the Lady appearing in form and shadow with the changing seasons, dwelling within the Seven Numinous Palaces of Yuqing, the Mansion of the Mysterious Pivot, the Nine Dawn Township, and the Celestial Knot. Next, one visualizes her returning to her true form and casting her light downward, entering the Gate of the Canopy within one's lungs. Then one recites the incantation:

"Child within the morning, yellow clouds wrap three times; the celestial terrace shines forth in splendor, harmonizing and reflecting the Jade Perfected. Named the Mysterious Supreme, she takes her place among the august guests, gathers all the hundred spirits, and leads one into the purple mist."

After the recitation, one swallows the breath three times, and the rite is complete. This is the secret method of "Returning to Life Within the Morning." The scripture states that whoever knows this method will not die, and that cultivating it allows one to ascend as an immortal. However, if this numinous formula is divulged carelessly, the body will bear the calamity of the river's source.

The Supreme Lord Shangjing (Shangjing Jun), Heavenly Emperor Li Zhen of Taiping, Later Sage of the Golden Gate, is a spirit formed from the Primordial Qi of the Dawn of Penetrating Origin (Yuantong Chenzhi Qi), which is the pre-cosmic primordial essence-Qi (xiantian de yuanshi jingqi). His body is nine hundred million zhang tall.

In the three months of spring, Shangjing wears the Seven Essences Treasure Flower Crown (Qijing Baohua Guan) and a fur robe of mysterious black and yellow hues with a blue brocade flying skirt, holds a tiger tally, and sits on a seven-colored cloud. His radiance is brilliant and illuminates Shangqing (Highest Clarity), the heavenly realm in Daoist cosmology. When one visualizes him, he shrinks to a height of nine cun and nine fen.

In the three months of summer, Shangjing transforms into an elderly man. He wears a Flying Dragon Crown, a fur robe with yellow patterns, and a yellow feathered skirt, holds a golden tablet, and stands on a purple cloud. His light is bright and illuminates Shangqing. When one visualizes him, he shrinks to a height of nine cun and nine fen. An earlier passage of the scripture also records this summer form, and states that after visualization he returns to his original form.

In the three months of autumn, Shangjing becomes a youth in five-colored clothing. At times he rides a lion, and at other times he sits on a blue cloud. When one visualizes him, he returns to his original form.

In the three months of winter, Shangjing becomes a light woven from green, black, and blue, its shadows merging and entwining. This signifies his return to the Qi of the Golden Gate (the primordial Qi of the celestial Golden Gate), and his renewed reception of the Primordial Essence of the Dawn of Penetrating Origin. When one visualizes him, he returns to his original form.

To cultivate the Way of the Heavenly Emperor Shangjing, one should enter a quiet chamber on the first day of the first lunar month, on a Jiazi day (the day of the Jiazi cycle in the sexagenary system of heavenly stems and earthly branches), and on the day of Lichun (the Beginning of Spring). Facing southeast, one bows nine times, and after paying homage to Shangjing, one kneels facing north for a long time. One then knocks the teeth twelve times and visualizes Shangjing appearing in different forms according to the seasons. He dwells in the Nine Qi of Donghua Township within the Jade Truth Mansion of the Palace of Jade Clarity and Golden Gate. He turns his true Qi and shines it downward, entering the practitioner's five viscera and the base of the throat. Then one recites the incantation:

Within the Golden Gate, one knocks the teeth twelve times and visualizes Shangjing appearing in different forms according to the seasons. He dwells in the Nine Qi of Donghua Township within the Jade Truth Mansion of the Palace of Jade Clarity and Golden Gate. He turns his true Qi and shines it downward, entering the practitioner's five viscera and the base of the throat. Then one recites the incantation:

The Golden Palace (Jinque, the golden palace in the heavens) came into being together with the gods, and the nine primordial Qi shone upon the vermilion clouds. Brilliant light protects the Golden Spirit, and five-colored vapors blend with the three essences. Through the mysterious practice of swallowing and refining, the morning saliva ascends, and one holds it in the mouth, swallows it, and nourishes the natural Qi. Beating the drum summons the hundred spirits, and a shout calls forth the myriad demons. A thousand chariots, ten thousand riders, and a retinue of officials escort me as I ascend to Yu'e (the lofty heights of the Jade Mountain in the realm of immortals). When the rite is complete, one swallows the Qi nine times and then stops circulating it. This is the secret essential of the Golden Palace and Jade Chamber. Whoever receives and practices it will become a seed people of the Later Sage (Housheng), and after nine years of cultivation, one may ascend to the Golden Palace. If this numinous writing is divulged carelessly, the ancestors of seven generations will be punished, the practitioner will lose their life, and they will suffer for a long time the torment of the mountain of knives.

The Perfected Lord Wujing Pengshi (Wujing Pengshi Zhenjun), the Later Sage dwelling in the Great Void (Taixu), was born from the transformed Qi of the Four Yuan Evolutions and stands forty million zhang tall.

During the three months of summer, the Perfected Lord Pengshi wears a purple crown that penetrates the heavens, a robe of white brocade and a plain feathered skirt, a girdle of flying spiritual cords, and a jingling pendant at his left side. He holds the Light of the Seven Origins and often stands within a lotus above the Purple Void (Zixu). His radiance is bright and illuminates Shangqing (the Highest Clarity). When one visualizes him, he contracts to four cun and four fen in height.

During the three months of autumn, the Perfected Lord Pengshi takes on the form of an immortal, with a complexion like vajra, and light encircles his neck in full completeness, shining in all four directions. He wears garments of thirty-two colors and boundless dharma forms, brilliant and splendid, and dwells in the subtle realm above Shangqing. When one visualizes him, he contracts and returns to his original true form.

During the three months of winter, the Perfected Lord Pengshi transforms into a human body with a phoenix head, his body richly marked in five colors. He stands within the Purple Void, his light bright and illuminating Shangqing. When one visualizes him, he contracts and returns to his original true form.

During the three months of spring, the Perfected Lord Pengshi transforms into the lights of azure, red, white, and black, layered upon one another like a halo around the sun and drifting clouds. This signifies his return to the Qi of the Great Void and his renewed refinement by the Essence of the Four Yuan Evolutions. When one visualizes him, he contracts and returns to his original true form.

Those who cultivate the Way of Perfected Peng Shi (Pengshi Zhenjun) should, on the day of the Spring Equinox and on their own life-day (the day corresponding to the year of their birth), enter a quiet chamber, face south, and bow four times. After the worship, they should turn to the north, click their teeth three times, and visualize Perfected Peng Shi, in the forms he takes through the changing seasons, circulating true qi (zhenqi) within the Hall of Unified Union in the Four Cardinal Villages of the Xuanque Mansion of the Unlimited Palace of Upper Clarity (Shangqing). He shines downward and enters the upper openings of their five viscera and stomach. Then they recite:

"In the midst of the Great Void, plant a garden of blessing, and let blessings be born in successive layers. Receive life at the Gate of the Nine Mysteries, and let the true qi (the genuine vital energy) flourish day by day. Refine the bones and condense them into immortal sinews. Regulate your body so that you may ascend to the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing). Within the Six Directions, gather the myriad spirits. Command the vermilion troops with the tiger tally. May the ancestors of many generations be preserved in their original registers, and may generation after generation worship the immortal scriptures."

When the recitation is finished, they tilt their head back and swallow the qi four times, then stop. This is the supreme method by which sages attain immortality. It is hidden in the Palace of No Scenery in the Great Void and appears only once in ten thousand kalpas. Those who obtain it are seeds of the people of the later sages (those instructed by the perfected sages of later ages). After nine years of practice, one can welcome the Sovereign Lord in the Palace of Upper Clarity. But if one carelessly divulges this method, the body will be made to serve the ghost officials.

The Lord of the Nine Qi, Elder of the Great Profound Capital (Taixuandu Jiuqi Zhangren Zhu Xianjun, the immortal lord in charge of the affairs of immortals and perfected beings in the Taixuan Capital), receives the primordial Qi of Yuanbian Hao, and his body stands seventy million zhang tall.

In the three months of autumn, the Lord wears a crown of vermilion Jing and nine De (Virtue) jewels, and a robe of blue feathers that encompasses the Six Directions. He wears a skirt whose patterns shift and whose light flows, and at his waist hangs a sword that summons immortals and subdues demons. He sits upon a nine-colored lion within clouds formed from three Qi. His radiance is dazzling and illuminates the ten directions of the heavens. When practitioners visualize him, he transforms to a height of seven cun and seven fen.

In the three months of winter, the Lord transforms into nine persons, each nine cun tall, who wear moonlight as headdresses and don the five-colored immortal robes of blue, yellow, and the rest. They usually dwell above purple clouds, and at times they ride phoenixes to roam within the Taixuan Capital. After practitioners visualize him, he returns to his original true form.

