《北斗七元星灯仪》

Respectfully, we have heard that the Northern Dipper's seven stars (the Seven Primes of the Beidou) illuminate the sun, moon, and stars, and are the root of the pure and numinous primordial Qi (气) of the heavens. They govern the constant Dao (道, the Way) between heaven and earth in their revolutions, and serve as the guiding principle that oversees the movements of the celestial bodies. The Dipper sits at the pivot of the Taiji (太极, Supreme Ultimate) and presides over the turning of the heavenly vault. When its starlight appears, it harmonizes the four seasons; when its radiance is drawn inward, it nurtures and transforms the myriad things.

The changes of the thirty-six periods all correspond to the passes of the heavens, and the division of the twelve double-hours distinguishes the directions and the order of the earth. The Ziwei Enclosure (the region of stars where the Celestial Emperor dwells) surrounds and guards the imperial seat, high in the heavens, while the constellations along the ecliptic each keep to their posts and move in order. At times the stars stray from their courses and overstep their positions, revealing a moment when Yin-Yang (阴阳) is out of balance and the sun and moon eclipse one another; at other times the stars turn with the heavenly movement, answering to the patterns by which the sun and moon shift. The spirit of the Dipper sees into the most subtle things, and nothing is left unrevealed; its numinous power reaches far and deep, and it shines equally upon all beings. For this reason, it can free a person from death and turn danger into safety, causing the cinnabar register of the Southern Pole immortal realm (the divine roll recording lifespan and fortune) to appear. It can also lengthen life and increase the count of years, and have one's longevity and emolument inscribed in the registers of the Eastern Florescence Immortal Residence. A household that accumulates good deeds is thereby made manifest, and auspicious blessings descend upon it.

Now, a certain person, who has long received the gift of the mysterious Dao, was born in a flourishing age and has been deeply favored by the Celestial Emperor, yet does not know how to repay this kindness. We therefore respectfully invite fellow Daoists to join in performing an immortals' Keyi (科仪, liturgy), lighting the star lamps that honor the Supreme Northern Dipper and pray for longevity. The ritual altar is arranged in the form of the Dipper, with silver lamps set out to make the shape of the Dipper. Purple smoke curls and drifts like a canopy (the umbrella carried in the Celestial Emperor's procession) sheltering the body; the red lamp flames shine brilliant and bright, welcoming Gouchen (the celestial spirit who oversees the Emperor's close guard and the stars), that its divine light may descend.

We humbly wish that auspicious omens may bloom like flowers and calamities vanish like a burned-out lamp; that blessings and rank may grow without end, and the realm of life radiate numinous light; that good fortune may arrive, and pure, harmonious Qi may fill the lofty mansion. The assembly bows their heads in refuge and sincerely praises: the Heavenly Venerable who Prolongs Life and Protects the Body.

We, your servants, sincerely take refuge in the Great Sage of the Pivot Palace, the True Sovereign Tanlang Yangming (the lord of the first star of the Dipper), and in all the immortals and numinous officials within the Northern Dipper.

I have heard that the Flying Dawn (the pattern of the stars in motion) joins with the Light, and that the Pivot Star holds authority over calamities and conjunctions. The Director of Governance oversees affairs and corrects faults, while Yangming presides over the turning of the Jade Armillary (the pivot of the Northern Dipper's body and the movements of the heavens). Above, they govern the creative transformations of the Nine Heavens; in the middle, they oversee the spiritual Qi (vital energy) of the Five Peaks; below, they regulate human relations, extending to every category of being. They determine life, death, and length of years, and their judgment of good and evil is impartial and free of private favor.

