《上清天心正法》

This preface says that the three sages, Fuqiu, Wang, and Guo Chonggan, were manifestations of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), the highest deities revered in Daoism. They first revealed their miraculous powers on Huagai Mountain, then left titles and auspicious signs in the wondrous highlands of the regions east and west of the Yangtze River. Their story has already been recorded on a jade stele, so it is not told in detail here. The three sages descended into the world to bring blessings and auspiciousness; their work was beyond comprehension, and they expounded the Scripture of the Great Clarity for Subduing Demons. This took place in the Jiawu year of the Lower Origin cycle.

The Song dynasty honored the Great Dao. On the fifteenth day of the eighth month in the fifth year of Chunhua, someone saw five-colored rays of precious light rising from a mountaintop into the sky at night. The next day, people followed the place where the light had appeared and discovered the Jade Altar of Voidness of the Three Pure Ones. They dug about three feet below it and found a golden case. Inside was a secret method in jade seal script, engraved on gold plates and titled the Correct Method. The preface calls it the Jade Emperor’s method of protection, the true text of Great Clarity, the wondrous method of the Most High, and one of the numinous writings of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, and Dongshen). Together, these are known as the scriptures and registers of the four ranks. The scriptures and methods of Dongxuan, Dongshen, Dongzhen, and Lingbao all arise from the naturalness of Dao and De.

The lay practitioner Lord Rao, whose personal name was Dongtian, was an early transmitter of this secret text. Although he obtained it, he did not understand its instructions, rites, or practical applications. Later he encountered a divine being, who directed him to study under Tan Zixiao. Through this, he learned the Dao. Zixiao then sent him to pay his respects to the Emperor of Mount Tai, the Benevolent Sage of Heaven’s Equal, who imparted the true and wondrous method and petitioned for the aid of Yin soldiers. Rao Dongtian was honored as the founding patriarch of the Way of the Celestial Heart and given the title “Meritorious Servant of the Correct Method, Daily Attendant Primordial Lord, Envoy of the Northern Pole Office for Driving Out Evil.” When he ascended to Heaven, he transmitted the method to his disciple Zhu Zhongsu. It was then passed in succession to You Daoshou, Zou Ze, the author’s own master Tianxin, and finally to the author, Deng Yougong.

The preface says that Huagai Mountain is a place where the Three Pure Ones manifested in response to the world. It has only the numinous altar of the August Void, with no Daoists living there permanently, so people at the time did not know the name “Huagai.” The author therefore gives a brief account of the lineage of the scriptures and registers.

According to tradition, at noon on the twenty-eighth day of the twelfth month in the twenty-fifth year of King Zhao of Zhou, the Old Lord transmitted the Dao De Jing, along with the Great Clarity Nine Elixirs, the Hidden Texts of the Eight Heavens, the Teachings on the Western Ascent, and other methods, to Guan Yin. Guan Yin passed them to Perfected Du, who in turn passed them to Perfected Xiao Yin. This is said to mark the beginning of the methods of natural Dao and De. In the second year of Guanghe under Emperor Ling of Han, Perfected Xu of the Taiji transmitted the numinous scriptures of Lingbao from the Perfected Taiji Left Immortal Elder to his disciples on Mount Tiantai. These scriptures and talismans are regarded as the source of the Dongxuan and Dongshen lineages. Later, on the first day of the fifth month in the first year of Han’an under Emperor Shun of Han, the Old Lord descended on Mount Heming and transmitted to Celestial Master Zhang the secret registers of the twenty-four ranks, seals, credentials, and other methods. At the Jade Bureau Monastery, he also bestowed protective arts for prolonging life and cutting off evil. This is called the source of the Zhengyi Alliance with the Powers of the Way.

During the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Wei periods, although the three classes of scriptures were already in circulation, the relevant ritual categories and procedures were still incomplete. In the first month of the Jiazi year, the second year of Xingning under Emperor Ai of Jin, the Primordial Lady of Southern Peak, the Purple Void Lady, first transmitted the Shangqing scriptures to Perfected Yang, an assistant of the Eastern Florescence and Director of Destinies. At that time, the precious celestial texts appeared in cloud script, dragon seal script, and the writing of the Eight Assemblies, which people in the world could hardly decipher. Perfected Yang rewrote the talismanic texts and oral instructions in clerical script. Only then did they spread widely, and he came to be regarded as the founding patriarch of the Shangqing methods.

The preface says that the Correct Method of the Celestial Heart appeared during the flourishing age of the Great Song, and that the Bridge Immortal Monastery on this mountain also bears traces of its numinous manifestations. The author laments that when the people who inherit a tradition are unfit, its central teachings gradually fall into obscurity. He says that he received the method at the end of its lineage and was entrusted with responsibility for maintaining the discipline of the teaching. Worried that the Daoist methods would decline, he followed his master’s instructions and personally received the secret talismanic texts of the scriptures and registers of the four ranks from the Most High. He dared not fail to devote himself to their cultivation, lest he betray the sages of earlier generations. He therefore organized what he had received and compiled the Correct Method of the Celestial Heart into two volumes, upper and lower.

The talismans and incantations used by ritual masters at the time mostly belonged to the Northern Emperor’s talismans. The author compiled these separately in three volumes under the title Northern Emperor Talismanic Texts, placing them outside the Correct Method. He also organized secret teachings for cultivating the scriptures and registers of the Three Caverns and four ranks. The preface concludes that those who teach and cultivate the Dao should transmit scriptures and registers and deliver living beings from suffering, helping people cast off the burdens of worldly life and return together to the Great Dao. Written by Deng Yougong.

The True Qi of the Three Lights

The “Three Lights” are the sun, the moon, and the stars. To gather the Qi of the sun, take it from the direction in which the sun lies that day. Visualize the solar disk—the sun’s round disk—appearing, its rays like crimson flames.

The moon’s Qi is determined by the direction in which the sun moves. Ordinarily, begin counting from the Mao position (the east); every five days, the moon’s position in the celestial mansions advances by two. For example, on the first day of each month, begin from Mao; by midday, the sun is at the Wu position. Follow the same procedure on the second day. At midday on the third day, begin from Yin; when the count reaches Si, it is midday. At this time, visualize the Taiyin (moon) at the Si position, its lunar palace shining with a soft, silver-white light, smooth and lustrous as jade.

The Qi of Tiangang comes from the Tiangang star, which lies about three zhang beyond the handle of the Big Dipper. The mnemonic says: “Each month, take the Xu position as the starting point, and keep the Pojun star in mind at all times. To determine its exact position, judge by what lies before and behind, facing and turned away.” This means that, according to the hours through which the moon passes, take either the Xu or Xuan position as the starting point, then calculate in sequence to determine where Tiangang lies when gathering its Qi. Tiangang’s position is also the position of the Pojun star.

“Facing and turned away” means visualizing Tiangang’s orientation differently on Yin days and Yang days. On Yang days, visualize Tiangang moving front-facing: its face is crimson like blazing fire, it wears a red robe, and Qi in three colors—blue, yellow, and red—rises above its head. From its mouth pours a vast stream of firelight. Its left hand forms the Tiangang seal for subduing ghosts, a hand gesture used to ward off evil, also called the Juxie gesture; its right hand holds a precious orb. Visualize drawing the Qi into the mouth and then using it as needed. At the same time, visualize the firelight as fine as mist or silk, flashing and crackling as it fills the entire body.

On Yin days, visualize Tiangang moving with its back turned: its face is smooth and lustrous as jade, it wears a white robe, and Qi in three colors—blue, red, and yellow—rises above its head. From its mouth pours a vast stream of silver light, fine as a thread, flashing and crackling. Its left hand forms a seal and rests at the waist; its right hand holds the Threefold Samadhi Fire Sword, a ritual sword symbolizing the fire of inner refinement. Once the visualization is complete, draw the Qi into the mouth and use it as needed. The scripture says that practicing in this way will lead to no error, and cautions practitioners to guard the method carefully and never disclose it lightly.

Inviting and Ingesting the Qi of the Sun

Each day, when the sun has risen to a height of three zhang, calculate the day’s solar direction. Face the sun, burn incense, and bow inwardly nine times. Silently recite: “I, your servant [name], respectfully report to the Lord of the Sun, the Solar Emperor, and the assembled immortals and holy beings of the Sun Palace. May you bestow the true Qi of Yao Light and pour it into my body.”

Next, form the Mao hand sign by pinching the fingers in a prescribed gesture. Silently burn incense, bow inwardly nine times, and repeat the same prayer. Then form the Mao sign again and silently recite the Lord of the Sun’s secret name, “Yuyi,” nine times. Once you visualize the true Qi appearing, silently recite the Lord of the Sun’s Seven-Kill spell once:

“Om wa □ ra □□ li soha.”

Then inhale blue Qi through the nose, swallowing once after every nine inhalations. Repeat this for nine rounds, swallowing Qi nine times in all. When finished, bow inwardly in gratitude, then withdraw.

Inviting and Ingesting the Qi of the Moon

Each day, when the moon has risen to a height of three zhang, calculate the direction of the Great Yin (the moon). Burn incense, bow inwardly nine times, and silently recite: “I, your servant [name], respectfully report to the August Sovereign of the Great Yin in the Moon Palace and the assembled immortals and holy beings of the Moon Palace. May you bestow the true Qi of Yao Light and pour it down into my body.”

Next, form the You hand sign and silently recite the Moon Lord’s secret name, “Jielin,” nine times. Once you visualize the true Qi appearing, silently recite the Moon Lord’s Seven-Binding intrinsic Sanskrit spell once:

“Om wa ming la ji la suo po sa he.”

Then inhale white Qi through the nose, swallowing once after every nine inhalations. Repeat this for nine rounds, swallowing Qi nine times in all. When finished, bow inwardly in gratitude, then withdraw.

Inviting and Ingesting the Qi of the Celestial Dipper

Each day, when the sun has risen to a height of three zhang, calculate the direction of the Celestial Dipper. Burn incense, form the Bochen hand sign, and silently recite the spell:

“Sun’s spirit, moon’s spirit, join beneath the Dipper. The Celestial Dipper’s upright Qi, come and pour into my form. Let evil depart and righteousness enter; preserve my life forever. Quickly, in accordance with the statutes and commands!”

Here, “ingesting Qi” refers to a Daoist cultivation ritual in which visualization, hand signs, spells, breathing, and swallowing are used to welcome and absorb divine Qi. A deity’s “secret name” is its esoteric name. “The sun at three zhang” and “the moon at three zhang” use the height of the sun or moon above the horizon to determine when to perform the ritual.

Silently recite three times, visualize Tiangang (the stellar spirit of the Northern Dipper) appearing, then bow to it nine times. Silently say in your heart: “Your servant, [name], respectfully reports to the Great Sage of Tiangang, Lord of the Pojun Star. I pray that you bestow the true Qi of Yaoguang, the numinous energy imbued by the stars, pouring it into my body and mind, my five viscera and six bowels, my three hundred and sixty joints, and my eighty-four thousand pores, driving out illness Qi and ghostly Qi.”

Next recite the incantation: “Disasters of the year and afflictions of the month, disasters of the day and afflictions of the hour: drive away evil and make it retreat; dispel impurity and make it vanish. May the assembled spirits support me, so that my body enters Kuigang, the divine station among the Northern Dipper constellations. People take refuge; ghosts submit. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.”

Silently recite once, breathe out to the left, and at the same time form the sword mudra with your right hand, shaping your fingers like a sword. Recite the Incantation of Tiangang’s Righteous Qi: “Kuigang. People take refuge; ghosts submit. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.”

Then silently recite once more, again breathing out to the left and forming the sword mudra with your right hand. Recite the Incantation of Tiangang’s Righteous Qi again: “The Jade Emperor issues his sacred decree; I wear Tiangang. Why do the fierce and wicked ghosts of the five directions not perish? With one inhalation of flying light, ten thousand ghosts hide in submission. Great Sage of Tiangang, strike into the hearts of ghosts. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.”

Next recite three times, draw the Qi into your mouth, and swallow it in three portions. Then recite the two words “Tiangang’s inner taboo, flying immortal” three times, drawing in Qi three times. Next recite the concealment incantation: “Om hum hum hui da li svaha.” Draw in Qi nine times in all and swallow it. Finally, bow nine times, give thanks, and withdraw.

Any ritual master—that is, a Daoist who performs rites—who can summon and receive the Qi of the sun, moon, and stars, and practices diligently morning and evening, will complete the work after a thousand days. It is said that this can give the complexion a healthy glow, make the body strong and light, and ward off all manner of illness. If one practices without pause throughout one’s life, one will gradually attain the powers of immortal cultivation, which are difficult to describe in full. If one practices for only a thousand days, then when treating illness one need not follow each prescribed visualization in order. One need only focus the mind on directing Qi and breathe toward the patient; the patient will then recover naturally, and all evil forces will submit. How could this fail to inspire reverence?

Treating illness with talismans.

Whenever people are to be rescued from danger, evil influences driven away, or illness cured, first receive the written petition for treatment and sign it. Then pray before the divine generals and summon the officers and troops—that is, the gods and their attendants who serve at the ritual master’s command. Have the patient’s family prepare incense in advance, and wait for the ritual master to come in person. If the evil spirit is particularly stubborn, transform into a divine form and perform the “Pacing the Stars and Stepping through the Dipper” rite, following the prescribed steps across the stellar positions.

First, send out a distant covering from the ritual altar and direct it to envelop the ghostly spirit. Then dispatch several divine generals, leading elite troops to seize it. Set everything in order before leaving. Just before departure, knock on the altar table three times, form the Jade Purity hand seal with both hands, recite the syllable “ti” seven times, and visualize all the divine officers and troops before you. Then lead them on their way. When the patient’s home comes into view, perform the descent rite. As you approach, carry out the covering and subduing rites. Form the ghost-catching seal with the left hand and the sword seal with the right. Face north, draw in a breath, and recite the incantation:

“I call upon the Four Saints: swiftly summon the divine generals to seize the evil spirit and go at once on my behalf. Do not let it escape. Carry this out without delay!”

Next, form the ritual seal and visualize the four divine generals leading their troops to seize the evil spirit together. Coordinate the hand seal with a forceful exhalation. On reaching the patient’s door, stand facing the Ding direction, form the fundamental seal, and silently recite the incantation:

“Open Heaven’s Gate (pinch the Hai pattern); close Earth’s Portal (pinch the Si pattern); keep the Human Gate open (pinch the Shen pattern); block the Ghost Road (pinch the Yin pattern). Lay a golden beam across and raise a jade pillar (pinch from Chen to Sha); gather the stellar Qi (pinch the Chen pattern); form the Dipper seal and pinch the Dipper imprint. Let all the gods hide; let all the ghosts be destroyed. Hasten, in accordance with the law!”

Then trace the positions of the Dipper stars with your finger, shielding your head and protecting yourself as you recite the incantation and form the hand seals. On the left side, recite the names of the seven stars in order: Tanlang, Jumen, Lucun, Wenqu, Lian Zhen, Wuqu, and Pojun. The corresponding text for the right side is missing from the original.

Next, form the Heavenly Marshal seal with both hands: press the two index fingers against the roots of the thumbs, and place each thumb against the side of the middle finger. Visualize the Perfected One of Zhengyi before you. Then visualize the Azure Emperor of the East, sword in hand, standing to your left; the White Emperor of the West, sword in hand, standing to your right; the Red Emperor of the South, sword in hand, standing before you; and the Black Emperor of the North, sword in hand, standing behind you.

Next, visualize the divine generals and officers in the courtyard, arrayed around you to guard and protect you. The Lord of the Azure Emperor stands on your left with a sword at his side; the Lord of the White Emperor stands on your right with a sword; the Lord of the Red Emperor stands before you with a sword; and the Lord of the Black Emperor stands behind you with a sword.

If you encounter fierce evil spirits that hurl bricks and stones at people, add this protective incantation:

With reverence, I summon the Crown Prince of the Bright Moon in the West. Send the Five Lords and Iron Dacan Xian to come to my side and guard me. I act under the Northern Emperor’s command: move at once and carry it out swiftly.

Then face west and visualize the Crown Prince of the Bright Moon’s attendants, along with five hundred Daoist adepts dressed in white, wearing iron crowns and carrying precious swords. Recite the incantation three times, inhale three times, and blow to the left and right. Then recite:

Spirit of the Northern Dipper, cover and protect my body. Act at once and do not disobey the command.

Next, visualize the power of the Northern Dipper covering the crown of your head. Then all manner of evil spirits will dare not approach.

Then enter the sick person’s home, holding a sha (a Daoist ritual implement) in your left hand and a sword in your right. Knock three times and command the door gods to guard the entrance, allowing no ghosts or spirits to escape. Act at once and carry it out swiftly. Then go to the sick person’s bedroom door…

Next, visualize the power of the Northern Dipper covering the crown of your head. Then all manner of evil spirits will dare not approach.

Then enter the patient’s home. First make the “Killing Mudra” with the left hand and the “Sword Mudra” with the right, and knock three times on the door. Command the door gods to guard the entrance and prevent any ghosts or evil spirits from escaping, then proceed swiftly with the ritual. At the door of the patient’s bedroom, wait until the patient has prepared incense and tea. Then perform the rites of transforming the spirit and treading the Celestial Dipper.