In the three months of spring, the Lord transforms into a single body with nine heads. He wears a phoenix upon his head, and his body shows a dazzling array of five colors. He stands above Shangqing (Highest Clarity) and within the Purple Void. After practitioners visualize him, he returns to his original true form.

In the three months of summer, the Lord transforms into nine radiant lights of azure, white, purple, yellow, dark, red, blue, crimson, and green. They coil and overlap one another and appear above Shangqing. This is the form in which he returns to the Qi of Taixuan and receives again the refining of Yuanbian Hao's Jing. After practitioners visualize him, he returns to his original true form.

To cultivate the Way of the Lord, one should, on the day of Lixia (the beginning of summer), on one's own life-destiny day (the day corresponding to one's birth), and on the Taisui day (the day corresponding to the Grand Duke Star of the current year), enter a quiet chamber, face the southwest, and bow nine times. After completing the audience with the Lord, one should face north and knock the teeth nine times, visualizing the Lord appearing in different forms according to the four seasons. His body is within the Ward of Zonglí in the Xuandu Township of the Wangtang Mansion in the Palace of Taixuan in Shangqing. He turns his true Qi downward to shine upon the practitioner and enters the nine intestines within the practitioner's abdomen. Then, facing north, one knocks the teeth nine times and visualizes the Lord appearing in different forms according to the four seasons……

The Supreme Mystery (Taixuan), a profound and subtle Qi of the Dao, gives rise to spirit-brightness (shenming) and protects and guards the Life Gate (mingmen), the vital point on which life depends. It drives away the Corpse Parasites (fushi), the corpse worms that Daoists believe harm the body, and brings the spirit to rest and steadies the hun and po souls. The practitioner turns the divine light back and returns to the Imperial Court (dijiu), the palace of Heaven, where immortal perfected beings and Jade Maidens come to greet them. The Supreme One (Taiyi), a revered Daoist deity, leads them to join the guests of the Heavenly Emperor, and they dwell for a long time in the Golden Chamber (jinfang), a palace of the immortals. Their years join with the moonlight and mists, they enjoy endless life without end, and their lifespan becomes one with Heaven. When the rite is complete, one swallows and raises the head nine times, and then may stop. This is the supreme Dao secret of the Taixuan Lord of Immortals, to be treasured in the Golden Chamber and the Jade Coffer, and it is transmitted only once in ten thousand kalpas. Whoever obtains and practices this method can attain longevity and become an immortal. If one reveals it carelessly, one will die, and in the Source of the Yellow River one will suffer punishment and judgment.

The Eight Luminous Lord Lao (Shangqing Bajing Laojun), a divine perfected being of the Highest Clarity realm (Shangqing), is born from the Qi of the Source of the Primordial Clouds (Yuanyunyuan). His body stands eighty million zhang tall. During the three winter months he wears a Flying Dawn Flower Crown (feichen huaguan) on his head and a Flying Immortal feather skirt with naturally formed cloud patterns, a tiger-script sash (hushu) at his waist, and holds a golden bell in his hand. He often stands above a seven-colored lotus, within purple clouds, shining brilliantly and illuminating the ten directions. When one visualizes him, he shrinks back to a height of four cun and four fen.

During the three spring months, the Eight Luminous Lord transforms into the Eight Light Youths. The eight youths are all the same height, each eight cun tall. They wear yellow brocade mantles and flying gauze skirts, and eight colors of cloud Qi arise around their bodies, radiant and brilliant, illuminating the Highest Clarity. When one visualizes them, they separate. During the three spring months, the Eight Luminous Lord transforms into the Eight Light Youths; the eight youths are all the same height, each eight cun tall, wear yellow brocade mantles and flying gauze skirts, and eight colors of cloud Qi arise around their bodies, radiant and brilliant, illuminating the Highest Clarity. When one visualizes them, they reunite and return to their original true form.

During the three summer months, the Eight Luminous Lord transforms into an old man wearing a yellow headcloth and a garment of five tigers, holding a golden staff of authority (jinjie) and wearing a sword of subduing and slaying. He stands within yellow Qi and often draws in sunlight through his mouth. When one visualizes him, he returns to his original true form.

During the three autumn months, the Eight Luminous Lord transforms into light of eight colors (yellow, white, purple, red, green, black, crimson, and azure), layered and overlapping, appearing above the Highest Clarity. He then transforms the Qi of the Highest Clarity and once again receives and refines the essence of the Source of the Primordial Clouds. When one visualizes him, he returns to his original true form.

Those who practice the Dao methods of the Eight Luminous Lords (Bajing Jun, the Spirit Lords of Shangqing, or Highest Clarity) should enter a quiet chamber on the autumnal equinox, on their birthday (benming ri, the day of one's birth), and on a Jiazi day. Facing west, they bow eight times. After paying homage to the Eight Luminous Lords, they turn to the north and click their teeth nine times. Next, they visualize the images of the Eight Luminous Lords as they change with the seasons, dwelling within the Purple Chamber of the Upper Yuan Hamlet in the Clear Cavern Palace of the Void Clarity Palace of Shangqing. True qi (zhenqi) spirals downward and shines onto the two root points of the practitioner's lower abdomen (shaofu, the lower belly).

Then they chant the incantation:

"The mysterious subtle qi of Shangqing: the Eight Luminous Lords generate one cycle (a single revolving period). Huangyuan unites with Shenzong; the essential soul and the spirit-soul face the Emperor's Son. The Five Talismans protect the register of life, extending one's years until the beginning of the kalpa of calamity. Riding the flying-cloud chariot of the Eight Luminous Lords, one ascends into the Cloud Gate. The body flies into the Great Void, and even the souls of the dead suddenly rise again."

When the chant is finished, one tilts the head back and swallows eight times, then stops. The scripture states that this is a secret method of Shangqing, treasured by the Most High (Taishang) within a golden register. Whoever obtains and practices it may become immortal, escape death, and ascend to become a xian (immortal). However, if one carelessly divulges this numinous text, the seven generations of one's ancestors will be punished, and one will lose one's own life and bear guilt in the Mountain of the Netherworld.

Lord Qingtong (Qingtong Jun) is Gaochen Shiyu Baowang of the Dongfang Fangzhu Palace (Donghua Fangzhu Gong), also called the Donghua Immortal Palace. He is bound to the Primordial Sun Essence Qi (yuanri jing zhi qi), and his bodily form stretches seventy million zhang in height.

In spring, over three months, Lord Qingtong wears the Qinghua Baochen Crown (Qinghua Baochen Guan) and a blue feathered robe with a flying skirt of blue brocade. At his waist hangs the Qingjing Tongming Sword, and he holds the Nine-Colored Demon Banner (Jiuse Mo Fan) and wears the Divine Tiger Talisman. He sits on blue clouds within purple mist. When practitioners visualize him, he returns to the form of seven cun and seven fen in height.

In summer, Lord Qingtong takes on a bird-headed human form, clothed entirely in blue feathered garments. He stands on a five-colored lion and holds a staff for summoning immortals, surrounded by purple clouds. After visualization, he returns to his original true form.

In autumn, he appears as the Qingjing Child (Qingjing Tongzi), wearing a flying dragon on his head and holding a fire bell in his mouth. He sits upon Xuanxu, and blue clouds constantly curl around his body. After visualization, he returns to his original true form.

In winter, Lord Qingtong transforms into blue, red, and green rays of light that intertwine and appear above Shangqing (Highest Clarity), within blue clouds. This is the form in which he transforms the Qi of Donghua and again receives the refining essence of the Primordial Sun. After visualization, he returns to his original true form.

To cultivate the Way of Lord Qingtong, enter the chamber on Lidong (the Beginning of Winter), on one's own birth day (benming ri), and on the Gengshen and Dingmao days. Face east and perform nine prostrations to worship Lord Qingtong. When finished, turn north and knock the teeth twelve times. Visualize Lord Qingtong's forms as they change with the four seasons, appearing in the Qingyuan Hall, Tongxia Village, and Donghua Lane of the Fangzhu Palace in Shangqing. Turn the true Qi downward to illuminate and enter the hundred gates of the body. When the visualization is complete, face north again and knock the teeth twelve times, then recite the incantation:

The Qinghua qi was vast, fused, and profoundly remote, and five roads appeared in clear light. The Spirit of Jinchen established the tallies and maintained these seven methods of practice. Taiyi preserved life, efficacious fulu (talismans and registers) governed the hun and po souls, the Spirit of Lingyang handled the registers of deliverance, and Duke Yuan summoned the spirits. Those who follow these methods may ascend to the clouds and rest in jade halls. Their blessings are exceedingly deep, and their auspicious fortune extends without end. Their names are recorded in the immortal registers of Donghua, and generation after generation they enjoy the blessings of the superior immortals. When the ritual is complete, one lifts the head, swallows the nine primordial qi, and then may stop.