Now this disciple, with reverence and sincerity, follows the profound ritual norms. They arrange the image of the Northern Dipper and prepare offerings of incense, flowers, and lamps, together with the ceremony itself, and wholeheartedly take refuge in the Great Sage of the Pivot Palace, the True Sovereign Tanlang Yangming (one of the Seven Primal Lords of the Northern Dipper). They humbly beg him to turn back his divine radiance (Shen light) and let his brilliance shine, opening the precious mirror within the numinous chart. May he increase their fortune, emolument, and lifespan, and inscribe their living name on the jade tablets. May past sins be dissolved, and may blessings shelter their descendants. With bows of homage and refuge, they offer this sincere hymn of praise:

The Lord of the Tanlang Star grants people longer life and leads the true spirits to unite with the Four Numinous Beasts. Starlight flows down in streams, and the deep, mysterious realms are made bright. The Seven Primal Lords register names in the rolls and guard body and mind. The spirits of the numinous and true record the registers, and the Qi of the Upper Primordial protects the physical form. May the hun and po souls be settled for long ages, and may the ears and eyes be free from alarm. May life be preserved and the true Qi of the embryonic origin circulate. May the true nature be kept whole, so that one follows what is natural, and in the end ascends to the Jade Capital (the celestial city of the immortals).

All of us, with one heart, take refuge in the Great Sage of the Jade Armillary Palace, the True Sovereign Jumen Yinjing (one of the Seven Primal Lords of the Northern Dipper), and in all the immortals and numinous officials within the Northern Dipper.

I have heard that the stars have five gates, which accord with the three radiances of sun, moon, and stars, shining from afar...

Note: At this point the original text returns to "ascending to the Jade Capital" and repeats the line taking refuge in the True Sovereign Jumen Yinjing, so the latter part appears to have omissions or to have been miscopied and wrongly joined.

I have heard that the stars have five gates, which join with the three radiances of sun, moon, and stars, casting their light far into the distance. When the gates open, the light shines in every direction, gathering the myriad Qi (vital energy) and radiating brilliance. The stars govern promotions in the celestial treasury, and they also rule over the fortune, emolument, and lifespan of the people. No human life escapes the deep and penetrating scrutiny of Heaven, and anyone who wishes to find a path to life must rely on this bridge of light.

Now a certain person has completed the ritual proceedings at the Jasper Altar (the ritual ground where Daoist ceremonies are held). With sincere heart they reach upward to the heavenly court, lay out the image of the Northern Dipper stars, and prepare offerings of incense, flowers, and lamps. With utmost devotion they take refuge in the Great Sage of the Jade Palace (the star palace), the True Sovereign of the Great Gate, Essence of Yin. We respectfully pray that this person be freed from a thousand calamities, that their lifespan be prolonged and a hundred blessings arrive together. May the heavenly gate open the dwelling of the spirits, and may true Qi gather in their original source. May their name be inscribed on the jade tablets, their years made firm, as enduring as the kalpa stone that survives every cosmic cycle. May their good deeds be recorded on the Cinnabar Terrace, their life lengthened, as long as the numinous toon tree (the legendary tree of great longevity). Bowing in homage, we sincerely sing in praise:

The Lord of the Great Gate Star rescues beings from hardship and affliction; he is a lofty perfected one and numinous immortal. The starlight turns and flows, illuminating the hidden and subtle. May their name be written on the jade tablets, so that their lifespan is firm as the kalpa stone; may their good deeds be entered on the Cinnabar Terrace, so that their years increase, as long as the numinous toon tree. Bowing in homage, we sincerely sing in praise:

The Lord of the Great Gate Star rescues beings from hardship and affliction; he is a lofty perfected one and numinous immortal. His flowing radiance illuminates all directions, preserving life and extending the years. The Seven Primes (the seven stars of the Northern Dipper) oversee the registers of names, enabling people to attain long life. They remove perils and dangers and keep calamity far away. They make the viscera open and clear, so that there is no fault within or without the body. They cause the movement of light to accord with its manifestations and to connect with the spirits (Shen). Refining body and mind, and following what is natural, one finally ascends to the Jade Capital (the celestial realm of Daoism).

We, your servants, sincerely take refuge in the Great Sage of the Armillary Palace, the True Person of Lucun, the True Sovereign, together with the many immortals and spirit officials among the Northern Dipper.

I have heard that people dwelling beneath the Canopy of Splendor know only the subtlety of walking according to the ritual steps, yet may not understand the principle within them; and when the consciousness descends into the Great Void, it is hard to fathom the mystery of the spirits' flight. Above the Eight Effulgences and Nine Heavens, practitioners reach the realm of the true through pure registers (Daoist name registers and talismans) that accord with the Dao (the Way). On the heights of the Five Peaks and Four Rivers (the five sacred mountains and the four great rivers), immortal officials are attached to the Yellow Terrace (the celestial bureau of the immortals) and receive commands to carry out their duties. How much more, then, must those living in the dusty world rely on the gracious light of the spirits.