As the ritual master treads the Dipper steps, he must conceal himself within the Dipper’s configuration, silently recite his report and invitations to the divine generals, and issue commands. He then summons the local earth god to seize the evil spirits and burns talismans, using their smoke to fumigate the patient’s body. Alternatively, he may leave the talismans unburned and, as circumstances require, directly command the spirits to be seized.

The ritual master draws in a breath from the patient, then takes water into his mouth and sprays it over the patient. He forms the Mudra for Subduing Evil with his left hand and the Sword Mudra with his right, pressing it beneath the patient’s ribs. Have the patient close his eyes, fumigate his hands with incense smoke, and command the evil spirits to leave. Attack male spirits from the left and female spirits from the right; if it is confirmed to be a ghost, use ritual methods to strike it. By carrying out the rite under the decree of the Supreme Lord, the ritual master will naturally seize the evil spirits and have them escorted away. Prepare talisman water and other items for the patient to take.

Next, recite an incantation to cleanse the patient’s body. With eyes closed, the ritual master performs the Thunder configuration three times on each side and recites the “Incantation of the Great Celestial Thunder Lord” once. He draws in the reddish thunder Qi from the southeast and blows it out, visualizing it transforming into the lightning of the Five Thunders. He strikes with two Thunder Mudras, visualizing thunderbolts splitting open the patient’s home and transforming it into an abode of the immortals, with golden steps and jade halls, so that everyone inside becomes an immortal. Only after completing this may he leave the patient’s home. The ritual should take effect after it is performed; its secret methods must be carefully guarded.

End of Volume One of the Shangqing Tianxin Zhengfa

Shangqing Tianxin Zhengfa, Volume Two

The Great Method for Refining, Transforming, and Changing the Spirit

When ritual masters have practiced for only a short time, they find it difficult to attune themselves to the deities. They must therefore cultivate the method of “refining, transforming, and changing the spirit,” so that they may acquire an awe-inspiring presence like that of the gods.

Most practitioners of ritual know how to transform the spirit using the “two hand seals,” but do not know how to complete the transformation through internal cultivation. The method is now transmitted here in detail. Follow it, and there will be no mistakes.

When a ritual officiant is about to perform a spell, first pass the hand over the incense, then form the Left Mao Seal and the Right Sword Seal in succession, and recite the “Spell for Purifying Heaven and Earth” three times. Next, inhale Qi from the east and blow it over the body to purify it. Then visualize the body as a withered tree.

Next, form the Wu Pattern with the left hand and the Dipper Seal with the right. Place both hands on the hips. Use the Wu Pattern in the left hand to kindle the heart fire, sending it from in front of the heart up to the crown of the head. Inhale Qi from the south and blow it out to the left, while visualizing flames spreading over the whole body and making it bright and pure. Then form a seal with the left hand and the Zi Pattern with the right. Draw the waters of the Yellow River from the Kidney Palace—the part of the body associated with the kidneys in Daoist internal refinement—and pour them over the body from below upward. Inhale a breath of northern water Qi and blow it out to the right, visualizing the water washing away the ashes left by the fire.

Afterward, only a single breath of pure, authentic Qi remains, bright as a pearl. Let it gradually grow. Again, pour it over the body with both hands, from below upward. Inhale a breath of northern water Qi and blow it out to the right, visualizing all the ashes swept away, leaving only a single breath of pure, authentic Qi, bright as a pearl and gradually growing larger. Finally, form the Dipper Seal with both hands and recite the “Great Spell for Transforming the Spirit”:

“I am no longer in a mortal body. My head is like a dark cloud, my hair like scattered stars; my left eye is like the sun, my right eye like the moon. My nose is like a fire bell, my ears like golden bells. My upper lip is the Rain Master, my jaw the Wind Earl; my teeth are like a forest of swords, my ten fingers like hooks. The Merit Officer guards my left side, and Lord Minshan, by command, protects my right side. Lord Lushan guards my left foot, and General Left Thunder guards my right foot. General Right Thunder, by command, protects my spine. The thirty-six creatures of Mount Tai and the twenty-eight lunar mansions all correspond to my body. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances.”

Chant the spell three times, inhale a breath of Northern Qi (vital energy, or qi field), and form the Dipper mudra with both hands, symbolizing the Northern Dipper. Move your hands from before your chest upward, then sweep them across your forehead. Next, raise and open the Dipper mudra, lightly tapping with the mudra on both sides. At the same time, visualize yourself gradually taking the form of an infant, your whole body surrounded by a sphere of red light, as if seated within a wheel. If the figure you visualize gradually grows larger, form the Dipper mudra again with both hands and move it upward from before your chest in three steps, then chant:

By command, may the Northern Emperor protect and uphold the Precious Wheel. Reverently, I honor the Precious Wheel of the Northern Emperor.

After chanting three times, use the Dipper mudra to slash outward from before your face, as if striking apart the halo of light. Visualize yourself transformed into the Celestial Master (Tianshi), or into Tianpeng or Zhenwu; choose one. The red halo then becomes a brilliant radiance that envelops your whole body.

When this is complete, click your teeth according to ritual procedure. Then perform any ritual service as you wish, and proceed to the next step.

Walking the Dipper Pattern

The most important part of walking the Dipper Pattern—tracing the stellar asterisms with prescribed steps—is visualization. The ancients said, “Footsteps are not as good as hand movements; hand movements are not as good as movements of the heart.” Thus, as you walk, visualize yourself following the stars’ true Qi and radiance, keeping them clearly in mind throughout. If your visualization is vivid, it is as if the star deities of the Northern Dipper have descended to inspect the ritual official. When you perform the steps within the bounds of the Kui and Gang, the asterisms corresponding to the Northern Dipper, all ghosts and spirits will show reverence; the divine generals will obey your commands, and ghosts and spirits will follow your decrees.

If you neither visualize the stars’ true Qi nor gather in the Three Hun souls, this is called “walking the Dipper with an empty corpse.” In that case, not only will your decrees fail to take effect, but you may also incur blame for being trampled upon, so you must take great care. As you walk the Dipper Pattern, form the Dipper mudra with both hands, place them at your waist, and chant the spell for concealing the souls:

Three Hun lads, Seven Po generals, follow me as I walk the Dipper Pattern. Protect me as I pass through the Heavenly Gate; do not let me take a wrong step. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

After chanting the spell three times, keep the Dipper mudra formed with both hands and visualize the Three Hun returning to beneath your ribs. Then chant the following spell:

I receive the Heart-Treasure Seal (a talismanic seal used in ritual practice) bestowed by the Celestial Master. Once I wear it, everything naturally becomes accessible, and I can ascend from the netherworld to the Grotto-Heavens. I tread the Yu steps (a ritual stepping pattern used by Daoist practitioners), and through this I attain the Dao and become an immortal. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands!

Recite the incantation three times, then form the Dou seal with both hands and place it beneath the armpits. This completes the rite for concealing and protecting the Three Hun souls. The ritual officiant (a Daoist who performs rites) visualizes the patriarch performing the rite before him.

Visualize the Great Emperor of the North Pole and Purple Tenuity riding on purple clouds, leading Tianpeng and thirty-six other generals into the armpits. This completes the rite for concealing and protecting the Three Hun souls. The ritual officiant visualizes the patriarch performing the rite before him.

Visualize the Great Emperor of the North Pole and Purple Tenuity riding on purple clouds, leading Tianpeng and thirty-six other generals in a fearsome ritual display. They ride the clouds to cover your ritual body (the body visualized during ritual practice).

Visualize the local militia of the village shrines (divine troops who protect the locality), each surrounding the ritual body.

Next, form the Jade Script gesture with the left hand and the Sword gesture with the right. Place both hands on your hips, then tread the astral steps (a pattern of steps following the positions of the stars). First tread the Three Terraces steps and recite the incantation:

The first star of the upper terrace belongs to yellow; it emits yellow Qi and drives away misfortune. The second star of the middle terrace belongs to white; it emits white Qi, protects the body, and guards the home. The third star of the lower terrace belongs to blue-green; it emits blue-green Qi, heals illness, and banishes evil spirits. Wherever the stars of the Three Terraces arrive, their numinous power shines forth. They heal illness, dispel calamity, and turn the dying back from danger. Wherever the Celestial Talisman arrives, it forever cuts off demons and evil forces. Pure, true Qi descends; the numinous powers obey the command and carry it out. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands!

Next, tread the Seven Stars steps and recite the incantation:

The spirits of the Northern Dipper’s stars are clearly efficacious; the Dipper’s handle points toward the star ahead. The Star of Greedy Wolf governs fierce and harmful affairs… Their numinous power shines forth. They heal illness, dispel calamity, and turn the dying back from danger. Wherever the Celestial Talisman arrives, it forever cuts off demons and evil forces. Pure, true Qi descends; the numinous powers obey the command and carry it out. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands!

Next, tread the Seven Stars steps once more and recite the incantation:

The stars of the Northern Dipper possess manifest and exalted spiritual power. Among the stars at the tip of the Dipper’s handle, the Star of Greedy Wolf commands baleful energy: black Qi devours ghosts and draws out their essence. The enclosure of the Star of Great Gate shines brightly, while black Qi illuminates the place of Ascending Brightness. The Star of Official Emolument races through the mist, sends forth green Qi, and commands the celestial troops. The Star of Literary Song surges upward in rosy radiance, its green Qi shining through the Star of Chaste Purity. The Star of Chaste Purity appears in green Qi. The Star of Martial Song displays its mighty spiritual power and emits red Qi. The Perfected Ones of the Assistant Stars lend their aid, their green and red Qi reflecting one another. The Great Sage Heavenly Dipper and the Venerable Star of the Army Breaker display their might and send forth fiery Qi.

The heavens and earth in all four directions are sealed off, and turbid Qi surges forth. The gods wield battle-axes and command the celestial troops. They draw in their might toward the south, striking terror into the heart. The Spirit Lords patrol and inspect, listening for sounds and investigating them. The Earth Lords’ officials of the Nine Provinces call out each name in turn. The wicked are put to death, and their crimes cannot be lightly overlooked: the wicked die; the benevolent live. The gods sever heads and break limbs, then smash bodies with a pestle, sweeping away every ghost, demon, and evil spirit so that peace returns to the human world. This is used to cure illness and avert calamity. When the talismanic command arrives, it must be obeyed. Haste, haste, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances!

Then recite this spell:

The Five are the Celestial Eyes and the Celestial Forms, the divine sight and celestial powers invoked in the spell. Their gaze pursues like thunder and lightning; their radiance shines in all eight directions, penetrating within and without. Nothing cannot be subdued. Haste, haste, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances!

When the spell is finished, silently present the petitions in sequence. Then click the teeth together three times and proceed as desired.

This method requires treading both the Yin Dipper and the Yang Dipper, until the Dipper stars are brought forth.

At this point, do not immediately turn around and step back. First stand still and offer this prayer:

Sun Lord of the Solar Palace, Moon Sovereign of the Lunar Court, the Nine August Emperors of the Northern Dipper, the Star Lords of the Three Terraces and the Canopy, the immortals within the Northern Dipper, and all the spiritual officials: we respectfully beseech the Most High Perfected to bestow vast grace…

The Solar Lord in the Palace of the Sun, the Sovereign Lord of Yin in the Lunar Mansion, the Nine Imperial Lords of the Northern Dipper, the Star Lords of the Three Terraces and the Flower Canopy, and all the immortals and numinous officers within the Northern Dipper: I earnestly beseech the Most High Perfected to show compassion and bestow grace. Send down the true Qi of the Jade Radiance and pour it into my body, mind, and five viscera. When I see evil spirits, may they crumble and disperse; when I see ghosts and apparitions, may they be destroyed. By carrying out the command and performing the rite, I may establish communion; the power of all six Dippers responds to me. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Gather the Qi of the Three Lights—the sun, moon, and stars—combine them, and swallow them in three portions. Then turn around and retreat to the mouth of the Dipper using the retreating Ding-step. Focus your mind and silently recite the incantation for the Dipper’s mouth, facing the Gate of Heaven as you make your silent petition. When preparing to tread the Dipper, walking a prescribed pattern that symbolizes the turning of the stars, recite the incantation for welcoming the Dipper and emerging from it:

The Five Phases spur one another into motion; the Dipper sword wields its might. The divine generals of the Six Jia assist me; the Star Lords of the Three Terraces sweep away evil and falsehood. Heaven turns, Earth revolves; Yin and Yang unfold. May I live long and pass beyond the world, shining alongside the sun and moon. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

When you reach the words “Heaven turns, Earth revolves,” turn around and step out of the Dipper position.

Form two Dipper seals with your hands, raise the Dipper’s astral force, and shield yourself beneath it. Take care and remain vigilant so that nothing impure steps upon the Dipper’s astral force.

Far-Reaching Net Enclosure

Above, spread the net of Heaven to seize mountain demons; below, lay out the net of Earth to seize ghostly bandits. Deploy troops in every direction and capture the evil ghosts, leaving them nowhere to flee. Seize them without fail; do not disobey the command. This is the urgent decree of the Supreme Lord.

Recite this incantation three times. Cross your hands, draw in a breath of Qi from the north, then make a casting-net gesture while visualizing the divine generals already enclosing their target. Another method is called the “Black Wind, Universal Net Enclosure”: form the seal of slaughter with your hands, draw in Qi from the north, then blow it out.

This efficacious art can set Heaven and Earth in motion, command thunder and lightning, direct officials and soldiers, move mountains, and enclose ghosts and spirits. I uphold the orthodox law and relieve the people’s suffering. If I command you to ascend to Heaven, follow me straight to the Celestial Court; if I command you to enter the waters, follow me straight into the Water Palace. In every direction of Heaven and Earth, throughout the Six Directions, you must search out and capture the ghosts causing harm, bind them, and bring them before the altar for questioning and identification. Carry this out with all haste, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

With the left hand, form the Du Jian hand seal; with the right, form the Sword hand seal. Draw in the Qi of the Hall of the Heavenly Gate. I will guide you into the water, so that you enter the Water Palace directly. Travel through the four quarters of Heaven and Earth, answering to all within the Six Directions. Be sure to seize the ghosts who cause harm and afflict people, bring them before the altar, question them, and ascertain their names. Carry out the command at once.

With the left hand, form the Du Jian hand seal; with the right, form the Sword hand seal. Draw in the Qi of the Heavenly Gate three times, recite the incantation three times, then blow toward the distant target. Visualize black Qi spreading from the north, covering the whole sky. Then draw in one breath of astral Qi, blow it out, and command:

Divine generals, hold the cover firmly over the ghosts and spirits. Carry out the command at once!

Fire Cover Method

Troops are dispatched from Heaven, from the earth, from the Water Bureau, and from this altar. Soldiers and generals array themselves on the left and right, surrounding the area on every side, tightly within and without, leaving no gaps. Set the fire cover in place. Hasten to obey the decree of the Northern Emperor!

Form the Wu pattern with both hands and recite the incantation once. First draw in one breath of Qi from the north, then one breath from the south, and blow them out together with the hand seal. Visualize the heavenly net and earthly snare bursting into flame, the fire shooting straight up into the sky and tightly enclosing the ghosts and spirits. Perform the rite three times: recite the incantation three times, draw in Qi three times, and blow three times. Then command:

Great General of the Southern Fire Wheel, quickly mount your fire chariot and lead ten thousand battle formations to enclose the ghosts and spirits for me. Carry out the command at once!

Near Cover Method

The heavenly net now spreads open, densely covering the four quarters; the ghost has nowhere to hide. Divine generals, descend at once and enclose the ghosts and spirits. Carry out the command at once!

Cross both hands, recite the incantation three times, and draw in Qi from the north three times; then cast it out together with the hand seal. Visualize the magical net opening, then visualize an iron cover placed over this household. Then command:

Divine generals, stand firm and hold the cover over the ghosts and spirits. Let none outside enter, and let none inside leave. Be sure to array soldiers and generals in every direction, arrange the ranks, and hold the encirclement. Carry out the command at once!

Great Incantation of the Total Perfected Ones

The Celestial Heart Orthodox Method (Tianxin Zhengfa) serves to uphold the Orthodox Way and root out evil. It supports people in danger, relieves hardship, guides the dead beyond and rescues the living, dispels calamities, saves people from peril, and prays for blessings upon the state and its people. Through this method, people may seek grace and protection, avert the consequences of transgressions, ask for rain or summon thunder, and pray for clear skies or an end to flooding. It governs the Three Realms—the different domains of Heaven, Earth, and humanity in Daoist thought—brings demons and spirits back to the Orthodox Way, rewards good and punishes evil, records merit, and investigates wrongdoing. The method also includes arts for summoning, dispatching, capturing, detaining, and interrogating spirits, to determine whether they should be kept or sent away. Whether walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, practitioners carry out the method by reciting incantations and holding a seal of the method in mind—a talismanic seal or ritual intent maintained inwardly. It ends with “Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands,” an order for the command to be carried out without delay.

