《道门定制》Vol. 2

We respectfully invite the retinue of the Immortals and Perfected Ones to descend, and summon all the revered gods of the heavens: the celestial emperors under the jurisdiction of the Celestial Sovereign; the sun, moon, and stars; the Celestial Official of the Upper Origin (the heavenly deity who governs the Upper Origin); and the awe-inspiring spirits of the Celestial Treasury who are summoned in the Yellow Registers ritual. We also invite the Earth Official of the Middle Origin and the Water Official of the Lower Origin, under the jurisdiction of the Terrestrial Sovereign; the numinous powers of mountains, caverns, and sacred peaks, and of the water palaces in streams, rivers, and seas; and the assembled sages of the terrestrial offices in the Nine Layers and Nine Depths. We invite as well the spirits of the emperors of past dynasties under the jurisdiction of the Human Sovereign, together with the Immortals who have attained the Dao, the deities recorded in ritual texts, and the lords of the empty expanse.

With reverence, [name] presents the Secret Numinous Writ of the Three Sovereigns of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity, a transmitted document for communicating with the gods of Heaven, Earth, and humanity, to invite the assembled sages. The petition is respectfully entered and submitted to the Jade Void Supreme Emperor and the Lord Celestial Sovereign of the jiazi year. A separate copy is written to the Lord Terrestrial Sovereign of the jiashen year, and another to the Lord Human Sovereign of the jiayin year. We humbly beseech the sages to look down with compassion, take pity on ordinary people in their ignorance, and send down immortal radiance to bless and purify the celestial document, enabling it to reach both the upper and lower realms. May it be proclaimed to all the sages throughout the unseen and manifest worlds, and may they descend together to the ritual altar. In this way, both the unseen realm and the human world may receive their grace.

Having offended the august authority of the sages, [name] is filled with utmost trepidation and respectfully submits this petition.

On [year, month, day], [name], listing the officiant’s full ritual title, submits this petition.

Standard petition for submitting a memorial to the Eastern Peak: This type of petition is used when presenting a memorial to the Eastern Peak.

List the officiant’s full title; do not use “your subject”: Enter the officiant’s complete ritual title, but do not refer to oneself as “your subject.”

I respectfully submit this petition on behalf of a Daoist devotee from a local family, whose native place and residence are known, and who is taking part in this purification ritual. The ritual will continue until its completion and the altar is formally closed. Relying on the merit of this Zhaijiao, the devotee seeks specifically to guide the departed soul of a certain person, along with family members, relatives by marriage, and beings of the six realms of rebirth—the six classes of beings caught in the cycle of reincarnation—toward deliverance.

The altar precinct has now been put in order and purified. We respectfully invite the revered High Perfected to preside as the rites are carried out. In accordance with the explicit liturgical instructions of the Yellow Register and Jade Casket rites, we seek to deliver the spirits of the dead throughout the underworld. In addition to the memorial already submitted to the Jade Clarity Palace, requesting that talismanic commands be issued to grant pardon, we now respectfully submit this petition to the Eastern Peak Great Emperor, the Benevolent and Sagely Emperor of Heavenly Equity. We earnestly ask that his sacred grace take account of human intentions and descend upon the Daoist altar to witness this ritual of cultivating the Way through purification and guiding wandering souls beyond this world.

We also earnestly ask that the talismanic commands be carried out and that the relevant offices be ordered to release the souls of the dead and allow them to come to the assembly, so that beings in the underworld may be reborn beyond it. Having offended the majesty of the sacred, I, a certain person, am filled with fear and trepidation. I respectfully submit this petition.

On [year, month, day], the Ritual Master, [full title], respectfully submits this petition.

Petitions Submitted at Each Hour

For use in the Grand Yellow Register Purification Retreat.

Having reviewed the documents submitted for this retreat: because a certain Daoist devotee has established a Daoist altar, and a certain rite is to be performed at a certain time, we respectfully send a number of copies of a certain document for presentation before the Most High. This is hereby reported.

We respectfully submit this document to the Celestial Pivot Office of Highest Clarity, and earnestly request that it be received and recorded, then forwarded on our behalf. We respectfully submit this petition.

On [year, month, day], we respectfully send a number of copies of a certain document for presentation before the Most High. This is hereby reported.

We respectfully submit this document to the Celestial Pivot Office of Highest Clarity, and earnestly request that it be received and recorded, then forwarded on our behalf. We respectfully submit this petition.

On [year, month, day], the Ritual Master, [half title], respectfully submits this petition.

Envelope Format

Petition submitted to the Celestial Pivot Office of Highest Clarity: Respectfully sealed by [name], Ritual Master, [half title].

Format for Inviting the Assembly of Perfected Ones

When performing ritual offerings to deities such as the Fire Star, Zhenwu, Wenchang, or the Eastern Peak, and a formal document is required to invite the revered spirits, use this format.

Write the Ritual Master’s full title; do not use the title “Your subject.”

I, a villager from a certain place who reveres the Dao, briefly set forth my intention. As the ritual reaches completion and the altar is to be dismantled, I now respectfully conduct the altar ceremony and invite the Immortals and perfected beings to descend. I respectfully submit this document to announce their sacred titles. I earnestly hope that, in their compassion and wisdom, they will take pity on the ignorance of ordinary people, descend to the ritual site, bestow their radiance, and bear witness to this act of cultivation and devotion. I have presumed upon the sacred authority and am filled with fear; I respectfully submit this petition.

On a certain day of a certain month in a certain year, the High Merit Priest, [full title], respectfully submits this petition.

Document for issuing advance notices to summon souls and reporting to the Eastern Peak

The High Merit Priest, [full title], does not style himself a subject.

I earnestly hope that, in their compassion and wisdom, the sacred powers will take pity on the ignorance of ordinary people, descend to the ritual site, and bear witness to this act of cultivation and devotion. I have presumed upon the sacred authority and am filled with fear; I respectfully submit this petition.

On a certain day of a certain month in a certain year, the High Merit Priest, [full title], respectfully submits this petition.

Document for issuing advance notices to summon souls and reporting to the Eastern Peak

The High Merit Priest, [full title], does not style himself a subject.

As set forth in the statement of intent, this ritual will continue until its completion and the altar’s dismantling. It is being conducted specifically to accumulate merit for the deceased [name], the spirits of ancestors from past generations, deceased family members, and deceased friends and relatives of other surnames, so that they may be delivered and rescued. We fear that the underworld offices responsible for them may not yet know that these deceased have received the Supreme One’s grace of deliverance, and may still be detaining their souls and subjecting them to punishment. Their names and dates of death should therefore be listed, and the relevant underworld offices notified so they can search their records and verify the matter. We now submit this report.

We respectfully report to His Majesty the Eastern Peak Heavenly Equalizer, Benevolent and Sagely Emperor, and earnestly ask that, in his compassion and wisdom, he notify the relevant offices and subordinate underworld administrations to check the names on the list and release the deceased. We ask that the punishments imposed on them in the underworld be suspended for the time being. After the altar is opened, we will petition the Supreme One to issue an amnesty decree in the form of a talismanic command, then submit another document of notice, so that the deceased may be received and delivered. I have presumed upon the sacred authority and am filled with fear; I respectfully submit this petition.

On a certain day of a certain month in a certain year, the High Merit Priest, [full title], respectfully submits this petition.

Document reporting on the southern pole’s refinement and deliverance

This document is submitted along with the petition addressed to the deities.

The High Merit Priest, [full title], does not style himself a subject.

I respectfully submit this document on behalf of a certain person, for a family from a certain native place. From the initial expression of intent and prayers through the completion of the purification liturgy and the closing of the altar, the rites have been performed specifically to memorialize the deceased and to offer them a gold register and white petition—a document used in memorial rites and prayers for deliverance—in the hope of relieving their suffering and guiding them beyond. Now that the merit of the rites of deliverance has been brought to completion, I respectfully send the deceased named so-and-so and others to the Vermilion Mound Fire Court, the place in Daoist tradition where departed souls are refined and delivered, to undergo this refinement.

I now respectfully prepare this written petition and submit it to the Great Emperor of Longevity of the South Pole, the Perfected Lords of the Six Offices of the Southern Dipper, the Perfected Lord Who Restores the Corpse and Revives the Dead, and the Great Deity Who Oversees Life. I earnestly ask these honored gods to extend their benevolent grace and, in accordance with the talismanic command of the Primordial Beginning, specially open the Court of Flowing Fire for the deceased and carry out the refinement and deliverance, so that they may receive this blessing, undergo transformation, and be reborn. I have trespassed against the sacred authority and am filled with apprehension; I respectfully submit this petition.

Date: year, month, and day. The Senior Ritual Master, Daoist presiding over the Zhaijiao rites, fills in full title and name and submits this petition.

Documents to the Various Offices

General Document

If a Three Realms document, a written communication to the divine offices of the Three Realms, is used, write “that they may be transformed and reborn” in the text. I have trespassed against the sacred authority and am filled with apprehension; I respectfully submit this petition.

Date: year, month, and day. The Senior Ritual Master fills in full title and name and submits this petition.

Documents to the Various Offices

General Document

Use this form when employing a Three Realms document. If only a general document to invite the gods is used, employ the form below; there is no need to write another document on separate white paper.

The Altar Office of the Supreme Mysterious Capital, the office that issues documents during a Daoist Zhaijiao, issues this notice to the local territorial Perfected Officials, the deities who oversee the local domain. If the ritual altar is set up within a Daoist temple, write instead: “the dragon gods who protect the Dao in this temple.”

The faithful of this native place, residing here and following the Dao, have carried out the rites described above, from the initial expression of intent and prayers through the completion of the Zhaijiao and the closing of the altar. The altar grounds have now been prepared and purified, and the ritual service completed. Since Heaven and the human world are distinct, the sincerity of mortals cannot easily reach the celestial realm directly. The etiquette of the earthly world is also of low standing and may cause offense, so this written notice is necessary. We hereby ask you to examine the matter and promptly report it to Heaven. We earnestly ask that you assign celestial officials to oversee the ritual, purify the altar grounds, and respectfully welcome the divine palanquin without delay, lest Heaven’s authority be offended. Once the ritual service is complete, a token of gratitude will be offered in return. This notice is hereby issued.

Date: year, month, and day.

Addressed to the local territorial Perfected Officials; write in vermilion ink.

Full title of the Senior Ritual Master

Full title of the Celestial Master

Form for the Cover of the Written Document

The ritual service has indeed been completed. A token of gratitude shall still be offered in return. This notice is hereby issued.

Date: year, month, and day.

Addressed to the local territorial Perfected Officials; write in vermilion ink.

Full title of the Senior Ritual Master

Full title of the Celestial Master

Form for the Cover of the Written Document

The actual Senior Ritual Master, full title, respectfully seals this document.

Form for the Back of the Written Document

Write all other content in the same format, changing only the names of the deities listed in the documents.

The Supreme One’s Metropolitan Office Ritual Altar (an institution that conducts official correspondence and conveys prayers during Daoist rites) sends a dispatch to the local territorial officials (deities who govern local regions). This type of document follows the same format as those used throughout the Three Realms.

Metropolitan Dispatch: Write it on white paper. If the ritual has already called upon the local Earth God to summon the deceased soul, do not send a dispatch to that deity. For a rite to avert calamity, include the Earth God and other deities in the document.

The Grand Mystery Metropolitan Office Ritual Altar sends a dispatch to the Merit Officers of the Three Realms (divine officials who convey documents) and the Four Duty Messengers (divine messengers assigned to serve by year, month, day, and hour):

According to the person’s petition, as stated above, this person, whose ancestral home and residence are in [place] and who follows the Daoist teachings, respectfully invites the deities to remain until the rite is brought to a successful close. The ritual altar has now been fully prepared, and the secret rite is about to begin. Concerned that the human and divine realms are far apart and that sincere prayers may not reach you, and that the humble forms of worldly ceremony may cause offense, we have therefore issued this document. Please examine the matters presented herein, set out without delay, notify the Three Realms, and invite the exalted perfected beings and holy sages to descend to the earthly ritual altar, present and convey the petition on our behalf, and await a clear response. We also ask that you keep the altar grounds quiet and orderly as we respectfully await the divine retinue. Do not delay, lest you offend the majesty of Heaven. Once the Jiao rite (a Daoist ceremony of offering at an altar and praying to the deities) is complete, we shall offer thanks with sincere hearts. We hereby issue this dispatch. The format following the dispatch is the same as above.

Upper Realm Dispatch: Write it on white paper.

The Grand Mystery Metropolitan Office Ritual Altar sends a dispatch to the Upper Realm Direct Talisman Messenger (a divine messenger who conveys documents to Heaven):

According to the person’s petition, as stated above, this person, whose ancestral home and residence are in [place] and who follows the Daoist teachings, respectfully invites the deities to remain until the rite is brought to a successful close. The ritual altar has now been cleansed and fully prepared, and the secret rite is about to begin. Concerned that Heaven is high and its courts lie deep, that the cloud road is distant and difficult to traverse, and that the human and immortal realms are separated, we have therefore issued this document. Please examine the matters presented herein and promptly report them above to Primordial Yang and within the Great Void. Convey them to the August Emperors of the Heavens, the sun, moon, and stars, the Celestial Officials of the Upper Origin, and the numinous powers of the Heavenly Courts associated with the Yellow Registers (a system of liturgical rites used in Daoist purification rituals, including rites for deliverance and blessings). We earnestly ask the deities to leave their heavenly courts for a time and descend to the ritual ground, present and convey the petition on our behalf, and await a clear response. May the rite be accomplished and its purpose fulfilled, so that our sincere and diligent efforts are not in vain. We hereby issue this dispatch. The format following the dispatch is the same as above.

Middle Realm Dispatch: Write it on white paper.

The Grand Mystery Metropolitan Office Ritual Altar sends a dispatch to the Middle Realm Direct Talisman Messenger:

In accordance with the native places and registered districts listed in the preceding document, this notice remains in force until the ritual is fully completed. The altar has now been solemnly prepared, and the secret liturgy is about to begin. We are concerned that the divine officials in charge may not see our sincerity or respond to it, and therefore issue this document. The format following the text is the same as in the preceding document.

The notice to the Middle Realm is written on white paper.

The Altar of the Supreme Mystery’s Capital Directorate issues this notice to the Direct Talisman Envoy of the Middle Realm, the divine official responsible for conveying documents and dispatching talismanic commands:

In accordance with the native places and registered districts listed in the preceding document, this notice remains in force until the ritual is fully completed. The altar has now been solemnly prepared, and the secret liturgy is about to begin. We are concerned that the divine officials in charge are remote and unfathomable, that the underworld and water realm are deep and hidden, and that mortal understanding and worldly sentiments are too limited to reach the spirits. A notice must therefore be issued. We ask the envoy to investigate carefully the matter described in this document and summon the numinous mountains and sacred peaks, streams, rivers, seas, the spirit palaces of the water realm, the Nine Earthly Layers and Nine Netherworlds—the levels of the underworld and its shadowy domains—as well as the divine officials of every rank in the terrestrial administration. Let them ride the winds and descend upon the ritual altar to report and convey our petition on our behalf, then await a clear response. Once the ritual is complete and the matter settled, this sincerity will not be left unanswered; we therefore issue this notice. The format following the text is the same as in the preceding document.

The notice to the Lower Realm is written on white paper.

The Altar of the Supreme Mystery’s Capital Directorate issues this notice to the Direct Talisman Envoy of the Lower Realm:

In accordance with the native places and registered districts listed in the preceding document, this notice remains in force until the ritual is fully completed. The altar is now ready, and the secret liturgy is about to begin. We are concerned that the divine officials of the spirit realm are hidden from view, that the grotto heavens are heavily guarded, and that mortal understanding and worldly sentiments are too limited to reach the spirits. A notice must therefore be issued.

We ask the envoy to investigate carefully the matter described in this document and summon emperors and kings of past dynasties, the beneficent deities of the various temples, immortals who have attained the Dao, and the true gods who preside in the void. Let them ride the clouds and descend upon the ritual altar to report and convey our petition on our behalf, then await a clear response. Once the ritual is complete and the matter settled, this sincerity will not be left unanswered; we therefore issue this notice. The format following the text is the same as in the preceding document.

The advance notice for the soul-summoning ritual is written on yellow paper.

The Altar of the Supreme Mystery’s Capital Directorate issues this notice to the local Earth God and the principal deity who governs the district:

This altar respectfully carries out the Jade Emperor’s commands, assisting Heaven in teaching and transforming all beings and rescuing the souls of the underworld. Whenever anyone makes a sincere appeal, the relevant offices of the underworld should be notified. In accordance with the purpose of this ritual, we submit this petition before the Three Heavens on behalf of the souls of the dead who remain without proper settlement and await release: those in the Three Offices and Nine Bureaus; the Northern Capital of Luofeng; the prisons of the Ninefold Darkness; the City Gods and gods of mountains and rivers; the Spring Bend and Cold Courts; the Three Paths and Five Sufferings; and the administrative offices, prefectures, counties, and prisons of the underworld in every region. In reverence, we present the talismanic command of Primordial Beginning (the talismanic decree of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning) and the Golden Register and White Document (documents used in Daoist purification rituals), and transmit the wondrous precepts of the Nine Truths, thereby carrying out rites of recommendation and deliverance. The ritual altar will proclaim and transmit the precepts, and command the relevant offices of the underworld to make thorough arrangements and carry them out on schedule.

The various offices of the underworld may not yet know that this household follows the Dao, has taken refuge in the Mysterious Gate, and is now praying for the dead to be recommended and delivered. We therefore record in advance the names and dates of death of the deceased to be delivered in this rite, including [name] and all deceased relatives by blood and marriage, so that they may be rescued. We are also sending formal notice to the relevant offices.

We hereby notify all relevant offices of the circumstances and ask that they promptly inform their subordinate jurisdictions and gather in advance the souls who have not yet been reborn, together with beings in the Nine Springs and Six Paths. Those in charge at each location should urge one another to carry out these duties, investigate each case, and temporarily suspend confinement while the souls await the descent of the talismanic command of Primordial Beginning. They should then promptly erase their registers of offenses, eliminate the roots of their harmful karma, and free them from the prison gates of the underworld. They must also keep close watch over the souls and escort them here.

The rite being established on this occasion is the Yellow Register and Covenant with the Perfected Treasure Altar (a Daoist purification-ritual altar). The City God’s office in the locality should take charge of these souls, await the summons, escort them to the ritual site, and allow them to receive the merits of the rite. We also ask that checkpoints and other places along the route be strictly instructed not to obstruct them without authorization, so that the Great High One’s compassionate virtue of cherishing life may be made manifest. Upon receiving this document, you must carry out its instructions. This notice is hereby issued. After this document, proceed as previously directed.

The Nüqing Soul-Drawing Writ is a document used in Zhaijiao (purification rituals) to petition the spirits of the underworld to release detained souls of the dead. The writ should follow the format of an official government decree. If the characters for an imperial command recorded in Orthodox ritual texts are used, the document will conform more fully to the prescribed form. The incantation for writing these characters is provided separately below. The writing must be done with sincere and focused intent, on yellow paper.