This is a Dao (the Way) transmitted in secret to the Upper Perfected within the Donghua Yuge (Jade Statute of Donghua), the regulations of the Donghua immortal realm. The scripture states that after great upheavals of heaven and earth and after passing through calamities, the documents will be changed, and practitioners should encounter them in the palaces of the Five Sacred Peaks. Whoever obtains this method can attain longevity without death, can cross the great floods after cultivation, and can ascend to immortality in broad daylight. If the secret is divulged carelessly, the seven generations of ancestors will be subjected to servitude, the person themselves will die, and they will suffer punishment from the source of the Yellow River.

The Great Emperor of Fusang, the Nine Elder Immortal Sovereign, was transformed from the qi of the Valley of Primal Origin, and his body rises ninety million zhang high. Throughout the three months of summer, he wears a jeweled morning crown and robes of many mingled colors that constantly change.

Dao-Emperor Jiuliao Xian Huangjun (Jiuliao Xian Huangjun, the revered deity of the Fusang Immortal Realm) was transformed from the Qi of the Yuanyuan Valley, and his body measures ninety million zhang in length.

During the three months of summer, Jiuliao Xian Huangjun wears a precious Langchen crown of dawn, a robe whose colors shift and change, and a sash of flying spiritual silk at his waist. He bears the Huoluo Seven Primal Sword and holds the Qingling Mingmo banner. He stands upon a nine-colored cloud, radiant and brilliant, illuminating the Shangqing (the Highest Clarity, the Daoist celestial realm). When one visualizes him, he contracts to a height of nine cun and nine fen.

During the three months of autumn, he transforms into the form of an immortal, his body as firm as a vajra, with a circular halo about his neck. He wears seventy-two layers of ritual robes and stands upon a lotus of the Three Qi, shining brightly and illuminating the Shangqing. When one visualizes him, he returns to his original true form.

During the three months of winter, he transforms into a being with a human head and a dragon's body, its scales displaying the five colors. He dwells in the jade clouds above Zixu (Purple Void). When one visualizes him, he returns to his original true form.

During the three months of spring, he transforms into a radiance of azure, green, and dark-blue light, layered upon one another and appearing above the Shangqing. This is the returning of the Qi of Fusang's Qinghao (Azure Vastness), and his receiving and refining of the essential Qi of the Yuanyuan Valley. When one visualizes him, he returns to his original true form.

To cultivate the Dao of the Nine Qi Xian Huangjun, one should enter the chamber for practice on the spring equinox, on one's birth-day (the sexagenary day corresponding to the practitioner's date of birth), and on the eighth day of the fourth month. Facing northeast, one performs three bows and pays homage to the Xian Huangjun. Then, turning toward the north, one knocks the teeth together twenty-four times. One visualizes the Xian Huangjun, in accordance with the changing seasonal forms, dwelling in the Qingyuan Palace of Shangqing, the Yanggu Prefecture, the Mingbing Township, and within the Fusang Hamlet. He turns his true Qi downward to shine upon the practitioner, entering the great knot of the womb-chamber at the root of the practitioner's life-source. Then one recites the incantation:

The Supreme Emperor (Taidi), a revered Daoist deity, shifts his numinous light, while Fuchen, a Daoist divine name, governs the Original Qi (benyuan zhi qi), so that the Qi of the four seasons refine and transform one another in myriad ways. It enters the embryonic sac of a person and severs the root of death. Taiyi (a revered Daoist deity) guards the gateway, and Yuzhen (a Daoist spirit) protects the courtyard, so that a person is delivered beyond the Three Realms and the body becomes a precious Golden Immortal (jinxian) form. The sacred decree is thereby revealed, and the practitioner joins with the feathers of the immortals, rides the wheel, and ascends, their name entered in the Jade Register of immortal rank, their blessings preserved generation after generation. Calamity and the sinking into death are cut off, the immortal soul is reborn, and the seven generations of ancestors ascend together into the immortal realm where the Lord Emperor dwells. When the rite is complete, one tilts the head up, swallows two breaths, and then stops.

This is the mysterious secret text of the Supreme Emperor, kept hidden in the Jade Chamber, and it is used only once in ten thousand kalpas. One who obtains it may endure for a long time, and one who practices it may attain immortality. If it is divulged carelessly, however, misfortune and punishment follow, and one perishes at the source of the Yellow River.

The Perfected Master Xiaoyou Yuzhen Wanhua (a Daoist immortal) presides over this method.

The Lord of the Painted Image, Tuyu Jun (a Daoist deity), is transformed from the Qi of Yuanna Zhen, and his form rises to thirty million zhang. In autumn's three months, he wears the precious crown of Yuanyou, a robe of flying immortal feathers, and a belt of the Baozhen Dongzhang; he holds a flowering banner and stands upon a five-colored lion among the blue clouds, his radiance illuminating the Highest Clarity Heaven (Shangqing). When one visualizes him, he contracts to a height of three cun and three fen.

In winter's three months, the Lord of the Painted Image transforms into a figure with a human body and a bird's beak, holding a jade talisman in its beak, wearing feathered robes, and grasping the Flower of the Three Qi. His light blazes brilliantly and illuminates the Highest Clarity Heaven. When one visualizes him, he returns to his original true form.

In spring's three months, the Lord of the Painted Image becomes a human figure whose two hands turn into phoenix wings. He wears a yellow feathered robe throughout and stands with both feet on the Seven Stars, dwelling in the realm of the Purple Void (Zixu). When one visualizes him, he returns to his original true form.

In summer's three months, the Lord of the Painted Image becomes a radiance of blue and yellow, covering the Highest Clarity Heaven like layered clouds. At this time, he also returns to the primordial Qi of Xiaoyou Yuzhen and undergoes refinement once more, absorbing the true essence. When one visualizes him, he returns to his original true form.

Those who cultivate the Way of the Jade Lord, Yuzhen Jun, should enter a quiet chamber on the day of Lichun (the "Start of Autumn" solar term) and on their own life-day (the day corresponding to their birth year). There they face northwest and bow once, and after paying homage to Yuzhen Jun they turn to the north and tap their teeth twelve times. They then visualize Yuzhen Jun appearing in different forms according to the four seasons, residing in the Golden Cloud Palace of Shangqing (the palace within the immortal realm of Shangqing), and communicating with the practitioner. From the Yuzhen Hamlet of Zhaoyao in the heavenly realm, Yuzhen Jun turns the True Qi (zhenqi) and shines it downward, descending to the Renzhong point beneath the practitioner's nose. Then the following incantation is recited:

"Xiaoyou Heaven gathers the true qi, harmonizing the jing essence and cultivating the shen spirit; the Great Dao turns and transforms, mixing the Six Qi and separating the Seven Qi. The One Emperor governs life, and Wuying guards the hun and po souls; the Seven Splendors restore the withered to life, and the quiet scenery rises in mist and rosy clouds. Receiving the registers of the Exalted Emperor, grace extends to save the seven generations of ancestors; the body unites with the sun and moon, and the three lights of sun, moon, and stars connect with one another. Riding the feathered chariot, I roam and ascend to the lofty immortal realms."

Once the incantation is finished, the practitioner tilts the head back and swallows the breath three times, and then the practice may stop. The scripture states that this is the golden script and jade writing of Xiaoyou Heaven, and that whoever obtains and practices it will have a lifespan equal to that of Heaven and Earth, and upon completion may become a Zhenren (Perfected Person). However, if one transmits it carelessly or divulges it without restraint, the blame will extend to the seven generations of one's ancestors; after one's own death one will also bear the penalty of judgment and will endure ten thousand kalpas without pardon.

Lord Shangdi Sijin (Shangdi Sijin Jun) of the Twenty-Nine Perfected of Xuanzhou is a divine perfected formed by qi condensed from the transformations of the Primordial Immortal (Yuan Xian). His body measures fifty million zhang in height.

Through the three months of winter, he wears a crown of the Three Mysteries Penetrating Heaven, a robe of nine-colored tiger hide over patterned fur, and a belt of flying green feathers embroidered with tiger-shaped talismanic script. He carries a Flowing Gold Fire Bell and dwells above the Purple Void and within the Grand Clarity, shining brightly. When one visualizes him, he contracts to a height of five cun and five fen.

Through the three months of spring, Lord Shangdi Sijin transforms into a human body with a beast's head, resembling a qilin. At times his whole body takes on the qilin form, blue and yellow in alternation and richly patterned, standing amid clouds of three colors. When one visualizes him, he returns to his original perfected form.

Through the three months of summer, he transforms into a youth wearing a crown ornamented with a flying dragon and a robe of purple and yellow feathers. He rides a phoenix and moves through the realm of Clear Void, at times traveling to feast with the Five Marchmounts and holding the Azure Nothingness Register (Qingwu zhi lu). When one visualizes him, he returns to his original perfected form.

Through the three months of autumn, he transforms into a range of lights, mingled in color and entwined with one another, dwelling within the Highest Clarity. At times he travels to feast with the Five Marchmounts, holding the Azure Nothingness Register. This is the form in which the qi of the Twenty-Nine Perfected of Xuanzhou returns to its source and again receives the refining nourishment of the Primordial Immortal's transformations. When one visualizes him, he returns to his original perfected form.