The Jade Clarity Lingbao (Yu Qing Lingbao), an honorific title in the Daoist system of revered deities and scriptures, governs the inner court of perfected spirits. The Three Radiances and Three Assistants (San Jing San Fu), here referring to the related divine perfected beings and their assisting powers, can transform in myriad ways. Their divine powers are unobstructed and boundless; they are supremely divine and sacred. They gather Qi (vital energy) and assemble the spirits, reach into the netherworld, possess unsurpassed mystery, are supremely sacred and numinous, and can command the gods. This passage likewise ends with “Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands,” urging the order to be carried out.

The Incantation for Summoning All and Connecting Causes (Zongzhao Tongyin Zhou).

In the obscure depths of the primal void, light arises within the sea. (“Ziwen” and similar terms are written symbols or markers for formulaic instructions.) Its radiance shines forth, brilliant and magnificent. The Azure Emperor governs the Liver Spirit and uses the seal inscription; the White Emperor dwells in the west and corresponds to the You position; the Red Emperor nourishes the original Qi and corresponds to the Wu position; the Black Emperor circulates the blood and corresponds to the Zi position; the Yellow Emperor governs from the center and corresponds to the central position.

Taking the center as the pivot, transformations unfold and spread through all things. From the center, proceed downward through the Zi and Wu positions, then from Wu to You and Mao; from Mao to You, from You to Wu, and from Wu to Zi. The Black Emperor circulates the blood, while the Yellow Emperor governs from the center. Taking the center as the pivot, transformations unfold and spread through all things. From the center, proceed downward through the Zi and Wu positions, then from Wu to You and Mao; from Mao to You, from You to Wu, and from Wu to Zi. Proceed in turn through the positions Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, and Wu, then gather everything downward: from the central position to Zi and Chou, select the Wu position, and return it to the Jade Formula.

Turn back the wind-Qi and unite it with the spirits; in stillness, this brings communication. The method is effective, and a response follows; evil and disorder cannot take root. Pinch the middle joint of the thumb with four fingers. Practice the method with a settled mind: use the method to summon the spirit, then the spirit to summon Qi. Form the Dou Mudra, focus the spirit, and visualize; Qi will then circulate naturally through Heaven and Earth. When the Heart of Heaven issues a command, all the myriad spirits obey. Invite the desired spirit or commander to come; there is no need to hasten them, for they will swiftly arrive at the altar. Urgently obey the decree of the Sovereign Lord of the Heart of Heaven.

After reciting the incantation, visualize and absorb the Qi of the Heart of Heaven, seeing it take on a golden color. Silently draw in Qi in successive breaths while visualizing that the summoned spirit has arrived, then blow the Qi into the altar. The Shangqing Heart of Heaven commands thirty-six generals, including two chief commanders, with a total force of twelve thousand officers and soldiers. Once the response appears and the signs are unmistakable, communication with the spirits is achieved.

Incantation to Urge the Divine Generals to Descend:

Heavenly spirits, take your places; earthly spirits, be still. Urgently obey the statutes.

Another incantation:

Four generals of the Heavenly Court, divine spirits who uphold the righteous Way. Obey the Sovereign Lord’s decree; drive out and seize the ghosts and spirits. Urgently obey the statutes.

Use the Jade Text together with the above formula, and employ the Qi of the northwest and the Qi of the Heart of Heaven. The methods for blowing out and drawing in Qi are the same as before.

Talisman of Heaven-Penetrating Precious Radiance

Incantation:

Assist Heaven in carrying out its teachings; aid the state and save the people; seize the ghosts and spirits. Urgently obey the statutes.

Use the Jade Text together with the above formula, and employ the Qi of the northwest and the Qi of the Heart of Heaven. The methods for blowing out and drawing in Qi are the same as before.

Talisman of Heaven-Penetrating Precious Radiance

Incantation:

They assist Heaven in carrying out its teachings, aid the state, and rescue the people. They treat illness and drive away evil spirits, quickly restoring people to peace and calm. They prolong life, help people overcome calamities, and bestow their kindness on all living beings. Whatever task is undertaken is carried out swiftly at command, always in accordance with the ordinances.

Two Commanding Generals

Commanding Generals:

Great General of Thunder, Bearer of the Heavenly-Penetrating Treasure Light, Thunder Command;

Great General Zhu Lie, Who Commands and Dispatches the All-Seeing.

Thirty-Six Deputy Commanders

Deputy Commanders:

Great General Chen Xi, Who Seizes Ghosts throughout Heaven;

Great General Sun Chang, Who Pursues and Captures along the Cloud Road;

Great General Wang Herou, Inspector of the Celestial Bureau;

Great General Xu Xun, Swift as He Flies through Heaven;

Great General Zhao Chong, Who Drives Out and Dispatches Demons and Evil Spirits;

Great General Zhou Hong, Celestial Physician Who Cures Illness;

Great General Zhao Gang, Who Ends Malaria and Dysentery;

Great General Wang Guoxian, Who Dispels Curses and Resolves Oaths;

Great General You Kuiju, Protector of the Sick;

Great General Yuan Tingchen, Who Seizes Evil Spirits on His Assigned Day;

Great General Feng Xiangfu, Who Treats Fright and Calms the Soul;

Great General Ma Shaoxin, Who Drives Out Evil and Dispatches Demons;

Great General Bu Xin, Who Subdues Demons and Their Poison;

Great General Ni Tiansun, Who Dispels Curses and Malign Spirits;

Great General Xiang Zhong, Who Captures Evil and Subdues Poison;

Great General Huang Gong, Who Removes Evil and Cleanses Defilement;

Great General Chu Zhen, Who Seizes the Hun and Subdues the Po;

Great General Wei Jinfu, Who Pursues the Hun and Captures the Po;

Great General Liu Shao, Who Treats Consumption and Eliminates Poison;

Great General Zhao Ping, Who Dispels All Defilements and Oppressions;

Great General Xu Chunchen, Who Raises the Spirit and Renews Life;

Great General Wang Jie, Who Dissipates Calamity and Scatters Misfortune;

Great General Xu Guoqi, Who Removes Evil and Ugliness;

Great General Fang Shangwen, Who Captures Evil and Dispels Poison;

Great General Fu Yu, Who Removes Lingering Afflictions;

Great General Dou Yannian, Who Captures Poison and Seizes Evil;

Great General Gao Xian, Who Settles Disputes with the Dead;

Great General Li Yi, Who Destroys Ominous Demons;

Great General Ma Yaochen, Who Slays Evil and Destroys the Guo;

Great General Diao Hanchen, Who Removes Evil and Cures Illness;

Great General Zhu Xuan, Who Calms the Six Spirits.

These celestial generals are: General Dou Yannian, who dispels poison and captures evil; General Gao Xian, who resolves disputes over tombs; General Li Yi, who destroys inauspicious demons; General Ma Yaochen, who cuts down evil and destroys calamities; General Diao Hanchen, who removes evil and cures illness; General Zhu Xuan, who comforts the Six Spirits; General Wen Gao, who inspects and audits the Middle Realm; General Xu Shen, who inspects and audits the Earth Realm; General Shan Xi, who inspects and audits the various offices; General Feng Qingnian, who petitions for deliverance from calamity across the Three Realms; and General Wang Gang, who relieves distress and rescues those in danger.

All these celestial generals wear felt hats and long robes with wide sleeves, red shoes, and long skirts. Whenever performing a ritual technique, one may invoke them as needed. When forming the hand seal, one must focus with reverence and sincerity, and recite the Great Spell of the Celestial Heart; it is said that this can bring a numinous response. This method must not be passed on arbitrarily to those who lack authorization, qualification, or virtue. It may be transmitted only to someone whose name has been submitted and registered at the Golden Gate—the palace halls of Heaven. Before transmitting it, the recipient must swear an oath and enter into an alliance; only then may the method be entrusted to them.

End of Volume Two of the Shangqing Tianxin Zhengfa.

Chapter Four: Volume Three of the Shangqing Tianxin Zhengfa

Three Talismans of the Orthodox Method

When writing talismans, first observe ritual purification, quiet the mind, settle one’s thoughts, and gather Qi and Shen. Visualize thunder and fire consuming your body until you become a Celestial Master. Above your head is the Vermilion Bird; beneath your feet is the numinous tortoise of the Bagua. A Green Dragon stands to your left and a White Tiger to your right. Beside you, one seal-bearing attendant stands on each side, dressed in green robes and red skirts.

First visualize Zhi Fu (a divine general who guards talisman rites) standing in front, sword in hand, while behind you stand the Tiger Braves, a force of valiant guardian troops. Each holds an axe or halberd to defend you. Once this visualization is complete, imagine your ritual master—the teacher who transmitted the Daoist methods—standing before you and the ancestral master behind you, leading Tianpeng and thirty-six generals forward to protect you.

When writing a talisman, silently submit a report to the Lord on High and inform the officers and officials represented in the talisman. After completing the prayer and explaining the reason for writing it, form the hand seals and summon the Six Ding and Six Jia, the Merit Officers, and other divine beings to guard you before and behind. Then recite the incantation:

“Yang spirits of the Six Jia, come to my left and guard me as I write the talisman. Yin spirits of the Six Ding, come to my right and guard me as I write the talisman. Merit Officers of the Four Watches, come before me and guard me as I write the talisman. Hasten swiftly in accordance with the statutes and commands.”

Visualize the assembled deities, then fix your gaze fiercely on the vermilion bowl, the vessel holding the cinnabar, and recite:

“Yang Qi shines with brilliant clarity; yin ghosts naturally fade away. Divine cinnabar, used to write talismans, glows vivid and bright; the Primordial Dew of Taiwei, sacred imagery of Daoist stars and the celestial realm, descends. The Seven Qi turn to ashes; the Five Qi form a high terrace. All kinds of evil Qi are destroyed; all ghosts are subdued. Hasten swiftly in accordance with the statutes and commands.”

Draw in the astral Qi—the Qi visualized and employed in the ritual of pacing the Dipper—and blow it into the vermilion bowl. Then hold the cinnabar over the incense while reciting the following incantation. Alternatively, hold the brush and tap it three times on the table before beginning, then pass it through the incense smoke. Visualize the brush transforming into a divine sword, its edge flashing brightly.

Next recite the “General Incantation for Empowering the Brush”:

“The sun shines together with it; yin ghosts naturally fade away. Divine cinnabar blazes with light; the Nine Rosy Clouds shine upon Taiwei. I command the divine beings under my charge to subdue all ghosts. The Seven Qi turn to flames; the Three Qi form a high terrace. The two stars shine together; as soon as the talismanic command arrives, pursue and seize them without delay. The brush becomes a divine sword, and ink becomes spears and halberds. With the brush’s strokes, illness is cured; all ghosts lie hidden and subdued. Hasten swiftly in accordance with the statutes and commands.”

Draw in astral Qi and blow it toward the cinnabar, then hold the ink over the incense.

Recite the incantation:

Divine ink is numinously efficacious, the true essence of the moon. Use it to write talismans and registers, and to suppress and restrain ghosts and evil forces, erasing every trace of demons. The sick may carry or swallow a talisman to remain safe and well for a long time. “Hasten and act in accordance with the statutes and commands” (a Daoist formula invoking swift execution under divine law).

Draw in the Dipper’s astral Qi (the stellar energy gathered while performing the Daoist ritual of pacing the Dipper) and blow it onto the ink. Then tap the brush three times on the table, pass it over incense smoke, and recite:

The brush is a sharp blade; the ink is a hundred medicines for healing. Cut down evil spirits and subdue every kind of ghost. The divine brush is numinously efficacious: write talismans and drive away evil spirits. Summon the divine officers, and they arrive; summon the divine attendants, and they set to work. Point it at a person, and the person revives; point it at a ghost, and the ghost is destroyed. Place it under my Kui Gang (the power of suppression represented by the stars of the Dipper), and send it ten thousand fathoms into the earth. Let it neither stir recklessly nor cause trouble. Hasten and act in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Divine ink is numinously efficacious; it can alter the register of the dead and enter names in the register of the living. When the divine brush moves, every ghost is erased without a trace. Hasten and obey the commands of the Most High God.

After reciting the above incantation, mix cinnabar into the ink and write. Then form the Dipper hand sign with the left hand, raise the water in the inkstone over the incense to waft it with smoke, and recite:

The four quarters shine bright and clear; through this, Heaven and Earth are opened. Every ghost is erased without a trace. Hasten and obey the commands of the Most High God.

After reciting the above incantation, mix cinnabar into the ink and write. Then form the Dipper hand sign with the left hand, raise the water in the inkstone over the incense to waft it with smoke, and recite:

The four quarters shine bright and clear; the order of Heaven and Earth returns to its proper state. The divine water of the Three Lights—the Sun, Moon, and stars—drives away all inauspicious forces. The paired stars guard and suppress; the Seven Spirits pass through and shine forth. Write talismans to suppress and destroy ghosts and evil forces. By the power of my Kui Gang, make evil ghosts submit, and bring the myriad Qi into harmony and peace. The Most High Lord Lao taught me to suppress and destroy ghosts and evil forces, and bestowed on me a wondrous method. Call upward to the Jade Maidens to gather inauspicious forces. Through this, ascend to immortality and unite with the Dao; wear the seal. Hasten and obey the Most High God’s command.

Then form the Ziwei seal (a hand sign representing the North Pole Ziwei Star) with the left hand. Hold the ink in the right hand and visualize yourself as the Celestial Master. Grind the ink forty-nine times with the right hand, then grind it leftward forty-two times. Following the order of the twelve double-hours, the twenty-eight lunar mansions, and the two luminaries of the Sun and Moon, grind it rightward seven times. The original text has missing characters here, shown as “□ zhi □.” Twice, draw in the Yin and Yang Dipper Qi and blow it into the inkstone. Then pass the brush over incense smoke and grind the ink the prescribed number of times: forty-nine turns, forty-two turns to the left, then seven turns to the right in the order of the twelve double-hours, the twenty-eight lunar mansions, and the two luminaries of the Sun and Moon. “□ zhi □” is again missing from the text. Twice, draw in the Yin and Yang Dipper Qi and blow it into the inkstone. Then pass the brush over incense smoke and recite the Incantation for the Heavenly Emperor’s Explanation, gathering in the Dipper’s astral Qi and infusing it into the brush before writing the talisman.

Talisman of the True Qi of the Three Lights.

When inscribing a talisman (fu), the left hand forms the Dipper mudra (a hand seal symbolizing the Northern Dipper), and the right hand holds the brush. Visualize the Upper Yuan Celestial Official slaying spirit evils, the Middle Yuan Earth Official slaying ghost evils, and the Lower Yuan Water Official slaying essence-monsters and strange beings. Inhale one breath of qi from the Gate of Heaven, blow it onto the brush, then touch the brush to the talisman three times.

Raise the head and report to the Great Sage of Tiāngāng, the honored stars of the Northern Dipper, the Solar Lord of the Sun, and the Lunar Lord of the Moon: please destroy the vicious and wicked so they vanish from sight and their forms disperse. Demon kings will then be afraid, their courage broken and their hearts shaken. May you relieve the people’s suffering and bestow mighty numinous power—to heal illness, dispel disaster, and even revive those near death. Wherever this celestial talisman reaches, may sprite-demon harm be cut off forever. Descend pure, clear true qi and enact the sacred authority. As decreed by the Lord of Heaven’s statutes—execute at once.

Draw the qi of the Three Luminaries (the qi of sun, moon, and stars) and blow it into the talisman; form the “Luo Dipper” hand seal (a mudra associated with the Northern Dipper) and face the sun.

The sun rises in the east, red light bright and clear. When the petitioner swallows this talisman, its power guards the four directions. The divine talisman enters the belly and cuts off sprite-demon affliction. Descend pure, clear true qi and enact the sacred authority. As decreed by the Lord of Heaven’s statutes—execute at once.

Again draw the qi of the Three Luminaries and blow it into the talisman, form the Luo Dipper mudra, and face the sun.

The sun rises in the east, red light bright and clear. When the petitioner swallows this talisman, its power guards the four directions. The divine talisman enters the belly, searches and clears the stomach and intestines, and sweeps away pathogenic evils. All illnesses may be cured; sinews, bones, and the body grow strong. A thousand ghosts and spirits dare not obstruct. Let people know the talisman holds divine power and know that the Great Dao (Da) is real. As decreed by the statutes—urgently summon and execute.

Incantation for Sending the Talisman

Qián, Yuán, Hēng, Lì, Zhēn—words from the Yijing symbolizing the Way of Heaven in motion—so that myriad evils cannot violate the upright path. Summon the Earl of Wind, the Master of Rain, the Four Direct Merit Officers (heavenly clerks on duty for the day), and the Five Thunder Envoys to carry out their commission by means of the talisman. Three merit officers and three envoys follow my divine talisman, act on my behalf in this matter, draw their swords, and stand in battle array awaiting orders. As decreed by the statutes—execute at once.

Incantation for Dispatching the Generals (Talismans)

With both hands, form the Thunder arrangement (a mudra for invoking the Thunder Gods); inhale qi from the east and send the talisman forth.