The document is issued by the “Altar of the Supreme Mystery Directorate” and delivered to the local Earth God and territorial deities. It first addresses the spirits of Mount Tai and the Dai Peak, the Three Offices and Nine Courts, the mountains and rivers, Fengdu, the underworld and water bureaus, the City God temples and local shrines, and the subordinates of the Eight Great Demon Kings. The sponsor of the ritual is concerned that the deceased being offered salvation, along with the dead from both sides of the family and all beings in the Six Paths, accumulated debts, grievances, and wrongs in life, and remain bound after death by their past offenses. The sponsor therefore establishes a Zhaijiao rite and earnestly requests their deliverance and rescue. If any souls are still detained by the relevant spirits and unable to depart, those spirits are asked to rely on the talismanic command of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning to open the underworld’s gates and summon them out.

The writ must then list the names of the deceased to be drawn out. It may give each person’s name and date of death, asking the spirits to summon them by name and release them all. Alternatively, it may state that the sponsor already conducted a summons on a specified date and request that the souls on the list be released. If the writ was sent and the deceased summoned in advance, then when the ritual altar is opened, the sponsor should again request the release of everyone on the previously submitted list.

Finally, the writ states that if any of the deceased being offered salvation accumulated virtuous merit in life, or had merit cultivated for them after death, and have already been reborn, their cases should be handled according to the merit records. If they have not yet been reborn and still have offenses awaiting review, the relevant spirits are asked to comply with this decree and grant them special pardon.

In the cycle of rebirth through the Three Realms, all beings—including those in the Asura realm, the human realm of the five lineages, the hell realm, the hungry ghost realm, and the animal realm—are to be ordered to have the departments under their jurisdiction grant amnesty throughout their domains, so that these beings may come together at the appointed time to the Daoist altar and receive merit.

This altar respectfully approves this document, which is to be written entirely in vermilion ink. In accordance with the talismanic commands of the Heavenly Worthy of Primordial Beginning and the statutes of Nüqing, this document is authorized to be issued to the relevant offices throughout the boundless worlds of the ten directions, the Three Officials and Nine Offices, the one hundred and twenty bureaus, and other authorities. Each office is ordered, in accordance with the law, to deliver the souls of seven generations of ancestors and all the deceased: men’s three Hun souls and seven Po souls, and women’s three Hun souls and fourteen Po souls. They are to be freed without delay from the wind knives and the Three Paths and Five Sufferings—the various torments of hell—and ascend to the Southern Palace to receive deliverance. Afterward, they are to be reborn, born again, and ultimately attain the true Dao, fulfilling the Supreme One’s intention to cherish life and save all beings.

The deceased under the Supreme One’s jurisdiction, including so-and-so, are hereby entered in this document. Their respective spirit officials are ordered to grant them special pardon for their offenses and swiftly send them to the great fast ritual assembly at such-and-such place, where they are to receive the merit of deliverance. The local administration is also ordered not to obstruct this matter arbitrarily. Upon receipt of this document, carry out these orders. This notice is hereby issued. The provisions following this document are to be handled according to precedent.

The City God’s notice must be written on white paper.

The Supreme Mystery Capital’s provincial office, acting from the altar, issues this document to the City God and the chief officials of the local land shrine:

According to the arrangements for the ritual, the ceremony will continue until it is brought to a successful close. The altar precinct is established specifically for the deceased, to cultivate merit through prayers for their blessing and deliverance. In addition to having already submitted a memorial to the Three Gates of Heaven requesting pardon for the deceased’s transgressions, notifying the relevant offices of the underworld, searching for the departed souls, and gathering them to await summons, official documents must also be issued.

The document reads as follows: May the officials in charge at each location carefully examine the matters stated above and await the escort of the departed souls from their respective jurisdictions, so that they may all be gathered together. On the night of the summons, erect the Taiwei spirit banner at your location, dispatch the divine officers to escort the departed souls to the treasured altar, and carry out these instructions without delay or error. This document is hereby issued.

The format of the following dispatches is the same as above.

Dispatch to the Five Routes: written on white paper

The Altar of the Grand Mystery Metropolitan Office issues this document to the territorial authorities and the great deities of the eight directions:

A certain household, registered in a certain native place and devoted to the Dao, has chosen a certain day and hour this month to establish a certain Daoist ritual precinct. The altar has now been prepared in purity and solemnity, and the rites are being performed with reverence. The deceased named so-and-so, along with other departed souls to be delivered, may be obstructed at mountain and river barriers or held back at checkpoints along the way because of differences in territory. This document is therefore issued.

May the authorities in all directions carefully examine the matters stated above, open the routes in every direction, and guide the departed souls here to attend the ritual assembly. The officials in charge at checkpoints along the route are also requested to follow the rites for delivering souls and not to place obstacles without cause. Upon receipt of this document, carry out these instructions. This document is hereby issued.

The format of the following dispatches is the same as above.

Dispatch for the Boy Attendants: written on white paper

The Yellow Register Great Purification Retreat Office.

It is now [day and time] of this month. Enter the time for opening the altar and submitting the memorial, and report it to the Jade Clarity Palace. In accordance with the rite, issue one Golden Register White Document (a white document used in Zhaijiao rituals) and one True Talisman for Deliverance from Suffering. Here, revise this to read: “several Long-Life Spirit Talismans.” Issue one document for rescuing and delivering the deceased, revised to read: “May the souls of the deceased, [name] and others, be delivered beyond and freed from suffering.” Revise the other document to read: “The contents of this document are as stated above.” Respectfully request that the documents be received and conveyed directly to the limitless worlds of the ten directions. Another document should specify “the Southern Cinnabar Heaven World” and, in accordance with the talismanic command, be carried out swiftly. This document is hereby issued.

Issued on [year, month, day, and time].

To the fasting document attendants of the Underworld and the Fire Palace.

The High Merit Priest’s name and title.

Guide Text for Submitting Memorials

Whenever a memorial is submitted, this passage must be added: “Should any subordinate official or baleful Yin influence obstruct the memorial and prevent it from ascending, convey them under guard to the Northern Prison of Tianyi and punish them according to the laws, thereby making the statutes of Heaven clear.”

Documents used in the Yellow Register Great Retreat, a Zhaijiao rite centered on Yellow Register liturgy.

A certain family of Daoist practitioners now submits and dispatches several documents. The seals and credentials are complete. They are dispatched from this place for delivery to [name of palace or office], and this guide is therefore issued.

This notice informs the relevant officials to hand over and receive the memorial documents listed above, and convey them directly to the designated place for delivery, without delay or obstruction.

Issued with guide on [year, month, day, and time].

The surname of the High Merit Priest.

Incantation in the Middle of the Nüqing Document

Gather the form.

Disperse the form. The Celestial Emperor of Jade Clarity, the Great Emperor of Highest Clarity, the Great Emperor of Great Clarity, the Heavenly Kings of the Four Gates, the Five Great Wheel Kings, the Great Lord of the Great Dharma of the Entire Heaven, the Six Jia Generals of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth, the Divine Generals of the Six Ding, the revered deities of the Seven Stars of the Northern Pole, the Left and Right Assistants, the Eight Great Vajras, the Primordial Ladies of the Nine Heavens, and the Dharma-Protecting Divine Kings of the Ten Directions: recite this incantation.

Gather the form.

Disperse the form. The Celestial Emperor of Jade Clarity, the Great Emperor of Highest Clarity, the Great Emperor of Great Clarity, the Heavenly Kings of the Four Gates, the Five Great Wheel Kings, the Great Lord of the Great Dharma of the Entire Heaven, the Six Jia Generals of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth, the Divine Generals of the Six Ding, the revered deities of the Seven Stars of the Northern Pole, the Left and Right Assistants, the Eight Great Vajras, the Primordial Ladies of the Nine Heavens, and the Dharma-Protecting Divine Kings of the Ten Directions. By command of the Jade Emperor.

End of Volume Two of Institutional Rules of the Daoist Tradition.

Volume Three of Institutional Rules of the Daoist Tradition

Compiled by the Daoist priest Puan Lü Yuansu of Western Shu; edited and collated by Hu Xianglong of Xingzhai, the True Recluse of Zhuling.

Wang Qinruo, Privy Council Commissioner, Specially Appointed Minister, Chief Inspector of the Ministry of Personnel, Grand Preceptor, Joint Manager of Affairs under the Central Secretariat and Chancellery, Compiler of the National History, and Pillar of State, submitted this memorial:

I, Wang Qinruo, have received the imperial decree and taken charge of the Ritual Liturgy Divisions for the Luotian Offering—the ritual texts dividing the ceremonies used in performing the grand Luotian offering. I have been ordered to review and correct them once more with care.

I respectfully submit that burning incense and sending it upward is meant to express sincere devotion, while the descent of true sages is awaited in the hope that humans and spirits may communicate. Daoist liturgies are numerous and varied, and the regulations handed down over the ages have not always been consistent. It is therefore fitting, in this enlightened age, to organize these arcane rites and precedents.

I respectfully reflect that Your Majesty honors the ancient Way and conforms in word and deed to the principles of Heaven: you sacrifice to the hundred deities at the Round Mound and venerate the Seven Ancestors in the Ancestral Temple. You have also established palaces in Shangqing, one of the Daoist realms of immortals, and built the Zhaoying Blessed Court on a grand scale. Huizhen Palace has organized the jade tablets used in sacrifices at Jieqiu, while Taining Hall preserves the yellow cong jade used in sacrifices at Fangze. The Luotian offering to the deities of the heavenly realms and the Golden Register Retreat, a Daoist rite for praying for blessings and averting calamities, have been held one after another. Yet, concerned that the liturgies might contain errors and that the ranks of the deities might be out of order, Your Majesty ordered Daoist priests to organize and collate precious texts and to reconsider matters that remained unclear.

I have reverently received the imperial instructions and devoutly carried out the decree. I have now organized the Nine Scrolls of the Sacred Ranks of the Luotian Offering and compiled the Luotian liturgy into one scroll, placing it at the beginning. My knowledge and abilities are limited, and I have dared to examine the ranks of the divine beings. Looking up toward the heavenly realms, I can only envision the immortal realm of Purple Clarity; tracing the order of authority among the immortals, I cannot reach its end. In obedience to Your Majesty’s instructions, I have provisionally assembled the materials required for Daoist rites at court. The Luotian liturgy is divided into ten scrolls according to the ranks of the deities, and I now respectfully submit them all.

I beg that these books be entrusted to Liu Chongchao, supervisor of the Three Libraries at the Chongwen Institute, to have fifteen copies transcribed and bound, then sent to me. They should be stamped with the Daoist Canon seal and sealed along the bindings, then distributed to Huizhen Palace, Taining Hall, Shangqing Palace, Taiqing Palace, Taiping Palace, and other institutions, so that each may honor them and pray for auspicious blessings for generations to come. I respectfully submit this matter.

Imperial rescript: The emperor’s reply to a memorial.

I have reviewed all the matters set out in the memorial. I respectfully receive the blessings bestowed by the divine spirits and revere the mysterious foundation. I govern the realm with magnanimity and benevolence, hoping to bring prosperity and peace to the myriad states. I also honor and appease the many gods, seeking to continue their divine favor. Now that Daoist palaces and temples are to be built on a grand scale, the rules for purification rites and liturgies must be observed with care. I hope the scriptures preserved and transmitted by the Library can be gathered in full and follow the standards of earlier generations. Let the Daoist priests collate them together, taking every care to ensure the work is thorough and exact.

I have also ordered the ministers to review the matter again. You are widely learned and have studied Daoist scriptures and their teachings in depth. You have compiled and collated the work, revised its chapters, and submitted it. You have carried out your duties with diligence and care, for which I commend you greatly. I have received your memorial and will consider it carefully for three more days.

Memorial from Sun Xubai, Imperial Ritual Master and Daoist priest bestowed with the purple robe, requesting permission to present money and horses.

When performing a Zhaijiao (purification ritual, Daoist fasting and altar prayers), submitting memorials and offering paper money and paper horses to be burned are meant to express sincerity, win the trust of the spirits, and convey one’s prayers. If too many divine positions are set up, parts of the ritual can easily be neglected. In ancient practice, offerings consisted simply of burning firewood and cutting hair, burning memorials and offerings of silk, pouring water and presenting flowers, then praying earnestly in quiet concentration. This shows that the burning of paper memorials is not about quantity, but sincerity.

According to the Daoist Canon, the three grades of Lu fasts (Daoist purification rites arranged by rank) are as follows. The Upper Origin Golden Register fast is presided over by the emperor and offered in reverence to Heaven. At its conclusion, a Universal-Heaven Great Offering is held, with 3,600 divine positions established. The Middle Origin Jade Register fast is performed to protect the inner palace and safeguard the consorts and empress. At its conclusion, a Circum-Heaven Great Offering is held, with 2,400 divine positions. The Lower Origin Yellow Register fast may be performed by both officials and commoners to protect the state and households broadly. At its conclusion, a Net-Heaven Great Offering is held, with 1,200 divine positions.

The ranking of these three Register fasts, together with the names and titles of the deities and perfected beings, was revised by order of the emperor by the chancellor Wang Qinruo during the Dazhong Xiangfu era. The revised texts were issued to temples in the capital and to sacred mountains and blessed lands throughout the realm, where they were kept as the basis for court Zhaijiao. High officials could also sponsor these rites on behalf of the state, but commoners were not permitted to perform them.

A recent edict further stipulates that Zhaijiao for the emperor’s personal destiny and for the Tianning Festival, his birthday, is to be held seven times each year. Regional military governors who establish a Golden Register altar for the emperor’s personal destiny or the Tianning Festival are to conclude with an offering rite and set up no more than 360 divine positions. The names and categories of these positions are recorded in the newly promulgated liturgies and are to be observed as a permanent rule.

The Lingbao altar is used to avert calamities and deliver the souls of the dead. Its rites include bowing before memorials and presenting paper money and paper horses; the number of divine positions is limited to 120.

For the Lingbao Heavenly Lord fast and the forty-eight small altar offerings, the number of divine positions when presenting paper money and paper horses is set at 24, 36, 42, 60, 72, or 120.

The rituals listed above, along with the agreed liturgical rules and precedents, the ritual standards newly issued by the court, and the provisions of its laws, should all be arranged concisely for ease of observance. Their number must not exceed the prescribed limit. There are also rituals for installing the principal deities, with specifications of thirty-six, forty-two, sixty, seventy-two, or one hundred and twenty offerings.

The rituals and liturgical canons mentioned above should all be arranged concisely for ease of observance and must not exceed the prescribed limits. The Zhengyi Tianshi Benming Cunxiu Fa (“Method of Preserving and Cultivating One’s Birth Destiny” of the Zhengyi tradition) also records that each offering of paper money should be made with good-quality paper. It should depict a horse and an attendant (qian means “attendant”), as well as a figure representing the donor, but the figure should have no mouth. It seems, then, that the money and horses offered in petitions today also fail to meet ritual standards: they are merely a waste of money and may even invite punishment. People often depict dragons, cranes, stars, and the gods of Heaven and Earth in their offerings; this is especially absurd. A thorough search of the scriptures and liturgies reveals no such practice. The Great Luo Heaven, the Daoist realm of supreme transcendence, is boundless, and its exalted sages respond to the slightest thought. Why, then, would one need to offer more money and horses to receive their blessings? The ancients established these ritual forms simply to express sincerity, repent of mistakes, make amends for wrongdoing, and inspire faith. Yet the rite of offering a petition must not be omitted. Those with understanding and discernment should examine these matters carefully and follow the prescribed rules.

Form for Presenting a Petition to the Nine Sovereigns

A Daoist of this rank, your servant of the surname [surname], presents faith money, attendants, and horses.

Your servant respectfully submits this offering with reverence.

On the [day] of the [month], in the [year], a Daoist of this rank, your servant of the surname [surname], submits this petition.

Form for the Round Seal

Sealed with reverence: the petition of a Daoist of this rank, your servant of the surname [surname], presented beneath the Golden Gates of the sacred title.

Form for the Square Envelope

(The word “servant” is omitted.)

Respectfully submitting one petition in an envelope, addressed to:

On the [day] of the [month], in the [year], a Daoist of this rank, your servant of the surname [surname], submits this petition.

Form for the Round Seal

Sealed with reverence: the petition of a Daoist of this rank, your servant of the surname [surname], presented beneath the Golden Gates of the sacred title.

Form for the Square Envelope

(The word “servant” is omitted.)

Respectfully submitting one petition in an envelope.

On the [day] of the [month], in the [year], a Daoist of this rank, your servant of the surname [surname], submits this petition.

The ritual master of high merit, [surname], respectfully seals it.

For presentation to the Court of the Celestial Pivot of Shangqing.

Form for Presenting Petitions to the Assembly of Perfected Beings

A Daoist of this rank, [surname], presents faith money, attendants, and horses in the following quantities.

At the right, we respectfully submit a petition naming the honored titles of the assembled holy beings. We humbly pray that they, in their compassion, look down upon us, grant their assent, and accept our petition. We present this statement with due reverence.

On the [day] of the [month] of [year], the Daoist disciple [name] respectfully prepares and submits this petition.

The format for sealing the circular envelope is the same as that for petitions presented to the assembled True Gods. Only the words “Respectfully sealed with this petition” need be written.

When petitioning the holy beings by title, write: “Respectfully sealed with this petition from the Daoist disciple [name].”

The holy titles petitioned in the Luo-tian and other Zhaijiao rites are as follows.

The Yellow Register Luo-tian Zhaijiao includes 1,200 ranks of holy beings.

First petition, five copies, presented to the Jade Void Supreme Emperor and the assembled True Beings.

Jade Void Supreme Emperor: see Secret Register of the Jade Clarity.

Supreme Jade Emperor: see Pearls of Truth from the Three Caverns.

Great Subtlety Jade Emperor: see Illustrated Record of the Court Assembly at the Eight Scenes of the Golden Palace.

Great Subtlety Heavenly Emperor and Lesser Subtlety Supreme Emperor: see Essential Secrets of the Unbounded. The Jade Emperors listed above are also mentioned in Pearls of Truth from the Three Caverns.

Great Subtlety Jade Emperor: see Illustrated Record of the Court Assembly at the Eight Scenes of the Golden Palace.

Great Subtlety Heavenly Emperor and Lesser Subtlety Supreme Emperor: see Essential Secrets of the Unbounded. In the petitions, all the holy beings listed above are addressed as “compassionate True Beings”; the same applies below.

Second petition, three copies, presented before the Three Treasures Lords:

Lord of the Celestial Treasure of Clear Subtlety, Lord of the Numinous Treasure of Yu-yu, and Lord of the Divine Treasure of Great Redness: see Divine Registers of the Three Caverns.