To practice the Way of Lord Shangdi Sijin, one should enter the chamber at the Start of Summer (Lixia), the Autumnal Equinox, or a day of the jiazi cycle. Facing east, one performs nine bows, and after completing them, turns north and clicks the teeth twelve times. Then one visualizes the Lord, in accordance with the image of each season, residing in the Hall of the Grand Clarity Minister of Works, within the Perfected Palace of the Celestial Capital, in the Village of the Dark Yin, at the center of the Registers. One lets the circulating true qi descend and shine downward, entering the tip of one's own penis. Then one chants the incantation:

The Mysterious Perfected (Xuanzhen) assists the immortal officials, the Supreme Emperor examines the immortal registers, and the Divine King (Shenwang) refines primordial qi, with five-colored clouds spread out as a seat. Talismanic commands are relayed to the Four Offices, which examine and organize the roster of the essential souls (jingpo). Taiyi (the Supreme One) bestows the immortal registers (xianlu) on the practitioner, securing their eligibility to become an immortal. The practitioner regains a youthful countenance, delays the passing of years, and stops the growth of white hair. Their body flies to the Mysterious Capital (Xuandu) and dwells together with Heaven. The Five Emperors support and lift them up, allowing them to hold the position of Mysterious Elder (Xuanbo) for a long time. Once the rite is complete, they tilt their head back and swallow the nine qi, and then may stop. These are the secret methods of refining immortality in the Mysterious Continent (Xuanzhou): they restore youthful looks, delay aging, halt white hair, fly to the Mysterious Capital, dwell with Heaven, receive the support of the Five Emperors, and enjoy the post of Mysterious Elder for eternity. Once the rite is complete, one tilts the head back, swallows the nine qi, and then stops. This is the hidden path of Xuanzhou, concealed in the Palace of Great Possession (Dayou zhi fang), the palaces and mansions of the celestial realm, and it appears only once in ten thousand years. Whoever obtains this method will have their name entered into the immortal registers by the Immortal Elders, granting boundless longevity. Practicing it enables one to fly upward to the celestial court. If it is divulged carelessly, the body will meet death, and one must apologize to the ghost officials.

The Divine Lord Taiwu Chenzhong (Taiwu Chenzhong Jun), a Daoist deity, is transformed from the qi of the Primordial Jade Gate (Yuanyu hu), and his body stands seventy million zhang tall. During the three winter months, he wears a crown of golden flowers set with seven treasures, a vermilion-patterned feather robe, a sash of nine colors, and a golden seal at his waist, and he holds a tiger tally. He stands above purple clouds, in the midst of Taiqing, radiant and shining across the ten directions. When one visualizes him, he contracts to a height of seven cun and seven fen.

During the three spring months, Taiwu Chenzhong Jun becomes a child seated within a blooming lotus, holding a five-colored banner, and positioned above the purple clouds of Shangqing. When one visualizes him, he returns to his original true form.

During the three summer months, Taiwu Chenzhong Jun becomes three figures, each wearing the Yuanyou crown, a green feather robe, and a plain white sash. They hold decrees for slaying demons, and at times ride a flying phoenix, positioned above Shangqing. When one visualizes them, they return to the original true form.

During the three autumn months, Taiwu Chenzhong Jun transforms into lights of white, blue, and yellow, which wind around one another and rest above Shangqing. This signifies his return to the Taiyuan qi, as the lights mutually receive the refinement of the essence of the Primordial Jade Gate. When one visualizes him, he returns to his original true form.

Those who cultivate the Way of Chenzhong Jun (Chenzhong Jun, Lord of the Morning Center) should do so at the Beginning of Autumn, at the Autumnal Equinox, and on geng-shen days. On entering a quiet chamber, the practitioner faces northwest and bows three times to pay homage to Chenzhong Jun. Turning to the north, the practitioner taps the teeth together twelve times. One visualizes Chenzhong Jun manifesting his form as the seasons change, dwelling within the Six Births Palace of the Xuan Dong Palace in Shangqing (Highest Clarity), in the Jade Gate of the Immortal Homeland. He turns his True Light and shines it downward, entering the Imperial Chamber of One's Life-Mandate within one's own Dantian palace. Then one recites:

"The immortal spirits scatter their radiance, and the vast morning Qi (vital energy) flows out to the four quarters. Blending the Qi of the Nine Mysteries, the Jing (essence) of the Three and Five Numbers circulates and pours forth. Condensing true Qi, one becomes an immortal; passing through immortal refinement, one rises and is delivered. The Primordial Father releases the body from its bonds, the Mysterious Mother nourishes and protects it, and the Five Shen (spirits) attend at its side, opening the road of ascent to the clouds. The Three Primes keep my registry and record, and the Imperial Perfected bestows his sustenance upon me. Breath accords with nature, and the five-colored light stands firm and secure. May I long enjoy boundless life and share blessings equal to Heaven and Earth."

When the recitation is finished, one lifts the head and swallows three breaths, and the rite is complete. The scripture states that this belongs to the Supreme Way of Taisu. Whoever cultivates this method may extend life by hundreds of millions of years, and upon accomplishment becomes a Perfected, with his or her name entered among the Nine Heavens. These sacred words must not be transmitted or disclosed carelessly, for otherwise the body will perish and the opportunity to become an immortal will be lost.

The Mother of the Nine-Spirit True Immortals of Turtle Mountain (Guishan Jiuling Zhenxian Mu) was born from the primordial mingled Western Metal Qi, and her body stretches seventy million zhang in length.

In the three months of spring, she wears a feathered crown of precious jade that supports the dawn and a robe that drifts like purple qi among the clouds. Her skirt is woven of nine-colored dragon-patterned brocade feathers, and at her waist hang a golden flaming bell, a tiger tally, and a dragon scripture. She sits upright above clouds of vermilion, green, and blue qi floating in the void. Her radiance is bright enough to illuminate Zi Qing (the Purple Clarity). When she is visualized, she contracts to seven cun and seven fen.

In the three months of summer, the Mother becomes a nine-colored phoenix with nine heads. Her plumage is brilliant and her light flashes, illuminating the Great Void (Taixu). When she is visualized, she returns to her original form.

In the three months of autumn, she appears as a human body with a phoenix head, wearing a robe of nine-colored flying-cloud brocade and a jiaoling purple sash, and standing on a cloud of nine colors. Her light is clear and shines through Shang Qing (the Highest Clarity). When she is visualized, she returns to her original form.

In the three months of winter, she appears as purple, blue-green, and yellow lights layered over one another and merged in primordial chaos, from which brightness emerges. This signifies her return to the Qi of the Nine Spirits and her renewed refinement by the Jing (essence) of the primordial mingled Western Metal. When she is visualized, she returns to her original form.

To cultivate the Way of the Mother, one should enter the chamber on the ninth day of the ninth month and on the autumnal equinox. Facing west, perform nine prostrations to worship her. Then turn north and click the teeth nine times, visualizing the Mother as she manifests her seasonal forms, dwelling within the Western Dragon Hamlet of the Jade Emperor's Realm in the Nine Mysterious Mansions of the Palace of Precious Simplicity in Shang Qing. Visualize her returning to her true form and descending into the practitioner's Mingtang (the Bright Hall, the visualized locus within the body used for contemplation), and then chant the incantation:

Spiritual transformations can lead one to the profound and mysterious realm. The body turns into light and shadow and ascends to the Nine Heavens. Concentrating jing (essence) and qi (vital energy) forms shen (spirit), and one rises as a Golden Immortal. Once one has united with the Dao (the Way), one can also scatter the physical form into myriads of images, ascend to the Palace of the Supreme Dawn, ride the air, and tread the clouds. Under the protection of the Yellow Register for Preserving Life, one's longevity extends across kalpas. One's name is recorded on golden tablets and white registers and inscribed in the celestial roll, so that one enjoys the blessings of Supreme Splendor forever and endures together with Heaven and Earth. Upon completing the practice, one looks up and swallows the Nine Qi, and then stops.

This Supreme Way of the Nine Numinosities is kept as a secret treasure in the Chamber of Great Possession above the Nine Heavens, and it is transmitted only once every myriad kalpas. Whoever obtains it may escape death, and by cultivating it one can ascend and become an immortal.

The Azure Sovereign of Upper Origin and the Shaoyang of the East (the Green Emperor of the eastern spring) receives the Qi of the Nine Vapors and stands ninety million zhang tall. For the three months of spring, he wears the Nine Origins Penetrating-Heaven Crown and a robe of azure brocade with flowing skirts, bears the Seal of the Nine Qi Life-Destiny Demons of Supreme Unity, and wears at his waist a green-feathered cord of crossing spirits. He often stands above the jade-green clouds. When one visualizes the Azure Sovereign, he returns to a form nine cun and nine fen in length.