Now a certain person has purified themselves, observed the fast, and sworn their vow. According to the rites they have set up an altar, laid out the image of the Northern Dipper stars, and prepared offerings of incense, flowers, and lamps. With utmost devotion they take refuge in the Great Sage of the Mechanism Palace, the True Person of Lucun, the True Sovereign. We respectfully pray that blessings and celebration accompany long life, and that their favor extend through distant kalpas. May their lifespan be long, as if through thirty million sixty-year cycles, as lasting as Heaven and Earth. May the twelve numinous gates (symbolizing twelve vital passes of the human body or of Heaven and Earth) open and close in accord with the laws of Yin-Yang. May this person's days be leisurely and free, peacefully enjoying purity and tranquility. Bowing in homage, we sincerely sing in praise:

The Lord of the Star of Lucun (Lucun Xingjun) protects life, and the High Perfected (Gaozhen, an honorific in Daoism for exalted immortals) disperse malevolent spirits. With upright qi (Qi) they subdue evil influences, so that people may pass their years in peace and their blessings may extend without end. Through thirty million sexagenary cycles, Heaven and Earth endure. Twelve spirit gates are opened, so that yang qi unfolds and yin qi is shut away. By day one is leisurely and at ease, enjoying the qi of harmony and balance. The assembly bows their heads in refuge and sings in reverent praise:

The Lord of the Star of Lucun protects life, and the High Perfected disperse malevolent spirits. Upright qi subdues evil influences, and respectful attendants guard the honored guest. One's name is entered in the registers of the upper realms of the Lords of the Seven Primes (Qiyuan Xingjun, the deities of the Northern Dipper), and by their turning, the qi of the Primal Perfected is drawn in. The luminous qi spreads and manifests, uniting with one's own body and opening a bridge into the profound depths. May one forever avoid ill omens and safeguard body and mind; may one's name be struck from the registers of the dead so that one may be reborn, and may one's vows be presented to the spirits. May they help one follow the natural course and ascend to Yuchen (the Jade Dawn, a Daoist celestial realm).

We, the assembly, devote ourselves with single-minded refuge to the Great Sage of the Quan Palace, the Perfected Sovereign Wenqu Xuanming (one of the deities of the Northern Dipper), and to all the immortals and spirit officers of the Dipper Mansion.

It is said that the Star Lord is profound and subtle, holding the office of inspection and patrol. Hidden and concealed, with radiance undisplayed, the Star Lord commands the three palaces of the Northern Emperor, rewarding good and punishing evil, and subduing the five yin qi of the underworld. At times, to eliminate violent and rebellious acts, the Star Lord sends down the fire-armor in the realm of the Six Heavens; at times, to execute those who refuse allegiance, the Star Lord displays vermilion martial might in the borderlands of the four directions. All creatures, animal and plant alike, receive vitality from the Star Lord and are transformed and nurtured to maturity.

Now, I, so-and-so, have swept and cleansed the altar grounds, removing all dust and defilement. I have arranged the images of the Northern Dipper stars and prepared offerings of incense, flowers, lamps, and the like, and I devote myself with single-minded refuge to the Great Sage of the Quan Palace and the Perfected Sovereign Wenqu Xuanming. I pray that the Star Lord will erase my transgressions, freeing me from the ghost registers and defilements of the Nine Yin (the underworld); that the Star Lord will gather in my spirit souls, so that I may obtain the immortal formula of the Seven Returns (a Daoist teaching on returning to the origin and being restored to life). Whether moving or at rest, may I avoid unforeseen calamity; with every breath, may I accord with the auspicious qi of Great Harmony (Taihe). Receiving this supreme grace, may I enjoy lasting and exceptional good fortune. The assembly bows their heads in refuge and sings in reverent praise:

The Lord of the Star of Wenqu adds to the span of life, spreads true qi, and disperses malevolent influences. Radiant light shines forth, protecting the lower realm and uniting with the human body. The Lords of the Seven Primes deliver people and remove their records of guilt, and the profound realm is made clear and open. They steady and guard the spirit (Shen) and defend the body. Their awesome divine power inspires reverence, and the true spirits travel riding on the clouds. May inner and outer be made fully transparent, and may one be accompanied by the spirits. Nurturing and refining oneself and following the natural course, one ascends to Yuxu (the Jade Void, a Daoist celestial realm).