Third petition, nine copies, presented before the Supreme Emperors of the Nine Heavens:

Heavenly Emperor of Boundless Udan; Heavenly Emperor of Boundless Longevity in the Highest Zen of the Highest Heaven; Heavenly Emperor of Brahma’s Supervision and Suyan; Heavenly Emperor of Serene Doushu; Heavenly Emperor of Paranimmita-vaśavartin; Heavenly Emperor of Dongyuan, Who Responds to Calls; Heavenly Emperor of Numinous Transformation and Brahma’s Assistance; Heavenly Emperor of Lofty Void and Pure Brightness; and Heavenly Emperor of No Thought, No Bond, and No Desire: see The Great Golden Book of the Jade Clarity Secret Register.

Fourth petition, five copies, presented to the Supreme Emperor of the Vermilion Brightness of the Sun and the assembled True Beings:

Supreme Emperor of the Vermilion Brightness of the Sun’s Flaming Apex; Imperial Lord of the Golden Palace of the Upper Clarity of the August Heaven; Imperial Lord of the Lofty Supreme Emperor of the Void, Born from the Great Nonbeing of Chaos; Imperial Lord of the Azure Numinous Great Radiance and Whirling Ascent; and Imperial Lord of the Post-Sage of Brahma’s Practice at the Golden Palace of the Azure True: see Illustrated Record of the Court Assembly at the Eight Scenes of the Golden Palace.

Fifth petition, eight copies, presented before the Emperors of the Eight Heavens of the East:

Heavenly Emperor of Great Sovereign Yellow Zeng Heaven and Heavenly Emperor of Great Brightness Jade Completion Heaven.

The Heavenly Emperors Qingming Hetong, Xuantai Pingyu, Yuanming Wenju, Shangming Qiyao Moyi, Xuwu Yueheng, Taiji Mengyi, Huangzeng, and Taiming Yuwan are all titles of heavenly emperors. These eight are listed first, after which six of them are listed again.

The sixth section is divided into eight parts and belongs to the retinue of the eight Heavenly Emperors of the south: Chiming Heyang, Yuanming Gonghua, Yaoming Zongpiao, Zhuluo Huangjia, Xuming Tangyao, Guanming Duanjing, Xuanming Gongqing, and Taihuan Jiyao.

The seventh section is divided into eight parts and belongs to the retinue of the eight Heavenly Emperors of the west: Yuanzai Kongsheng, Tai’an Huangya, Xianding Jifeng, Shihuang Xiaomang, Taihuang Wengzhong Fuyong, Wusi Jiangyou, Shangdie Ruanle, and Wuji Tanshi.

The eighth section is divided into eight parts and belongs to the retinue of the eight Heavenly Emperors of the north: Haoting Xiaodu, Yuantong Yuandong, Taiwen Hanchong Miaocheng, Taisu Xiule Jinshang, Taixu Wushang Changrong, Taishi Yulong Tengsheng, Longbian Fandu, and Taiji Pingyu Jiayi. These titles appear in the Wuliang Duren Jing.

The ninth section is divided into sixteen parts and belongs to the assembled divine beings under the Primordial Holy Mother, the Primordial Lord (the Primordial Holy Mother and the many divine beings under her command).

The Daomen Dingzhi records that references to Taiyi Yuanjun, the revered deity who governs the immortals, appear in the inscriptions at Qingyang Palace, the Veritable Records, and the Taiqing Ci. The text says that Taiyi Yuanjun commands the ranks of immortals and therefore stands foremost among the revered deities. She was originally the Mysterious and Wondrous Jade Maiden. She was conceived in the womb of the Primordial Emperor and born into the world; later, she ascended to Heaven and became Taiyi Yuanjun. Emperor Xuanzong of Tang honored her with the title “Empress Dowager of the Primordial Heaven.” Her original title was “Primordial Heaven Holy Mother Yuanjun.” People commonly call her the “Primordial Empress,” but the author does not know the basis for this designation and therefore records all these accounts together.

The text then lists the honorific titles of several Holy Mothers: Holy Mother Yuanjun of the Ninefold Numinous, Wondrous White Jade Tortoise Terrace, Night Luminescence, Golden Truth, and Myriad Qi; the Supreme Female One, True Emperor, Holy Mother of Ninefold Radiance; the Most High Holy Mother of Primordial Void and Mysterious Origin, Transformed from the Primordial Beginning; the Holy Mother of the Three Heavens’ Yang Soul and Supreme Ultimate; the Holy Mother of the Two Luminaries in the Vermilion Light Grotto; the Holy Mother of Great Subtlety in the Three Subtle Grottoes; the Holy Mother of Spiritual Wondrous Birth and Generation of Shen, Transformed from the Great Void Grotto and Chaos; the Holy Mother of the Primordial Beginning, Born Afloat in the Ninefold Florescent Void Grotto; the Holy Mother of the Azure Emperor, Mysterious Ultimate, and Divine Light of Great Yin; the Holy Mother of the Heavenly Emperor of the Great Void, Supreme and Utmost Truth; the Holy Mother of Vast, Luminous Truth, Numinous in the Ninefold Primordial Yang; the Holy Mother of the Great Emperor of Jade Luminescence, Who Unites with the Numinous in the North Pole; the Holy Mother of the Nine Heavens, Absolute Void, and Primordial Emperor of the Void; the Holy Mother of the Purple Light and Recorded Annals of Myriad Qi, Who Ends the Darkness; and the Lady of the Primordial Origin, True Mother of the Three Heavens. The text notes that the Lady of the Primordial Origin, True Mother of the Three Heavens, appears in the Illustrated Chart of the Eight Assemblies at the Golden Palace.

The tenth portrait lists five perfected beings in the assembly of the Taiyi Samadhi Yuanjuns: the Taiyi Samadhi Yuanjun of Boundless Measure in the Nine Heavens; Shangyuan Jiuhua Anfei, who has two other titles recorded in the Chart of the Great Luo Nine Heavens; the Primordial Consort of Pure Generation from the Nine Qi; the Numinous Consort of Donghua; and the Feathered Perfected One Who Returns to the Origin in the Great Grotto. The Feathered Perfected One Who Returns to the Origin in the Great Grotto appears in the Illustrated Chart of the Eight Assemblies at the Golden Palace.

The eleventh portrait lists four perfected beings in the assembly of the Shangqing Azure Youth Lords. They include the Azure Youth Lord of the Fangzhu Palace, Chief Minister of the Upper Realm—also known as the Azure Youth Lord of Donghua, Duke of Wood, and Chief Minister of the Upper Realm; Wang Jun, the Chief Steward of the Western Citadel, who oversees the perfected beings; and Yuanjun of the South Pole, Protector of the Upper Realm in the Palace of Cinnabar Elixir.

The Supreme Purity Primordial Lady of White Mountain Palace, under the title or office of “Upper Transmitter” (a lineage or position name for transmission within the court), is listed here in the Taiping Jing.

The twelfth category is divided into four classes and placed under the Four Poles True Kings, who each govern one of the four directions:

The Eastern Pole True King, who serves the Southern Pole Primordial Lady of the Great Cinnabar Palace.

The Eastern Pole True King, the Great Emperor of Fusang, the Southern Pole True King, the Great Emperor of Cinnabar Mound, the Western Pole True King, the Great Emperor of Pure Spirit, and the Northern Pole True King, the Great Emperor of Cavern Yin.

The Eastern Pole and Southern Pole are also called the Great Emperor of Eastern Rosy Clouds and Fusang, and the Great Emperor of Cinnabar Mound. Earlier editions list them as two separate figures; they are combined into one here. Yet they are listed again among the Four Poles True Kings.

The thirteenth category is divided into five classes and placed under the Celestial Perfected Sovereign and the assembled Perfected Ones:

The Natural Great Immortal, the Celestial Perfected Sovereign; the Lord of the Nine Elders and Immortal Capital; the Elder of the Nine Qi; the Celestial Emperor; and the Elder of the Celestial Emperor. This entry comes from the Illustrated Register of the Eight Scenes of the Golden Portal’s Court Assembly.

The fourteenth category is divided into five classes and placed under the Five Masters of the Numinous Treasure:

The Great Master of the Profound Center, who receives offerings on Jade Capital Mountain; the Lord of the Ancient Scripture Master; the Lord of the Ancient Register Master; the Lord of the Ancient Ordination Master; and the Great Master of the Numinous Treasure, who oversees purification rites.

According to the Daoist Canon, the Great Master of the Profound Center oversees religious instruction. Lord Lao also held this office in the past, so his rank should stand above that of the Three Masters. The Three Master Lords are teachers who transmit scriptures and methods.

The fifteenth category is divided into three classes and placed under the Three Primordial Emperor Lords:

The Supreme Primordial Celestial Official, who grants blessings, is the general ruler of the Perfected Ones in the Palace of Purple Tenuity, the Seven Treasures of Yang Radiance, the True Capital of the Upper Primordial realm; the Primordial Yin Lady of Cavern Radiance, the Earth Official of the Middle Primordial realm, who pardons sins; and the Great Emperor of Cavern Yin, of Golden Spirit, the Water Official of the Lower Primordial realm, who dispels calamities. This entry comes from the Illustrated Register of the Eight Scenes of the Golden Portal’s Court Assembly.

The sixteenth category is divided into eight classes and placed under the Two Emperors and the Five Elder Emperors:

The Celestial Emperor of the Jiazi year, and the Earth Emperor of the Jiashen year.

The Dongshen Qianjian Hetu Jiao Fa, composed by Lord Human Sovereign in the Jiayin year, records:

In the east, offerings are made to the Celestial Lord of Nine Qi, the Azure Emperor, the Elder of Primordial Spirit of the Azure Numinous, called Peaceful Treasure and Flowery Grove. In the south, offerings are made to the Celestial Lord of Three Qi, the Red Emperor, the Elder of True Spirit of the Vermilion Numinous, called Brahma Treasure and Flourishing Sun. In the west, offerings are made to the Celestial Lord of Seven Qi, the White Emperor, the Elder Sovereign of the Bright Numinous, called Seven Treasures and Golden Gate. In the north, offerings are made to the Celestial Lord of Five Qi, the Black Emperor, the Elder of Mystery of the Five Numinous, called Cavern Yin, Northern Solitude, and Utter Desolation. In the center, offerings are made to the Celestial Lord of Three Qi, the Elder of Primordial Spirit, called Jade Treasure and Primordial Numinous.

Here the text again lists the White Emperor of the west, the Black Emperor of the north, and the Celestial Lord of the center. Later, the central Celestial Lord is called the Celestial Lord of One Qi, the Yellow Emperor. The Five Numinous Elders are the Five Emperors of the five directions. Older editions contain passages copied more than once. The text has been corrected here on the basis of the Zhongmeng Chishu Ziran Lu: Ling Weiyang is the title of the Azure Emperor, who governs the recording of allotted lifespans and destinies. The other four Emperors follow the same pattern.

The seventeenth category of ritual procedures is divided into eleven sections, placed under the authority of eleven Great Luminary Perfected Lords.

The Sun Palace venerates the Lord Emperor of the Sun, titled Great Vermilion, Flame Light, and Luminous Brilliance. The Moon Palace venerates the Primal Lady of the Moon, titled Yellow Flower, Pure Luminary, Primal Essence, and Holy Queen. The titles of these two palaces of the Sun and Moon come from the Jinque Bajing Chaohui Tu.

The deity of Wood Virtue in the east is the Perfected Lord of the Year Star, titled the Supreme Perfected Dao Lord of the Azure Emperor of Primordial Yang. The deity of Fire Virtue in the south is the Perfected Lord of the Blazing Deluder Star, titled the Supreme Perfected Dao Lord of the Vermilion Emperor of Cinnabar Spirit. The deity of Metal Virtue in the west is the Perfected Lord of the Great White Star, titled the Supreme Perfected Dao Lord of the White Emperor of Great Purity and Lesser Yin. The deity of Water Virtue in the north is the Perfected Lord of the Star of the Hour, titled the Supreme Dao Lord of the Black Emperor of Great Darkness and Yin Primality. The deity of Earth Virtue in the center is the Perfected Lord of the Filler Star, titled the Supreme Perfected Dao Lord of the Central Emperor of Ancestral Qi.

There are also the Perfected Lord of the First Crossing, the Spirit Head of Luohou, the Founding Star; the Perfected Lord of the Middle Crossing, the Spirit Tail of Jidu, the Falling Star; the Dao Star Perfected Lord of Heavenly Unity and Purple Qi; and the □ Star Perfected Lord of Supreme Unity and the Moon’s Obscuration. These titles appear in the Wudou Jiao and the Shangqing Erjing Qiyao Yi.

The eighteenth petition, the tenth section: the ten Perfected Lords of Taiyi (the exalted deities in the Taiyi pantheon):

Perfected Lord of the Five Blessings Taiyi, Perfected Lord of Heavenly Unity Taiyi, Perfected Lord of Earthly Unity Taiyi, Perfected Lord of the Four Spirits Taiyi, Perfected Lord of the Great Tour Taiyi, Perfected Lord of the Lesser Tour Taiyi, Perfected Lord of the Ruler’s Chess Taiyi, Perfected Lord of the Minister’s Chess Taiyi, Perfected Lord of the People’s Chess Taiyi, and Perfected Lord of the Direct Talisman Taiyi. These are listed in the Ritual Manual for Taiyi Offerings (Taiyi Jiaoyi, a text on offering rites for the Taiyi deity).

The nineteenth petition, the eleventh section: the assembled Perfected Lords among the stars of the Northern Dipper (the exalted deities among the Northern Dipper star spirits):

The Most High Jade Emperor, Venerable Star Lord at the Center of the Northern Dipper; the Great Emperor of Dark Eminence at the Center of the Northern Dipper;

the Star Lord of Greedy Wolf, Heavenly Canopy, in the Palace of the Marshal of Yang Illumination of the Northern Dipper—the old edition reads “Heavenly Hero,” corrected here;

the Star Lord of Great Gate, Heavenly Interior, in the Palace of the High Steward of Yin Essence of the Northern Dipper—the old edition reads “Heavenly Assumer,” corrected here;

the Star Lord of Preserving Life, Heavenly Rusher, in the Palace of the Minister of Works of the Perfected Ones of the Northern Dipper—the old edition reads “Heavenly Pillar,” corrected here;

the Star Lord of Literary Song, Heavenly Assistant, in the Palace of the Mobile General of Dark Mystery of the Northern Dipper—the old edition reads “Heavenly Heart,” corrected here;

the Star Lord of Great Gate, Heavenly Interior, in the Palace of the High Steward of Yin Essence of the Northern Dipper—the old edition reads “Heavenly Assumer,” corrected here;

the Star Lord of Preserving Life, Heavenly Rusher, in the Palace of the Minister of Works of the Perfected Ones of the Northern Dipper—the old edition reads “Heavenly Pillar,” corrected here;

the Star Lord of Literary Song, Heavenly Assistant, in the Palace of the Mobile General of Dark Mystery of the Northern Dipper—the old edition reads “Heavenly Heart,” corrected here;

the Star Lord of Chastity, Heavenly Bird, in the Palace of the Lord of the Dipper of Cinnabar Origin of the Northern Dipper; the old edition is correct;

the Star Lord of Martial Song, Heavenly Heart, in the Palace of the Grand Constable of the Northern Pole of the Northern Dipper—the old edition reads “Heavenly Assistant,” corrected here;

the Star Lord of Military Breaker, Heavenly Pillar, in the Palace of the Supreme Emperor of the Celestial Pass of the Northern Dipper—the old edition reads “Heavenly Rusher,” corrected here;

the Star Lord of Outer Support, Resplendent Illumination of the Northern Dipper, and the Star Lord of Inner Aid, Hidden Radiance of the Northern Dipper. These are listed in the Inner Chapters of the River Chart and the Ritual Manual for Offerings to the Nine Primordials.

The twentieth petition, the tenth section: those under the Holy Mother of Qianyuan and the Ladies of the Nine Sovereigns (the divine hierarchy of the Holy Mother of Qianyuan and the Ladies of the Nine Sovereigns):

the Great Holy Mother of Qianyuan of the Northern Yin;

the Lord of the Great Star, Pivot of the Northern Terrace, Supreme and True Imperial Lady of Dark Eminence, within the Palace of the Primordial Dipper of the Northern Dipper;

the Lord of the Northern Terrace, Star of Origin, Supreme and True Imperial Lady of Numinous Essence, within the Palace of the Dark Pivot of the Northern Dipper;

the Lord of the Supreme Star, True Sovereign of the Upper Primordial, Spirit Consort and Empress of the Nine Extremes, within the Palace of the Supreme Essence of the Northern Dipper.

In the Northern Dipper (the Daoist system of deities associated with the northern stars), the Palace of the Guiding Pole enshrines the Lord of the Terrace, Root, and Jade Pivot of the Bound Star, consort to the Radiant Sovereign and divine consort of the Supreme Spirit.

In the Supreme Essence Palace of the Northern Dipper, the Supreme Perfected Lord of the Chaste Star, consort of the Primordial Sovereign of the Nine Poles and the Spirit Consort, is enshrined.

In the Palace of the Guiding Pole of the Northern Dipper, the Lord of the Terrace, Root, and Jade Pivot of the Bound Star is enshrined, consort to the Radiant Sovereign and divine consort of the Supreme Spirit.

In the Palace of the Spirit’s Opening of the Northern Dipper, the Lord of the Celestial Balance Star, consort of the Central Sovereign beneath the Golden Canopy of the North, is enshrined.

In the Purple Pole Palace of the Northern Dipper, the Lord of the Life Pivot Star, consort of the Primordial Sovereign of Morning Radiance Above, is enshrined.

In the Palace of the Celestial Circuit of the Northern Dipper, the Lord of Primordial Yang of the Pass Star, consort of the Jade Radiance Spirit Sovereign, is enshrined.

In the Imperial Seat Palace of the Northern Dipper, the Left Imperial Consort is enshrined.

In the Supreme Venerable Palace of the Northern Dipper, the Right Imperial Consort is enshrined. These divine names are found in the Inner You Scripture of the River Chart and in the Essential Instructions on the Five Planets and the Empty Constancy.

Twenty-first tableau, ten points: the many perfected beings of the Great Emperor of the Southern Dipper.

The deities of the Southern Dipper (the Daoist system of deities associated with the southern stars) are the Great Emperor of the Southern Dipper, the Great Lord of Longevity; Lord Han the Elder, who delights in fostering life; the Great Marshal in Charge of Birth; the Supreme Minister in Charge of Destiny, True Lord Who Guards the Nation in the Celestial Treasury of the Southern Dipper; the Celestial Minister in Charge of Records, Senior General and True Lord Who Guards the Mountain Peak; the Celestial Beam True Lord Who Prolongs Life and Preserves Destiny; the Celestial Companion True Lord Who Increases the Count of Years and Sustains Life; the Celestial Pivot True Lord of Literary Brilliance Who Frees from Calamity and Refines the Soul; the Celestial Mechanism True Lord Who Brings Life Above and Oversees the Register, Great Administrator; and the Great General of the Fire Bell. Together they are the deities of the Southern Dipper, which is made up of six stars. The names given here are found in the Scripture of the Southern Dipper; the rest are arranged according to established practice.