Heavenly thunder murmurs; dragon and tiger cross in display of might; sun and moon line up in radiance so that I see clearly and judge distinctly. Today the merit officer leads chief generals, officers, and troops outward bearing the talisman. As decreed by the statutes.

Heavenly thunder murmurs; dragon and tiger cross in display of might; sun and moon line up in radiance so that I see clearly and judge distinctly. Today the merit officer leads chief generals, officers, and troops outward bearing the talisman. As decreed by the Lord of Heaven’s statutes.

Incantation for the Round Talisman and Swallowing the Talisman

(The source text ends here with this heading only; no further body text follows in the passage provided.)

Today, use the Qi of the sun to swallow the talisman. Once it enters the body, illness will improve. When a divine talisman enters the belly, all diseases will disappear, and the demonic Qi in the Five Viscera will disperse as well. Carry this out swiftly in accordance with the divine law.

Black Fiend Talisman of the Dark Warrior

When writing this talisman, first visualize yourself transformed into the Black Emperor of the North, the Six Jia of Taiwei, the Dark Warrior of the Five Qi, and the Great General Who Assists the Sage of the Primordial Heaven. Your body is a hundred feet tall. Your hair hangs loose, and you stand upright with your feet planted on the numinous turtle of the Five Qi, also called the Soaring Serpent or the Eight Trigrams Numinous Turtle. Your hands form the demon-subduing seal, also known as the True Warrior seal.

Visualize your eyes shining with flashes of lightning, and stand with one hand resting on a precious sword. Imagine the inkstone as a dragon and serpent, the ink as weapons locked in battle, and the brush as a Seven-Star Sword. Then recite the incantation to empower the cinnabar and brush. Grind the ink as described above, then write the talisman.

The incantation says:

Envoy of the Dark Warrior Talisman, reveal your full numinous might. Rescue the people from suffering and cut down demons and evil spirits. Subdue calamities and destroy the forms of wicked beings. Return the three Hun souls to the body and settle the seven Po souls. Protect the body, dispel illness, and preserve life for long years. May all the gods be solemn and majestic; upon receiving the command, they must carry it out. Swiftly obey the divine law of the Supreme Emperor.

Heavenly Dipper Talisman

When writing this talisman, recite the Great Sage of the Heavenly Dipper incantation given above and report your petition to the Great Sage of the Heavenly Dipper.

The incantation says:

With head raised, I report to the Great Sage of the Heavenly Dipper: may the honored gods of the Northern Dipper remove illness from people and preserve their lives for long years. May all the gods be solemn and majestic; upon receiving the command, they must carry it out. Swiftly obey the divine law of the Supreme Emperor.

Heavenly Dipper Talisman

When writing this talisman, recite the Great Sage of the Heavenly Dipper incantation given above and report your petition to the Great Sage of the Heavenly Dipper.

The incantation says:

With head raised, I report to the Great Sage of the Heavenly Dipper, the honored stars of the Northern Dipper, the Lord of the Sun, and the Lord of the Moon. Destroy the wicked so that neither trace nor form remains. Make the demon kings tremble with fear, their hearts and gall shattered. Rescue the people from illness and suffering, and extend your divine might far and wide. Cure illness and avert calamity; turn the dying back from danger. Wherever the Heavenly Talisman reaches, forever cut down demons and evil spirits. Send down pure, genuine Qi; may the gods carry out this sacred might. Swiftly obey the Supreme Emperor’s command.

Visualize and draw in the genuine Qi of the Heavenly Dipper’s Celestial Commissioner, then breathe upon the brush and pick up the “ghost” character within the talisman, writing it inside the talisman.

Form of the Commanding Character

Form of the Fiend Character

Form of the Ghost Character

Flying Swiftly Talisman of the Fire-Bell Valiant General

One Tai Talisman for Pursuing Stars and Seizing Evil Spirits

When writing these two talismans, first check which direction the Celestial Pivot (the star position indicated by the handle of the Big Dipper, used to determine direction) lies in.

Write the talisman on yellow silk: use ink on a Yin day and cinnabar on a Yang day. The practitioner walks the Big Dipper’s seven-star steps (a method of walking according to the positions of its seven stars), gathers the Qi of the Celestial Pivot, forms the Purple Tenuity Seal with the left hand, holds a brush in the right, and recites:

“Seven stars of the Celestial Pivot, divine troops of the Three Heavens, heavenly troops who overturn the earth, great demon kings of the Three Heavens, attendants of Jade Purity: let the flying-talisman envoy descend from heaven and lend me the Supreme One’s true brush. At this hour today, go with the divine generals to a certain place and pursue and capture the ghosts and fiends. The Duty Talisman Officer, the messenger spirit official on duty today, and the Northern Emperor’s officers and troops who behead ghosts shall attend at my left and right.”

When setting out, also carry a guiding talisman. Holding the talisman, begin at the Heaven Gate, a direction designated in the ritual, and walk the Dipper steps toward the Earth Gate. Then proceed to the Celestial Pivot position, turn around, and enter the Dipper’s bowl position once more. Burn the talisman to ash, click the teeth seven times, and recite the earlier incantation. Hold the talisman ash in the left hand and a sword in the right. Step backward three paces to the Dipper position; once there, stand firm and call aloud: “Talisman Envoy and Merit Officer, go swiftly to a certain place.” It is said this method can reach the Heaven Gate, the Five Sacred Mountains, the Four Great Rivers, and all other rivers and streams; there is nowhere it cannot reach.

One may also write the talisman on silk measuring twelve feet, then hold a sword, step backward three paces to the Dipper position, and command the Talisman Envoy and Merit Officer to go to a certain place. This long silk is not needed for ordinary practice; it is required only when confronting a major evil. In an emergency, perform the method at once without delay.

Breathe once onto the talisman, then point the sword toward the destination. Stop upon arriving, then spray water onto the talisman; the text says this is highly effective. When there are no protective divine generals, this method may be used as the primary means, but it must be treated with care and not divulged lightly.

Mountain-Shaking Talisman

Great Dragon-Sealing Talisman

When gathering Qi for all the methods above, walk the Dipper at the position of the month’s ruling Earthly Branch and check the direction of the Celestial Pivot. As you gather Qi, hold your breath and contain it, walk in reverse, and press the tongue against the roof of the mouth. Use the left middle finger to write the talisman on the palm, keeping it within the Dipper’s mouth—the designated point associated with the hand seal or Dipper steps. Whenever forming the hand seal, recite the incantation on Yin days:

In the name of the Supreme One, the Three Pure Ones, the Limitless Great Dao’s ritual master, [name], I respectfully summon the Earth Official, the Water Palace, and the River Lords and Mountain Spirits who convey the Dao’s commands. Go and deal with this matter. I hereby issue this solemn order.

This talisman should be left undisturbed and allowed to drift with the river current until it passes through the territories and waters governed by the Three Rivers and Five Seas. If demons or monsters enter the Water Palace and repeatedly stir up storms, cause disorder, and harm the people, I will send the four divine generals Dinghai, Dingchou, Jiaxu, and Jiashen, commanding the celestial and terrestrial troops, to follow this sacred talisman and subdue them. Once it is put into effect, the matter will be settled. Everything must follow my instructions: first click the teeth together twenty-four times, then lower the brush to write the talisman. Write with the force of shaking mountains. Use a length of crimson silk one zhang and two chi long. After writing the talisman, take it to a certain mountain and carry out the order. The mountain will shake, and the ghosts and spirits will flee.

To bind dragon spirits and strange beings, write “Dragon-Binding Talisman” on an iron tablet one chi and two cun long, then place it by the shore. Beings in the water will be unable to cross it. If the iron tablet is thrown into a lake or deep pool, any dragon or monster that charges against the talisman tablet will die. The restraining power of these two talismans is extremely strong: the forms of their characters will neither disperse nor gather and distort. This teaching has now been received from an adept; it must never be used casually.

Shangqing Spirit-Transformation Talisman

To draw the talisman on the right, first tread the Dipper pattern (a ritual step sequence following the positions of the Northern Dipper stars), beginning from the direction of your birth year. Visualize yourself transforming into a Shangqing ritual master. Then retrace your steps from within the Dipper’s mouth and proceed to the position of the pattern.

Prepare a length of white silk one chi and two cun long and a vermilion brush. Draw in the Dipper’s Qi once more, visualize breathing it in and blowing it onto the brush; pinch the first joint of the middle finger and burn incense. Recite the incantation:

I respectfully summon the Three Masters and prison officers beneath the Three Heavenly Gates; the True Official Taiyi, who commands the great armies of the Nine Heavens; the Great Demon King of the level realm of the Sun and Moon; the Celestial Strongmen and Mighty Warriors; the Six Jia formation officers; the Lords of the Five Thunders; and the swift flying envoys among the clouds. Come swiftly, descending from Heaven and emerging from Earth. Set up the heavenly net and spread the earthly mesh; bring forth the flaming thunder chariot and destroy the ghostly essences. Appear before me at once. Do not delay or linger. Hasten to obey the statutes of the Supreme Emperor.

When writing the talisman, recite the incantation three times; when sending forth the talisman, recite it once.

The incantation “The talismans and fire bells swiftly bring efficacy” means that talismans and fire bells respond swiftly, and the rituals performed proceed freely and without obstruction. Recite it three times before writing a talisman and once when issuing it; for ordinary use, recite it once.

Shangqing Yang Talisman for Illuminating Ghosts and Erasing Their Forms

Shangqing Yin Talisman for Illuminating Ghosts and Erasing Their Forms

Each of these talismans is paired with a Yang talisman attendant or a Yin talisman attendant. There is no need to adhere rigidly to the Yin-Yang categories. For example, on a Jiazi day one may use the Yang talisman attendant, and on an Yichou day the Yin talisman attendant. The scripture says this method can destroy all kinds of evil beings. When performing the ritual, one must still follow the steps of pacing the Dipper and carrying the astral force. Write the talisman in cinnabar on Yang days and in ink on Yin days. On a Yang day, draw in the qi of the Sun Lord; on a Yin day, draw in the qi of the Moon Lord. Blow qi onto the talisman and recite the incantation:

“The Heavenly Way spreads in every direction. Let Yin qi move and Yang qi follow; let the divine general of the Direct Talisman come to the place of my Dipper and astral force. Once the jade talisman is put to use, all ghosts will hide. Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands.”

When issuing the talisman, recite the Sun Lord’s incantation on a Yang day and the Moon Lord’s incantation on a Yin day. Make the hand seal of the Sun Lord on a Yang day and that of the Moon Lord on a Yin day, reciting and making the seal once each. Then fill the talisman with ritual qi to drive away ghostly qi and evil essences. Place the talisman against a mirror and shine it outward; the scripture says that ghosts and monsters will all appear and disappear.

Shangqing Talisman for Turning Back the Sea and Bringing Rain

To use this talisman to pray for rain, report to the Water Emperor of the Nine Rivers and perform the ritual at the source of a nearby river or at a spring. If rain is already due, Yin spirit qi will respond. The scripture then says that placing the talisman against a mirror and shining it outward will make ghosts and monsters appear and disappear; this instruction is the same as the method described above for the talisman that illuminates ghosts.

Shangqing Talisman for Turning Back the Sea and Bringing Rain

Before drawing this talisman for rain, first submit a memorial to the Water Emperor of the Nine Rivers, specifying which river source or spring cave the talisman is to be cast into. If rain is already on its way, Yin spirits will come and answer the petition. If no rain is expected, clearly identify the river source, deep pool, cave, or other site, and state the reason separately.

Transmit a memorial by flight to the Patriarch, the Great Emperor of Shangqing, and the Jade Emperor, and respectfully request an edict. The edict is to direct the officials overseeing the designated river source to await the talisman and immediately raise wind and bring rain, covering the specified area with the requested amount. Also report to the Three Officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water, dispatching a written order to summon the Celestial Soldiers and Strongmen of the Cloud, Thunder, and Rain Bureau to bring rain. Submit the memorial as well to the Dragon King, the Wind Earl, and the Rain Master. The documents must clearly state the designated body of water and the arrangements for awaiting the command. After casting the talisman, proceed at once, taking its efficacy as proof.

Before performing the rite, establish an altar and make preparations for three or five days. Once the memorial has been submitted, have everyone else withdraw. Prepare one liang of cinnabar and grind it finely, then set out a purified brush and an iron tablet one chi and two cun long and four cun wide. Follow the prescribed steps to present the petition. After taking black ink, walk the Dipper steps backward and stand in the direction of the month’s earthly branch. Write the talisman without adding anything or calling out. When finished, wrap it in yellow silk and stamp it with the seal “Lord of the Great Law of the Entire Heaven.” The document must give the full official title of the relevant office, without a signature seal; write the name separately and attach a citation.

Next, form the “Celestial Soldier Mudra,” recite the transformation spell, and summon the Celestial Soldiers and Strongmen. The practitioner should explain that they are seeking rain for the lakes and marshes of a particular region, name each place where rain is to fall, and command the strongmen to follow the talisman, direct the rain immediately, and send down beneficent rain beginning at a specified hour on a specified day of a specified month, without delay. When the writing is complete, face the designated place, recite the text, and issue the command; then cast the talisman into the water. Pray that thunder and rain arrive in time and that the requested rain be granted. The document must contain no errors, and it must bear the seal “Lord of the Great Law of the Entire Heaven.” This method must be performed in secret according to the ritual if it is to answer with the immediacy of an echo.

“Shangqing Great Prohibition Dragon-Binding Talisman”

This talisman should be written on a wooden or iron board measuring one chi and two cun in length. The officiant first performs the transformation of the spirit, using ritual methods to enter a state in which a deity appears at the altar. He summons the divine officials listed in the talisman, along with the Three Direct Talisman Officials, who convey the talisman’s commands, and gives them a detailed account of the matter at hand. After preparing cinnabar and a clean brush, he stands at the Heavenly Gate, a direction or portal established for the ritual, faces the Dipper, and performs the astral steps, walking backward twice before entering the Dipper’s mouth, a position in the Dipper-step sequence. As he writes the talisman, he must hold his breath until it is complete. He then entrusts it to the Celestial Soldiers and Strongmen, explaining the task through the corresponding hand seals and gestures.

If the matter takes place in a river, lake, or pool, he writes the talisman and reports the matter in the same way, then orders the Celestial Soldiers and Strongmen to carry it out; they may drive away or bind the target. After issuing the talisman, he must report the matter to the Ancestral Master, the Great Emperor of Shangqing, and the Jade Emperor of Haotian, submitting a written petition that states the details clearly and without error. He then gives the talisman to the person who will carry out the task, dispatches the officials of the rivers and seas, and sends a formal document to the Water Emperor of the Nine Rivers, the deity who governs those waters, explaining what has happened. Once the report is complete, he steps forward and presents the talisman, calling upon the Celestial Soldiers to carry the document and issue the talisman’s command, while performing the hand seals and concluding the sequence of gestures.

If the talisman is to be cast into the water, the person carrying out the task should leave quickly afterward, so that thunder and a sudden rise in the water do not frighten bystanders. This is a talisman the Supreme Emperor uses to punish dragon deities. It must not be used lightly and must be kept secret.

The nine talismans above are secret writings of the Boundless Shangqing. Their transmitted instructions are profound and are not disclosed to the world. This art has been passed down since the Later Han. According to tradition, the Supreme Lord Lao transmitted it to Celestial Master Zhang, its first recipient, and this transmission gave rise to the teaching. With the assistance of a Celestial Master, its power to command and direct spirits is great. It is said that when Celestial Master Zhang entered Shu to subdue ghosts, he summoned wind and rain on his own, without waiting for a heavenly talisman to descend; this was the talisman he used. Fearing that later generations might obtain the talismans and use them recklessly, thereby incurring the Supreme Emperor’s punishment, the scripture gave them a separate name: “Numinous Writings of the Marrow.”

Since this method was handed down, few people in the world have understood it. Although I understand its purpose and meaning, I dare not keep its contents hidden. I have therefore clarified its subtleties and removed superficial explanations. When using these talismans, compare each one with its explanation to determine whether they correspond. Rituals such as dispatching and submitting petitions must be carried out in the proper order. You must also become familiar with the forms, ritual procedures, and incantations of the talisman officers and divine generals before you can summon them. After sustained practice, you will be able to see them with your own eyes. The forms, ritual procedures, and attire of the talisman envoys are set out below.

Not a single word in the incantations, names, and functions of the nine talismans above, or in the profound material described below, has been added or invented from another source. All of it was personally compiled by Master Xujing, the Celestial Master of the thirtieth generation. It is indeed of great importance, and its prohibitions and standards of conduct are especially strict.

Recognizing the Envoys of the Nine Talismans

The Flying Swift Envoy wears a crown, rides a dragon, carries a treasured sword, and is dressed in golden armor and a cloak. He may be sent into the home of a sick person to drive out disasters caused by ghosts and harmful spirits, and to dispel calamities arising from corpse qi.