We, the assembly, devote ourselves with single-minded refuge to the Great Sage of the Heng Palace, the Perfected Sovereign Lianzhen Dandyuan (one of the deities of the Northern Dipper), and to all the immortals and spirit officers of the Dipper Mansion.

It is said that high upon the deep and misty Kun Terrace, seven gates shine upon one another; the light of golden canopies flickers faintly, secretly communing with the two luminaries of sun and moon. Crimson trees bear white blossoms and fruit, and jade nectar condenses into a refined elixir paste.

We, the assembled, sincerely take refuge in the Great Sage of the Hengong Palace, the True Sovereign Lord Lianzhen Danyuan (one of the Lords of the Northern Dipper), and in all the immortals and spirit officials within the Dipper.

It is said that high upon the deep and misty Kun Terrace, seven gates shine upon one another; the light of golden canopies flickers faintly, secretly communing with the two luminaries of sun and moon. Crimson trees bear white blossoms and fruit, and jade nectar condenses into a refined elixir paste. The True Immortals collate and register the rolls of names and oversee the ledgers of ghosts and spirits; they also give guiding principles to those who cultivate learning and hold the key to life, death, and transformation.

Now, so-and-so, having washed away the dust of the heart and acted in accordance with the rules of Keyi (liturgy), sets out the images of the Northern Dipper and its stars, prepares offerings of incense, flowers, and lamps, and sincerely takes refuge in the Great Sage of the Hengong Palace, the True Sovereign Lord Lianzhen Danyuan. We humbly beseech the Divine Lord to bestow blessing: may this person pass safely through the Three Origins (the Upper, Middle, and Lower Origins), and within the span of their limited years dispel the Three Calamities; may they accord with the Five Cycles (the movements of the qi of the Five Phases) and cultivate the Five Blessings at their very root. If they serve in office, may their career be distinguished, and may their descendants enjoy generations of honor and purity; if they engage in trade, may their household prosper and be abundant in wealth.

We bow our heads in refuge and offer reverent praise:

Lianzhen dispels calamity for people, and the Four Brightnesses shine upon Kaiyang. The divine spirits of the upper realms radiate their glory, and the sacred light penetrates the realm of darkness. The Seven Primes guard the registers of names, and the Director of Destiny lengthens blessings and longevity. We ask that the venerable deity record my name and make my life long; protect my person and life so that they stand firm, and remove perilous misfortune and disaster. May the divine and true ones manifest their power, and may the divine light spread in all directions. May I be able to accord with the Dao of nature.

Lianzhen dispels calamity for people, and the Four Brightnesses shine upon Kaiyang. The divine spirits of the upper realms radiate their glory, and the sacred light penetrates the realm of darkness. The Seven Primes (the seven stars of the Northern Dipper) guard the registers of names, and the Director of Destiny lengthens blessings and longevity. We ask that the venerable deity record my name and make my life long; protect my person and life so that they stand firm, and remove perilous misfortune and disaster. May the divine and true ones manifest their power, and may the divine light spread in all directions. May I be able to accord with the Dao of nature and ascend to the Jade Hall (the dwelling of the immortals).

We, the assembled, sincerely take refuge in the Great Sage of the Kaiyang Palace, the True Sovereign Lord Wuqu Beiji (one of the Lords of the Northern Dipper), and in all the immortals and spirit officials within the Dipper.

It is said that the Jade Tower's radiance illuminates the celestial court, and the Polestar glimmers in and out of view within the resplendent heavenly palace. On precious jade tablets, brilliant characters record the constant Way (Dao) by which the stars revolve in ceaseless circulation. It arranges the stages of cultivation according to established rule, and examines the diligence and accomplishment of those who pursue the Dao. Starlight shines forth from the gates of the eight directions, so that no dark place is left without light; its brilliance spreads for ten thousand li, and whatever obstacles it meets are made passable.

