《太乙火府奏告祈禳仪》

Raise the Buxu (a verse chanted while walking in Daoist ritual).

Burn the talisman in the water basin, and thereby cleanse the impure Qi (vital energy).

The Great Void originally has no form, and neither purity nor defilement possesses any fixed substance. Once a deluded thought arises, the conditions of the dusty world surge up in profusion; if one is not in a realm of pure reality, the place becomes a site of demonic obstruction. Therefore, when practicing the ritual method, impurity should first be swept away. Reverently presenting the true talisman, one summons the Great General of the Nine Phoenixes Who Dispels Impurity, the Mighty Awesome Divinities of the Eight Directions, the Envoy Qianluodana of the Cavern Dipper and the Great Mystery, the Divine Lords of the Five Dragons of the Five Directions, the Lady of Patterned Bathing of the Floriate Pool, the Envoy of the Azure Waters in Embroidered Robes, the General Who Swallows Demons and Devours Ghosts, and the Mounted Officers with Bronze Heads and Iron Faces, together with the immortal spirits in the Fulu (talismans and registers) borne by this method and the officers charged with dispelling impurity and with the duties pertaining thereto. May all of you, in accordance with the mandate of the method previously issued, come together to the ritual altar, bestow breaths of Qi, display divine power, shake the ritual bells, and cast forth flashes of fire, so that the ritual water is transformed; sweep away the impure Qi of the eight directions and slay demonic evils and spectral monsters; spread the true wind to the farthest reaches of the ten directions, so that the myriad spirits tremble in submission and the ten directions are solemn, still, and clear. May there be no impure Qi in heaven and no demonic grime upon the earth; may the unseen depths and wisdom alike be thoroughly clear, vast, mysterious, and boundless. Let all be carried out in accordance with the mandate of the method.

Then recite the Divine Spell for Purifying Heaven and Earth, and afterward raise the “Huaxia” hymn.

The ritual master performs the three obeisances and offers incense.

The great Dao (the Way) is to be realized within the heart, and faith is conveyed through the burning of incense. Holding the jade censer, one visualizes the Nine Heavens in the mind. May the true numina descend upon the ten directions and render every place pure and clear: may there be no impure Qi in heaven and no demonic grime upon the earth; may the unseen depths and wisdom alike be thoroughly clear, vast, mysterious, and boundless. Let all be carried out in accordance with the mandate of the method.

Then recite the Divine Spell for Purifying Heaven and Earth, and afterward raise the “Huaxia” hymn.

The ritual master performs the three obeisances and offers incense.

The great Dao is to be realized within the heart, and faith is conveyed through the burning of incense. Holding the jade censer, one visualizes the Nine Heavens in the mind. May the true numina descend and look down in inspection, and may the immortals and Perfected come before the ritual altar. May all that this disciple now sets forth and petitions be granted, and may a response be bestowed in accordance with what has been spoken.

Kneel and silently make the invocation.

The memorialist styles themselves "your servant so-and-so" (chen mou), reverently lights genuine incense, and kowtows in awe and trepidation. They then present the memorial and offerings to the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing): the Primordial Celestial Venerable of the Jade Pure Sacred Realm, the Celestial Venerable of Lingbao of the Highest Pure True Realm, and the Celestial Venerable of Dao and De of the Great Pure Realm of Immortals. The same offering goes to the Jade Emperor, the Great Emperor of the Pole Star and Purple Tenuity, the Empress Earth Sovereign Houtu, the Great Emperor of Longevity, the Great Emperor of Eastern Pole Qinghua, and all the deities of the Thunder Department.