Twenty-second tableau, six points: those under the command of the Six Yang Star Lords of the Eastern Dipper.

The Yang Measure Star Lord, Yang Brilliance Star Lord, Yang Greatness Star Lord, Yang Grace Star Lord, Yang Vastness Star Lord, and Yang Radiance Star Lord of the Eastern Dipper (the eastern stars).

Twenty-third tableau, six points: those under the command of the Six Yin Star Lords of the Western Dipper.

The Yin Shelter Star Lord, Yin Receiving Star Lord, Yin Leading Star Lord, and Yin Reckoning Star Lord of the Western Dipper (the western stars).

The Yin Summoning Star Lord and Yin Examination Star Lord of the Western Dipper (the Western celestial constellation system).

The twenty-fourth register, with seven divisions, is placed under the Seven Great Star Lords of the Central Dipper: the Great Chief Star Lord of the Central Dipper, the Great Adjudicator Star Lord of the Central Dipper, the Great Register Star Lord of the Central Dipper, the Great Instructor Star Lord of the Central Dipper, the Great Commissioner Star Lord of the Central Dipper, the Great Protector Star Lord of the Central Dipper, and the Great Deliverer Star Lord of the Central Dipper. All these divine titles come from the Illustration of the Court Assembly at the Golden Tower with Eight Radiances.

The twenty-fifth register, with eight divisions, is placed under the Great Demon Kings of the Three Realms and Five Heavens: the Great Demon King of the Formless Realm, the Great Demon King of the Realm of Form, the Great Demon King of the Realm of Desire, the Great Demon King of the Blue Heaven, the Great Demon King of the Red Heaven, the Great Demon King of the White Heaven, the Great Demon King of the Black Heaven, and the Great Demon King of the Yellow Heaven. The arrangement on the right follows the established ritual.

The twenty-sixth register, with six divisions, is placed under the assembly of perfected beings known as the Four Perfected Lords of the Northern Emperor: the Great Marshal Tianpeng of the Northern Pole, the Deputy Marshal Tianyou of the Northern Pole, the Perfected Lord Yisheng Heisha Chu Qing Yinggan Baode of the Northern Pole, and the Perfected Lord Zhenwu Yousheng Taiyi Fushen Lingying of the Northern Pole. This group of titles appears in the Illustration of the Manifestations of the Divine Empyrean. The Envoy Qiangyang of the Northern Palace and the Envoy Tuoluo of the Northern Palace also appear in the Illustration of the Seven Origins.

The twenty-seventh register, with twenty-one divisions, is placed under the assembly of perfected beings known as the True Ruler of the Upper Origin of the Jade Clarity: the True Ruler of the Upper Origin of the Jade Clarity; the Chief Minister of the True Ruler of the Jade Clarity; the Left High Ruler of the Mysterious Dao of the Cavern of Truth; the Right High Ruler of the Mysterious Dao of the Cavern of Truth; the Left Chief Minister of the Mysterious Dao of the Cavern of Truth; the Right Chief Minister of the Mysterious Dao of the Cavern of Truth; the Left High Officer of the Mysterious Dao of the Cavern of Truth; the Right High Officer of the Mysterious Dao of the Cavern of Truth; the Venerable of the Golden Tower of the Nine Heavens of the Cavern of Truth; the Supreme Perfected One and Immortal Commander of the Great Void of the Cavern of Truth; the Attendant Gentleman Transmitting Edicts at the Golden Tower of the Cavern of Truth; the Vice Director of the Golden Tower of the Cavern of Truth; the Vice Director of the Jade Void of the Cavern of Truth; the Immortal Earl of the Nine Heavens of the Cavern of Truth; the Attendant Gentleman of the Purple Palace of the Cavern of Truth; the Grand Officer of the Purple Palace of the Cavern of Truth; the Grand Supervisor of the Jade Clarity of the Cavern of Truth; and the True Edict Bearer of the Jade Void of the Cavern of Truth.

“Register” and “division” are format markers for arranging the divine seats in this ritual. “The arrangement on the right follows the established ritual” indicates that the layout on the right retains the older ritual form.

The Lord of the Great Administration of Jade Clarity in the Three Caverns (Dongzhen), Commandant of the Three Heavens of Dongzhen, and Director-General of the Jade Clarity Palace.

The twenty-eighth register, with eighteen divisions, lists many perfected beings, including the Left and Right Chief Ministers of Dongxuan, the Left and Right Senior Councillors of Dongxuan, and the Dao official of the Purple Palace of Dongxuan.

Other offices listed include the Dao lineage of the Purple Palace of Dongxuan; the Great Minister and Senior Councillor of the Mysterious Capital of Dongxuan; the Left and Right Senior Ministers of Dongxuan; the Attendant of Jade Void, the Grandee of Purple Tenuity, the Grand Inspector of Purple Tenuity, and the True Commandant of Purple Tenuity, all of Dongxuan; the Chief Protector of the Supreme Transmission of Dongxuan; the Great Administrator of Jade Empyrean and the Great Administrator of the Mysterious Capital of Dongxuan; and the Director-General of the Palace of Subtle Mystery.

The twenty-ninth register, with thirty-three divisions, lists many perfected beings, including the Senior Councillor of the Supreme Ultimate of Dongshen, the True Earl of the Supreme Ultimate of Dongshen, the Unified Command of the Supreme Immortals of Great Mystery of Dongshen, the Commander-in-Chief of the Dharma Protectors of the Three Heavens of Dongshen, the Unified Command of the Great Army of the Nine Heavens of Dongshen, the Vice Minister of Great Tenuity of Dongshen, the Vice Minister of the Supreme Ultimate of Dongshen, and the Ministers of the Five Departments of Wood, Fire, Metal, Water, and Earth.

Other offices listed include the Great Minister of the Troops Protecting Great Tenuity of Dongshen; the Great Minister who augments lifespan and extends the allotted years; the Great Minister of the Supreme Immortals of the Purple Palace; the Inspector of the Immortal Authority of the Great Immortals; the Grandee of the Supreme Immortals of the Supreme Ultimate; the Commandant who slays demons and protects the Three Heavens; the Minister of the Supreme Immortals of Azure Void; the Inspector of the Supreme Immortals who preserve life in the Nine Heavens; and the Grand Inspector of the Seven Administrators of Purple Tenuity. These office titles encompass duties associated with the Five Phases, Dharma protection, demon-slaying, and preserving life, and together form the names of Daoist divine offices and ranks.

The Great Inspector of the Golden Tower and Covenant Might in the Cavern of Spirit (the inspector deity responsible for Golden Tower and Covenant Might affairs in the Cavern of Spirit division), the Inspector of Fusang and Yanggu in the Cavern of Spirit (responsible for overseeing Fusang and Yanggu), the Inspector of the Supreme Ultimate’s High Immortals in the Cavern of Spirit, the Great Inspector and Immortal Warden of the Mysterious Capital in the Cavern of Spirit, the Military Register of the Supreme Ultimate’s Immortal Court in the Cavern of Spirit, the Direct Official of the Nine Heavens’ Protected Court in the Cavern of Spirit, the Great Inspector of the Nine Heavens’ Clouds and Mists in the Cavern of Spirit, the Commandant of the Purple Court in the Cavern of Spirit, the Inspector of the Luminous Perfected of the Six Emptinesses in the Cavern of Spirit, the Guard Commandant of the Immortal Capital of the Eight Extremities in the Cavern of Spirit, the Great Inspector of the North Pole in the Cavern of Spirit, and the Lord who Directs All Spirits of the Supreme Ultimate Palace—all these divine offices come from the Diagram of the Great Luo and Nine Heavens.

The Thirtieth Petition (the thirtieth document in the register of divine offices): Under the assembled Star Lords of the Enclosure of Purple Tenuity, the listed number is “three plus one third” (as recorded in the original).

The Enclosure of Purple Tenuity is the central asterism in the northern sky. Its two stars of the imperial throne are the Great Emperor of Heaven and the Great Emperor of the North Pole. Listed below them are the Star Lords of the Heir Apparent, the Secondary Sons, the Rear Palace, the Four Assistants, Gouchen, the Inner Seat of the Five Emperors, the Celestial Pillar, the Six Jia, the Canopy, the Imperial Ladies, the Pillar Historians, the Court Ladies, the Ministers, the Grand Judge, Yin De, Yang De, the Celestial Decrees, Tianyi, and Taiyi.

The Enclosure of Purple Tenuity also includes the Star Lords of the Eastern and Western Walls. The Eastern Wall has the Star Lords of the Left Pivot, the Chief Minister, the Junior Minister, the Senior Assistant, the Junior Assistant, the Senior Guard, the Junior Guard, and the Junior Deputy. The Western Wall has the Star Lords of the Right Pivot, the Junior Commandant, the Senior Assistant, the Junior Assistant, the Senior Guard, and the Junior Guard.

The Thirty-First Petition (the thirty-first document in the register of divine offices): Under the assembled Star Lords of the Enclosure of Supreme Subtlety, twenty-one divisions are listed.

The Enclosure of Supreme Subtlety is an asterism in the heavens. Listed below it are the Star Lords of the Thrones of the Five Heavenly Emperors, the Heir Apparent, the Attendants, the Inner Seat of the Three Dukes, the Inner Seat of the Nine Ministers, the Inner Five Feudal Lords, the Favored Ministers, the Audience Officers, the Tiger Guards, and the Court Gentlemen.

The Star Lords of the Inner Screen and the Star Lord of Changchen;

the Star Lord of the Left Censor of the Eastern Enclosure, the Star Lord of the Chief Minister of the Eastern Enclosure, the Star Lord of the Deputy Minister of the Eastern Enclosure, the Star Lord of the Senior General of the Eastern Enclosure, and the Star Lord of the Junior General of the Eastern Enclosure;

the Star Lord of the Favored Attendant, the Star Lord of the Court Usher, the Star Lord of the Tiger Guards, and the Star Lord of the Official Ranks.

The names above are then listed again. The following entries are the Star Lord of the Right Censor of the Western Enclosure, the Star Lord of the Chief Minister of the Western Enclosure, the Star Lord of the Deputy Minister of the Western Enclosure, the Star Lord of the Senior General of the Western Enclosure, and the Star Lord of the Junior General of the Western Enclosure. The Eastern and Western Enclosures are two groups of asterisms within the Celestial Market Enclosure, a region in the ancient Chinese system of star officials. These Star Lord titles borrow names from court offices.

The thirty-second section, comprising thirty-five divisions, is listed under the Star Lords of the Celestial Market Enclosure.

The Star Lords within the Celestial Market Enclosure include the Star Lord of the Emperor’s Seat, the Star Lord of the Watch, the Star Lord of the Officials, the Star Lord of the Ancestral Clan, the Star Lord of the Clan Members, the Star Lord of the Ancestral Shrine, the Star Lord of the Dipper, the Star Lord of the Measuring Vessel, the Star Lord of the Row of Shops, the Star Lord of the Carriage Market, the Star Lord of the Market Tower, the Star Lord of the Butchers’ Market, and the Star Lord of Silk Measure. Also included are the Star Lords associated with Nanhai, Yan, Donghai, Xu, Wuyue, Qi, Zhongshan, the Nine Rivers, Zhao, Wei, Hezhong, Hemen, Jin, Zheng, Zhou, Qin, Shu, Ba, Liang, Chu, Han, and Song. These names are associated with ancient offices, markets, and regions.

The thirty-third section, comprising seven divisions, is listed under the Star Lords of the Seven Mansions of the East. These are the eastern group of the Twenty-Eight Mansions. The listed Star Lords are the Star Lord of Heaven’s Gate in the Horn Mansion, the Star Lord of Heaven’s Court in the Neck Mansion, the Star Lord of Heaven’s Treasury in the Root Mansion, and the Star Lord of the Celestial Chariot in the Room Mansion.

The Heart Mansion is also listed under the Star Lords of the Seven Mansions of the East: the Star Lord of the Heavenly King in the Heart Mansion, the Star Lord of the Celestial Cock in the Tail Mansion, and the Star Lord of the Celestial Ford in the Winnowing Basket Mansion. The Heart Mansion is also called “Great Fire.” Since the Emperor’s Seat is located there, it is called the “Heavenly King.”

The thirty-fourth section, comprising seven divisions, is listed under the Star Lords of the Seven Mansions of the South. These are the southern group of the Twenty-Eight Mansions. The listed Star Lords are the Star Lord of the Celestial Well in the Well Mansion, the Star Lord of Celestial Weaving in the Ghost Mansion, the Star Lord of the Celestial Kitchen in the Willow Mansion, and the Star Lord of the Celestial Storehouse in the Star Mansion.

Zhang Lodge’s Heavenly Scale Star Lord, Yi Lodge’s Heavenly Chariot Star Lord, and Zhen Lodge’s Heavenly Street Star Lord are listed in the register of Star Lords.

The thirty-fifth category, with a rating of seven points, is listed under the Star Lords of the seven western lodges:

Kui Lodge’s Heavenly General Star Lord, Lou Lodge’s Heavenly Prison Star Lord, Wei Lodge’s Heavenly Granary Star Lord, Mao Lodge’s Heavenly Eye Star Lord, Bi Lodge’s Heavenly Ear Star Lord, Zui Lodge’s Heavenly Screen Star Lord, and Shen Lodge’s Heavenly Water Star Lord.

The thirty-sixth category, with a rating of seven points, is listed under the Star Lords of the seven northern lodges:

Dou Lodge’s Heavenly Temple Star Lord, Niu Lodge’s Heavenly Pivot Star Lord, Nü Lodge’s Heavenly Maiden Star Lord, Xu Lodge’s Heavenly Minister Star Lord, Wei Lodge’s Heavenly Wealth Star Lord, Shi Lodge’s Heavenly Granary Star Lord, and Bi Lodge’s Heavenly Market Star Lord.

The thirty-seventh category, with a rating of thirty points, is listed under the Star Lords of the outer lodges of Purple Tenuity:

The Heavenly Maiden Star Lord, Heavenly Minister Star Lord, Heavenly Wealth Star Lord, Heavenly Granary Star Lord, and Heavenly Market Star Lord.

The thirty-seventh category, with a rating of thirty points, is listed under the Star Lords of the many constellations in the outer precinct of Purple Tenuity. This outer precinct is a group of asterisms surrounding the Purple Tenuity enclosure. It includes:

The Upper Terrace Star Lord of Empty Essence, the Middle Terrace Star Lord of Six Purities, and the Lower Terrace Star Lord of Crooked Life; the Senior General, Junior General, Noble Minister, Registrar, Director of Destiny, and Director of Punishment of the Wenchang constellation; the Star Lords of the Three Tutors, Three Dukes, General of the Guards, Minister, Solar Guardian, Supreme Eminence, Influence, Heavenly Prison, Heavenly Principles, Relay Station, United Way, Attached Road, Hook, Heavenly Kitchen, Inner Kitchen, Inner Steps, Eight Grains, Supporting Chest, Heavenly Club, Heavenly Spear, and Heavenly Halberd.

The thirty-eighth category, with a rating of four points, is listed under the four Star Lords of the Northern Pole:

The Northern Pole’s Left Assistant, Heavenly Minister Star Lord; Right Assistant, Heavenly Immortal Star Lord; Upright Law Chancellor Star Lord; and Heavenly Heart Chancellor Star Lord.

The thirty-ninth category, with a rating of twenty points; Zheng is divided into two, with a rating of four points, and is listed under the four Star Lords of the Northern Pole:

The Northern Pole’s Left Assistant, Heavenly Minister Star Lord, and Right Assistant, Heavenly Immortal Star Lord.

Here, “lodge” refers to a lunar mansion in traditional Chinese astronomy, while “Star Lord” is an honorific title used in Daoism for a deified celestial body. “Category” and the number that follows it indicate the document’s classification or arrangement and its numerical designation.

The Star Lords of the Chancellor of the Northern Pole’s Orthodox Law and the Chancellor of the Northern Pole’s Celestial Heart.

The thirty-ninth register comprises twenty divisions, assigned to Zheng and listed under the names of twenty Star Lords.

The Horn and Neck mansions belong to the astral sector of the Longevity Star, whose terrestrial field corresponds to the state of Zheng.

The Star Lord of the Great Horn and Emperor’s Throne, the Star Lord of the Left Assistant, the Star Lord of the Right Assistant, the Star Lord of the Dipper, the Star Lord of the Celestial River, the Star Lord of the Emperor’s Seat, the Star Lord of the Zhou Tripod, the Star Lord of the Neck Pool, the Star Lord of the Celestial Fields, the Star Lord of Promoting the Worthy, the Star Lord of the Level Road, the Star Lord of the Celestial Gate, the Star Lord of the Level Star, the Star Lord of Punishing Might, the Star Lord of the Yang Gate, the Star Lord of the Stubborn, the Star Lord of the Storehouse Tower, the Star Lord of the Five Pillars, the Star Lord of the Four Balances, and the Star Lord of the Southern Gate.

The fortieth register comprises sixteen divisions, assigned to Song and listed under the names of sixteen Star Lords.

The Root, Chamber, and Heart mansions belong to the astral sector of the Great Fire, whose terrestrial field corresponds to the state of Song.

The Star Lord of the Sun, the Star Lord of the Seven Dukes, the Star Lord of the Coiled Cord, the Star Lord of the Celestial Breast, the Star Lord of the Western Salt Pond, the Star Lord of the Eastern Salt Pond, the Star Lord of Punishment, the Star Lord of the Shut Bolt, the Star Lord of the Hook and Bell, the Star Lord of the Celestial Spoke, the Star Lord of the Attendants, the Star Lord of the Accumulated Soldiers, the Star Lord of the Chen Chariot, the Star Lord of the Cavalry Officer, the Star Lord of the General of the Cavalry Formation, and the Star Lord of Chariots and Cavalry.

The forty-first register comprises fifteen divisions, assigned to Yan and listed under the names of fifteen Star Lords.

The Tail and Winnowing Basket mansions belong to the astral sector of the Split Wood, whose terrestrial field corresponds to the state of Yan.

The Star Lord of the Woman’s Bed, the Star Lord of the Celestial Record, the Star Lord of the Recognized Maiden, the Star Lord of the Gradual Terrace, the Star Lord of the Celestial River, the Star Lord of the Celestial Cap, the Star Lord of the Establishment, the Star Lord of the Celestial Key, the Star Lord of the Transmitted Account, the Star Lord of the Chaff, the Star Lord of the Farmer Elder, the Star Lord of the Pestle, the Star Lord of the Fish, the Star Lord of the Soft-Shelled Turtle, and the Star Lord of the Tortoise.

The forty-second register comprises twenty-nine divisions, assigned to Wu and listed under the names of twenty-nine Star Lords.

The Dou, Niu, and Nü mansions belong to the asterism Xingji, an ancient name for a division of the heavens, and correspond to the territorial field of Wu, as the ancients mapped celestial mansions onto regions on earth.