Talisman Envoys (Fu Shi)

Catching Evil Talisman Envoy (Zhuoxie Fu Shi): With hair loose and a sword in hand, clad in black robes and golden armor, this envoy can enter the Water Mansion (the abode of water spirits) and the springs, dispelling calamities and expelling ghosts and demons. When the talisman is affixed to a person's Benming (the celestial position corresponding to the person's birth year in the sexagenary cycle), it can seize that person's essence-soul at night.

Shaking Mountains Talisman Envoy (Hanshan Fu Shi): Possessing four eyes and eight arms, this envoy rides a Qi Dragon (a divine dragon formed from primordial qi) and drives fire clouds, commanding three thousand soldiers and attendants. It can split the earth, shake the Five Sacred Peaks including Mount Tai, and cause wind and rain to flatten grasses and trees. In earlier times, the use of this talisman was forbidden.

Subduing Dragons Talisman Envoy (Suolong Fu Shi): With hair loose and clad in silver armor, this envoy rides a golden-winged horse and the qi of the vermilion bird. It can sever aquatic demons and subdue dragons, fish-monsters, and creatures lurking beneath the water. Any talisman envoy submerged in water must not cross its boundary and dares not offend it.

Catching Ghosts Talisman Envoy (Zhuigui Fu Shi): With hair loose and clad in golden armor, its eyes blazing like fire, this envoy holds the Severing Evil Sword, rides fire clouds, and moves swift as thunder. It can search out ghosts, spirits, and mountain sprites of metal and stone, reducing them all to dust.

Yang Talisman Envoy (Yang Fu Fu Shi): Wearing a futou (an ancient style of headscarf) and embroidered robes, and holding a precious sword, this envoy leads the divine generals and soul-soldiers (pobing) within the talisman. It eliminates all startling nightmares and ghostly apparitions, causing them to dissipate immediately.

Yin Talisman Envoy (Yin Fu Fu Shi): Wearing a futou and embroidered robes, and holding a sword, this envoy rides the spirit-soldiers (hunbing) within the talisman and leads the official soldiers in pursuit, expelling and cutting down demons so that none escape destruction.

Forms and Appearances of the Three Terraces (Santai Xingyi): These describe the appearances of the Three Terraces, the spirits transformed from the three terrace stars in the heavens. Each stands one hundred chi tall, wearing purple gauze Daoist robes, holding jade gui tablets, and wearing vermilion shoes. Qi of yellow emerges from the crown of the Upper Terrace, qi of white from the Middle Terrace, and qi of green from the Lower Terrace. When writing the Three Terraces talisman, one should set brush to paper in accordance with each star position in turn, and infuse qi into the brush.

Iconographic prescriptions for the Seven Stars. The stars Greedy Wolf and Great Gate each emit black Qi (vital energy, in Daoist usage) from the crown of the head. The stars Prosperity Keeper, Literary Curve, and Chaste Purity each emit blue-green Qi from the crown. The star Military Song emits a red flame-like radiance from the crown. The first six stars all wear Daoist robes and purple gauze garments, hold tablets of green jade, and stand a hundred feet tall.

The Star Lord of Ruinous Army, invested by the Supreme Emperor as King of Brahma, is the leader of the Seven Primordial Star Lords. He stands a thousand feet tall, with his left hand on his hip and a Seven-Star sword in his right hand. He stands with his feet in a T-shaped stance and wears purple gauze garments. When he turns his head, fire-colored, faintly radiant Qi rises from the crown.

The Assistant Star emits red Qi from the crown and stands ten zhang tall. He stretches out his legs, rests his hands on his hips, and holds a Seven-Star sword in his right hand. He stands with his feet in a T-shaped stance and wears purple gauze garments. When he turns his head, fire-colored, faintly radiant Qi rises from the crown. The Assistant Star emits red Qi from the crown and stands ten zhang tall. He stretches out his legs, wears a futou (a type of headcloth worn by men in ancient times) and a crimson robe, and holds a court tablet (the board carried by officials when attending court).

Iconographic prescriptions for the Celestial Strongmen. These divine generals can travel to the Northern Dipper together with the Four Generals. This is a secret method found among miscellaneous rites. The Celestial Strongman’s surname is Gou and his given name is Minzi. He wears a crimson robe with wide sleeves and a bian crown (a type of ancient headwear), and holds a halberd. He is charged specifically with safeguarding seals and credentials; his other duty is to enter plague-stricken households.

Iconographic prescriptions for the Mountain Generals. The two divine generals sent by the Eastern Peak wear black embroidered robes and futou, with crimson bands around their foreheads. They stand with swords at their sides and have a fierce appearance.

The Twelve Merit Officers (divine clerks responsible for transmitting and recording the affairs of the Celestial Bureaucracy), along with the generals assigned to the day and hour and the generals associated with the sexagenary cycle, all carry swords. The general assigned to the day wears vermilion shoes, carries a sword, and wears a crown; the specific appearance depends on the day’s affiliation. The Six Ding and Six Jia envoys all wear crowns and golden armor and carry swords.

The Celestial Strongman depicted in the two talismans of Turning Back the Sea and Binding the Dragon differs from the Strongman Gou: he wears a crown and purple robes, is belted, rests his hand on his sword, and wears vermilion shoes.

The Three Realms Dispatchers (divine clerks responsible for conveying talismanic commands from the Three Realms) all wear strongman crowns and purple robes, are belted, rest their hands on their swords, and wear vermilion shoes.

The Altar-Ground Guardian who directly protects the ritual altar stands three feet and three inches tall, wears a wrapped futou, is draped in a white mantle, and holds a court tablet.

Talisman of the Solar Lord Who Seizes Evil and Dispenses Retribution

With the left hand, form the “Dipper Seal” (a hand sign used in Daoist ritual); hold a brush in the right hand and recite:

Solar Lord (the solar deity), the Supreme Lord commands you to carry out this order: seize the ghosts and evil forces at once, bring them beneath the Kui-Gang (the place under the authority of the Northern Dipper stars where evil is subdued), and drive them ten thousand fathoms beneath the earth to die. Carry out the decree of the Great Emperor of Fengdu (the principal deity of the underworld) at once. Then blow the breath of the north onto the brush.

When driving away evil influences, say, “Leave the body”; when making them possess someone, say, “Possess the body.”

Recite:

Seven Fiends of the Sun, bathed in sunlight. Great General of the Southern Dipper, Kui-Gang of the Northern Dipper, Mighty Tousled-Head (the name of a divine general): seize the ghosts and evil forces and deliver them to Kui-Gang. Spread the net of Heaven above and lay the net of Earth below. Should any evil force dare to resist, seize it and deliver it to Kui-Gang. Carry out the order at once.

Then recite:

By decree of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, I dispatch the Mighty Tousled-Head warrior to seize the evil forces.

Invocation for dispatching the deity:

I respectfully summon Deng Hua-wu, the Divine General Who Travels by Day. I now dispatch you to carry out this task. Carry out the order at once.

Then recite:

Solar deity, Solar Lord, receive the command and decree; go swiftly and carry it out. Carry out the order at once.

To use this talisman, form the Dipper Seal with the left hand and hold the talisman in the right. Pass it through the incense smoke, then draw in a breath and recite: “Solar Lord, receive the command and decree; go swiftly and carry it out. Carry out the order at once.”

To use this talisman, form the Dipper Seal with the left hand and hold the talisman in the right. Pass it through the incense smoke, then draw in the breath of the Gate of Heaven and blow it onto the talisman. This is said to make it effective.

Talisman of the Three Officials for Burning Away Evil Influences and Bringing Retribution

Recite:

The golden wheel turns, fierce winds rise, and Heaven and Earth glow red. Within it are three crows, soaring and flashing with light. Burn the ghosts and evil forces to ash and refine them into liquid; burn the ghosts and spirits so that demons and strange beings hide and retreat. I hereby dispatch Zhang Riming, the Divine General Who Beheads Ghosts and Drains Their Blood, and Li Zhongxin, the General Who Binds and Transports Ghosts. In full accordance with the heavenly command bestowed by the Three Officials (the Officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water), go in my place to treat illness and drive away evil, and quickly manifest your efficacy. Carry out the order at once.

Form the “Wu Pattern” (a ritual hand sign) with the left hand, hold the talisman in the right, and recite the spell. Draw in the breath of the south and blow it into the talisman.

Talisman of the Three Primordials and Six Jia for Burning Away Evil Influences

Invocation for dispatching the deities:

I respectfully summon the two great generals Liu Zhi and Liu Yan, Fire Generals of the South. Go to treat illness and drive away evil, and quickly manifest your efficacy. Carry out the order at once.

Form the Wu Pattern with the left hand, hold the talisman in the right, and recite the spell. Draw in the breath of the south and blow it into the talisman.

I respectfully summon the two great generals of the southern fire, Liu Zhi and Liu Yan. Go at once to the patient and seize the evil spirits attached to him. Any malign spirit or demon that has caused harm must be executed under my talismanic command. Act with all haste, in accordance with the decree of the Southern Fire Virtue Emperor.

Thunder Talisman for General Ding to Seize Evil Spirits

If someone is troubled by evil spirits, burn the talisman in an iron used for pressing clothes, with charcoal inside, and let the smoke enter the patient’s nose and mouth. It may also help to have the patient take it with rice vinegar or Jiangzhen decoction. When using this talisman, choose a day associated with the Six Ding and Six Jia divine generals in Daoist calendrical practice, present a petition to the divine image, and frequently look up at the heavens.

The divine general has three eyes and wears golden armor, a red headband, and a red face like a jujube. He wears an iron putou cap, holds a rope in his left hand, and wears a red robe and green boots. In his right hand he holds a fire blade. To perform this method, submit a petition to the Celestial Pivot Bureau, the Daoist divine administration, and apply the Thunder Seal. The Seal of the Great Dharma Master of All Heaven may also be used.

Ancestral Method Yin Talisman

The incantation says:

The prisons and boundaries of the underworld, the realm of water, and the human realm: sever their heads and cut off their feet. All who are unrighteous and do not abide by the Dao—spirits and gods must obey this talismanic command and must not act recklessly. Act with all haste, in accordance with the decree.

Ancestral Method Yang Talisman

The incantation says:

The prisons and boundaries of the world of the living, the heavenly realm, and the realm of emptiness: sever their heads and cut off their feet. All who are unrighteous and do not abide by the Dao—spirits and gods must obey this talismanic command and must not act recklessly. Act with all haste, in accordance with the decree.

Dragon-Tiger Talisman

The incantation says:

General Qilin Jiaxu, please convey my talismanic command: seize the evil spirits on the patient and bring them beneath Kuigang, the name and direction of a Daoist stellar deity used in rites to suppress evil. Have them await judgment at once. Act with all haste, in accordance with the decree.

Dispatching Incantation

Great General of the Samadhi of the Four Divine Beasts, descend into the human world. Seize the demons and swiftly bind the ghosts; act in accordance with the law. Act with all haste, in accordance with the decree.

Urging Incantation

The General of the Northern Limitless Realm patrols the human world, seizing evil spirits and monsters. I respectfully obey the command of the Lord on High and decree that the Four Spirits and Three Samadhi Great Generals descend to the human world, capture demons and spirits, and swiftly bind ghosts and monsters. Let all be done according to the law. Act with urgency, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances.

Urgent Incantation

The General of the Northern Limitless Realm patrols the human world, seizing evil spirits and monsters. I respectfully obey the command of the Lord on High and decree that it be carried out.

Talisman of the Three-Five Orthodox Method

Talisman of the Nine Hells

Talisman Bearing the Jade Emperor’s Command

Jade Emperor’s Hand Seal: When forming the hand seal, draw in the energy of the Gate of Heaven.

Great High One’s Childbirth-Expediting Talisman

When writing a childbirth-expediting talisman, first recite the Incantation for Purifying Heaven and Earth and the Incantation for Purifying the Body. Then silently report to the Northern Dipper, as well as the Great Deity Who Oversees Births in the Nine Heavens, the Holy Mother Who Guards the Chambers in the Nine Heavens, and the Birth-Delivering Child in the Nine Heavens. Visualize each of them standing before you. After making your silent report, explain the reason for writing the talisman. Then inhale and blow the breath toward yourself, visualizing yourself transformed into the deity who oversees births: wearing a strongman’s crown, clad in golden armor, draped in a full cape, covered by a black outer robe, and standing with a sword in hand.

Next, in sequence, use two fingers of the left hand to pinch the base of the thumb; press the thumb against the middle-finger joint; and curl the fourth and fifth fingers into the palm. Take three ritual steps, inhale the astral energy, blow on the brush, then hold your breath as you write the talisman. Do not let women or the person requesting the talisman see you write it. The hand the person uses to receive the talisman indicates their sex: men receive it with the left hand, women with the right.

Thunder Talisman for Expediting Childbirth

Incantation for Commanding the Childbirth-Expediting Talisman

Declare: Heaven has four seasons, and Earth has the Five Phases. The Six Jia divide Yin and Yang. Whether male or female, each has a time in life governed by the Star of Literary Destiny. The months of pregnancy are complete, and the child’s hair has grown. Quickly apply the talisman and summon the power of thunder to bring the child forth; do not delay. Heaven has already issued its command. Let the child obey the mother’s command and be born quickly, without endangering the mother’s life. Act with urgency, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances.

Incantation for Commanding the Childbirth-Expediting Talisman

Declare: Heaven has four seasons, and Earth has the Five Phases. The Six Jia divide Yin and Yang. Whether male or female, each has a time in life governed by the Star of Literary Destiny. The months of pregnancy are complete, and the child’s hair has grown. Quickly apply the talisman and summon the power of thunder to bring the child forth; do not delay. Heaven has already issued its command. Let the child obey the mother’s command and be born quickly, without endangering the mother’s life. Act with urgency, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances.

Incantation for the Round Talisman

The Great Sages, the Seven Lords of the Northern Dipper, can dispel the dangers of childbirth. Write the round talisman seven times with a single Qi, then inhale the energy of the Northern Dipper and blow it into the talisman.

This concludes Volume Three of The Orthodox Method of the Celestial Heart from Shangqing.

Volume Four of The Orthodox Method of the Celestial Heart from Shangqing.

Treating Madness Caused by Malevolent Spirits

When someone possessed by malevolent spirits runs about in a frenzy, loses awareness, strips naked, and speaks incoherently, and those nearby can no longer restrain them, first have the patient’s family write down the circumstances and submit them to the ritual altar. After writing the judgment, the presiding Daoist ritual master performs the “distant enclosure” rite and gives the relevant instructions point by point.

Next, write a detailed account of the patient’s condition and its causes, submit it to the Yue Prefecture (the divine bureau governing the mountains), and send a formal dispatch to the City God (the deity who protects the city and oversees local affairs). The documents must be written in secret, in a quiet room, where no one else can see them. Request that divine generals and troops be assigned to drive out the malevolent spirits.

The documents must specify the patient’s address and name the local mountain and forest deities, community shrines, family ancestors, the deity in charge of a person’s fate, and the Five Ways’ Earth Gods, among others. Set a time and order all the relevant deities to attend and search for the spirits in separate groups. If the patient’s home contains harmful spirits or ghosts that prey on the living, they must also be held in strict custody until the ritual master arrives. If further instructions are given, do not accept one-sided rumors or claims without evidence as true. Allegations of harm to the people must be verified.

The ritual master should go to the patient’s home that day or the next, without bringing a sword. First purify the body and transform the spirit (using ritual methods to assume the state of a divine officer), then perform the Three Platforms and Seven Stars Pace (a ceremonial sequence of steps aligned with the stars) and proceed to the mouth of the Dipper. Purify body and mind, silently pay homage to the Celestial Emperor, and report the circumstances described above, requesting that divine generals be dispatched. Then lead the relevant holy beings and ritual officers and generals out in order, and set off without looking back. The Master of Heavenly Canopy’s incantation may be recited along the way, as many times as desired.

On reaching the patient’s home, first perform the “near enclosure” rite and command the divine generals to hold and seize the malevolent spirits securely, declaring the matter resolved. Carry out the entire ritual according to the rites for treating illness. At the doorway, once the commands have been given, form the Dipper seal with the left hand and knock three times with the right, then recite the incantation for sealing the door:

The Most High commands the portals to be sealed and evil ghosts to be seized. All wronged souls will then disperse of their own accord. Hasten to obey the Most High’s decree.

On entering the gate, form the “Mountain Seal” with the left hand, a type of hand mudra. Inhale once, drawing in Qi from the north, then blow it out. Visualize four divine generals carrying mountains to close off the gate, then command: “Left Gate God, Right Gate God, the gods of the Five Roads, and all other deities: seal the portals fast and firm. Do not let ghosts or evil spirits escape. If you disobey this order, you will all share the guilt. Carry it out at once.”

After entering the gate, the ritual officer performs the gate-locking rite and recites the spell: “Heavenly sha, earthly sha, the sha of the portals, and the sha of all evil influences: by the authority of my decree, I command the Gate Gods not to release the evil spirits, but to hold them fast. Hasten to obey the command.”