For the three months of summer, the Azure Sovereign takes on the appearance of a nine-headed figure, clad entirely in vermilion, with a white silk sash at the waist, and stands with his feet on the back of the Azure Dragon. When one visualizes him, he returns to his original form.

For the three months of autumn, the Azure Sovereign appears as a human body with a dragon's head, clad entirely in blue-green, standing above the jade-green clouds and holding the Talisman of the Yang Vapors in his hand. When one visualizes him, he returns to his original form.

For the three months of winter, the Azure Sovereign transforms into a black radiance that shines brightly and illuminates the north. This is the state in which he returns to the Qi of Upper Origin and again receives the essential Qi of the Nine Vapors. When one visualizes him, he returns to his original form.

Practitioners who cultivate the Way of the Azure Emperor of the East (Dongfang Qingdi Jun) usually enter a quiet chamber on the Start of Spring (Lichun) or the Spring Equinox (Chunfen). They face east and perform nine prostrations to honor the Azure Emperor, then turn north and click their teeth nine times. Next they visualize the Azure Emperor, whose form changes with the seasons, dwelling in Qinggu Village in Dongmeng Township, Jiusheng Mansion, Changyang Palace of Shangqing. From the heavens he turns and descends into the practitioner's hepatic mansion (gan fu), the divine palace within the body that traditional thought associates with the liver.

They then recite the incantation:

"Ascend to the Origin and return to the Primal: let the primordial qi transform so that I may attain immortality. Refine the azure qi and receive its transformation, uniting it with my primordial spirit (yuanshen) as one body. The true spirit enters the profound and mysterious realm and suddenly manifests in ten thousand forms. A thousand chariots and ten thousand riders attend my body. I wear the luminous colors of the azure dragon and the green mists, clad in brocade mantles and flying skirts. I rise through the heavens to pay homage to the Dawn Sovereign, my name enrolled in the Donghua register of immortals. I conceal my traces among the mortal world, dwell long in the ranks of the immortals, and shine together with the sun."

When the recitation is finished, the practitioner tilts the head back and swallows the nine streams of primordial qi they have visualized, and the rite is complete.

The Red Thearch of the South (Chidi Jun), the divinity of the southern quarter who governs the interchange of yang and yin, has a primordial qi called the "Qi That Enters the Dan" (ru dan zhi qi), and his body stands eighty million zhang tall.

Through the three months of summer, the Red Thearch wears a precious crown of dark beams formed from three qi, a robe of crimson brocade cloud, and a skirt patterned in cinnabar hues. He bears the Southern Pole Yang-Subduing Talisman (Nanji Zhi Yang Fu) and wears at his waist the Vermilion Palace Light-Entering Sword. He often stands above red clouds. When one visualizes him, he shrinks to a height of eight cun and eight fen.

Through the three months of autumn, the Red Thearch transforms into a vermilion bird. He holds a red ribbon in his beak, treads on red clouds, and shines with a dazzling brilliance that illuminates the Great Void. Once one has visualized him, he returns to his original form.

Through the three months of winter, the Red Thearch transforms into a bird with a human head. He bears the essence of the sun upon his head, holds a fire bell in his beak, and dwells within purple clouds. Once one has visualized him, he returns to his original form.

Through the three months of winter, the Red Thearch transforms into a bird with a human head. He bears the essence of the sun upon his head, holds a fire bell in his beak, and dwells within purple clouds. Once one has visualized him, he returns to his original form.

Through the three months of spring, the Red Thearch transforms into a blue radiance, its light dense and luxuriant, illuminating the east. At this time, he restores the qi that connects to yang and again receives the essence of the Eight Elixirs of Refining the Origin (Lian Yuan Ba Dan). Once one has visualized him, he returns to his original form.

Those who cultivate the Way of the Red Thearch usually enter a quiet chamber on the days of Lixia (the beginning of summer) and the summer solstice. Facing south, they perform eight prostrations to honor the Red Thearch. After the worship is complete, they turn to the north and knock their teeth twelve times. Next, they visualize the Red Thearch in his forms as the seasons change. He dwells within the Eight Flame Hamlet of the Southern Pole Township, in the Vermilion Hill Prefecture of the Palace of Yang in the Upper Clarity Cavern. He turns his true numinous self and descends, entering the mansion of the heart (the dwelling of the divinity visualized within the mind). Then they recite:

"The three qi revolve, and the numinous spirit descends. The Eight Thearchs and Nine Clarities soar through the Cavern of Subtle Mystery. The cinnabar yang shines and reveals its light; it merges with the Central True, and refining and transformation arise naturally. The four seasons turn and forms change, restoring my true form. Following the flow of qi, I join with Heaven in spirit; I ascend into the great void, riding the emptiness, and rise to the Imperial Court. May I forever enjoy primordial auspiciousness and share the longevity of the Southern Pole."

When the recitation is finished, one looks upward and swallows eight breaths, and the rite concludes.

The White Lord of the West, the Lesser Yin White Emperor (Shaoyin Baidi Jun) who governs the West, autumn, and the white Qi of Metal, is formed from the primordial Six Pure Qi, and his body stands sixty million zhang tall. For the three months of autumn he wears a crown of Seven Qi Radiant Light, a white brocade robe woven with cloud light, and a flying skirt of plain brocade. A sash of plain cloud silk hangs from him, the Longyuan Mannan Sword is at his waist, and he often stands above a white radiance of rosy light. When one visualizes the White Lord, he shrinks to a height of six cun six fen.

In the three months of winter, the White Lord becomes a being with a human head and a tiger's body, shining with the brilliance of the sun and illuminating all of space. After the visualization, he returns to his original form. In the three months of spring, he becomes a being with a tiger's head and a human body, wearing the Moon Essence on his head, holding a plain silk sash in his mouth, dressed in a tiger-striped garment, and treading on lions. After the visualization, he again returns to his original form. In the three months of summer, he becomes a yellow light, transparent and luminous, illuminating the central direction. This signifies his return to the Qi of Lesser Yin, where he once again receives and refines the Jing of the Six Pure Essences. After the visualization, he returns to his original form.

Practitioners who follow the Way of the White Lord usually enter a quiet chamber on the two days of Lichun (the start of autumn) and the Autumn Equinox. They face the West and bow six times to the White Lord, then face the North and click their teeth three times. Next, they visualize the White Lord in the forms of the four seasons, turning his true form and descending from the Golden Gate Palace of Upper Clarity, the Hall of Penetrating Light, the Village of Pure Water, and the Golden Origin Lane, until he enters the practitioner's lungs. They then recite the following incantation:

"The sun and moon move, three unions and seven completions. The Western Metal Qi condenses the hun and po, regulating and refining the form. The tiger form transforms and penetrates the nine paths; the seven Qi fly up, and the essence of Qi becomes manifest. The Lord opens the true Dao, and all things are born through it. Transforming together with the mysterious void of the great Dao, the breath enters the deep and secluded realm. The great Dao accords with the Primordial Beginning and ascends to the Jade Court; uniting with Heaven, one shares spiritual nature with the Lord. May one long hold auspicious blessings, undiminished for myriad ages."

After the recitation, they tilt their heads back and swallow the breath six times, then stop.

The Black Emperor of the North, Lord Who Penetrates the Yin and the Sun (Beidi Tongyin Taiyang Heidi Jun), is the sovereign deity who governs the waters and qi of the north and the transformations of Yin-Yang. He receives the qi of the Five Numinous Essences (wuling zhi qi), and his bodily form stands fifty million zhang tall.

During the three months of winter, he wears the Dark Dawn Crown of the Five Qi (wuqi xuanchen guan), a dark robe of brocade with flying skirts in five colors, and the Seven Origins Jingling Bells (qiyuan liuling), and he is girded with the Wenshen Sword of Divine Penetration. He often stands atop black clouds. When one visualizes him, he shrinks to a height of five cun and five fen.

During the three months of spring, the Black Emperor takes the form of a serpent with a human head. Its markings shine in five colors, and it holds a golden talisman in its mouth. He wears a crown of seven stars, and his radiance is bright, illuminating the Upper Clarity (Shangqing). When one visualizes him, he returns to his original true form.

During the three months of summer, the Black Emperor appears with five heads. He wears a crown of five stars and a black feathered robe, and he treads upon a dark tortoise while holding a bell of fire. When one visualizes him, he returns to his original true form.

During the three months of autumn, the Black Emperor transforms into white light that shines brightly over the west. This signifies that he transmutes the qi of the Yin-Sun penetration, is refined once more, and condenses the essential qi of the Five Numinous Essences. When one visualizes him, he returns to his original true form.