Star Lord of the Imperial Road, Star Lord of Xi Zhong, Star Lord of Tianjin,

Star Lord of He Gu, Star Lord of the Left Banner, Star Lord of the Right Banner,

Star Lord of Bai Gua, Star Lord of Pao Gua, Star Lord of Tian Fu,

Star Lord of Li Zhu, Star Lord of Luo Yan, Star Lord of Tian Tian,

Star Lord of Dog Country, Star Lord of Tian Ji, Star Lord of Dog,

Star Lord of Tian Yuan, Star Lord of Jiu Kan, Star Lord of Yue,

Star Lord of Zhao, Star Lord of Zhou, Star Lord of Qin,

Star Lord of Dai, Star Lord of Wei, Star Lord of Han,

Star Lord of Chu, Star Lord of Zheng, Star Lord of Yan,

Star Lord of Jin, Star Lord of Qi.

The forty-third register, comprising twenty divisions, is placed under the twenty Star Lords in the territorial field of Qi.

The Xu and Wei mansions belong to the asterism Xuanxiao and correspond to the territorial field of Qi.

Star Lord of the Chariot Office, Star Lord of Chu, Star Lord of Jiu,

Star Lord of Jun Zheng, Star Lord of Yan,

Star Lord of Jin, Star Lord of Qi.

The forty-third register, comprising twenty divisions, is placed under the twenty Star Lords in the territorial field of Qi.

The Xu and Wei mansions belong to the asterism Xuanxiao and correspond to the territorial field of Qi.

Star Lord of the Chariot Office, Star Lord of Chu, Star Lord of Jiu,

Star Lord of Ren, Star Lord of Si Fei, Star Lord of Si Wei,

Star Lord of Si Lu, Star Lord of Si Ming, Star Lord of Gai Wu,

Star Lord of Fen Mu, Star Lord of Xu Liang, Star Lord of Qi,

Star Lord of Ku, Star Lord of Lei Bi Zhen,

Star Lord of Tian Qian, Star Lord of Tian Gang,

Star Lord of Tian Lei Cheng, Star Lord of Li Yu,

Star Lord of Bai Jiu, Star Lord of Bei Luo Shi Men.

The forty-fourth register, comprising fifteen divisions, is placed under the fifteen Star Lords in the territorial field of Wei.

The Shi and Bi mansions belong to the asterism Juzi and correspond to the territorial field of Wei.

Star Lord of Zao Fu, Star Lord of Wang Liang, Star Lord of Ce,

Star Lord of Teng She, Star Lord of Tian Ci Qiang Li Gong,

Star Lord of Shang Gong Li, Star Lord of Tu Gong,

Star Lord of Lei Dian, Star Lord of Pi Li, Star Lord of Yun Yu,

Star Lord of the Feathered Forest Army, Star Lord of Fu Yue,

Star Lord of Ba Kui, Star Lord of Tu Si Kong.

The forty-fifth register, comprising nine divisions, is placed under the nine Star Lords in the territorial field of Lu.

The Kui and Lou mansions belong to the asterism Jianglou and correspond to the territorial field of Lu.

Star Lord of the Heavenly General, Star Lord of Zuo Geng, Star Lord of You Geng,

Star Lord of Wai Ping, Star Lord of Tian Guo, Star Lord of Tian Cang.

Star Lords of the Celestial Granary, Celestial Distress, and Iron Drill.

Forty-Sixth Petition

The twenty-one Star Lords assigned to the territory of Zhao.

The lunar mansions Wei, Mao, and Bi lie in the celestial sector of Daliang, which corresponds to Zhao.

Star Lord of the Moon, Star Lord of the Great Mound, Star Lord of the Granary, Star Lord of the Celestial Granary, Star Lord of Celestial Distress, and Star Lord of the Iron Drill.

Star Lord of the Celestial Granary, Star Lord of Celestial Distress, and Star Lord of the Iron Drill.

Forty-Sixth Petition

The twenty-one Star Lords assigned to the territory of Zhao.

The lunar mansions Wei, Mao, and Bi lie in the celestial sector of Daliang, which corresponds to Zhao.

Star Lord of the Moon, Star Lord of the Great Mound, Star Lord of the Accumulated Corpses, Star Lord of the Celestial Boat, Star Lord of Accumulated Water, Star Lord of the Coiled Tongue, Star Lord of Celestial Slander, Star Lord of the Whetstone, Star Lord of the Celestial Street, Star Lord of the Attached Ear, Star Lord of Celestial Height, Star Lord of the Feudal Kings, Star Lord of the Celestial Festival, Star Lord of the Nine Provinces’ Distinctive Speech, Star Lord of the Nine Banners, Star Lord of the Celestial Bank, Star Lord of Great Yin, Star Lord of Celestial Inspection, Star Lord of the Celestial Garden, Star Lord of Hay and Straw, and Star Lord of the Celestial Park.

Forty-Seventh Petition

The twenty-two Star Lords assigned to the territory of Jin.

The lunar mansions Zi and Shen lie in the celestial sector of Shishen, which corresponds to Jin.

Star Lord of the Five Chariots and Imperial Seat, Star Lord of the Three Pillars, Star Lord of the Celestial River, Star Lord of the Pool of Salt, Star Lord of the Seated Banner, Star Lord of Celestial Wonders, and Star Lord of the Water Palace.

Forty-Seventh Petition

The twenty-two Star Lords assigned to the territory of Jin.

The lunar mansions Zi and Shen lie in the celestial sector of Shishen, which corresponds to Jin.

Star Lord of the Five Chariots and Imperial Seat, Star Lord of the Three Pillars, Star Lord of the Celestial River, Star Lord of the Pool of Salt, Star Lord of the Seated Banner, Star Lord of Celestial Wonders, Star Lord of the Water Palace, Star Lord of the Four Rivers, Star Lord of the Celestial Gate, Star Lord of the Queqiu Mound, Star Lord of the Shen Banner, Star Lord of the Five Wells, Star Lord of the Military Well, Star Lord of the Screen, Star Lord of the Celestial Latrine, Star Lord of the Arrow, Star Lord of the Military Market, Star Lord of the Wild Chicken, Star Lord of Dai, Star Lord of the Elder, Star Lord of the Son, and Star Lord of the Grandson.

Forty-Eighth Petition

The fifteen Star Lords assigned to the territory of Qin.

The lunar mansions Jing and Gui lie in the celestial sector of Chunshou, which corresponds to Qin.

Star Lord of the Battle-Ax, Star Lord of Accumulated Water, Star Lord of Accumulated Firewood, Star Lord of the Southern River, Star Lord of the Northern River, and Star Lord of the Five Feudal Lords.

Star Lords of the Heavenly Goblet, the Water Position, and the Outer Kitchen;

Star Lords of the Heavenly Record, the Heavenly Dog, and the Wolf;

Star Lords of the Solitary Arrow, the Heavenly Altar, and the Old Man.

The Forty-ninth Register contains ten divisions, placed under the ten seats of Star Lords assigned to Zhou.

The stars Liu and Zhang belong to the sector of Quail Fire and are assigned to the land of Zhou.

Star Lords of Xuanyuan, the Imperial Maiden, and Shaowei;

Star Lords of Inner Balance, the Wine Banner, and the Long Wall;

Star Lords of the Heavenly Minister, the Heavenly Temple, and Eastern Ou;

The Star Lord of the Heavenly Millet. These belong to the sector of Quail Fire, where the star Zhang is located, and are assigned to the land of Zhou.

Star Lords of Xuanyuan, the Imperial Maiden, and Shaowei;

Star Lords of Inner Balance, the Wine Banner, and the Long Wall;

Star Lords of the Heavenly Minister, the Heavenly Temple, and Eastern Ou;

The Star Lord of the Heavenly Millet.

The Fiftieth Register contains nine divisions, placed under the nine seats of Star Lords assigned to the land of Chu.

The lunar lodges Yi and Zhen belong to the sector of Quail Tail and are assigned to the land of Chu.

Star Lords of the Numinous Terrace, the Bright Hall, and the Left Pivot;

Star Lords of the Right Pivot, Changsha, and the Army Gate;

Star Lords of the Earthworks Minister, the Green Mound, and the Treasury of Implements.

The Fifty-first Register contains six divisions, placed under the six Star Lords transformed from Jupiter (the Wood Star).

The Star Lords transformed from Jupiter are:

Star Lords of the Heavenly Spear, the Heavenly Cunning, and the Heavenly Surge;

Star Lords of the Heavenly Club, the National Sovereign, and Deng.

The Fifty-second Register contains five divisions, placed under the five Star Lords transformed from Mars (the Fire Star).

The Star Lords transformed from Mars are:

Star Lords of Xidan, Chiyou, and Zhaoming;

Star Lords of the Minister of Danger and the Heavenly Fault.

The Fifty-third Register contains nine divisions, placed under the nine Star Lords transformed from Saturn (the Earth Star).

The Star Lords transformed from Saturn are:

Star Lords of the Five Remnants, the Six Robbers, and the Prison River;

Star Lords of the Great Boldness and the Illuminating Star;

Star Lords of the Waning Current, the Waning Spring Entering the Canopy, the Beginning of the Ten-Day Cycle, and the Striker of Calamity.

The Fifty-fourth Register contains eight divisions, placed under the eight Star Lords transformed from Venus (the Metal Star).

The Star Lords transformed from Venus are:

Star Lords of the Heavenly Pestle, the Heavenly Village, and Hidden Numen;

Star Lords of Great Defeat, the Minister of Treachery, and the Heavenly Dog;

Star Lords of the Heavenly Remnant and Sudden Emergence. These are the eight Star Lords transformed from Venus.

The star lords manifested by the Great White Star (the ancient name for Venus) are: Lord of the Celestial Pestle Star, Lord of the Celestial Village Star, Lord of the Hidden Spirit Star, Lord of the Great Defeat Star, Lord Who Governs Treachery, Lord of the Celestial Dog Star, Lord of the Celestial Remnant Star, and Lord of the Sudden Rise Star.

The fifty-fifth petition comprises seven sections and is presented before the seven star lords manifested by the Chen Star (the ancient name for Mercury).

The star lords manifested by the Chen Star are: Lord of the Pillar and Arrow Star, Lord of the Broken Woman Star, Lord of the Wiping Pivot Star, Lord of the Vanquished Treasure Star, Lord of the Encircling Court Star, Lord of the Startling Principle Star, and Lord of the Great Sacrificial Exertion Star.

The phrase “such as the Imperial Seats” appears in older editions beneath the Five Elder Emperors. It refers to the imperial seats of Ziwei, Taiwei, Tianshi, Tianjiao, and Dahuo, among others. Here, it should refer to the imperial seats within the celestial enclosures. Moreover, the imperial seat in the Ziwei Enclosure is the Great Emperor of the Celestial Sovereign of the North Pole, who ranks among the Nine Emperors. Its appearance both earlier and later in the text makes the meaning clear.

The fifty-sixth petition comprises twelve sections and is presented before the revered deities of the twelve palaces: the Revered Deity of the Palace of Libra, the Revered Deity of the Palace of Scorpio, the Revered Deity of the Palace of Sagittarius, the Revered Deity of the Palace of Capricorn, the Revered Deity of the Palace of Pisces, the Revered Deity of the Palace of Aquarius, the Revered Deity of the Palace of Aries, the Revered Deity of the Palace of Taurus, the Revered Deity of the Palace of Gemini, the Revered Deity of the Palace of Cancer, the Revered Deity of the Palace of Leo, and the Revered Deity of the Palace of Virgo. All follow the established ritual precedents.

The fifty-seventh petition comprises three sections and is presented before the True Lords of the Three Mountains.

The True Lord Who Serves Above the Five Sacred Peaks and the Nine Heavens, and Who Stores Blessings and Settles Destiny, of Mount Qingcheng; the True Lord Who Serves as High Minister of Fate in the Nine Heavens and Protects Life, of Mount Qianshan; and the True Lord Who Serves as Envoy of Inspection in the Nine Heavens, Responds to the Primordial, and Protects Fortune, of Mount Lu.

These titles were conferred in accordance with the imperial edict issued on the twenty-seventh day of the first month of the fourth year of Yuanfeng.

The fifty-eighth petition comprises six sections and is presented before the Three Heavens’ Great Dharma Masters and the assembled sages: the Great Dharma Master Who Supports the Teachings of the Three Heavens, the True Lord Zhengyi Who Assists the Mystery and Responds in Stillness; the Female Master; the Heir Master; the Lineage Master; the Perfected Left Xuan King; and the Perfected Right Xuan Zhao.

The fifty-ninth petition comprises fourteen sections and is presented before the True Lord Sima of the Nine Heavens and the assembled sages.

The Perfected Lord Sima of the Nine Heavens (the deity who commands the divine hosts of the Nine Heavens), the High Minister Jade Assistant of the Nine Heavens (the assisting minister of the Nine Heavens), the Perfected Lord Zuo Xuan, the Fourth of the Nine Heavens, and the Perfected Lord Zhao Youxuan.

Petition Fifty-Nine, Section Fourteen: The assembled saints of the Perfected Lord Sima of the Nine Heavens.

The Perfected Lord Sima of the Nine Heavens; the High Minister Jade Assistant of the Nine Heavens; the Four Attendant Lords of the Nine Heavens; the Perfected Lord Who Extends Life and Increases One’s Allotted Years of the Nine Heavens; the Perfected Lord Who Saves People from Death of the Nine Heavens; the Perfected Lord Who Restores the Corpse and Revives the Dead of the Nine Heavens; the Perfected Lord Who Establishes Life and Sets Qi in Motion of the Nine Heavens; the Perfected Lord Who Determines Rank and Continues Life of the Nine Heavens; the Perfected Lord Who Determines Emoluments and Bestows All Blessings of the Nine Heavens; the Perfected Lord Who Holds the Registers and Keeps the Records of the Nine Heavens; Lord Han, Registrar in Charge of Records of the Nine Heavens; the Great Spirit Who Oversees Births of the Nine Heavens; the Venerable Spirit Who Delivers from Calamity of the Nine Heavens; the Lady Qing, Registrar of Statutes and Official in Charge of Women of the Nine Heavens. On the right, follow the established ritual.

Petition Sixty, Section Fifteen: The assembled saints of the Perfected Lord, the Great Sovereign of Heaven’s Bureau, Who Bestows Ten Thousand Blessings.

The Perfected Lord, the Great Sovereign of Heaven’s Bureau, Who Bestows Ten Thousand Blessings; the Perfected Lord of the Jade Register Who Determines Names of Heaven’s Bureau; the Perfected Lord Who Aids the Aged and Delivers from Calamity of Heaven’s Bureau; the Perfected Lord Who Dispels Disasters and Scatters Misfortune of Heaven’s Bureau; the Perfected Lord Who Records Births and Summons the Dead of Heaven’s Bureau; the Perfected Lord Who Prolongs Life and Preserves One’s Destiny of Heaven’s Bureau; the Perfected Lord in Charge of Destiny of Heaven’s Bureau; the Perfected Lord in Charge of Records of Heaven’s Bureau; the Perfected Lord in Charge of Transgressions of Heaven’s Bureau; the Perfected Lord in Charge of Danger of Heaven’s Bureau; the Perfected Lord in Charge of Punishments of Heaven’s Bureau; the Perfected Lord in Charge of Penalties of Heaven’s Bureau; the True Official Who Leads Petitioners In at the Gate of Heaven’s Bureau; the Attendant on Duty for the Day at the Gate of Heaven’s Bureau; the Great Officer Who Seizes the Surplus at the Gate of Heaven’s Bureau. On the right, follow the ritual of Fen.

Petition Sixty—Section Five: The Perfected Lord in Charge of Punishments at the Gate of the Perfected Lords of the Five Peaks; the Perfected Lord in Charge of Penalties of Heaven’s Bureau; the True Official Who Leads Petitioners In at the Gate of Heaven’s Bureau; the Attendant on Duty for the Day at the Gate of Heaven’s Bureau; the Great Officer Who Seizes the Surplus at the Gate of Heaven’s Bureau. On the right, follow the ritual of Fen.

Petition Sixty-One, Section Five: Those at the Gate of the Perfected Lords of the Five Peaks.

The Perfected Lord of the Eastern Peak, Azure Emperor of Heavenly Spirit and Azure Radiance; the Perfected Lord of the Southern Peak, Red Emperor of Auspicious Splendor and Violet Radiance; the Perfected Lord of the Western Peak, White Emperor of Pure Radiance, Shining Soul, and Great Brightness; the Perfected Lord of the Northern Peak, Black Emperor of Hidden Subtlety, Abyssal Depths, and the Boundless; the Perfected Lord of the Central Peak, Yellow Emperor of Yellow Mystery, Great Radiance, and Embraced Truth.

Petition Sixty-Two, Section Five: Those at the Gate of the Holy Emperors of the Five Peaks.

The Eastern Peak’s Heavenly Equal, Benevolent and Holy …

The Southern Peak’s Celestial Director, Sagely Illuminating Emperor; the Western Peak’s Golden Heaven, Sagely Harmonizing Emperor; the Northern Peak’s Tranquil Heaven, Primordial Sagely Emperor; and the Central Peak’s Central Heaven, Revered Sagely Emperor. These are recorded in Illustrated Record of the Famous Mountains and Peaks.

The sixty-third category comprises ten entries, listed under the True Lords of the Ten Mountains.

The Eastern Peak’s Life-Assisting True Lord of Mount Kuocang; the Eastern Peak’s Life-Assisting True Lord of Mount Luofu; the Southern Peak’s Heir-Apparent True Lord of Mount Huo; the Southern Peak’s Heir-Apparent True Lord of Mount Qian; the Western Peak’s Life-Assisting True Lord of Mount Nüji; the Western Peak’s Life-Assisting True Lord of Mount Fei; the Northern Peak’s Life-Assisting True Lord of Mount Hepeng; the Northern Peak’s Life-Assisting True Lord of Mount Baodu; the Central Peak’s Life-Assisting True Lord of Mount Shaoshi; and the Central Peak’s Life-Assisting True Lord of Mount Wudang. These are recorded in Register of the Great Perfect Daoist Canon.

The sixty-fourth category comprises eighteen entries, listed under the assembled sages of the Supreme Ultimate.

The Supreme Ultimate Perfected One who rules Mount Guang Sang at sea, recorded in Declarations of the Perfected and Accounts of Han Hun’s Deeds.

The Right Assistant, Perfected Wang, of Mount Tongbai, who oversees the destiny of the Five Peaks; the Perfected One of Great Mystery; the Eastern Peak’s Senior Minister in the Upper Realm, the Great Mao True Lord who oversees destiny; the Right Forbidden Gentleman of the Register of Determinations, the Middle Mao True Lord who oversees destiny; the Small Mao True Lord who preserves the lives of the Three Officials; the Great Historian and Chief Immortal of the Nine Provinces, also Great Envoy of Lofty Clarity, Divine Merit, and Wondrous Deliverance, the Supreme Unity True Lord who determines destiny; the Censor of the Mysterious Capital, Lord Hao; the Yellow True Lord who checks the registers of the Water Bureau; the True Lords of Mount Xi: Chen, Zhou, Peng, Shi, Zhong, Xu, Shi, Zeng, and Gan; and Xu Changshi, a Perfected One of Highest Clarity. These are recorded in Biographies of Immortals and Record of Mount Mao and Mount Xi.