Form the “Great Sha Script” or “Lock Seal” with both hands—hand mudras used in ritual practice. Whenever entering a gate to perform a rite, first use the left hand to lift the hem over the left foot, then stamp the threshold three times with the right foot while reciting the gate-locking spell. Lower the hem, face the Zǐ-Wǔ Dipper, a directional and stellar image associated with the Northern Dipper, and inhale Qi from the north three times while facing out through the gate, blowing it out each time. Visualize the portal as locked. Next, have the person involved set out the divine generals in the main hall of the house, prepare offerings of fresh fruit, incense, lamps, tea, paper money, and other items, and complete the offering.

The ritual officer then transforms into a deity, performs the ritual steps, summons the generals and commanders, and recites spells to drive out evil influences along with the secret spells of each courtyard deity and general. Visualize the deities appearing in their forms, then issue them commands. Afterward, have the patient come out. The ritual officer forms the “Evil-Subduing Mudra” with the left hand and the “Sword Mudra” with the right; alternatively, the officer may hold a Tianpeng ruler, a ritual implement, in the right hand. The officer must remain within the bounds of the ritual steps while performing the rite.

Next, recite the spell for subduing swords and blades. Form the Dipper Seal with the left hand and the Golden Knife Mudra with the right, and say: “Qianyuan Lu Zhongheng, may the sun and moon shine with the same light as I. Blade, obey my command and fall; do not harm my body. I act under the decree of the Nine Heavens.”

After reciting the spell, command: “Divine generals, quickly drag out the ghost deity causing the trouble for me. Come at once!”

If a person who is delirious or out of their mind runs out, the ritual officer points at them with the Evil-Subduing Mudra and commands: “Generals of the Four Cardinal Heavenly Stems, quickly bind both their hands and drag out the ghost deity causing the trouble for me. Come at once!”

When the patient runs out as if in a frenzy, the ritual master, a Daoist who performs the rite, makes the “Binding Evil” hand-seal and points it at the patient, then commands:

“Four Direct Heavenly Guiding-Ladle Generals, quickly bind his hands! Hurry!”

Next, he uses the hand-seals and incantations for “seizing and binding” and “the cangue and fetters,” in that order. If the patient still refuses to obey and will not reveal what is happening, the ritual master uses the method of questioning a spirit with a paper pellet, also called the “Heavenly Guiding Ladle Talisman for Scorching the Brain.”

The King of the Heavenly Guiding Ladle spirits wears purple robes and a golden crown. The King of the Spirit Guiding Ladle wears robes of a pale color and a golden crown. Take two pieces of red paper and write the names of the two kings on them, one name on each. As you write, visualize the two kings appearing and blow Gang Qi—the vital energy visualized and applied during ritual practice—onto the brush. When the writing is complete, cut the paper into nine pieces, place them on an incense burner and burn them, then waft the smoke over the patient. It is believed that the patient will then speak of his own accord.

If the patient still refuses to obey, perform the “Great Spirit’s Method of Burning Ghosts” and recite the incantation:

“Great Sage, turn back the fire; let it flow south. The Fire Official sends forth flames to burn, and evil ghosts perish. Hurry, hurry, in accordance with the statutes and commands.”

Blow solar Qi—the vital energy of sunlight visualized during ritual practice—onto the brush, write the character “Fire” in a circle, and place it in the patient’s nostril. Recite the preceding incantation again, then draw in a mouthful of solar Qi and blow it toward the crown of the patient’s head. Afterward, burn the paper pellet. The text says the patient will recover quickly. It states that when this method of coercive ritual treatment is used, all evil spirits submit in reverence; afterward, the practitioner decides how to deal with the case according to its severity.

The incantation for “sending the ghostly affliction away from the body” is:

“Great Sage of the Heavenly Guiding Ladle, let righteous Qi flow freely. Bring peace and good fortune to the person’s body, and make the evil ghost disappear. Let the righteous Qi of the Heavenly Guiding Ladle spread everywhere, driving all evil spirits away from the body. Hurry, hurry, obey the statutes and commands of the Supreme Lord.”

With the left hand, form the Tiangang hand seal (a Daoist finger mudra); with the right, hold a water bowl, and recite the incantation three times. Face the Tiangang direction, draw in three breaths of Qi (vital energy, as understood in Daoism), blow them into the water, then sprinkle it over the patient. Have the patient drink some of the water as well; this is said to restore consciousness. Next, command: “Ghost, leave the body at once!” Then give the patient talisman water to drink and cleanse the patient’s body. Afterward, dispatch the generals to set up an altar in the patient’s home. Keep incense burning and offerings before the altar until the patient recovers. Then make offerings to reward the soldiers and generals under this altar’s command. Once everything has been completed, issue a dispatch ordering the troops and generals to return to the altar.

When treating madness attributed to evil spirits, if there is concern that the patient may be holding a blade and injure the ritual master, perform the rite as follows. After the ritual officer stands in the Ding position, recite:

“I respectfully summon Lu Zhongheng of Qianyuan; may the sun and moon shine with me. Let the blade fall as I command, and do not harm my body. I act under the command of the laws of the Nine Heavens.”

Draw in Tiangang Qi and blow it toward the left and right shoulders. Then press the thumb to the Xuanwen point and recite: “Rescue, Qin Shu, and Bao Di.” When faced with a patient possessed by a frenzied evil spirit and holding a blade, approach the patient, form the Doushou seal with the left hand and the Golden Knife mudra with the right, and recite:

“Lu Zhongheng of Qianyuan; may the sun and moon shine with me. Let the blade fall as I command, and do not harm my body. I act under the command of the laws of the Nine Heavens.”

Draw in Tiangang Qi and blow it toward the patient’s hand. Then make a chopping motion with the right hand in the Golden Knife mudra; the blade is said to fall from the patient’s hand of its own accord.

Distributing Qi to Treat Pain

The ritual officer stands in the Ding position, forms the Doushou seal with the left hand and the sword mudra with the right, and points toward the painful area. First, have the patient cough once. The ritual master then draws in a breath and settles the Qi at the Mao wen point on the left hand, before guiding it beneath the ribs to deal with the ghostly affliction. The blade is said to fall as a result.

Distributing Qi to Treat Pain

The practitioner assumes a stance with the feet set in the shape of the character ding, forms the Dipper seal with the left hand, and makes the sword mudra with the right, pointing it toward the painful area. First, have the patient cough once. The practitioner then inhales, presses the mao mark on the left hand, and moves it to the area beneath the ribs, designating it the “Ghost Well.” Recite the incantation three times, inhale Qi from the due north three times, and blow it toward the affected area. Perform the procedure swiftly.

Method for Treating Headaches by Laying Out the Dipper and Dark Qi

To treat a headache, press both temples with the Dipper seal formed by both hands. Recite the Celestial Dipper’s Correct Incantation three times, inhale Dipper Qi three times, and blow it toward the crown of the head. Have the patient cough three times. The practitioner inhales the Qi released by the patient’s cough three times, then blows it onto the ground and stamps on it. Continue in this way. On the third breath, release the Dipper mudras one hand at a time, right hand first and then left, and ask the patient whether the pain has stopped.

If only half the pain is to be relieved, draw a line down the middle with the sword mudra, without reciting an incantation, and release one hand first. Then recite the incantation and blow away the pain on one side, before drawing away the pain on the other side. The scripture says that the side corresponding to the hand released first will become very painful, so the method must be kept secret.

Method for Treating Boils

To treat a boil, first write the character chi on the swollen, reddened area. Then gather Dipper Qi and blow it toward the affected area while reciting: “Chi, chi, cut away the poisonous influence; with great power, draw it in and disperse the severe pain. Draw it in swiftly.”

Form the Dipper seal with the left hand and hold a brush in the right. Recite the incantation over the affected area. After writing the character chi, gather Dipper Qi and blow it toward the affected area together with the hand mudra.

Form the Dipper seal again and circle around the character chi while reciting the incantation. When the recitation is complete, stop writing, form the Dipper seal, gather Dipper Qi, and blow it toward the affected area.

Next, form the Thunder Bureau mudra with the left hand and write the character lei. After reciting the incantation and finishing the character, gather Thunder Qi and blow it toward the affected area together with the hand mudra.

Form the Thunder mudra again and circle around the character lei while reciting the incantation. When the recitation is complete, stop writing, gather Thunder Qi, and blow it toward the affected area together with the hand mudra.

Scorpion and Centipede Talisman

Recite: “Great Sage of the Celestial Dipper, descend straightaway.” Then gather Dipper Qi and blow it toward the affected area. The scripture says this will bring recovery. It is used for swellings and poisoning caused by bites from creatures such as scorpions and centipedes.

Blow the qi from the north toward the painful area. Write the talisman while chanting the incantation, repeating this nine times. Finally, draw a circle to complete the talisman, then use paste mixed with vinegar to affix it over the painful area.

Jujube Incantation for Curing All Illnesses

Each day, chant “Sha She” three times; each month, chant “Sha She” three times as well. Reverently summon the divine general Niu Jutong to come and treat the illness, and beseech the Jade Emperor to send down the Fire Dragon to treat it.

To perform this method, face south, form the Wu-hour hand mudra, and chant the incantation seven times. Then draw in qi seven times and blow it onto a jujube.

Jujube Incantation for Treating Malaria

“□□ Tiangang, may the sun and moon descend with their numinous power. Enter my jujube and drive out malaria; sweep away the qi of demons and evil spirits. Act at once in accordance with the commands of the Most High Lord Lao.”

Form the Dipper mudra with your left hand and hide the jujube in your palm. Chant the incantation seven times, then draw in qi seven times and blow it onto the jujube.

Treating Plague and Quelling Epidemics

If the plague was sent down by Heaven, seek reconciliation with it; if it was caused by ghosts and spirits, drive them away.

Before treating a plague, investigate the circumstances carefully and determine whether the sick are people from a particular district, township, or community. You need not wait for the patients to submit a petition. If someone does submit one, record the circumstances in detail, then promptly report them to the ancestral masters of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) and the Jade Emperor. Also submit a report to the Eastern Peak and deliver a document to the City God, while asking the sick person to confess their wrongdoing. Alternatively, submit documents only to the local community shrine and to temples with powerful and illustrious gods, requesting that they drive away the epidemic.

Next, issue an official dispatch to the divine clerks responsible for spreading the plague, ordering them to withdraw the disease as quickly as possible. Then go in person to the afflicted place. Following the ritual procedures for treating demonic possession and subduing mountain sprites, transform into a deity and perform the Dipper steps, silently reporting the reasons given above to the Supreme Emperor. Then use the deity-transformation method to assume, through ritual transformation, the form of the Northern Emperor. Form the Jade Emperor mudra with your left hand and chant: “Om, hum—withdraw the illness.”

Here, “performing the Dipper steps” means walking a prescribed sequence of ritual steps, while “forming a mudra” means arranging the fingers into a Daoist ritual hand seal. “Qi” refers to the vital energy spoken of in Daoist ritual practice.

“Om hum hum” is a spell sound used when summoning and issuing commands. The gods bow to the ritual master, and evil spirits submit to the righteous Way. Any who dare to resist are reduced to dust. The command must be carried out at once, in obedience to the decree of the Supreme Emperor.

The ritual master then forms the “Transforming into a God” hand seal, symbolizing his transformation into a divine general, and becomes the Northern Emperor, a sovereign deity of the north. He bows in gratitude. Holding the Jade Emperor’s decree, he leads the Six Ding and Six Jia warriors, the Wind Earl and Rain Master, and the Five Thunder messengers along the heavenly road, riding clouds back to the Exorcism Bureau. The ritual judge again performs the Bugang steps, treading the stars of the Dipper in a prescribed pattern to conduct the rite and summon the gods, and gathers the generals and troops from each bureau. Once they have all arrived in turn, the judge explains the cause of the matter. Then, with his right hand, he turns the Five Thunder configuration, a thunder rite performed by coordinating finger seals with directional movements, and recites:

“On the first turn, conceal the Six Spirits at the Mao position. On the second turn, make the Four Fiends vanish at the Yin position. On the third turn, set the Kui and Gang in motion at the Chou position. On the fourth turn, let thunder and fire surge up at the center. On the fifth turn, unleash the thunderclap at the Wei position. On the sixth turn, bring the mountain demon to its death within the fourth finger. On the seventh turn, seize all evil beings who stray from the righteous Way. Behead the wicked ghosts and monsters, cut off their feet, and drag them beneath my Kui and Gang to die, leaving them unable to move. Obey at once the laws and decree of the Supreme Emperor.”

He then forms the Ziwen seal, creating the thunder configuration within the fourth finger, and recites:

“On the seventh turn, seize all evil beings who stray from the righteous Way. Behead the wicked ghosts and monsters, cut off their feet, and drag them beneath my Kui and Gang to die, leaving them unable to move. Obey at once the laws and decree of the Supreme Emperor.”

The ritual master forms the hand seal called “Ziwen,” establishing a Thunder Formation (the hand seals and ritual procedures used in performing the rite). He raises the formation with his left hand, then tucks it beneath his arm; with his right hand he holds a sword and performs the rite. There is no need to go far. He then performs such rites as enclosing and sealing the nearby area and closing its entrances.

Next, he goes to the sick person’s home and instructs the household to prepare incense, lamps, wine, fruit, and offerings for the divine generals, including merit offerings. In front of the main hall, the ritual master transforms himself into a deity, steps the Huoluodou astral pattern to shield and protect himself, then steps the Three Terraces and Seven Stars patterns. He calls for the commanders and generals to come, hear his orders, and take direction. He then summons, in accordance with the ritual, the Demon King in charge of spreading disease and commands him to listen carefully to the proclamation.

After presenting tea and wine, the ritual master forms the Thunder Formation with his left hand, holds the sword in his right, and swears: “I, the ritual officer, previously received an immortal edict and, by command of the Jade Clarity, was entrusted with the orthodox Way of the Celestial Heart and placed in charge of the numinous writings of the Northern Thearch. Bearing the precious seal, I command the troops and generals; by the Celestial Talisman, I govern demons and malign forces. I swear to govern all things on Heaven’s behalf, assist the state, and bring peace to the people. Now is the time to perform the rite.” He then explains the reason for the ritual.

The ritual master continues: “My abilities are meager, yet I have been entrusted with this responsibility. Since you have sincerely come to request my aid, I dare not neglect you. I now proclaim my order to you. As Demon Kings who spread disease, you should follow the Mysterious Statutes of Daoist law and release malign vapors only where there is disloyalty or unfilial conduct. How can you scatter poisonous vapors at will and harm living beings? I have already submitted a written report on this matter for three days, and petitioned on behalf of this household, asking that the principal offense be pardoned and the transgression forgiven. The pardon has now been granted. You must obey my command: leave this place at once, and quickly withdraw the poisonous vapors you spread earlier. Make them disappear completely and let the sick person recover immediately. Carry out this order without delay.”

He then burns the written dispatches for driving away the Demon Kings, along with paper money and paper horses, but for the time being does not burn the paper images of the divine generals. The ritual master recites the Golden Light Incantation and the Great Thunder Lord of the Celestial Capital Incantation, forms the Thunder Formation with both hands, takes a mouthful of water, and sprays it outward while shouting, “Hurry, hurry!”—that is, “Carry out the order swiftly.”

Next, the sick people are seated on stools, one at a time. The ritual master burns the Three Officials’ Talisman for Fumigating Away Evil, the Sun Talisman, and talismanic commands for stopping epidemics in a bowl of water. He then chants over the ritual water and has the sick people swallow talisman water, including water infused with the Three Luminaries Talisman. Afterward, he consecrates each sick person’s body to dispel malign influences through ritual means.

The ritual master then places the Fire-Bell Valiant General Talisman, the Great Unity Comet Talisman, the Spirit-Connecting Talisman, and paper offerings such as gold coins and cloud horses in front of the sick people and burns them. If their condition has not improved, he uses a large fan to make the ashes fly and settle on everyone. He then has the people cover themselves with quilts and lie down. The ritual master burns various talismanic commands for dispelling epidemics over charcoal, fumigating all around the house, then pours vinegar over the charcoal to produce vapor that spreads throughout the rooms.

After purifying the house by walking around it, the ritual master chants over the ritual water again and performs the rite for stopping epidemics. The sick people may drink the talisman water as they wish; alternatively, a talisman may be sunk in well water, which is then drawn and drunk. The talismans for the divine generals’ merit offerings are kept in the sick person’s home, where incense is offered to them. Once the sick person has fully recovered, offerings are made to reward the generals and troops, and each is sent back in turn. The scripture states that carrying out the rite in this way guarantees success.

When using the Tuiwen talisman to drive away pestilence, first recite the “Incantation of the King of Spells,” then draw on the Qi of the Heavenly Gate—the energy used when performing the rite. Perform the rite facing a well, and have the patient drink water from it. Next, place the “Talisman of the Divine General’s Merits” in your home and light incense and make offerings. Once everyone in the household has recovered, hold a sacrifice to reward the Divine General and his troops, then send them off one by one. It is said that if the rite is performed this way, it never fails.