The memorial next names the heavenly deities one by one: the Five Elders of the Five Directions, the Lingbao of the Ten Directions, the Thirty-Two Heavenly Sovereigns, and the stellar deities, including the Father and Mother of the Dipper, the Nine Sovereigns of the Northern Dipper, and the star lords within the Dipper. It also lists the Six Departments of the Southern Dipper, the Three Terraces, the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions, the star lords of the Twelve Palaces, and the star lords who govern fortune, emolument, longevity, destiny, and the fortunes of each year. It further invites the Three Officials of the Three Primes, the Four Sovereigns of the Northern Pole, the True Ones of the Celestial Bureau, the Great Emperor of the Nine Heavens Who Gives Birth to Spirits, the True Lord Who Governs Destiny, the Great Spirit Who Oversees Births, and the Sacred Mother Sovereign Who Guards the Chamber.

The memorial then invites the deities of the Thunder Bureau. These include the ancestral masters and true masters of successive generations, such as Master Feng, who transmitted the teachings of the Fire Bureau, Master Chen Xiyi, Master Liu Tongxuan, and Master Xu the Demon-Subduer. It also invites the Lady Sovereign Li, who presides over rites in the Fire Bureau, together with the marshals, envoys, generals, and officers of the Thunder Department. Also summoned are the Four Great Thunder Deities, the officer-generals of every rank of ritual office, the deities of the Water Bureau and of local realms, the spirits worshipped at mountain and river shrines, the Grand Duke of Jupiter (Taisui), the City God (Chenghuang), the deities enshrined at the ritual altar, and the immortals and true ones who travel through the void. All are asked to open the altar together and await instruction.

The memorialist declares: "Your servant is of humble standing and lacking in talent and virtue (De). My practice of the secret arts of the Mysterious Gate has earned no merit, and I have failed to help people well, committing faults instead. Now that I have accepted the task of submitting petitions, how could I forget to seek the protection of the deities on others' behalf? Therefore, on this day, by commission on behalf of so-and-so, and in accordance with the liturgy (Keyi) and the teachings of the rites, I reverently establish a star altar, lay out the configuration of the Northern Dipper, light the lamps, and cast talismans (Fulu) for divination."

The memorialist humbly entreats the lofty heavens and distant stars to hear their sincere heart and to let all the deities descend. They also ask the spirits of the vast and solid earth and of the deep rivers and seas to come and take part. May the ritual proceed through the altar, may the divine chariots rest here for a time, and may the many deities gather around the seat. With jade pendants chiming, they stand in solemn ranks and listen together to the memorial of the Daoist tradition, so that all who take part may draw near to the wondrous Dao.

"Your servant has offended the majesty of the deities, and my heart is filled with fear and urgency. I bow again and again in reverence, and respectfully submit this report."

Raise the Heavenly Worthy Who Dispels Calamity and Resolves Misfortune (invoking the Heavenly Worthy who dispels calamity and resolves misfortune).

Burn the Talisman of Descending Orders and summon the Six Spirits of the Local Altar (the deities who protect the locality).

O Celestial Spirits, O Celestial Spirits, majestic deities of the Three Realms! Let the wood-dwelling goblins and malign ghosts all be reduced to fine dust. Deities of the Departments of Wind, Thunder, and Rain, divine kings of the Four Rivers (the four great rivers), and the True Lords of the Five Peaks (the deities who govern the Five Sacred Mountains), each guard the boundaries of the ritual altar. Present your memorials one by one, so that they reach Jade Purity (the dwelling of the Daoist supreme deities) directly. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and decrees of the Heavenly Emperor of Great Red Heaven!

Summon the Four Generals.

A command comes from Supreme Purity (the Daoist term for the celestial realm): swiftly summon the Thunder Deities. Four celestial generals who guard the altar, quickly subdue and crush malign influences. Deities of the Five Peaks and the Four Rivers, heed this awesome command. Let the summons be issued, and descend at once, each taking your proper seat. Receiving the talisman, obey the order. Swiftly summon the Thunder Deities. Four celestial generals who guard the altar, quickly subdue and crush malign influences. Deities of the Five Peaks and the Four Rivers, heed this awesome command. Let the summons be issued, and descend at once, each taking your proper seat. Receiving the talisman, obey the order, and report in person to Jade Purity. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the decree of the Heavenly Emperor of Great Red Heaven!