Those who cultivate the Way of the Black Emperor usually enter a quiet chamber on the day of Lichun (the beginning of winter) or Dongzhi (the winter solstice). Facing north, they perform five prostrations to honor him, then click their teeth twelve times. Next, they visualize the Black Emperor appearing in different forms according to the seasons. He dwells in the Five Numinous Hamlet of the Dark Yin District in the Huangfu, north of the Palace of Broad Numen in the Upper Clarity. He turns his true qi downward to shine upon the practitioner and enters the practitioner's Kidney Palace (shenfu), that is, the place where the kidneys reside. Then the following incantation is recited:

"The Five Phases manifest true qi, and Yin and Yang unite to form the talisman. The mysterious qi turns and circulates, the four seasons alternate and renew in endless cycles. Transform the form and return to the primordial void; ride the emptiness and enter the realm without form. The Great One protects life, and the Lord Emperor bestows the talismanic mandate. Guard the likeness of the immortal perfected, and let the name be recorded in the cinnabar register. May the Five Paths unite with the True Way, and may my body unite with them as well. Drive the sunlight, ride the clouds, and ascend to the Jade Capital."

When the incantation is finished, one tilts the head back and swallows the qi of the Five Paths, and the ritual is complete.

The Central Lord of Universal Numen, Gaohuang Huangdi (High Sovereign Yellow Emperor), received the Qi born of Yuanhuang (Primordial Yellow), and his bodily form stands thirty million zhang tall. In each month of the summer, the Lord wears a yellow Huangchen Tongtian jade crown, a yellow brocade robe, and a dark-yellow skirt of flying-cloud brocade. The Lord carries the Huangshen Yueyuan scepter and the Lingfei purple cord of office, and regularly stands upon a yellow cloud borne by five-colored lions. When visualized, the Lord shrinks to a height of three cun and three fen.

During the three autumn months, the Jade Huangdi of White Qi transforms into four attendant youths, dressed in brocade robes of green, white, red, and black, with flying-cloud shoulder capes. Each wears the blossom of solar essence (rijing zhi hua) on the head and holds a five-colored banner while standing on a white cloud. After this visualization, the Lord returns to the original true form.

During the three winter months, the Jade Huangdi of Black Qi transforms into a single vermilion bird with four heads and brilliantly colored plumage, illuminating the north. After this visualization, the Lord returns to the original true form.

During the three spring months, the Jade Huangdi of Green Qi transforms into the Venerable Elder Huangshang, whose entire body is yellow. The Elder wears a round halo, holds a golden bell, and stands on a green cloud. After this visualization, the Lord returns to the original true form.

During the three summer months, the Jade Huangdi of Red Qi transforms into a shimmering red radiance that illuminates the south. The Lord then returns to the Qi of Gaohuang and receives once more the Jing (essence) generated through the refining of Yuanhuang. After this visualization, the Lord returns to the original true form.

To cultivate the Dao (the Way) of Lord Huangdi, one should enter a quiet chamber on Taisui days and Jiazi days and bow twelve times facing the Taisui direction. After paying homage to Lord Huangdi, one turns north and knocks the teeth twelve times while visualizing the Lord appearing in different forms according to the seasons. The Lord descends in a spiral from the Gaohuang Mansion of the Huangyuan Palace in Shangqing (Highest Clarity), passing through the four circles of the Wu quarter, and enters the practitioner's spleen palace, the place where the spleen resides. The practitioner then recites the incantation:

The firm and upright qi of the four directions gathers all the perfected beings, while its numinous transformations have no fixed bounds. The Dao joins and becomes one, from which the Five Phases unfold. As the times and their fortunes change, it takes different names and flows through the four directions. This is the most auspicious day. Practitioners ride the Yin qi and command the Yang qi, guided by the Six Jia Direct Talisman (the protective divine general on duty that day). Taiyi (a revered Daoist deity) comes to welcome them, allowing my name and register to be entered among the immortal records and my name to be inscribed in the heavenly capital. I may then pay audience to the Three Primes (the Three Officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water), preserve the body of an immortal perfected being, and become a Divine Sovereign. When the rite is complete, raise your head and swallow twelve breaths; then you may stop.

The Primordial Register of the Origin’s Transformations in the Highest Clarity

The High Jade Emperor, the Supreme Sage Lord, and the Jade Perfected Ones of the Nine Heavens all received the qi of Nature at birth. They dwelt within bodies like fine jade, their hidden excellence revealed amid the Purple Origin. Their numinous qi harmonized and responded, giving rise to beings of this kind: sages and perfected ones. They inherited the lineage of the imperial current and attained the Dao from birth. The qi of the Empty Cavern condensed into their characters, and their names were formed from the union of the Three Qi. Later, they received imperial titles and manifested in response within the Highest Clarity. They command the immortals in the lofty and empty realms and preside over matters deep and mysterious. They follow the changing of the four seasons and work out the transformations of the solar terms. Through bathing, receiving the cap, and arranging their appearance, they keep life enduring. They set their forms and images in motion and manifest in response to each encounter, hidden and elusive, beyond grasp.

Thus the Dao has no fixed name. It is too deep and distant to measure, too subtle to fathom. Heaven and Earth follow it in establishing their order; the qi of Great Mystery joins with it and becomes clear; the sun and moon rely on it to shine; and the Five Phases receive it and display their numinous power. Its De is lofty and vast, beyond compare in dignity; the Dao’s subtle excellence cannot be fully described.

The immortal registers recorded by the Origin are kept in the Purple Chamber of the Supreme Palace of the Six Directions. They are transmitted only once in ten thousand kalpas, a secret text strictly forbidden to be revealed by the Nine Heavens, beyond the hearing even of ghosts and spirits. If you can behold the chapters within, their grace will flow down to later generations and their blessings reach the faraway roots of Mystery. Your soul will ascend to the Southern Palace, and your ancestors of seven generations will rejoice together. Your name will be entered on a jade tablet, and at the threshold between life and death you will attain the Dao of immortality.

Those who practice the Way of the Highest Truth should be familiar with the forms of primordial transformation. They should change with the seasons, so as to attain the true Dao, return to the original Qi, and cultivate spirit and vitality.

For example, on the first day of spring, the Primordial Sovereign, the Venerable Elder (a revered Daoist deity), absorbs the original jade-void Qi, the primordial energy that comes from the realm of Jade Void, and receives the honored title “Sovereign, Venerable Elder.” These are all forms that correspond to the true way. His clothing, too, takes on the proper colors suited to the season. For the full ninety days of spring, he dwells in the realm of truth and guards the true Dao. When summer begins, the Sovereign, Venerable Elder changes his original form to accord with the changing seasonal energies and bathes in the realm of the divine and perfected. This is called “transforming into an immortal and changing the scene”: changing the immortal form and shifting realms. Through this, one attains the true Dao, receives numinous Qi, and keeps the original Qi enduring.

For the full ninety days of summer, the immortal soul is bathed, and the Qi of the divine and perfected beings resonates with it. When autumn begins, the Sovereign, Venerable Elder changes his form in keeping with the season and puts on a cap and sash corresponding to the Five Phases. This is called “immortal transformation.” At this time, Qi connects with the mysterious realm, fills the interior and flows outward, revealing its radiance. By changing the true form and nourishing the original Qi, one makes Qi inexhaustible.

For the full ninety days of autumn, he wears the cap and sash of the Nine Heavens, transforming into an immortal and becoming perfected. When winter begins, the Sovereign, Venerable Elder gathers and conceals the true Qi, entering embryonic breathing—a breath so subtle it resembles that of a fetus. In this way, the original Qi returns to its natural state; he leaves behind his former body, becomes a radiant vision, and returns to the primordial beginning. Through refinement, he returns to essence, nurtures the pure and lucid divine spirit, and lets its colors blend until it resembles clouds and mist.

For the full ninety days of winter, he gathers the original Qi and steadies his spirit, restoring his former form. In this way, the four seasons complete one cycle and then begin anew. This is the method of primordial transformation through the four seasons: changing one’s form as the seasonal energies turn.

All things in the workings of Heaven and Earth have their periods of flourishing and decline. Obstruction and free passage, rest and growth all accord with the timing of Heaven. When things flourish, one preserves the true way and acts accordingly; when they rest, one nurtures and replenishes them. By preparing one’s cap and sash and cultivating essence and Qi in season, one does not violate the natural order. In this way, Heaven and Earth can endure without end. The subtle transformations of this Way are beyond full description.

Those who practice the true Dao should each follow the seasons in their practice and visualize the perfected beings within themselves. All should follow the methods of the Primordial Sovereign, the Venerable Elder. If, for eight years, they never fail to keep the proper seasons, perfected beings will descend, and they will see the forms of the divine and perfected with their own eyes. They will also be able to transform with Qi and ascend through the vastness of the sky.

When practicing the “Way of the Four Transformations,” one should take the corresponding talisman according to the seasons. During the three spring months, while practicing the Way and maintaining visualization—that is, imagining and contemplating during cultivation—one should first take the “Eastern Radiance, Communing with the True, Transforming the Scene of Yang Rosy Clouds Talisman.” During the three summer months, one should take the “Southern Light, Eight Refinements, Elixir of the Four Bright Scenes Talisman”; during the three autumn months, the “Western Essence, Vast Spirit, Transforming the Scene of Supporting Hope Talisman”; and during the three winter months, the “Northern Mystery, Deep Truth, Refining the Scene of Whistling Wind Talisman.” When practicing the Way of the Yellow Emperor, one should take the “Yellow Supreme, Eight Directions, Life-Giving Scene, Jade Gate Talisman” during the final month of each season.