The sixty-fifth category comprises ten entries, listed under the immortal officials of the lower grotto-heavens.

The immortal officials of the Clear and Empty Lesser Grotto-Heaven at Mount Wangwu; and the immortal officials of the Vast and Bright Greater Grotto-Heaven at Mount Weiyu.

Western Mountain Perfected Lord Gan, a Daoist immortal, and Perfected Xu Changshi of the Shangqing school, who once served as a Senior Secretary, are mentioned in the Biographies of Immortals and the Record of Western Mountain at Maoshan.

Item 65 has ten divisions and is listed under “Immortal Officials of the Lower Grotto-Heavens.”

The immortal officials of Little Youqingxu Grotto-Heaven on Wangwu Mountain; Dayou Kongming Grotto-Heaven on Weiyu Mountain; Taiyuan Zongzhen Grotto-Heaven on Xixuan Mountain; Sanyuan Jizhen Grotto-Heaven on Xicheng Mountain; Baoxian Jiushi Grotto-Heaven on Qingcheng Mountain; Shangwang Qingping Grotto-Heaven on Chicheng Mountain; Zhuming Juzhen Grotto-Heaven on Luofu Mountain; Jintan Huayang Grotto-Heaven on Gouqu Mountain; Zuoshen Youxu Grotto-Heaven on Linwu Mountain; and Chengde Yinzhen Grotto-Heaven on Kuocang Mountain. These titles come from the Record of Grotto-Heavens and Blessed Lands. In Daoism, “Grotto-Heavens” are numinous realms where immortals dwell and cultivate.

Item 66 has twenty-four divisions and is listed under “Immortal Officials of the Twenty-Four Manifestations.” Here, “manifestation” refers to a Daoist title for an immortal who has appeared in manifested form or received an investiture. The list is as follows:

Immortal Official of Yangping Manifestation and Immortal Official of Lutang Manifestation; Immortal Official of Heming Manifestation and Immortal Official of Liyuan Manifestation; Immortal Official of Gegui Manifestation and Immortal Official of Gengchu Manifestation; Immortal Official of Qinzhong Manifestation and Immortal Official of Zhendu Manifestation; Immortal Official of Changli Manifestation and Immortal Official of Lishang Manifestation; Immortal Official of Yongquan Manifestation and Immortal Official of Chougen Manifestation; Immortal Official of Beiping Manifestation and Immortal Official of Benzhu Manifestation; Immortal Official of Mengqin Manifestation and Immortal Official of Pinggai Manifestation; Immortal Official of Yuntai Manifestation and Immortal Official of Jinkou Manifestation; Immortal Official of Houcheng Manifestation and Immortal Official of Gongmu Manifestation; Immortal Official of Pinggang Manifestation and Immortal Official of Zhubu Manifestation; Immortal Official of Yuju Manifestation and Immortal Official of Beimang Manifestation. This register comes from the Register of Dugu, one of the Daoist registers of ordination.

Item 67 has twenty-eight divisions and lists the Perfected One of Long Life and Wondrous Response, along with various immortals.

The Attendant of the Azure Firmament, Perfected One of Long Life and Wondrous Response; the True Lord of Great Compassion, Universal Deliverance, Eternal Origin, and Manifested Numinous Power; Perfected Zhao of Primordial Yang; Perfected Chen of Jing Tong; Perfected Li of Contemplating the Wondrous; and various other immortals. The list ends by naming the Attendant of the Azure Firmament, Perfected One of Long Life and Wondrous Response, once again.

The Perfected Lord of Great Compassion, Universal Salvation, Eternal Origin, and Manifested Efficacy;

Perfected Zhao of Primordial Yang;

Perfected Chen of Jing Tong;

Perfected Li of Contemplation and Mystery;

Perfected Li Long;

Perfected Xue of Mount Qingcheng;

Perfected Anqi, Master of the Northern Palace;

Master Zhang Hongya, the Perfected of Mount Qingcheng;

Perfected Liu Tianchang of Mount Shizhong;

Perfected Zhang Tongyi of Mount Xueshe;

Perfected Yan Miaotong;

Perfected Wang Baohe;

Perfected Erzhu Guiyuan;

Perfected Zhu Miaotong of Mount Yuzhen;

Perfected Zhongli Zhengyang;

Perfected Lü Chunyang;

Master Lu Jianji;

Perfected Sun of the Hall of Flourishing Ages;

Perfected Zhang Xuying of White Crane Mountain;

Master Wang Shengzhen;

Immortal Lady Sun, the True Countess of Mount Wangwu;

The Lesser Immortal Lord Baopu;

Master Sima Zhenyi of Mount Wangwu;

Master Li Xuanjing of Mount Mao;

Celestial Master Du Guangcheng;

Master Tan, Transmitter of the Teaching;

Master Rao, Transmitter of the Teaching. The titles above appear in biographies such as Collected Immortals, Immortals of the Past, and Supplementary Records.

The sixty-eighth register lists three figures under the Three Origins Perfected Lords:

The Perfected Lord of Dao Transformation of the Upper Origin;

The Perfected Lord Who Protects the Righteous of the Middle Origin;

The Perfected Lord Who Settles the Will of the Lower Origin. These titles were conferred by the present dynasty.

The sixty-ninth register lists fifteen figures under the immortal officials of the Upper Origin Palace:

Immortal Official, Left Director of the Upper Origin;

Immortal Official, Right Director of the Upper Origin;

Chief of the Left Office of the Purple Tenuity Palace of the Upper Origin, presiding over life and the solar fire official;

Chief of the Right Office of the Purple Tenuity Palace of the Upper Origin, presiding over death and the lunar water official;

Chief of the Central Office of the Purple Tenuity Palace of the Upper Origin, overseeing the registers of offenses concerning life and death;

Chief of the Left Office of the Left Palace of the Great Ultimate of the Upper Origin, presiding over life and the solar fire official;

Chief of the Right Office of the Left Palace of the Great Ultimate of the Upper Origin, presiding over death and the lunar water official;

Chief of the Central Office of the Left Palace of the Great Ultimate of the Upper Origin, overseeing the registers of offenses concerning life and death.

The Upper Origin Supreme Ultimate Right Palace has three divine officials: the Left Office oversees birth dates and is called the Solar Fire Official; the Right Office oversees the end of life and is called the Lunar Water Official; and the Central Office records births, deaths, and transgressions.

The Upper Origin also has divine officials who assess civil officials, scholars, and soldiers, as well as divine officials who assess administrative officials.

Seventy-First Register: The roster of the twelve Bureau Immortals of the Purple Tenuity Palace.

The Upper Origin Purple Tenuity Palace has twelve Bureau Immortals—divine officials who oversee different kinds of affairs: the Bureau Immortal of Manifest Truth, the Bureau Immortal of Supervising Rectitude, the Bureau Immortal of Brahma Conduct, the Bureau Immortal of the Numinous Pass, the Bureau Immortal of Restrained Spirits, the Bureau Immortal of Correct Spirits, the Bureau Immortal of Penetrating Brightness, the Bureau Immortal of Opening Brightness, the Bureau Immortal of Jade Capital, the Bureau Immortal of Southern Heights, the Bureau Immortal of Primordial Merit, and the Bureau Immortal of the Three Numinous Ones.

Seventy-Second Register: The roster of the twelve Bureau Immortals of the Supreme Ultimate Left Palace.

The Supreme Ultimate Left Palace has twelve Bureau Immortals: the Bureau Immortal of Manifest Brahma, the Bureau Immortal of Awesome Numinous Power, the Bureau Immortal of Great Constancy, the Bureau Immortal of Great Clarity, the Bureau Immortal of Proclaimed Authority, the Bureau Immortal of Manifest Capital, the Bureau Immortal of the Numinous Capital, the Bureau Immortal of Great Rites, the Bureau Immortal of Manifest Law, the Bureau Immortal of Assessment and Rectification, the Bureau Immortal of Manifest Authority, and the Bureau Immortal of the Nine Capitals.

Seventy-Third Register: The roster of the twelve Bureau Immortals of the Supreme Ultimate Right Palace.

The Supreme Ultimate Right Palace has twelve Bureau Immortals: the Bureau Immortal who Administers Rectitude, the Bureau Immortal of the Four Brightnesses, the Bureau Immortal who Supervises Heaven, the Bureau Immortal who Administers Killing, the Bureau Immortal who Covenants with Heaven, the Bureau Immortal of the Netherworld Capital, the Bureau Immortal of Awesome Rites, the Bureau Immortal of Great Yin, the Bureau Immortal of the Lower Origin, the Bureau Immortal who Supervises Officials, the Bureau Immortal who Supervises Spirits, and the Bureau Immortal of Great Brightness.

Seventy-Fourth Register: The roster of the divine officials of the Central Origin Palace Offices.

The Central Origin Left Capital Office Divine Official and the Central Origin Right Capital Office Divine Official. In the Central Origin Numinous Void Azure Spirit Palace, the Left Office is called the Palace of Enduring Offenses and Manifested Dawn. It oversees birth dates and is called the Solar Fire Official. The Right Office is called the Palace of Severed Darkness in the Yin Heavens. It oversees the end of life and is called the Lunar Water Official.

Zhongyuan, the central realm of the underworld in the Daoist system, contains several palaces and bureaus that govern life and death, records of offenses, and the affairs of Yin-Yang, water, and fire. In Qingling Palace, the Bureau of Seven Failings and Tranquil Illumination governs life, death, and records of offenses. The Southern Dongyang Left Zongtian Palace has officials in charge of fire as well as bureau officials who govern life and death. To the right of Qingling Palace, the Bureau of the Severed Yin Heaven governs death and the water of Great Yin. The Southern Dongyang Left Zongtian Palace also has officials who govern life and death, records of offenses, the fire of Great Yang, and the water of Great Yin. In the Northern Fengdu Right Yin Heaven Palace, the Bureau of Lianwan Springs and Qu Bend governs life and the fire of Great Yang; the Bureau of Tai Sha and the Nine Dark Depths governs death and the water of Great Yin; and the Bureau of Sin Qi and Xianchi governs life, death, and records of offenses.

There are also officials such as Zhongyuan examiners, examiners’ assistants, examination soldiers, and examination clerks, who are responsible for investigating and registering the relevant matters.

Memorial 74

Fourteenth division, before the fourteen Cao Immortal Officials of Qingling Palace.

In the Zhongyuan Dongkong Qingling Palace are the following Cao Immortal Officials, who handle affairs in separate bureaus: the Cao Immortal Official of Lingdu, the Cao Immortal Official of Weizheng, the Cao Immortal Official of Lingwei, the Cao Immortal Official of Huangshen, the Cao Immortal Official of Dongxuan, the Cao Immortal Official of Weiyang, the Cao Immortal Official of Lingniu, the Cao Immortal Official of Yuezheng, the Cao Immortal Official of Dongtian, the Cao Immortal Official of Yuandu, the Cao Immortal Official of Tongzhen, the Cao Immortal Official of Tongming, the Cao Immortal Official of Yifan, and the Cao Immortal Official of the Nine Examinations.

Memorial 75

Fourteenth division, before the fourteen Cao Immortal Officials of the Southern Dongyang Left Palace.

In the Zhongyuan Southern Dongyang Left Palace are the following Cao Immortal Officials: the Cao Immortal Official of Nanchang, the Cao Immortal Official of Examination and Calculation, the Cao Immortal Official of Great Yang, the Cao Immortal Official of Jiming, the Cao Immortal Official of the Metropolitan Statutes, the Cao Immortal Official of the Nine Commands, the Cao Immortal Official of Gel ing, and the Cao Transmitting Official of Mingdu.

Immortal officials of the Celestial Supervision Bureau and the Field Proclamation Bureau,

Immortal officials of the Command Supervision Bureau and the Hill Registrar Bureau,

Immortal officials of the Nine Qi Bureau and the Central Spirit Bureau.

Petition No. 76

Section Fourteen, submitted to the offices of the immortal officials of the Fourteen Bureaus in the Right Palace of Northern Fengdu.

The Central Origin, Right Palace of Northern Fengdu:

Immortal officials of the Bureau for Adjudicating Wrongdoing, the Qi Bureau, and the Central Spirit Bureau.

Petition No. 76

Section Fourteen, submitted to the offices of the immortal officials of the Fourteen Bureaus in the Right Palace of Northern Fengdu.

The Central Origin, Right Palace of Northern Fengdu:

Immortal officials of the Bureau for Adjudicating Wrongdoing and the Nine Slaughters Bureau,

the Han Affairs Bureau and the Bureau for Upholding Justice,

the Bureau of Inspection and the Bureau of Service and Examination,

the Bureau for Directing Qi and the Bureau of Executions,

the Dipper Addition Bureau and the Bureau for Presiding over Bonds,

the Bureau of Subtle Matters and the Ninefold Darkness Bureau, officials in charge of punishments in the netherworld,

the Bureau for Deliverance and the Bureau of the Cold Night, officials in charge of punishments in the netherworld.

Petition No. 77

Section Fifteen, submitted to the offices of the immortal officials in the Lower Origin palaces and bureaus.

Immortal official of the Left Directorate of the Lower Origin,

immortal official of the Right Directorate of the Lower Origin,

in the Lower Origin, at the Azure Splendor Palace of the Source Cave in Yang Valley: the Left Master of the Numinous Spring Prefecture, official of the Solar Fire who presides over life,

in the Lower Origin, at the Azure Splendor Palace of the Source Cave in Yang Valley: the Right Master of the Nine Springs and Cold Night Prefecture, official of the Lunar Water who presides over death,

in the Lower Origin, at the Azure Splendor Palace of the Source Cave in Yang Valley: the Central Master of the Unmixed Azure Numinous Prefecture, official who presides over the registers of offenses in life and death,

in the Lower Origin, at the Clear and Cold Left Southern Water Palace: the Left Master of the Numinous Calamity Prefecture, official of the Solar Fire who presides over life,

in the Lower Origin, at the Clear and Cold Left Southern Water Palace: the Right Master of the Long Night’s Cold Court, official of the Lunar Water who presides over death,

in the Lower Origin, at the Clear and Cold Left Southern Water Palace: the Central Master of the Numinous Treasure Calamity Blades Prefecture, official who presides over the registers of offenses in life and death,

in the Lower Origin, at the Right Luofeng Palace of Northern Fengdu: the Master of the Long Night’s Cold Court, official of the Lunar Water who presides over death,

in the Lower Origin, at the Clear and Cold Left Southern Water Palace: the Central Master of the Numinous Treasure Calamity Blades Prefecture, official who presides over the registers of offenses in life and death,

in the Lower Origin, at the Right Luofeng Palace of Northern Fengdu: the Left Master of the Calamity Measure of Deliverance Prefecture, official of the Solar Fire who presides over life,

in the Lower Origin, at the Right Luofeng Palace of Northern Fengdu: the Right Master of the Springs of the Winding River and Ghost Spirits Prefecture, official of the Lunar Water who presides over death,

in the Lower Origin, at the Right Luofeng Palace of Northern Fengdu: the Central Master of the Great Calamity of Communing with Spirits, official who presides over the registers of offenses in life and death.

The officials, examiners, and soldiers of the Lower Origin are assessed. The Lower Origin is one of the Three Origins in Daoism and oversees examinations and evaluations for the Lower Origin.

Petition Seventy-Eight

Fourteen divisions are listed under the fourteen offices of immortal officials at Dongyuan Palace. Each official oversees a particular area of responsibility.

At Dongyuan Palace in Yanggu of the Lower Origin:

The Immortal Officials of the Water Clarity Office and the Clear Water Office;

the Blazing Fire Office and the Three Luminaries Office;

the Examination and Comparison Office and the Water Command Office;

the Bright Models Office and Dongyuan Office;

the Inspection and Review Office and the Calamity Appraisal Office;

the Following Water Office and Dongyang Office;

the Dragon … Office and the Opportunity Office.

Petition Seventy-Nine

Fourteen divisions are listed under the Immortal Officials of the Examination and Comparison Office, Water Command Office, Bright Models Office, Dongyuan Office, Inspection and Review Office, Calamity Appraisal Office, Following Water Office, Dongyang Office, Dragon … Office, and Opportunity Office at Left Qingling Palace.

Petition Seventy-Nine

Fourteen divisions are listed under the fourteen offices of immortal officials at Left Qingling Palace.

At Left Qingling Palace of the Lower Origin:

The Immortal Officials of the Calamity and Retribution Office and the Mechanism and Years Office;

the Water Brahma Office and the Offenses and Blessings Office;

the Examination and Review Office and the Following Qi Office;

the Spirit-Gathering Office and the Dragon-Summoning Office;

the Nine Rivers Office and the Exemplary Women Office;

the Illumination Office and the Soul-Deliverance Office;

the Essence Inspection Office and the Purity and Rectitude Office.

Petition Eighty

Fourteen divisions are listed under the fourteen offices of immortal officials at Right Luofeng Palace.

At Right Luofeng Palace of the Lower Origin:

The Immortal Officials of the Northern Origin Office and the Examination and Rectification Office;

the Nine Disciplines Office and the Four Extremes Office;

the Hidden Night Office and the Long Calamity Office;

the Mang Spirit Office and the Three Hardships Office;

the Five Methods Office and the Ten Thousand Appraisals Office;

the Poisoned Blade Office and the Long Night Office;

the Deep Waves Office and the Limitless Office.

All the material above comes from the Scripture of the Three Origins and Their Worthy Qualities (Sanyuan Pincheng Jing).

Petition Eighty-One (the original reads “Petition Eighty-Entry,” probably a scribal error), ten divisions are listed under the Great One Lord of Fate, who governs people’s lifespans and registers of destiny, and the assembled sages.

The Great One Lord of Fate of the present life;

the Immortal Official of the Primordial Limit Office.

All the material above comes from the Scripture of the Three Origins and Their Worthy Qualities (Sanyuan Pincheng Jing).

The Lord of Fate, Taiyi, governs the lifespan and register of each person’s allotted fate.

The Star Lords of the Birth Year govern the stars corresponding to the year of one’s birth. The True Officer of the Birth Date governs the date of birth. The True Officer of the Traveling Horse governs the traveling horse of one’s fate. The True Officer of the Birth Month governs the month of birth, and the True Officer of the Birth Hour governs the hour of birth.

The True Officers of the Five Blessings and Fate’s Fortune govern the fortunes and Five Blessings of one’s allotted fate. The True Officers of the Major and Minor Cycles of Fortune govern, respectively, the major and minor cycles of fortune in a person’s life. The Divine Generals of the Annual Cycle and Fate’s Fortune govern the fortunes and destiny’s influences for that year.

These divine positions are established according to the compendium of the Directorate of Astronomy and are collectively called “Sagely Compassion.”