Now, one who dwells in the mortal world yet turns their heart toward the realm of the Dao sets out the emblems of the Northern Dipper and its stars, and prepares offerings of incense, flowers, and lamps. With single-minded devotion, they take refuge in and entreat the Great Sage of the Kaiyang Palace, the Sovereign Lord of Wuqu, the Polestar (one of the Dipper's star deities, who governs the Wuqu star). May this one thought of sincerity ascend to the heavens and receive the protection of the myriad spirits in due order. May longevity be bestowed, as the Milky Way pours down from the azure sky; may life be long and lasting, as a lofty mountain rises toward the jade heavens. May kin live in harmony, and children and grandchildren in joy. All bow their heads in refuge and sincerely sing in praise:

The Star Lord of Wuqu dispels calamity, and the power of Xuanming sweeps away misfortune. The three radiances of sun, moon, and stars shine brightly, and the primal qi of heaven and earth flows through without hindrance. The Seven Primes of the Dipper (the seven star deities corresponding to the seven stars of the Dipper) register each person's fortune and fate, and sit in their places within the Dipper Hall. They watch over the self and guard life, so that no one meets with disaster. The August Sovereign protects a person's true nature, so that lifespan and blessings know no end. May the family be harmonious and at peace. All bow their heads in refuge and sincerely sing in praise:

The Star Lord of Wuqu dispels calamity, and the power of Xuanming sweeps away misfortune. The three radiances of sun, moon, and stars shine brightly, and the primal qi of heaven and earth flows through without hindrance. The Seven Primes of the Dipper register each person's fortune and fate, and sit in their places within the Dipper Hall. They watch over the self and guard life, so that no one meets with disaster. The August Sovereign protects a person's true nature, so that lifespan and blessings know no end. May the true Way endure for long ages, and may one keep company with the spirits without limit. May life be preserved naturally, and may one ascend to the Jade Palace.

We, your servants, take single-minded refuge in the Great Sage of the Yaoguang Palace, the True Sovereign Lord of Pojun and the Heavenly Gate (one of the Dipper's star deities, who governs the Pojun star), together with the host of immortals and spirit officials within the Dipper Hall.

The movements of the heavens and the succession of the four seasons are all driven and recorded by the stars according to fixed patterns. The Northern Dipper holds an exalted position, commands the authority of the celestial realm, and is able to subdue the host of demons. Wherever its upright Qi reaches, the myriad things grow in accord with their nature. Where the power of pacing the Dipper (tagang budou) and guiding the stars extends, malevolent spirits have nowhere to hide.

Now this petitioner has cleared away all impurity and prepared the altar, and reverently and sincerely carries out the teachings of the rite. Offerings are arranged in the pattern of the Northern Dipper's stars, with incense, flowers, lamps, and other gifts prepared. With a sincere heart, the petitioner takes refuge in the Great Sage of the Yaoguang Palace, the Celestial Sovereign of the Pass of Heaven, Pojun (one of the Seven Primes of the Northern Dipper, the deity who holds the office of Pojun, "Army Breaker"). The petitioner humbly asks the deity's protection: may the heart of cultivation accord with the Cinnabar Terrace, and may the Southern Dipper inscribe the characters of long life. May sins and karmic debts be dissolved in the halls of the netherworld, and may the Northern Capital (the northern realm of the dead) record the name of the deathless. May everything done through the four seasons bring good fortune, and may the whole household act in peace and purity, sheltered by the winds of purity. With a bow in submission, the petitioner reverently praises: Heavenly Venerable of the Seven Primes, Protector and Shelter.

The deity Pojun supports the weak and turns a person's fortunes toward the realm of profound mystery. The Southern Dipper, Governor of Destiny, protects life, lengthens the lifespan, and brings the body peace. The scriptures (Jing) of the Seven Primes record the names of the numinous and the perfected, so that the assembled immortals may rejoice together. The cinnabar spirit (the radiant light born of Neidan, or internal alchemy, practice) sheds its brilliance and shines into the deep realm of darkness. The practitioner soars through the air and shares the lifespan of the gods. May they preserve their life naturally and in the end ascend to the Jade Court (the dwelling of the immortals).