This is called the Supreme Way of Primordial Transformation and True Perfection. It is said that practicing this Way enables one to communicate with the Qi of Heaven, summon deities, and draw responses from the perfected immortals, causing numinous Qi to descend and illuminate one’s dwelling. It regulates the practitioner’s body, allows the Qi of the Four Brahmā Heavens—sacred energy associated with the four directions—to flow through the Five Palaces, the inner palaces of the body’s five organs, opens the apertures, receives the True Qi, and lets the spirits dwell securely in the Jade Palace, their abode within the body. Practitioners can also bind and command the immortals according to the seasons, harmonize Yin-Yang, and regulate the seasonal cycles, so that the workings of Heaven and Earth and the order governing the eight directions each follow their proper course. This method’s principles are subtle and profound; it is the foundation of immortal cultivation. Those who understand it are said to be able to sit quietly and behold the true spirits, cultivate and refine the body as the seasons change, bring the myriad spirits to peaceful completeness, and ascend to Shangqing, a high celestial realm in Daoism. If practiced in secrecy, the spirits will descend; if the method is divulged, calamity will follow.

Eastern Radiance, Communing with the True, Transforming the Scene of Yang Rosy Clouds Talisman

During the three spring months, when practicing the Way, visualizing the deities, and summoning numinous responses, write this talisman in black ink on blue-green paper and face east when taking it. The scripture says that after taking it for one hundred days, one will be able to communicate with the spirits; after one thousand days, one will see the deities and discern the subtle and hidden. If this method is divulged, calamity will follow.

During the three months of spring cultivation, when visualizing and inviting the deities, write the talismanic text in black ink on blue-green paper and swallow it while facing east. Persist for one hundred days, and you will be able to communicate with the deities; persist for one thousand days, and you will see them, gaze across ten thousand li, and behold natural landscapes while seated in stillness. You will also be able to command the nine Blue True Jade Maidens (attendants of the blue deities of the East) and obtain the precious books of the Blue Palace and the true writings of the immortals.

Alternatively, write the talismanic text in blue on yellow silk, place it east of where you sit and sleep each day, and cover it with blue brocade. Persist for one hundred days, and the Blue Elder will descend; the divine officers of the Blue Emperor will attend and protect you, while divine writings guard whoever carries this talisman. After nine years, you will naturally obtain clouds of blue radiance and ride them through the sky. This is what is meant by sincere devotion moving the spirits to respond and descend: seated in stillness, one can become a flying immortal.

This talismanic text is the essence of the blue radiance of the East, the bright essence of Yang clouds opening forth. Its Qi is the radiance of the Nine Origins at their beginning, illuminating the eastern sky in layers of abundance, vast and boundless. Its refined Qi is swift, clear, and emerald green; blue-green clouds fill the Great Void, and its brilliance shines beyond the Nine Heavens. Its numinous liquid flows beyond Haolin, and the Jade Spring pours into an abyss ten thousand fathoms deep. Flocks of blue-green chickens dwell in the woods, while the abyss is governed by the Divine King of Yang Valley. Above stands the Temple of Primordial Blue (the sanctuary of the Primordial Blue deity); at its center is the Palace of Blue Radiance. Within the temple are the chambers of the Nine-Qi Primordial Elders. The Blue True Sacred Emperor is attended on his left by the Blue-Waisted Jade Maidens, while Emerald-Feathered Numinous Youths keep watch on his right. He often rides a numinous beast of Mount Tai and commands a nine-radiance dragon.

During the three months of spring, the practitioner guides the Qi of the Nine Heavens upward and draws out the source Qi of the liver palace below, bringing the two breaths into responsive union. Their transformation can be completed in an instant. Thus, gathered Qi takes the form of a talismanic sign, and condensed essence forms a Fulu (talisman and register). If you can swallow its Qi, you will immediately see the forms of the deities; if you can absorb its essence, you will transform and enter the Nine Heavens. This numinous transformation is lofty and vast, and contains myriad wonders too numerous to recount one by one.

The Talisman of Southern Radiance, Eight Refinings, and the Fourfold Brightness of the Cinnabar Landscape (a talisman of southern illumination, eightfold refinement of the cinnabar landscape, and radiance in the four directions).

During the three months of summer practice, visualize the spirits and summon their numinous responses. Write the characters in green on red paper, face south, and swallow them. After one hundred days of practice, you will be able to communicate with spirits; after one thousand days, you will see the gods; after ten thousand days, you will become a flying immortal. You will also be able to command the Eight Great Cinnabar Jade Maidens and summon the Flowing-Gold Fire Bells and the Elixir Seals of Ascension to Immortality. Another method is to write the characters in red on white silk. You may also place the talismanic script to the south of the place where you usually sit and sleep, and cover it with red brocade. After one hundred days of practice, the Crimson Elder will descend to your dwelling. The divine officers of the Red Emperor will guard the sacred text and protect the person who practices with the talisman. After eight years of practice, you will summon clouds of crimson radiance, ride upon them, and ascend to the Palace of Dongyang.

These texts are the essence of the Southern Cavern’s Eight Refinements and Four Radiances. The Qi they contain is the first light to appear when the Eight Heavens open their sealed storehouses. That light shines brilliantly in all directions, swift as lightning, spreading through the layered heavens. Its vital energy blazes; its red radiance unfurls, brilliant and lofty, like auspicious clouds surging upward to illuminate the celestial court where the sun resides. Abundant Jade Liquor flows into the flowing flames.

There dwell immortals who live forever and never die: above is the Terrace of the Southern Pole, and in the middle is the Palace of Dongyang. Within the terrace is the office of the presiding immortal, the Director of Destiny. To the right of the Supreme True One of Great Harmony, the Great Cinnabar Jade Maidens attend; to the left, the Spirit Children of Red Jade guard him. They often gather the wondrous beasts of Mount Huo and ride nine-colored phoenixes. During the three months of summer, they guide the Qi of the Nine Heavens upward and draw the luminous Qi of the Crimson Palace downward. The two kinds of Qi unite and respond to one another, giving rise to subtle and wondrous transformations. Thus, condensed essence can form talismanic script, while gathered breaths can transform into stars. Swallowing this Qi enables the numinous sovereigns to descend to your dwelling; absorbing its essence enables you to fly through the skies in all eight directions and command the Six Jia and summon the Six Ding. By cultivating this profound Way, you may ascend to a higher rank among the immortals.

During the three months of autumn practice, visualize the deities and summon numinous Qi. Write the talismanic characters on yellow or white paper, then face west and take them. After a hundred days of sustained practice, you will be able to reach the spirit realm; after a thousand days, you will see the deities. The High Perfected—immortals of elevated rank—will descend to meet the practitioner. The practitioner can also command the Six Great Plain Jade Maidens, goddesses in Daoist tradition, summon the golden essence of the sun’s radiance, and refine Zhi Ying, a wondrous substance akin to the immortals’ lingzhi fungus.

You may also write the talismanic characters on blue silk and place it where you sit or sleep. Face west and cover the silk with white brocade. After a hundred days of sustained practice, the White Elder will descend to your side, and the White Emperor’s divine officers will guard the talisman and protect the practitioner. After six years, you will be able to summon the Three Plain Cloud Chariots, vehicles made of clouds in three colors. They will descend to carry the practitioner high into the sky and fly to Jade Clarity, the upper realm in Daoist tradition.

The talismanic passage refers to the descent of such deities as the Vast Numinous Lord of the Western Grotto, Lianfu the Emperor, and the Golden White Elder. The White Emperor’s divine officers guard the talisman and protect the practitioner. After six years, the Three Plain Cloud Chariots descend to carry the practitioner into the heavens and fly to Jade Clarity.

This talisman embodies the power of refining the luminous spirit of the Western Cavern, assisting the Emperor Zhen, and gathering the essence of the Golden-Po Soul and White Gate. Its breath is the primordial radiance of the Sixfold Evolving Golden Light, shining brightly over the West and spreading vast and far through layer upon layer of heavenly realms. Its essence is clear as jade, its brilliance dazzling, its heights rising tier upon tier. Above, no other color can be seen; below, there is no abyss. Heaven and earth stretch boundlessly into the distance, as though white clouds and mist were piled one upon another, their radiance illuminating the empty space above the Golden Gate.

The numinous energy flows into the courtyard where the Immortal Zhen is refined. In the courtyard is the Pool of Returning Form, used to cultivate immortal mushrooms. At the Golden Gate stands a platform of green-gold cinnabar, above which rises the Spirit Tower of Dragon Mountain; within the tower is the Palace of Pure Numinous Radiance. Inside the palace are twelve chambers for jade immortals. At the side of the Perfected One of Western Florescence, a Jade Maiden of Pure Numinous Radiance attends her, while a Golden Florescence Boy stands guard. The Perfected One often rides a numinous beast of Mount Hua, driven by the King of White Tigers.