Register Eighty-Two, Section Nine: The Heavenly Elder, Heavenly Mother, and Other Deities

The Divine Lord of the Heavenly Elder, the Divine Lord of the Heavenly Mother, the Divine Lord of the Heavenly Son, and the Divine Lord of the Heavenly Daughter.

The Rain Master, the Spirit of Abundant Rain, governs rainfall; the Cloud Master, the Spirit of Screened Veils, governs the clouds; the Wind Master, Feilian, governs the wind; the Thunder Master, Linglong, governs thunder; and the Lightning Master, Liejue, governs lightning.

According to the old rites, beginning with this register, these deities are collectively called “Numinous Compassion.”

Register Eighty-Three, Section Twenty-Two: The Great Emperor of Fusang and Other Spirits

The Great Emperor of Fusang in the Water Palace; the Divine King of Yanggu in the Water Palace; and the kings of the four seas: the Abyssal Sage, Broad Virtue King of the Eastern Sea; the Vast Sage, Broad Benefit King of the Southern Sea; the Communicating Sage, Broad Moisture King of the Western Sea; and the Surging Sage, Broad Abundance King of the Northern Sea.

Also listed are the Dragon King, Water Emperor of the Han River; the Dragon King, Water Emperor of the Chu River; and the spirits of the Zhejiang River. The list then again names the Great Emperor of Fusang in the Water Palace, the Divine King of Yanggu in the Water Palace, and the four Sea Dragon Kings: the Abyssal Sage, Broad Virtue King of the Eastern Sea; the Vast Sage, Broad Benefit King of the Southern Sea; the Communicating Sage, Broad Moisture King of the Western Sea; and the Surging Sage, Broad Abundance King of the Northern Sea.

Also included are the Dragon Kings, Water Emperors of the Han River, Chu River, Zhejiang River, Xiang River, Wu River, Wuchuan River, Yangzi River, Song River, and Jing River.

The Illustrious and Numinous, Responsive and Potent, Majestic and Fiery King of the Vast Source governs the river deity; the Manifest Sage, Numinous Source King governs the Yellow River deity; the Long Source King governs the Huai River deity; and the Clear Source King governs the Ji River deity. These are the water gods of the four great waterways: the Yangzi, Yellow, Huai, and Ji Rivers.

There are also the King of Blessings, Goodness, and River-Pacification of the Water Palace above Mount Madang; the King of Sagely Accord and River-Pacification of the Water Palace amid Mount Caishi; and the King of Illustrious Trust and Great River of the Water Palace below Mount Jin. All are Water Palace kings who guard strategic points along the rivers.

Register Eighty-Four, Section Twelve: The Twelve Streams, True Masters’ Retinue

The Perfected Ones of Five Clouds Creek, Wuling Creek, Zhuluo Creek, Tongbai Creek, Kunlun Creek, and Minshan Creek; the Water Palace’s Shunsheng Pingjiang King in the mountains of Caishi; and the Water Palace’s Zhaoxin Taijiang King beneath Jinshan.

Petition 84 comprises twelve sections and is addressed to the Perfected Ones of the Twelve Creeks:

The Perfected Ones of Five Clouds Creek, Wuling Creek, Zhuluo Creek, Tongbai Creek, Kunlun Creek, Minshan Creek, Panzhong Creek, Mianchi Creek, Qingyuan Creek, Zhongtiao Creek, Huansha Creek, and Wuxia Gorge. The established rites are used for all of these.

Petition 85 comprises seventeen sections and is addressed to the deities of Taihu Lake:

The Deity of Taihu Lake, the Deity of Dongting Lake, the Deity of Danyang Lake, the Deity of Poyang Lake, the Deity of Pengli Lake, the Northern Dark Lord of the Nine Seas, the Lord of the Nine Valleys of Sizhou, the River Marquis, the River Earl, the River Clerk, the Water Mother of Shiyuan, the Water Commissioner of Penglai, Fengyi Lord of the Water Palace, the Lord of Waves of the Water Palace, the Jade Maiden of the Lake, the Great Deity Mingling, and the Dragon Deity of the Great Zao River. The established rites are used for all of these.

Petition 86 comprises nine sections and is addressed to the Earth Emperors of the Nine Layers:

The Earth Emperor of the First Layer, the Land of Moist Color; the Earth Emperor of the Second Layer, the Land of Firm Color; the Earth Emperor of the Third Layer, the Land of Stone Fat Color; the Earth Emperor of the Fourth Layer, the Land of Moisture and Richness; the Earth Emperor of the Fifth Layer, the Land of Golden Millet Marsh; the Earth Emperor of the Sixth Layer, the Land of Vajra-Iron Marsh; the Earth Emperor of the Seventh Layer, the Land of Water-Control Marsh; the Earth Emperor of the Eighth Layer, the Land of Great Wind Marsh; and the Earth Emperor of the Ninth Layer, the Land of the Abyssal Cavern, Colorless and Firm, at the Outer Boundary. These titles appear in the fiftieth volume of the Scripture of Salvation.

Petition 87 comprises fifteen sections and is addressed to the assembled holy beings under the Great Emperor of Fengdu:

The Great Emperor of Northern Yin and Fengdu, the Supreme Numinous Lord who Assists in Governing Fengdu, the Mysterious Nourishing Heavenly Lord who Aids in Governing Fengdu, and the Chief Minister of Fengdu.

The Grand Preceptor Lord of Fengdu, the Lord of Eastern Radiance of Fengdu, the Lord of Southern Radiance of Fengdu, the Lord of Western Radiance of Fengdu, and the Lord of Northern Radiance of Fengdu; the ghost officials of Fengdu; the Supreme Numinous Lord who assists in governing Fengdu on behalf of the Northern Dipper; the Heavenly Lord of Mysterious Nourishment who aids in the administration of Fengdu; and the Lord of the Right Assistant of Fengdu.

The Grand Preceptor Lord of Fengdu, the Lords of Eastern, Southern, Western, and Northern Radiance of Fengdu; the ghost officials of Fengdu; the Lord of the Northern Dipper; the Director of the Three Offices of Fengdu; the Lord of Life of the Water Office of Fengdu; the Lord of the Right Prohibition Office of Fengdu; the Messenger in Charge of Wrongdoing of Fengdu; and the Gentleman Who Holds the Canopy of Fengdu.

The eighty-eighth petition lists six portions and is presented before the immortal officials of the Six Caverns (the officials who govern the six cavern palaces of Fengdu):

The immortal officials of the Heavenly Palace of Severed Yin at Mount Fengdu; the Heavenly Palace of Supreme Slaughter and Just Affairs; the Heavenly Palace of Clear Dawn, Endurance, and Martial City; the Heavenly Palace of Tranquil Illumination and Sinful Qi; the Heavenly Palace of Ancestral Numen and Seven Transgressions; and the Heavenly Palace of Daring Governance, Linked Enclosures, and Repeated Buildings.

The eighty-ninth petition lists thirteen portions and is presented before the Great Demon Kings of Fengdu:

The Great Demon Kings of the Heavenly Palace of Severed Yin at Mount Fengdu; the Heavenly Palace of Supreme Slaughter and Just Affairs; the Heavenly Palace of Clear Dawn, Endurance, and Martial City; the Heavenly Palace of Tranquil Illumination and Sinful Qi; the Heavenly Palace of Ancestral Numen and Seven Transgressions; and the Heavenly Palace of Daring Governance, Linked Enclosures, and Repeated Buildings.

The Great Demon Kings of the Heavenly Palace of Tranquil Illumination and Sinful Qi at Mount Fengdu; the Heavenly Palace of Ancestral Numen and Seven Transgressions; the Heavenly Palace of Daring Governance, Linked Enclosures, and Repeated Buildings; the Great Demon King of Mysterious Governance, Reordered Rectitude, and Ancestral Emptiness; the Great Demon King who Unites the Immortals and Raises Numen in Subtle Obscurity; the Great Demon King of True Rectitude, Shao Numen, and Enclosure Governance; the Great Demon King of Cloud Towers, Jade Records, and Bright Clarity; the Great Demon King of Lamenting Songs; the Great Demon King of Revered Emptiness, Vermilion Radiance, and Numen’s Source; and the Great Demon King of the Ninefold Peace of the August Heaven.

The ninetieth petition lists ten portions and is presented before the True Lords of the Ten Kings (the True Lords among the Ten Kings of the underworld):

The Great Su-Miao-Guang True Lord of the Underworld; the Yin-De-Ding-Xiu True Lord of the Underworld.

Perfectly Clear and Pure True Lord of the Underworld; Mysterious Virtue and Fivefold Numina True Lord of the Underworld; Supreme Radiance and Luminous Spirit True Lord of the Underworld; Precious Solemnity and Manifest Achievement True Lord of the Underworld; Equanimous Vision and Illuminating Principle True Lord of the Underworld; Supreme Righteous Salvation True Lord of the Underworld; Flying Demon and Flourishing Celebration True Lord of the Underworld; and Fivefold Splendor and Majestic Virtue True Lord of the Underworld.

These titles come from the Ritual Manual for Offerings to the Great One Celestial Worthy, a liturgical text used in offering ceremonies.

Petition 91, in seventeen sections, lists the record-keeping gods of the underworld and other sacred beings:

Record-Keeping Spirit Lord of the Underworld; Destiny-Monitoring Spirit Lord of the Underworld; Merit-Monitoring Spirit Lord of the Underworld; Life-Taking Spirit Lord of the Underworld; Youth Who Investigates Destinies of the Underworld; Youth of Great Mystery of the Underworld; Jade Maiden of Night’s Radiance of the Underworld; Spirit Officer Who Examines Prisons at the Cold Pool of Northern Fengdu; and the Nine Capitals.

It also lists the Merit-Monitoring Spirit Lord of the Underworld; Life-Taking Spirit Lord of the Underworld; Youth Who Investigates Destinies of the Underworld; Youth of Great Mystery of the Underworld; Jade Maiden of Night’s Radiance of the Underworld; Spirit Officer Who Examines Prisons at the Cold Pool of Northern Fengdu; Envoy of the Nine Capitals; Envoy Bearing the Command of the Nine Dragons; Giant Heavenly Strongmen; Great Deity Who Enforces Punishment in the Three Heavens; Examiner of Periods and Kalpas; Official Who Administers Punishment and Consigns Souls to Kalpas of Suffering; Official Who Administers Heaven’s Laws; Custodian Who Administers Punishment at the Nine Springs; and the Five Emperors’ Examiners of the Underworld.

Petition 92, in nine sections, lists the spirits who govern the Nine Palaces:

Six-White Spirit of the Qian Palace; One-White Spirit of the Kan Palace; Eight-White Spirit of the Gen Palace; Three-Green Spirit of the Zhen Palace; Four-Green Spirit of the Xun Palace; Nine-Purple Spirit of the Li Palace; Two-Black Spirit of the Kun Palace; Seven-Red Spirit of the Dui Palace; and Five-Yellow Spirit of the Central Palace. These names correspond to the Nine Palaces and their nine numbered colors, and are designations for spirits in Daoist systems of divination and cosmological calculation.

Petition 93, in five sections, lists the deities of the Five Directions and Five Phases:

In the east, Jia and Yi, Yin and Mao, belong to Wood; in the south, Bing and Ding, Si and Wu, belong to Fire; in the west, Geng and Xin, Shen and You, belong to Metal; in the north, Ren and Gui, Hai and Zi, belong to Water; and in the center, Wu and Ji, Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei, belong to Earth.

Petition 94, in twelve sections, lists the deities of the soil and grain who govern the land and crops:

The Great Altar Deity; the Great Grain Deity; the Earth Elder Deity; the Earth Mother Deity; the Grain Father Deity; the Silkworm Mother Deity; the Deity Who Sows the Five Grains; the Deities of Trees, Plants, Flowers, and Fruit; Goumang, the deity of spring; and the deities of the central direction, associated with Earth and with Wu, Ji, Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei.

The Great Altar Spirit, the Great Grain Spirit, the Earth Elder Spirit, the Earth Mother Spirit, the Grain Father Spirit, and the Silkworm Mother Spirit are deities who respectively govern the community altar and its soil, the Five Grains, the land, grain crops, and silkworm cultivation. Also included are the deity who sows the Five Grains and deities who govern trees, flowers, and fruit.

In spring, the season is governed by the deity Goumang; in summer, by the deity Zhurong; in autumn, by the deity Rushou; and in winter, by the deity Xuanming. The arrangement of the divine offices in all three groups above follows the placement established jointly with the Directorate of Astronomy, the agency responsible for observing celestial phenomena and devising the calendar, among other duties.

Ninety-fifth register, comprising ten divisions: The Lord of the Azure Dragon of the Left and the assembled deities. The Lord of the Azure Dragon is on the left, the Lord of the White Tiger on the right, the Lord of the Vermilion Bird in front, and the Lord of the Black Tortoise behind. Also present are the Incense-Attending Golden Youth, the Flower-Scattering Jade Maiden, the Incense Official Envoy, the Fire Official who Transmits Memorials, the presiding deity of the local City God, and the Venerable Spirit of the Year’s Virtue who protects the residence.

Ninety-sixth register, comprising nine divisions: The Community Altar Commanders of the Nine Provinces—that is, the deities who each govern the community altar and its soil in one of the Nine Provinces: Ji, Jing, Qing, Xu, Yu, Yong, Liang, Gun, and Yang.

The material above comes from the Treatise on the Daoist Canons of Great Perfection.

Ninety-seventh register, comprising fourteen divisions: The six Jade Maidens and eight Assistants used in general memorial rites. The Jiazi day corresponds to the Left Spirit-Flying Great Mystery Jade Maiden; the Jiaxu day, to the Left Spirit-Flying Yellow Silk Jade Maiden; the Jiashen day, to the Left Spirit-Flying Great Simplicity Jade Maiden; the Jiachen day, to the Right Spirit-Flying Essence-Worshipping Jade Maiden; the Jiawu day, to the Right Spirit-Flying Crimson Palace Jade Maiden; and the Jiayin day, to the Right Spirit-Flying Azure-Waisted Jade Maiden. Here, “general memorial rites” refers to a ritual office used across memorial-presentation ceremonies; “Jade Maidens” are deities who serve in Daoist rites.

The titles of these Jade Maidens come from the Register of the Great Grotto.

The Assistants include the Memorial-Register Assistant, General Memorial Assistant, Memorial-Register Examiner, Memorial-Register Bearer, Memorial-Register Controller, Memorial-Register Inscriber, Memorial-Register Presenter, and Memorial-Register Arbiter. These are divine offices that assist with the affairs of Daoist memorial rites, and their titles come from the Register of the Metropolitan Merit Officer.

Ninety-eighth register, comprising fourteen divisions: The assembled deities of the Postal Station Command. They include the Postal Station Commandant and Deputy, the Great General who Establishes the Standard and Supervises Merit, the Great General in the Plain Carriage with White Horses, the Directly Dispatched Merit Officer, the Zhengyi Merit Officer, the Left Official Envoy, the Right Official Envoy, and the Yang-Spirit and Yin-Spirit Decision Officers.

Chariot-riding red-tally officers (chariot officers who carry out talismanic commands), strong-wind courier riders (mounted officers who use the strong wind to deliver documents), relay-station officers who submit memorials by horse (officials who carry memorials and petitions on relay horses), and flying-dragon riders (mounted officers who convey orders on flying dragons) are among the divine officials listed under the ninety-ninth category, which has eleven divisions. Also included are tiger-brave wolf officers (fierce guardian officials), the assembled gods, tiger-brave wolf officers, inspectors who detect treachery (officials who investigate wrongdoing), the deputy directors of the Metropolitan Offices (officials in charge of their affairs), heavenly strongmen (mighty soldiers of the celestial realm), and heavenly cavalry and armored troops, as well as the collecting officers.

Here the previously listed titles of divine officials are repeated. Also included are officers who collect and consume Qi (vital energy), officers who collect and consume spirits, officers who collect and consume malign forces, officers who collect and consume poisons, officers who collect and consume baleful forces, and officers who pursue talismanic evils and destroy temples devoted to them.

The earth’s true officials (divine officials who oversee the land and its regions) and related gods are listed under the hundredth category, which has nine divisions. These include the earth’s true officials; the true officials of local territories (divine officials who oversee villages and regions); the direct-talisman messengers of the upper, middle, and lower realms (messengers responsible for transmitting talismanic commands in each realm); and the messengers who take charge by year, month, day, and hour. All the above follow the established rites.

The right-hand column lists 1,200 sacred beings and perfected ones in the Luotian celestial hierarchy. Some entries were compiled from the 3,600 titles issued by the imperial court; others were copied and recorded independently in different regions, so the lists differ. Some titles were split into two, three, or even dozens of entries, though together they referred to just one figure. Others were submitted more than once. This happened because the titles of sacred beings and perfected ones varied slightly, and compilers did not check them carefully.

For example, “Lord Qing Tong, Minister of the East Hua Wood Duke” and “Lord Qing Tong, Minister of the Fangzhu Palace,” as well as “Great Emperor of the Eastern Rosy Clouds, Fusang, and Danling” and “True King of the Eastern and Southern Poles,” are corresponding titles of this kind. “The Five Spirits and Five Elders” and “The Five Emperors of the Five Directions” are another example. Such cases, however, cannot all be treated in the same way. This book therefore adopts the roster issued by the imperial court, gathers records circulating in different regions, compares them, arranges them by category, and revises the entries.

The positions and degrees of the stars are difficult to establish in detail. The author consulted Li Zhongda, a senior official of the Zongcheng Bureau of the Two Rivers, who kindly explained the stars’ positions and degrees. This made it possible to compile the complete collection. The rank and order of the sacred offices in the book were determined through careful comparison with the imperial edition and ancient liturgies. Notes accompanying the titles also explain repeated submissions and the origins of the sacred titles.

Twenty-Four Sections of Memorials for Casting Dragons into Grotto Heavens

Celestial Official of Blessings for the Upper Origin, Great Mysterious Central Master (the celestial official who oversees blessings for the Upper Origin, and the Great Mysterious Central Master)

Great Master Who Oversees the Purification Ritual

True Lord of Stored Blessings and Settled Destiny, Elder of the Nine Heavens, High Overseer of the Five Sacred Peaks of Mount Qingcheng (the immortal who oversees the Five Sacred Peaks and stores blessings and settles destiny)

Flying Immortal Perfected Ones of the Eastern, Southern, Western, Northern, and Central Sacred Peaks

Immortal Officials of the Little Existence, Clear Emptiness Grotto Heaven of Mount Wangwu (officials of the grotto heaven on Mount Wangwu)

Immortal Officials of the Great Existence, Empty Brightness Grotto Heaven of Mount Weiyu (officials of the grotto heaven on Mount Weiyu)

True Lord of Stored Blessings and Settled Destiny of Mount Xixuan

Flying Immortal Perfected Ones of the Eastern, Southern, Western, Northern, and Central Sacred Peaks

Immortal Officials of the Little Existence, Clear Emptiness Grotto Heaven of Mount Wangwu

Immortal Officials of the Great Existence, Empty Brightness Grotto Heaven of Mount Weiyu

Immortal Officials of the Great Origin, General Perfection Grotto Heaven of Mount Xixuan

The immortal officials of the Three Origins Supreme Truth Grotto-Heaven of Mount Xicheng, who govern its grotto-heaven; the immortal officials of the Treasure Immortal Nine Chambers Grotto-Heaven of Mount Qingcheng; the immortal officials of the Upper Jade Clarity Peaceful Grotto-Heaven of Mount Chicheng; the immortal officials of the Vermilion Brightness Radiant Truth Grotto-Heaven of Mount Luofu; the immortal officials of the Golden Altar Huayang Grotto-Heaven of Mount Gouqu; the immortal officials of the Assistant Spirits Hidden Ruins Grotto-Heaven of Mount Linwu; and the immortal officials of the Accomplished Virtue Hidden Truth Grotto-Heaven of Mount Kuocang.