The method for using the Tuiwen talisman is as follows: recite the “Incantation of the King of Spells,” draw on the Qi of the Heavenly Gate, then perform the command and dispatch. Write the talisman repeatedly, layering the writing; use yellow paper and cinnabar to draw and write it. It may be swallowed or posted up. Also use a talisman threaded with three coins and sink it into a water jar.

General Commanding Incantation for Writing Talismans

By the command of the Most High Lord Lao, I command the plague spirits of the five directions: Liu Yuanda, Zhong Shiji, Zhao Gongming, Zhang Yuanbo, Shi Wenye, Fan Juqing, Feng Hunsi, Yao Gongbo, Li Gongzhong, and the various spirits and ghosts, including the Six Ding. If the opportunity arises, cut them down; do not ask whether they are innocent. Swiftly, swiftly, carry this out in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Incantation for Dispatching the Talisman

Om, hong, hong! May all the gods come to pay homage; may evil demons return to the righteous way. If any dare disobey, turn them into motes of dust. I act by the command of the Jade Emperor.

Talisman of Marshal Tianpeng for Curing Pestilence

Boil peach branches to make a decoction, and drink the talisman.

Numinous Talisman of Tiangang for Dispelling Pestilence and Inducing Sweating

To perform this method, first recite the “Incantation of the Sun’s Conjunction and the Yin Official’s Decline.” When you have finished, draw in three breaths of Tiangang Qi (the energy of Tiangang), and recite the incantation over the brush and inkstone. Then recite:

The Heavenly Emperor submits this memorial; I wear the power of Tiangang. Why have the fierce ghosts of the five directions not yet been destroyed? With one breath from a flying immortal, all ghosts hide and submit. Swiftly, swiftly, carry this out in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Then draw in Tiangang Qi again, blow upon the brush, and draw the talisman. As you draw it, recite “The Heavenly Emperor Releases the Memorial” and visualize Tiangang in your mind. When the talisman is complete and the incantation has been recited, say “The Celestial Master Conceals.” Swiftly, swiftly, carry this out in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Then draw in Tiangang Qi again, blow upon the brush, and draw the talisman while once more reciting “The Heavenly Emperor Releases the Memorial” and visualizing Tiangang in your mind. When the talisman is complete and the incantation has been recited, recite the “Celestial Master’s Incantation for Warding Off the God of Pestilence” to empower the talisman. The incantation reads as follows:

I command the eastern Green Plague Demon, the spirit in charge of epidemics in the east, and the essence of rotting wood; the southern Red Plague Demon and the essence of blazing fire; the western White Plague Demon and the essence of flowing metal; the northern Qi Plague Demon and the essence of a dried-up pond; and the central Yellow Plague Demon and the essence of dung and earth. They arise with the changing seasons and the eight solar terms. If a person’s spirit and Qi are not nurtured within the body, they will be invaded by external evils. The plague Qi of the five directions enters the body, making a person alternately cold and feverish, unable to find rest whether walking, sitting, or lying down. The demons of the Nine Uglies, spirits spoken of in the scriptures, know your name. You must leave at once and must not linger. Carry this out immediately in accordance with the command.

Each time, take one talisman and recite the incantation facing north. Use a needle to lift a little sesame oil, burn it to ash in a lamp flame, and place it in a clean cup. Recite the incantation again, then mix it with water and drink it. Avoid meat and fish. Let it remain for a long time. Carry this out immediately in accordance with the command.

Each time, take one talisman and recite the incantation facing north. Use a needle to lift a little sesame oil, burn it to ash in a lamp flame, and place it in a clean cup. Recite the incantation again, then mix it with water and drink it. Avoid meat and fish.

Talisman of the Two Wheels of Water and Fire of Primordial Unity

The water wheel is used to drive away fever, and the fire wheel to drive away chills.

Bend the four fingers of both hands and press them down with the thumbs, forming the Thunder Seal, a Daoist hand gesture. Face north, draw in a breath, and recite:

I respectfully summon the waters of the vast eastern ocean, the waters of the Nine Rivers and the Four Seas. Let them all flow together into the water. I act in obedience to the command of the Supreme Emperor.

Next, form the Noon Seal, a Daoist finger gesture, draw in a breath from the south, and recite:

I respectfully summon the True Lord of Fire Virtue, the Fire Officer’s Envoys, the Great Generals of the Fire Bells, and the Great Deity Who Commands Fire. Together, descend with your true Qi and enter my fire wheel. Carry this out immediately in accordance with the command.

Purple Court Rainbow Talisman for Pursuing and Expelling Consumption

Incantation for Commanding the Talisman

The rainbow transforms into a long arc across the sky. The Three Corpses, harmful spirits said in Daoism to dwell within the body, create afflictions; the Nine Worms, disease-causing creatures mentioned in the scriptures, bring harm. They gnaw at the five viscera and roam through the bladder. Some appear red, others white, blue, or yellow. After the talisman water is swallowed, they enter the abdomen to scour the stomach and intestines and cleanse the gut. In this way, all illnesses are driven away and the joints made strong. Whether in the Three Burners, the functional regions of the upper, middle, and lower body, or the Four Seas, a concept of bodily regions in Daoism and traditional medicine, once the talisman’s command arrives, they are to be searched out and captured, so that they dare not fail to disperse and perish. Let all obey the commands of the Purple Court Emperor.

Prepare five talismans. Before or after the lamp ritual, form them into pills and have the patient swallow them. Alternatively, burn the talismans to ash, mix the ash with pure water, and stir it into the patient’s food or drink. If you see worms emerge, put them into a pot of oil and fry them. If none appear, have the patient take more talismans, then chase them through a clean room until the incantation is finished and every stroke of the talisman brush is complete. Then heat a pot of oil in the direction of the Ghost Gate.

First burn incense and pray toward Tiangang (the Celestial Ladle star in the Northern Dipper), explaining the cause of the patient’s illness in detail. Say: “With five cups of pure water and three lamps, I make offerings to the revered spirits of the Five Planets—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth—to the Perfected Ones of the Purple Court, the Great Sage Tiangang, the talisman emissaries who are to receive their orders at this hour today, and all the Great Sages of the divine talismans of the Purple Court. Officials of the rites, set the Thunder Bureau in motion: flash lightning three times and beat the drum six times. Send flying thunder to strike down the illness spirits afflicting the patient, and use thunder fire to burn the talismans. Then take a seven-inch peach branch and a little frankincense, boil them into a decoction, and give it to the patient to drink. When the patient has finished drinking, shine a lamp on them and let them lie down. If ghost worms emerge, fry them.”

The patient’s relatives must not turn around to watch, lest the poisonous worms in the oil enter the body and transform. In cases of chuan shi lao (a wasting illness that, according to ancient belief, could spread among relatives), first report the matter to the deities; then investigate and verify the cause of the illness before issuing talismans to drive out the worms.

Treating Cold-and-Heat Malaria

Shun’an Tang Yikui said: Malaria attacks are all caused by an imbalance in the Qi of Yin and Yang. When the Five Phases move out of order and cold and heat fall out of sequence, this is not the harmonious, balanced Qi of Heaven and Earth. When people encounter such disharmonious Qi, they contract illnesses in which cold and heat alternate. Sometimes everyone in a clan or village falls ill because they have encountered the same cold, harmful Qi; only upright Qi can subdue it. Use the true Qi of Tiangang’s thunder fire to disperse the malign Qi, and peace will be restored.

Spirit-Responsive Talisman for Dispersing Malaria

On the day this method is to be performed, burn the talisman over a sesame oil lamp at dawn. Boil the ashes in water with a seven-inch peachwood branch, then drink the resulting decoction. Avoid eating meat and fish. This talisman is specifically used to treat intermittent fevers and malaria, and also to drive away epidemic diseases, including seasonal epidemics, typhoid, measles, and smallpox. After this method was passed on to Tang Shun’an, it proved exceptionally effective.

Summoning Back the Living Soul

When someone suffers a mental disturbance, it may be because a ghost or spirit has seized their living soul. Some people, too, are said to have their souls taken by spirits because of their beauty, then fall to the ground in a daze, unconscious. When faced with such an illness, how can the evil spirit be captured? First, the soul must be calmed and summoned back so that the person’s spirit returns to the body. The patient will then naturally recover.

One must also consider that the condition may be a genuine illness, or a mental disturbance caused by fright, with no evil spirit to treat. In such cases, performing a ritual to summon back the soul and steady the will is the more appropriate course. If someone suddenly dies but the area around the heart is still warm, the ritual to summon back the soul may also be performed at once.

Talisman of the Four Great Generals for Summoning the Soul and Dispersing Form

Gathering the Form

Incantation for Empowering the Talisman

I respectfully summon the High Perfected and Holy Sages, the Son of Heaven of the Sun Palace, the Sovereign Lord of the Sun, the Venerable Stars of the Seven Primordial Stars of the Northern Dipper, the Three Perfected Lords Tang, Ge, and Zhou, the Four Great Divine Generals of Heaven, and the holy assemblies of every ritual tradition: descend into this talisman. If the patient is entangled or afflicted by an evil spirit, I beseech you to display your divine powers and subdue and capture it. If it is a celestial deity, an earth spirit, or any kind of monster or apparition, escort it straight to the Nine Heavens. If it is an evil spirit, escort it together to the Eastern Peak, where it shall be sentenced under the laws of Heaven. May the patient’s household receive retribution, and may the patient recover soon. All that has been requested above must be carried out in accordance with this command.

During the ritual, make the Dipper mudra with the right hand, blow toward the northwest, then blow onto the talisman. This talisman can calm the mind and settle the soul. It may be given to the patient to burn and drink. Tang Shun’an used this method in the past.

Make the dou hand sign with your right hand, face northwest, and blow Qi onto the talisman. This talisman can calm the mind and spirit and soothe the hun and po souls; it may also be burned and taken as medicine. In the past, Tang Shun’an is said to have used it to steady people’s minds and call back their souls, with considerable success.

Zhengyi Lingguan Talisman for Dispersed Souls

If someone is listless and their souls are scattered, they need only take seven copies of this talisman to regain clarity and vigor, and their souls will naturally settle.

Incantation for Empowering the Talisman

The True Talisman of the Supreme Emperor descends with divine power, pursuing and subduing demons and evil spirits above the Nine Heavens. The Lingguan strides the Dipper’s celestial patterns, guards the human body, and gathers the Three Souls, preventing them from lingering outside. Send the souls back to the body of the sick person, restoring peace to the body. Let the Three Souls swiftly return to the sick person, and the Seven Po swiftly enter the heavenly crown. Swiftly, in accordance with the command of the life-giving Qi, carry this out.

If the souls have not yet returned, recite the incantation once more.

Incantation for Urging Their Return

Dark clouds gather thickly; come and aid me in this rite. Bring the frame and instruments of punishment; seize and interrogate the culprit. Wherever the Marshal arrives, let his divine might shine forth. Recover the souls and restore the body to its former state. I respectfully request the sacred power to carry this out. Swiftly, in accordance with the command, carry this out.

Incantation for Pursuing the Souls and Returning Them to the Body

The Three Souls are on the left, the Seven Po on the right. As Heaven and Earth grow dark, let the soul swiftly descend. Swiftly, in accordance with the command, carry this out.

Perform the method shown on the right, making the dou hand sign with the left hand. Swiftly, in accordance with the command, carry this out.

Incantation for Pursuing the Souls and Returning Them to the Body

The Three Souls are on the left, the Seven Po on the right. As Heaven and Earth grow dark, let the soul swiftly descend. Swiftly, in accordance with the command, carry this out.

Perform the method shown on the right, forming the Northern Dipper hand seal with the left hand. Draw in the baleful Qi of the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper—their celestial power of might—and blow it toward the sick person’s body. If the sick person has not yet awakened, recite this incantation:

The nine stars of the Northern Dipper are great deities dwelling at the center of Heaven. They ascend to the Golden Palace above and descend to Kunlun below, ordering Heaven and Earth and governing the universe. Great Kui, Greedy Wolf, Great Gate, Wealth Preserver, Literary Song, Chastity, Martial Song, and Army Breaker—the names of the Dipper’s stars—and the Most High Jade Emperor and Emperor Ziwei extend throughout the vast reaches of Heaven and penetrate even the tiniest places. What calamity cannot be dispelled? What blessing cannot be bestowed? May the Primal Emperor’s righteous Qi arrive and unite with my body. The Celestial Dipper points and moves ceaselessly, day and night. Though I am an ordinary person of the world, I cherish the Daoist arts and seek the protection of the spirits. May I behold the countenance of the honored deities, preserve my life forever, and attain immortality. Swiftly, in accordance with the command, carry this out.

This rite to the right must be performed together with the “Dipper Seal” and the “Seven Stars.” Recite the incantation and employ the Qi of the Seven Stars, then hold water in your mouth and spray it over the affected area; the rite will manifest its efficacy. May I behold the revered deity’s countenance, preserve life forever, and attain immortality. By urgent command, in accordance with the statutes!

This rite to the right must also be performed together with the “Dipper Seal” and the “Seven Stars.” Recite the incantation and employ the Qi of the Seven Stars, then hold water in your mouth and spray it over the affected area.

End of Scroll Four of the Shangqing Tianxin Zhengfa.

Shangqing Tianxin Zhengfa, Scroll Five

Pursuing and Subduing the Mountain Demon

Whenever one must pursue and capture a mountain demon—a spirit creature of the forests and hills—first make it submit a written petition clearly describing what happened. The ritual master secretly reports the matter to the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak, then sends a document to the City God, the local guardian deity, requesting troops and officers to assist. Only after these matters have been arranged should the rite proceed.

On the day of the rite, first purify the body, then silently pay homage to the Supreme Emperor and report the reasons for the matter. Visualize the Northern Emperor rising from among the stellar officials, ascending to the hall, and taking his seat. He summons the divine generals, including Zhenwu, and orders them to seize the source of evil in the Three Realms. Next, visualize Zhenwu receiving the command and descending to the human realm, arriving before the ritual table. The ritual master rises and performs the method of spirit transformation, visualizing himself becoming the great general Zhenwu: hair loose, standing barefoot, holding a sword of Samadhi fire in his right hand, forming the Fork Seal with his left, and treading upon Xuanwu, the divine creature formed from a tortoise and snake.

Once the inner cultivation of spirit transformation is complete, tread the Three Platforms and Seven Stars in sequence, following the star positions in this method of paced steps. Then summon the officers and generals of the various bureaus of the Southern Court, visualizing each of their forms in turn. After the prayer is complete, form the Celestial-Ding mudra with the left hand and the Sword mudra with the right. Summon the Celestial-Ding warriors and the Four-Duty divine generals, who guard the four directions and the four seasons, and visualize them standing on either side. First form the mudra and cast the Dipper, then use paced steps to lead the way, pointing toward the place where the ghosts and spirits are.

Next, following the prescribed format for talismans and registers, recite incantations over cinnabar, ink, brush, and inkstone to empower them. Then lay out the paced steps and Dingjia talismans, and write the talisman on the ritual table.

Dingjia Talisman

Incantation for Empowering the Talisman

I wear the Supreme One’s seal and, under command, come to this household. I dispatch divine generals and bestow the power of the rite, cutting off ghosts and driving away demons. Four-Duty divine generals, Six Ding and Six Jia, heed my urgent summons and come swiftly before the altar. Here I stand, holding my sword and waiting. By urgent command, in accordance with the statutes!

This method is performed as follows: make the Sha wen hand sign with the left hand and the Sword hand sign with the right, then recite the incantation toward the talisman. Inhale Qi from the northwest, then blow it onto the talisman toward the due north. Next, burn the talisman command mentioned earlier and blow its ashes outward using the method described above. After loudly reciting the talisman consecration incantation, support a water bowl with the left hand and make the Sword hand sign with the right. Draw water with one finger, then hold it in the mouth and spray it out while shouting, “Hurry!” After reciting the incantation, visualize the Six Ding and Six Jia, the protective divine generals revered in Daoism; the Four Duty Generals, who serve over the year, month, day, and hour; and the talisman officials. Blow the talisman outward using the method described above. After loudly reciting the talisman consecration incantation, again support the water bowl with the left hand and make the Sword hand sign with the right. Draw water, spray it out, and shout, “Hurry!” After reciting the incantation, visualize the Six Ding and Six Jia, the Four Duty Generals, and the talisman officials swiftly proceeding in that direction.

The ritual master then descends from the altar and performs rites to shield and protect the area, whether near or far, and to lock and secure the doors. Each procedure follows the same ritual format as the rites for treating madness and demonic affliction. On arriving at the person’s home, the ritual master assumes a divine form, first treading the Hualuo Dousha stellar steps, a ritual pattern of steps marking the positions of the stars, to shield and protect himself. He then treads the Three Platforms and Seven Stars stellar steps and performs the rites according to the ritual procedure.

Hualuo Dousha Stellar Steps

Incantation for Treading the Stellar Steps

The mysteries of the stellar steps encompass the Twelve Earthly Branches. I ride the Yang energy as I move, displaying my might. Qi and breath flow like drifting clouds; these transformations correspond to the celestial signs above. One who understands transformation can discern good fortune and misfortune. Entering the Six Pitch Pipes, I uphold the prohibitions of Jia.