In each of the three months of autumn, the Perfected One guides down the Qi of the Nine Heavens from above and draws forth the true Qi from the Lung Palace below. The two currents respond to change, meet, and unite, bringing transformation to the Western Pass. When practitioners gather essence, they can form a talisman; when they bind Qi together, they can form a spirit. If they can swallow this Qi, they can summon down spirits and make their faces appear. By consuming its essence, they can ascend through the Golden Gate, summon the spirits of the Five Sacred Peaks with a cry, and call spirits from the ten directions simply by sitting upright. They can also raise clouds, bring forth dragons, and travel wherever they wish. The wonder of this talisman is profound and beyond words.

Talisman for Refining Radiance and Summoning Wind by the Northern Mysterious, Deeply Numinous Perfected One.

During the three months of winter practice, when contemplating and summoning divine beings, write the text in black ink on white paper, face north, and swallow it. Persist for one hundred days, and you will be able to communicate with the divine beings. Persist for one thousand days, and you will see the true gods, discern what is hidden and subtle, meet the divine beings, command the five Great Mystery Jade Maidens, summon the numinous immortals of the Five Stars—including the High Consorts and Ladies—and obtain the precious divine writings from the Central Mystery Chart.

Alternatively, write the text in black ink on crimson silk and place it north of the mat where you sit and sleep, then wrap it in dark-colored brocade. Persist for one hundred days, and the Black Emperor will descend before your mat. His divine officials will attend and guard you, protecting anyone who possesses and practices the Fulu. Persist for five years, and you will summon dark clouds to descend and cover you. Your body will rise into the vastness of space, and you will fly among the Northern Dipper stars.

This numinous text is formed from the essence of the Northern Land of Hidden Truth, where the mysterious and profound, the tranquil wind, and the radiant morning meet. Its Qi is the radiance that arose when Yin and Yang first separated. Amid primordial chaos, this radiance gathers and disperses, displaying deep and luminous colors in five hues that shine upon the realm of Yudan. It branches out and spreads, layer upon layer; its essences cling to one another, like brocade, as clouds of Qi and mist intertwine. It gathers golden blossoms without displaying its brilliance and nurtures the Five Phases, thereby establishing the Mysterious Dao.

Its wondrous transformations appear in the wilds of Northern Yin, while True Qi flows through the land of Cold Waters. In Northern Yin grows the refined Immortal Jade Paste; in the land of Cold Waters dwells the king who subdues demons. Above is the ornate canopy of the Seven Mornings, the divine beings of the Seven Mornings; below is the Hall of Vast Numinous Power. The canopy shelters the True Hall within the Mysterious Dipper. At the side of the August Jade Morning Lord, the Jade Maiden of Great Mystery serves on his right, and the Jade Morning Youth serves on his left. They often ride the divine beast of Changshan, driving a purple wheel drawn by flying turtles. During the three winter months, they guide the Qi of the Nine Heavens upward, draw up the breath of the Hall of Vast Numinous Power below and the breath of the True Hall beneath the canopy, and stir the flowing-spring Qi within the Palace of the Kidneys. The two currents of Qi meet in a place of wondrous communication, and after ten days a transformation occurs.

Thus, when essence is condensed, a numinous text takes shape; when Qi is gathered, one becomes an immortal. If one can swallow this Qi, the divine beings of the Seven Mornings will descend into the inner chamber, allowing one to behold and draw near the countenance of the numinous immortals. If one can take in its essence, Yin and Yang can be transformed, clouds raised and dragons summoned, and one can ascend to the Radiant Hall and witness the wondrous transformations revealed by the numinous text. This is the fundamental Dao, the source of Heaven and Earth.

The Talisman of the Eight Directions of the Yellow High One, Born of the Luminous Jade Gate.

When carrying out the Way at the appointed times of the four seasons and summoning the spirits, write the talismanic signs on red writing paper and ingest them at the end of the final month of each season. Persist for one hundred and twenty days, and you will gain access to the spirit realm, see into what is hidden and subtle, and know good and ill fortune in advance. Persist for one thousand days, and the Celestial Perfected Ones—true immortals of the heavens—will descend and meet you. You will then be able to command the twelve Yellow-Plain Jade Maidens, spirit attendants, and receive such tokens of divine and immortal authority, along with celestial vestments, as the Eightfold Register of the Yellow Supreme, the True Crossing of the Mysterious Register, the Flying Immortal Phoenix Robe, and the Nine Heavens’ Spiritual Writings.

There is another method: write the talismanic signs in yellow characters on black silk, place them in the center of the mat where you sit and sleep, and cover them with yellow brocade. After one hundred days, the Yellow Elder—the revered deity of the central yellow divine lineage—will come to your room, and the divine officials of the Yellow Emperor will protect both the talismans and the practitioner. Persist for twelve years, and you will summon a yellow cloud to descend and envelop you. Riding a jade carriage with feathered wheels, you will ascend and enter the Palace of Great Mystery.

These talismanic signs issue from the vital essence of the Central Yellow Supreme, the Kun Mother, and the Jade Gate’s Birth of Radiant Clarity. The Qi within them is the primordial radiance from which the framework of Heaven and Earth and the Twelve Earthly Branches—the signs that mark the passage of time—were formed. It opens onto the mysterious and sacred palaces of the spirits.

This scripture says that the source of this talisman is the clear and luminous essence born from the Jade Gate of central yellow, belonging to the Mother of Kun, the divine personification of the Earth’s Yin Qi. Its primordial Qi is the first radiance generated by the laws governing Heaven and Earth and by the changing hours of the day. The radiance shines in all eight directions; vapor billows and spreads, and its light gleams, reaching through empty space. Dense Qi guards the sacred realm of the Great Mystery, unfolding layer upon layer and extending across vast distances. Its splendor issues from the Nine Mysteries, the hidden depths of Heaven, then flows throughout the regions associated with the four directions and the four seasons.

Above is the Abode of Jade Capital; at the center is the Palace of the Flower Canopy. Within the Abode stands the palace dwelling of the Supreme Dao Lord. Beside the Lord of Jade Dawn, on the left stand flying immortals bearing feathered insignia and Jade Maidens of Azure Radiance; on the right are the Jade Lords who guide immortals and the divine boys of Golden Numen. He often rides a numinous beast of the Nine Signs and drives a yellow dragon of the Mysterious Heights. He governs the five Qi that constitute all things in Heaven and Earth, assists the movement of the stars, and presides over the Twelve Gouchen, divine offices associated with the celestial order of the stars. Above, he guides the sources of the Nine Heavens; below, he brings forth the Yellow Spirit in the Palace of the Spleen.

The Qi above and below meet above the Muddy Pellet, the upper Dantian in the head, then are refined and fused in the chamber of the Three Elixir Fields, where the upper, middle, and lower Dantian are located. Thus, gathering essence and Qi can transform the spirits, while coalescing primordial Qi can cultivate one into an immortal. If one can swallow and absorb this Qi, the Yellow Elder will appear; if one can consume this essence, one’s complexion will take on the firm, lustrous sheen of adamant, the body will manifest the forms of Water and Fire, and a round halo will appear atop the head. Various transformations will then arise within the Dantian, ultimately allowing one to ascend through the air. This is the wondrous efficacy of this numinous text; the sublime realm it can attain is beyond measure.

This is a secret text handed down by the Five Elders (the Five Emperors of the Five Directions), kept in the Golden Flower Violet Chamber of the Five Spirits’ Jade Capital above the Nine Heavens. Each of the Five Emperors has fifty spirit youths and fifty jade maidens, who burn incense, scatter flowers, and guard these sacred scriptures. According to the ancient ordinances of the Nine Heavens, these secret writings are transmitted only once in every ten thousand kalpas, and only to high immortals, so that they may perfect themselves and become realized beings.

Only those who possess celestial credentials such as the Mysterious Tablets and the Imperial Charts, whose names are entered in the registers of the Three Pure Ones, and who are judged worthy of becoming sages of the future, may see this numinous text. They practice the arts of transformation, visualize the spirits, and recite, uphold, and use the jade script—sacred talismans. Within nine years, they can summon the Five Elders to descend into their chambers and meet with realized beings of the heavens, perceiving the hidden and wondrous depths. By sitting, they can make things appear; by standing, they can make things vanish. They can transform water and fire and ascend to heaven in broad daylight.

If anyone carelessly reveals or neglects the secret text, calamity will befall seven generations of their ancestors. They themselves will also die and sink forever into the source of the River. When reciting and ingesting the talismanic script, face the ruler of the current season, knock the teeth twelve times, then pray in a low voice:

The celestial wheel turns, the earth moves; the four seasons meet with the true Qi. The Five Phases guide the refining and transformation, coalescing into a jade immortal. In the Upper Origin, Jing and Qi gather; in the Middle Origin, the divine spirits transform.