The dragon spirits of the Nine Immortals’ Treasure Chambers grotto-dwelling change their titles according to where they are. Also included are the mountain spirit in charge of affairs, the duty-serving merit officer (a divine clerk who conveys documents), the true official of the local earth, the courier dragon, and the mounted attendants.

There are twenty-four memorials for presenting dragon offerings to the Earth Bureau. The divine offices and titles listed here are the deities invoked when dragon-shaped offerings are sent to the Earth Bureau and memorials are submitted.

The Great Master of the Mysterious Center, Earth Official of the Central Origin, who pardons sins; the Great Master of the Purification Altar; the Great Emperor of the Earth Bureau; the Great Emperors of the Earth Bureau of the East, South, West, and North; and the Great Master of the Central Earth Bureau, the Great Emperor of the Earth Bureau. The list then names again the Great Emperors of the Earth Bureau of the East, South, West, and North, and the Great Emperor of the Central Earth Bureau.

The Earth Emperor Lord of the First Layer, Earth of Moist Color; the Earth Emperor Lord of the Second Layer, Earth of Firm Color; the Earth Emperor Lord of the Third Layer, Earth of Stone Grease Color; the Earth Emperor Lord of the Fourth Layer, Earth of Moist Abundance; the Earth Emperor Lord of the Fifth Layer, Earth of Golden Millet Marsh; the Earth Emperor Lord of the Sixth Layer, Earth of Vajra Iron Marsh; the Earth Emperor Lord of the Seventh Layer, Earth of Water-Control Marsh; the Earth Emperor Lord of the Eighth Layer, Earth of Great Wind Marsh; and the Earth Emperor Lord of the Ninth Layer, Earth of the Abyssal Depths, Colorless and Firm, of the Celestial Dimension.

The Yellow Spirits of Wu and Ji, the Venerable Spirit of the Year’s Virtue, the Solar Stove Lord, the Lunar Well Spirit, the true official of the local earth, the courier dragon, and the mounted attendants.

There are twenty-four memorials for presenting dragon offerings to the Water Bureau. The Great Master of the Mysterious Center, Water Official of the Lower Origin, who dispels calamities; the Great Emperor Fusang of the Water Bureau; the Spirit King of Yanggu of the Water Bureau; the King of the Deep, Sagely and Vastly Virtuous, of the Eastern Sea; the King of the Flood, Sagely and Vastly Beneficent, of the Southern Sea; the King of the Far-Reaching, Sagely and Abundantly Nourishing, of the Western Sea; the King of the Surging, Sagely and Vastly Generous, of the Northern Sea; and the Dragon Kings, Water Emperors of the Han River, Chu River, Zhejiang River, Xiang River, Wu River, and Five Rivers.

The Dragon King, Water Emperor of the Yangzi River (who governs the waters of the Yangzi River); the Dragon King, Water Emperor of Songjiang (who governs the waters of Songjiang); the Dragon King, Water Emperor of Jingjiang (who governs the waters of Jingjiang); the King of Broad Source of the River Deity (the water deity who governs the Yangzi River system); the King of Numina Source of the River Deity (the water deity who governs the Yellow River); the Dragon King, Water Emperor of Wujiang; the Dragon King, Water Emperor of the Five Rivers; the King of Long Source of the Huai River Deity (the water deity who governs the Huai River); the King of Clear Source of the Ji River Deity (the water deity who governs the Ji River); and the Great Deity of Mingling (a water deity of the sea).

The Dragon Deity of the Prefectural Pool. This deity’s place in the register should be changed according to the location, using the title of the local true official of the earth.

Divine titles used in praising the Heavenly Worthies, or written on ritual banners, must never be invented at will or changed on a whim for the sake of novelty. They must be selected from scriptures and repentance rites. Sacred titles such as “Perfected One” and “Divine Lord” should likewise follow the names recorded in the biographies of immortals or those bestowed by imperial decree. Titles transmitted solely through spirit writing should not be trusted without question, lest they bring down the punishment of the gods. Recorded by Puan during the day.

The Sacred Register of 120 Positions for Dispelling Calamities

The first document, comprising nine positions, lists the Nine Heavens Emperors’ court:

Emperor of Yuguang Wuliang Heaven; Emperor of Shangshang Chanshan Wuliangshou Heaven; Emperor of Fanjian Xuyan Heaven; Emperor of Jiran Doushu Heaven; Emperor of Boluoni Mi Bu Jiaole Heaven; Emperor of Dongyuan Huaying Sheng Heaven; Emperor of Linghua Fanfou Heaven; Emperor of Gaoxu Qingming Heaven; and Emperor of Wuxiang Wujie Wuai Heaven.

The second document, comprising six positions, lists the Five Masters and the Celestial Master Lords’ court:

Great Master of the Mysterious Center of the Lingbao; Lord of the Ancient Scripture Masters; Lord of the Ancient Register Masters; Lord of the Ancient Transmission Masters; Great Master Overseeing the Retreat of the Lingbao; and Great Master Who Supports the Teachings of the Three Heavens, the Perfected Lord of Orthodox Unity, Assistant to the Mysterious, Serene, and Responsive.

The third document, comprising eight positions, lists the Three Officials and Five Elders’ court:

Heavenly Official of the Upper Origin, who bestows blessings; Earthly Official of the Middle Origin, who pardons sins; and Water Official of the Lower Origin, who releases people from adversity.

The Celestial Lords Qingling Shilao of the Nine Qi, Danling Zhenlao of the Three Qi, Haoling Huanglao of the Seven Qi, Wuling Xuanlao of the Five Qi, and Yuanling Yuanlao of the One Qi are revered celestial deities who govern different forms of primordial Qi (vital energy).

The fourth petition lists eleven offerings, presented to the retinue of the Eleven Great Luminaries True Lords:

The Solar True Lord of the Sun Palace (deity of the sun in the Moon Palace) and the Lunar True Lord of the Moon Palace (deity of the moon in the Moon Palace); the Jupiter True Lord Chonghua, the Mars True Lord Zhifa, the Venus True Lord Tianhao, the Mercury True Lord Sichen, and the Saturn True Lord Dihou; and the attendants of Luo Qinbi at the Beginning of the Ecliptic Crossing and Lord Ji at its Middle.

It then lists the various Luminaries True Lords: the Solar True Lord of the Sun Palace and the Lunar True Lord of the Moon Palace; the Jupiter True Lord Chonghua, the Mars True Lord Zhifa, the Venus True Lord Tianhao, the Mercury True Lord Sichen, and the Saturn True Lord Dihou; Luo Qinbi at the Beginning of the Ecliptic Crossing, the True Lord Jidu at its Middle, the True Lord Tianyi Purple Qi, and the True Lord Taiyi Lunar Obscuration. These are all deities associated with the sun, moon, stars, and related celestial bodies.

The fifth petition lists fifteen offerings, presented to the retinue of the Northern Dipper True Ones:

The High and Exalted Jade Emperor Star Lord of the Northern Dipper; the Northern Dipper Mysterious Minister Great Emperor and the Heavenly Canopy Greedy Wolf Star Lord; the Heavenly Interior Great Gate Star Lord, the Heavenly Rushing Prosperity Preservation Star Lord, the Heavenly Assistant Literary Song Star Lord, the Heavenly Bird Honest Chastity Star Lord, the Heavenly Heart Martial Song Star Lord, and the Heavenly Pillar Army Breaker Star Lord; the Bright Cave Outer Assistant Star Lord and the Hidden Origin Inner Support Star Lord; the Northern Pole Heavenly Canopy Great Marshal and the Heavenly You Deputy Marshal; the True Lord Yisheng Yinggan Baode and the True Lord Zhenwu Yousheng Lingying.

The sixth petition lists nine offerings, presented to the retinue of the Southern Dipper True Ones:

The Southern Dipper Great Emperor of Longevity, Kehanjun, and Zhangren; the Great Minister of Life Bestowal, the True Lord of the Heavenly Treasury in Charge of Destiny, the True Lord of the Heavenly Minister in Charge of Records, the True Lord of the Heavenly Beam Who Extends Life, the True Lord of the Heavenly Companion Who Increases the Count of Years, the True Lord of the Heavenly Pivot Who Overcomes Calamity, and the True Lord of the Heavenly Mechanism Who Raises Up Life. In Daoist belief, the deities of the Southern Dipper are associated with bestowing life, extending longevity, increasing blessings and years, and dispelling misfortune.

The seventh petition lists fourteen offerings, presented to the retinue of the constellation Star Lords of the East and South:

The Horn Lodge Heavenly Gate Star Lord, the Neck Lodge Heavenly Court Star Lord, the Root Lodge Heavenly Treasury Star Lord, the Room Lodge Heavenly Chariot Star Lord, the Heart Lodge Heavenly King Star Lord, the Tail Lodge Heavenly Rooster Star Lord, and the Winnowing Basket Lodge Heavenly Ford Supreme Life True Lord.

At the end, the original text repeats: “The seventh petition lists fourteen offerings, to the retinue of the constellation Star Lords of the East and South.”

The Star Lord of the Heavenly Gate of the Horn Mansion, the Star Lord of the Heavenly Court of the Neck Mansion,

the Star Lord of the Heavenly Treasury of the Root Mansion, the Star Lord of the Heavenly Chariot of the Room Mansion,

the Star Lord of the Heavenly King of the Heart Mansion, the Star Lord of the Heavenly Rooster of the Tail Mansion,

the Star Lord of the Heavenly Ford of the Winnowing Basket Mansion, the Star Lord of the Heavenly Well of the Well Mansion,

the Star Lord of the Heavenly Treasury of the Ghost Mansion, the Star Lord of the Heavenly Kitchen of the Willow Mansion,

the Star Lord of the Heavenly Storehouse of the Star Mansion, the Star Lord of the Heavenly Balance of the Extended Net Mansion,

the Star Lord of the Heavenly Capital of the Wings Mansion, the Star Lord of the Heavenly Steps of the Chariot Mansion.

The Eighth Register, comprising fourteen sections, lists the Star Lords of the western and northern mansions.

The Star Lord of the Heavenly General of the Legs Mansion, the Star Lord of the Heavenly Prison of the Bond Mansion,

the Star Lord of the Heavenly Granary of the Stomach Mansion, the Star Lord of the Heavenly Eye of the Hairy Head Mansion,

the Star Lord of the Heavenly Ear of the Net Mansion, the Star Lord of the Heavenly Screen of the Tortoise Beak Mansion,

the Star Lord of the Heavenly Water of the Three Stars Mansion, the Star Lord of the Heavenly Temple of the Dipper Mansion,

the Star Lord of the Heavenly Pivot of the Ox Mansion, the Star Lord of the Heavenly Maiden of the Girl Mansion,

the Star Lord of the Heavenly Minister of the Emptiness Mansion, the Star Lord of the Heavenly Coins of the Rooftop Mansion,

the Star Lord of the Heavenly Grain of the Encampment Mansion, the Star Lord of the Heavenly Market of the Wall Mansion.

The Ninth Register, comprising eight sections, lists the Perfected Lord of the Nine Heavens, the Elder of the Immortals, and the other Perfected Immortals.

The Perfected Lord of the Nine Heavens, the Elder of the Five Peaks and Chief of Qingcheng Mountain, who stores blessings and determines destiny;

the Perfected Lord of the Nine Heavens, Director of Fate at Qianshan;

the Perfected Lord of Mount Lu, who answers the Primordial and safeguards fortune;

the Great Marshal of the Nine Heavens;

the Perfected Lord of the Nine Heavens, who establishes life and turns Qi;

the Great Emperor of the Celestial Bureau, Sovereign of All Blessings;

the Perfected Lord of the Celestial Bureau, who determines names in the Jade Register;

and the guiding officials serving under the Celestial Bureau.

The Tenth Register, comprising eleven sections, lists the Perfected Lord, the Azure Emperor of the Eastern Peak, and the other holy spirits.

The Perfected Lord, the Azure Emperor of Mount Tai, the Eastern Peak;

the Red Emperor of Mount Heng, the Southern Peak;

the White Emperor of Mount Hua, the Western Peak;

the Black Emperor of Mount Dan, the Northern Peak;

the Yellow Emperor of Mount Song, the Central Peak;

the Perfected Officials who oversee one’s birth year, birth month, birth day, and birth hour;

as well as the Great Emperor Fusang of the Water Bureau and the Great Emperor Fengdu of the Underworld.

In the eleventh register, section seven, the deities of the Three Origins and Four Sacred Beasts are listed. The Three Origins (the divine system of the upper, middle, and lower realms) comprise the Perfected Lord of Dao Transformation of the Upper Origin, the Perfected Lord Who Protects the Righteous of the Middle Origin, and the Perfected Lord Who Settles the Will of the Lower Origin. The Four Sacred Beasts are the Lord of the Azure Dragon on the left, the Lord of the White Tiger on the right, the Lord of the Vermilion Bird in front, and the Lord of the Black Tortoise behind. They represent the divine beasts of the four directions.

In the twelfth register, section eight, the Earth Officials and the duty messengers of the Three Realms and the four seasons are listed. Under the Earth Officials are the talisman messengers on duty in the upper, middle, and lower realms, who convey talismanic commands and communicate with the divine world, as well as the messengers on duty for the year, month, day, and hour, each governing its corresponding period of time. The divine positions listed here are used in rites for relocating and delivering the dead, or rescuing and liberating departed souls; there are altogether one hundred and twenty sacred positions.

In the ninth register, section nine, the divine positions under the Nine Heavens’ Supreme Emperors are listed. These include the Emperor of Yudan Wuliang Heaven; the Emperor of Shangshang Chanshan Wuliangshou Heaven; the Emperor of Fanjian Xuyan Heaven; the Emperor of Jiran Doushu Heaven; the Emperor of Boluoni Mi Bu Jiaole Heaven; the Emperor of Dongyuan Huaying Sheng Heaven; the Emperor of Linghua Fanfu Heaven; the Emperor of Gaoxu Qingming Heaven; and the Emperor of Wuxiang Wujie Wu’ai Heaven.

In the second register, section six, the divine positions under the Five Masters and the Celestial Master Lords are listed. These include the Great Discerning Master of Lingbao Xuan Zhong; the Lord of the Ancient Scripture Masters; the Lord of the Ancient Register Masters; the Lord of the Ancient Ordination Masters; the Great Ritual Master of Lingbao; and the Great Master Who Supports the Teaching of the Three Heavens, the Perfected Lord of Zhengyi Who Assists the Profound and Quietly Responds.

In the third register, section eight, the divine positions under the Three Origins and Five Elders are listed. The Three Origins are the Heavenly Official of the Upper Origin Who Bestows Blessings, the Earthly Official of the Middle Origin Who Pardons Sins, and the Water Official of the Lower Origin Who Relieves Calamities. The Five Elders are the Celestial Lord of the Nine Qi of the Green Numinous First Elder; the Celestial Lord of the Three Qi of the Vermilion Numinous True Elder; the Celestial Lord of the Seven Qi of the White Numinous August Elder; the Celestial Lord of the Five Qi of the Fivefold Numinous Mysterious Elder; and the Celestial Lord of the One Qi of the Primordial Numinous Original Elder. “Qi” is the Daoist term for primordial vital energy.

In the fourth register, section eleven, the divine positions under the Eleven Great Luminaries and Perfected Lords are listed. These include the Solar Perfected Lord of the Sun Palace and the Lunar Perfected Lord of the Moon Palace, the deities corresponding to the sun and moon.

The True Lords of Jupiter (the Jupiter deity) and Mars (the Mars deity), and the Celestial Lord of the Seven Qi (who governs the seven kinds of primordial Qi).

The Mysterious Elders of the Five Spirits (who oversee the five spirits), and the Celestial Lords of the Five Qi (who govern the five kinds of Qi).

The Primordial Elder of the Original Spirit (the honored one of primordial, original Qi), and the Celestial Lord of the One Qi (who governs the Qi of the primordial unity).

The fourth petition comprises eleven sections, respectfully listing the True Lords of the Eleven Great Luminaries (the deities of the sun, moon, and stars) under whose authority they serve:

The True Lord of the Sun, Sovereign of the Sun Palace; the True Lord of the Moon, Sovereign of the Moon Palace;

The True Lord of Jupiter, Sublime Radiance; the True Lord of Mars, Enforcer of the Law;

The True Lord of Venus, Heavenly Radiance; the True Lord of Mercury, Attendant of the Celestial Hours;

The True Lord of Saturn, Lord of the Earth; Luo Qinbi of the Initial Conjunction;

The True Lord Jidu of the Middle Conjunction; the True Lord of Purple Qi, Heavenly Unity;

The True Lord of Yuebo, the Supreme One.

The fifth petition comprises eleven sections, respectfully listing the assembled True Ones of the Northern Dipper (the deities of the Northern Dipper) under whose authority they serve:

The Exalted Jade Emperor, Revered Star Lord of the Northern Dipper;

The Great Emperor of Mysterious Nobility; the Star Lord Tanlang, Heavenly Canopy;

The Star Lord Jumen, Heavenly Interior; the Star Lord Lucun, Heavenly Surge;

The Star Lord Wenqu, Heavenly Aid; the Star Lord Lianzhen, Heavenly Bird;

The Star Lord Wuqu, Heavenly Heart; the Star Lord Pojun, Heavenly Pillar;

The Star Lord Waifu, Illuminating the Cavern; the Star Lord Neibi, Hidden Origin.

The sixth petition comprises nine sections, respectfully listing the assembled True Ones of the Southern Dipper (the deities of the Southern Dipper) under whose authority they serve:

The Great Emperor of Longevity of the Southern Dipper; Lord Kehanjun, the Elder;

The Great Marshal of Birth Registry; the True Lord Siming of the Heavenly Treasury;

The True Lord Silu of the Heavenly Minister; the True Lord Yanshou of the Heavenly Beam;

The True Lord Yisuan of the Heavenly Companion; the True Lord Due of the Heavenly Pivot;

The True Lord Shangsheng of the Heavenly Mechanism.

The seventh petition comprises eight…