Only then do I enter the stellar steps. I tread past Tianying and ascend to Tianren; even cold, clear springs can sink beneath the earth. I support Tianzhu and restrain Tianxin; passing through here, I cross beyond Tianqin. I draw near Tianfu and gaze afar toward Tianchong; I enter Tiannei, then emerge from Tianpeng. The Way of the stellar steps circulates without obstruction, joining firmness with gentleness. It increases blessings and prosperity and passes them on to later generations; it leaves the netherworld behind and enjoys long life through the ages. Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Great Yu’s Long Formation of the Stellar Steps for Chiseling the Dragon Gate

This method begins by treading the Hualuo Dousha stellar steps to shield and protect oneself. One then treads the Three Platforms and Seven Stars stellar steps, summons the divine generals, and issues commands. Afterward, one treads the Great Yu’s Long Formation of the Stellar Steps for Chiseling the Dragon Gate. The scripture says that this makes one’s protection exceptionally secure.

Next, recite the incantation: “Qianyuan Luchongheng, the sun and moon shine as brightly for me. The blades fall at my command and cannot harm my body. I obey the statutes of the Nine Heavens.” Then shout: “”

The divine generals will swiftly come to drive out and bind the one-legged mountain demon, a kind of mountain spirit, and make it appear at once. Carry this out immediately.

Next, burn the talisman of the Six Ding and Six Jia divine generals, which summons those generals, and send it flying on its way. If the spirits obey and withdraw, stop the rite. If they still refuse, even hurling bricks and stones, use the “Heavenly Heart Brings Peace Talisman” to subdue the unruly spirits. Deal with mountain demons according to the methods for mountain demons.

When households of the five surnames—families of different names—suffer various evils or disturbances caused by strange beings, and do not wish to perform an expulsion rite for the time being, take a new roof tile and write a Fulu on it according to the prescribed method. Place it over the heart of the stove, aligned with the proper direction, then seal the stove opening with new bricks and tiles and mud. Write the full title and name on the talisman, along with a personal seal mark. The God of Destiny, who governs human registers and the affairs of the stove, will report the matter immediately and treat it as though I had performed the expulsion.

If an evil spirit bewilders someone and makes them speak incoherently, write a talisman in cinnabar on white silk and place it inside the patient’s collar to wear; they will recover. If a one-legged mountain demon has taken up residence there, write a talisman in ink and the spirit will leave. If lawless spirits set fires, hurl stones, strike doors and windows, or frighten the livestock, this talisman will stop them. Pick up a brick or stone that it has thrown, write a talisman on it, and hurl it toward the place from which it came; the spirit will not return. If it dares to come back and refuses to obey the expulsion, add the words “Slay the Spirit” to the talisman, and its traces will vanish.

When writing the talisman, first recite the brush consecration incantation:

In Heaven are ten thousand kinds of appearances; on the brush are ten thousand hairs. Write the Fulu to gather in the spirits, then consign them to confinement in the Heavenly Prison. Carry this out immediately according to the laws of Fengdu.

Heavenly Heart Brings Peace Talisman

Talisman Consecration Incantation

Great Sage of the Heavenly Dipper, spirit of the Heavenly Dipper, swiftly descend with your numinous power. Summon and make the hand sign to invite the Merit Officer, the divine messenger, and the Lords of the Southern Dipper. Let this reach up to the highest heavens. Haomingda, Lubingnu, Shiyanglingjuan cai: I know your names and surnames. Depart at once. Carry this out immediately in accordance with the ordinances.

Then recite the incantation again, and visualize breathing onto the talisman. Repeat seven times.

When reciting the spell “Nigan Duoli □ Li,” form the hand seal to summon the Merit Officer, a divine official who conveys commands, and the Lords of the Southern Dipper. The spell names Haomingda, Lubingnu, Shiyang, and others. The practitioner declares that they know the beings’ names and surnames, orders them to leave at once, and urges them to comply with the words “Quickly, quickly, in accordance with the statutes and commands.”

Next, visualize breathing onto the talisman and repeat the spell seven times: “Nigan Duoli □ Li □ Li □ Li, quickly, quickly, in accordance with the statutes and commands.” This is the visualization and recitation performed in conjunction with the talisman.

Then command the imperial ghosts of the Five Directions—East, West, South, North, and Center—to depart at once, and ask the Great Sage of the Celestial Dipper to subdue baleful forces and seize them. As each direction is named, breathe the corresponding Qi onto the talisman: Wood Qi in the East, Metal Qi in the West, Fire Qi in the South, Water Qi in the North, and Earth Qi in the Center. Here, “Qi” refers to vital energy in the Daoist context.

Next, recite the spell for dispatching the generals and applying the talisman. Ask the Six Ding spirits and Six Jia generals, divine commanders commonly invoked for protection and the expulsion of evil, to lead their troops and help the practitioner activate the talisman’s written power, pursue the Marshal swiftly, and go to the East and Xuchang to seize the target.

Finally, call upon the two generals Zhao and Guo to take the unrighteous evil spirits, ghosts, and harmful entities down ten thousand fathoms and a thousand feet beneath the earth, never to release them. Even if a pardon is granted, they must not be pardoned. If they refuse to obey, send them to the Fire Wheel Hell for confinement, and command their execution with the words “Quickly, quickly, in accordance with the statutes and commands.” This order is repeated once in the original.

The writing on the back of the talisman reads: “The numinous talisman of the Supreme Lord, the Vermilion Bird Emperor; issued as a written command to the Divine Lord of the Northern Emperor.” This means that the talisman was issued by the Supreme Lord, the Vermilion Bird Emperor, and addressed to the Divine Lord of the Northern Emperor.

I respectfully summon the spirits who command the Six Heavens, along with the Northern Emperor of the netherworld. The palaces of ghosts and spirits all lie within my domain and under my command. Which ghost or monster would dare to resist? I wear Huoluo, a Daoist ritual implement, on my left and a fire bell on my right. When I cast forth flames, their power reaches ten thousand li, striking awe into the many beings of the spirit realm. The Earth Official comes to seize and arrest; Tianyou rises up and dispatches troops. Those who offend are cut down, and those who dare resist are punished. The Emperor’s command is to pursue and capture without cease. Divine light shakes the world, and demons reveal themselves. Ghosts, monsters, and evil spirits are destroyed, and people attain long life. Act swiftly in accordance with the laws of the Supreme Lord.

After performing the spell above, use a peach branch dipped in cinnabar to write this talisman and nail it in the center of the courtyard. Then bury this flat brick in the ground at the courtyard’s center. Next, perform the proper rite to stop mountain sprites from hurling bricks and roof tiles. Write six talismans in cinnabar and paste them on the door.

Recite the Jade Emperor’s Edict When Posting the Protective Talisman

When writing the talisman, form the Jade Emperor’s hand seal, draw in the Qi of Heaven’s Gate, and blow it onto the talisman.

The incantation says:

Om, hum, hum! May all the spirits come to pay homage, and may evil demons return to the proper path. Whoever dares offend shall be reduced to dust. Act swiftly in accordance with the laws.

Once the talisman has been posted and the warding rite completed, distribute talismans to everyone. Have them paste the talismans on their bed curtains and clothes, and carry them on their person as well. Then issue a notice declaring that whoever dares offend shall be reduced to dust. Act swiftly in accordance with the laws.

Once the talisman has been posted and the warding rite completed, distribute talismans to everyone. Have them paste the talismans on their bed curtains and clothes, and carry them on their person as well. Then issue a notice, appointing divine generals to guard them. The person concerned should prepare offerings and, once safe, make an offering to the divine generals. Finally, return the offerings to the original altar and carry out everything according to the ritual procedures.

Dispelling Lingering Vengeful Spirits

People in the world are often entangled by debts from past wrongs and pursued by lingering vengeful spirits—departed souls bound to them by grievance and debt—so that the common people suffer calamities. The authorities of the underworld investigate and punish them, causing their illnesses to resist healing; some also suffer calamities such as hanging or drowning. At times these wronged spirits take visible form, inflicting harm on people one after another as they seek a substitute.

After completing rituals such as transforming the spirit and pacing the astral steps, the ritual master forms the Chenwen hand seal with the left hand, faces the Xun direction (southeast), and silently reports the reason for the matter to the two deities of the Divine Empyrean. Once the report is complete, the master draws in the red Qi of the southeast and blows it onto the brush, then uses cinnabar to draw a talisman on a wooden board. The board is nailed at the place afflicted by the hidden spirit, or buried underground, bringing peace to the area. If the hidden spirit causes severe illness, the master draws a talisman in cinnabar on yellow paper and has the patient swallow it. After several days, the spirit’s disturbance will cease and the patient will naturally recover.

Talisman for Treating Hidden Spirits

Incantation for Empowering the Talisman

Thunder Lord and Lightning Mother, hurl down flames to melt metal and stone; with thunderbolts, destroy wicked monsters, slay ghosts, and drive out evil spirits. You souls who died by drowning or hanging, whose corpses harbor grievance and whose Yin Qi spreads affliction: once the Divine Empyrean issues its command, you are ordered to be reborn in the celestial realm. If you disobey my command, your sins will be cut away. Swiftly obey the decree of the Most High True King of Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean.

This talisman may also be used when ancestors committed evil during life and, unable to be reborn after death, cause disturbances in the family home. Use the talisman and burn a merit petition—a document reporting merits and requesting deliverance—then carry out the decree of the Most High True King of Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean, sending the ancestors onward to rebirth. The household will then be at peace, and the sick will recover.

While drawing the talisman, recite:

The spirits of the celestial prison shine brightly; the Deity of Destiny governs life and death. Wherever the True Command reaches, it breaks open the underworld and enables the souls of the dead to ascend to heaven. Swiftly obey the law and decree of the Most High True King of Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean.

To use this talisman to treat hidden spirits, draw three talismans in cinnabar and offer them on the person’s natal day, the day corresponding to their birth’s Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch. At the hour of the third watch, burn the talismans to ash and mix the ashes with clean water for the patient to drink. The patient should then lie down in a clean room. According to the scripture, the baleful Yin influence of the hidden ghosts and spirits will then leave the body on its own.

Driving Out Corpse Spirits

The mischief of concealed corpses and old Qi (stale, malign energy) can make it hard for people to feel at ease even inside their homes. Sometimes it disturbs the chickens and dogs; sometimes it takes visible form. At other times, it turns people’s dreams upside down at night or gives them frequent, terrifying nightmares. All such signs are regarded as the work of concealed corpses and old Qi. If investigation confirms that this is indeed the case, use the three numinous spirit talismans according to the ancestral method to drive them away, and the disturbances will gradually subside. The third talisman is for burial and has exceptionally strong power to restrain; use it only with great care. It can forcefully destroy ghostly forms, so carry out the procedure exactly as prescribed. A further method for removing concealed corpses from the places where they dwell will be added to this book once it has been fully collected.

The incantation for the Three Qi Talismans of Numinous Might says:

“Lord Spirit of Numinous Might, through countless tribulations you have remained subtle, steadfast, and true. You can drive back mountains and block the seas; you once made Mount Taihua tremble and collapse. You follow the Way of Heaven and save the people. You personally wield the seal, in accord with the Heart of Heaven. Muster thirty thousand officers and troops to enter my altar. First subdue the evil ghosts, then slay the demons and spirits. What calamity cannot be destroyed? What blessing cannot be secured? Draw the evil influences into the seal, where they will sink forever, no larger than a speck of dust. Those charged with carrying out the rite will surely summon and bring down the true spirits. Command Heaven and Earth; let the seal fall upon the place where the evil influences dwell. Heaven and Earth split open, and spirits and ghosts all tremble. By command of the Marshal of the Heavenly Origin, the Great Sage who Communicates with the Numinous and Subdues: swiftly, in accordance with the statutes!”

While writing this talisman, recite the incantation at the same time, and the talisman will manifest its efficacy.

Three Qi Talisman of the Lord Spirit of Numinous Might

Affix this talisman to put an end to all places where concealed corpses, deaths, or injuries have occurred.

When burning this talisman, recite: “Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes!”

While writing this talisman, recite the incantation at the same time, and the talisman will manifest its efficacy.

Three Qi Talisman of the Lord Spirit of Numinous Might

Affix this talisman to put an end to all ghosts and harmful spirits associated with deaths or injuries.

Bury this talisman to destroy all old Qi and concealed corpses.

Bury the talisman and recite the incantation: Cut off all acts of haunting, and banish forever those who died away from home, the dead and injured, as well as lurking corpses, demonic spirits, and ghostly thieves. Carry out the rite according to this method. Hasten and obey the command of the Supreme Emperor. As the ritual officer—the Daoist performing the rite—presses down the talisman, he recites the incantation for cutting off the brushstroke:

Om. Majestic Spirit Lord, sever the demons and spirits forever. Let all gods and ghosts be utterly destroyed; let ten thousand kinds of calamity never arise again. Above, reach Heaven; below, respond to Earth. Let no kind of calamity remain. Hasten and obey the statutes and commands.

Then recite: My talisman reaches the Heavenly Court above, and so it is a celestial talisman; it enters the earth below, and so it is an earthly talisman. Which deity made this divine talisman? The Elder of Fangshan made this divine talisman, and my own master also made it. As soon as my talisman touches the ground, all the gods rise at once and carry out its command. Hasten and obey the statutes and commands.

Incantation for burying the talisman:

I am the Celestial Master, relieving the people of their suffering. By my command, I order the Heavenly Master to make this divine talisman. As soon as my talisman touches the ground, all the gods rise at once and carry out its command. Hasten and obey the statutes and commands.

Incantation for burying the talisman:

I am the Celestial Master, relieving the people of their suffering. By my command, I report to the Heavenly Court. Six spirits of the land, drive away the evil spirits. By the statutes of Jade Clarity—the celestial realm where Daoist deities dwell—I command the Northern Emperor, the presiding deity of the north, to seize the evil presences.

In carrying out the method above, form the hand seal for locking as you place the talisman, and guide the seal’s movement to press it down. Not one of the ten thousand ghosts or gods will fail to flee and hide.

The Wuyang General’s Talisman for Curing Illness

This talisman belongs to the Upper Clarity Celestial Pivot Bureau. General Wu, lord of Wuyang Cave in the south, is named Mingda. He commands one hundred thousand fire soldiers and rides a fire dragon, surging out of the southern clouds of fire. He draws in breath and blows it onto the brush as he writes the talisman. The incantation says:

Wuyang, Wuyang, you suck iron and eat iron. With one mouthful, swallow the blood of the southern Red Phoenix; with one breath, blow it into the talisman, so that the spirits tremble with fear and the demons’ brains split open.

The Wuyang Talisman

Recite the talisman-consecrating incantation and draw in the southern breath at the hour of the Horse. Recite:

The perfected one comes from the south; dragons and tigers entwine and roar. Yang fire burns the Yin ghosts, and evil spirits flee in every direction. Hasten and obey the command of the True Lord of Fire Virtue in the South, by the decree of the Great Emperor of Vermilion Mound.

Write the talisman above in cinnabar, burn it to ash, then mix the ash with a decoction made by boiling peach branches and drink it.

The Qi-Character Talisman for Curing Illness

This talisman is used to treat illness. For stomach pain, add a stroke beneath the character on the talisman; if the illness is in the upper body, turn the stroke upward; if it is in the lower body, guide the brush downward. This method also includes material transmitted orally from master to disciple. It is said to treat all kinds of illness with miraculous efficacy.

The talisman for protecting silkworms and preventing losses is also called the “Southern Serpent Talisman.”

Incantation for Empowering the Talisman:

I command this spirit talisman to transform into the nine-headed Southern Serpent of the Eastern Sea, following the brushstroke downward. This method must be transmitted orally and taught directly. It is used to treat various illnesses and is said to be astonishingly effective.

The talisman for protecting silkworms and preventing losses is also called the “Southern Serpent Talisman.”

Incantation for Empowering the Talisman:

I command this spirit talisman to transform into the nine-headed Southern Serpent of the Eastern Sea, a divine creature devoted to devouring rat spirits. It eats three thousand in the morning and eight hundred in the evening; if it eats even one fewer, the rat spirits will quickly flee. I act under the command of the Most High, a Daoist honorific for the supreme deity.

Talisman for Protecting Silkworms and Chasing Rats

Incantation for Empowering the Talisman:

Om, mu-qi-zha, mu-lai-chi-jia-ye-di, sa-he-jia-ye-di. Quickly seize it, quickly seize it. Carry out the command at once. Sa-he.

Talisman for Treating Dysentery

Use this talisman together with a medicinal decoction: for red dysentery, a type in which the stool contains blood, use a licorice decoction; for white dysentery, in which the stool is paler, use a dried ginger decoction. Take it three times in succession, and the dysentery will be cured.

Water and Fire Talismans: Form the “Heavenly Pass and Earthly Axis Seal” with both hands.

While reciting the incantation, visualize sunlight.

Om, wa □ la hun □ li, sa-he. Carry out the command at once.

While reciting the incantation, visualize moonlight.

Om, wa □ la □ la, sa-po-sa-he. Carry out the command at once.