O Heavenly Soldiers, O Heavenly Soldiers; O Earthly Spirits, O Earthly Spirits. Yin and Yang unite, and the generals of the Thunder Department appear. We respectfully summon the four celestial generals Gao, Tao, Cui, and Zhao, who await orders at the altar, to come swiftly to the ritual space.

Visualize the four celestial generals arriving at the four corners of the altar.

Raise the Heavenly Worthy of Spiritual Penetration and Responsive Resonance (invoking the Heavenly Worthy of Spiritual Penetration and Responsive Resonance).

Summon Xie Bai, and burn the Fulu (talismans and registers).

In the deep darkness and obscurity, Heaven and Earth were born together. The spirits transform with swiftness, gathering and manifesting in form. Hearing the call, they arrive at once; meeting the summons, they descend swiftly. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the decree of the Heavenly Emperor of Great Red Heaven!

I now submit this memorial and ask the deities to await instructions before the altar. Whatever is reported and whatever is requested, let it be conveyed without fail to the imperial presence. May Xie You Bai, the talisman envoy on duty today, follow the master's command and attend upon the summons. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the decree of the Heavenly Emperor of Great Red Heaven. ("Zi wen wu chu" is a ritual cue within the scripture.)

Raise the Heavenly Worthy of Spiritual Penetration and Responsive Resonance.

Om Dou Hum Hum, the Sanskrit sounds resonate, and the rumble of thunder shakes and subdues. Om Xing Jiu Pan Tuo Li, summoning the ghosts and spirits of the whole world. Following the master's command, swift as a fire order, hasten to carry out the decree of the Heavenly Emperor of Great Red Heaven. ("Wu wen cun zhi" is a ritual cue within the scripture.)

The summons has just been issued, and we are grateful that the deities have descended. Now a rite is being performed for a certain person (or a certain matter), and we respectfully ask the deities to array their majesty and guard the altar, open the gates of Heaven and close the doors of Earth, and hold the passes as perilous as those held by tigers and leopards. Turn toward the imperial court, tread upon the clouds as you go, and together draw near the royal carriage drawn by dragons and phoenixes, so that the blessings of the deities may shine more brightly and their spiritual protection may be sent down in secret.

We now perform a Keyi (liturgy) on behalf of a certain person, and respectfully invite all the divine beings to straighten their solemn bearing and guard the ritual altar. Open the gates of Heaven and close the doors of Earth; hold fast the checkpoints guarded by the tiger and the leopard, so that this person may be granted an audience with the Celestial Emperor, ascend by treading upon the clouds and Qi (vital energy), and draw near the divine chariot driven by dragons and phoenixes. May the deities make their grace still more manifest, and secretly send down numinous response and blessing.

Raise the Heavenly Venerable who Manifests Golden Truth and Expounds the Teaching.

Descent of the Masters (Welcoming the Venerable Masters).

One who studies without following a teacher will find it hard to grasp the profound principles through oneself alone. A teacher's transmission must accord with the proper Way; the subtleties of the supreme Dao are often passed on only from mind to mind. Only when the lineage of the Dao is connected from above to below, and the generations of the school continue unbroken, is the solemn intent of Taishang (the Most High, a respectful title for the highest deity in Daoism) in handing down the rites truly fulfilled. For this reason, later generations have placed particular weight on transmission. How could anyone who comes to take refuge and take a master dare forget to report to the master's lineage?

We disciples, each fulfilling our appointed duties, together with the Zhaiguan (ritual officiant, the Daoist who presides over the Zhaijiao purification ritual), reverently observe the fast and keep silent remembrance of our lineage. With sincere hearts we invite the Patriarch Feng, the Perfected Master of Qifu who Opened the Teaching; the Patriarch Chen, the Perfected Master of Pure Simplicity and Wondrous Dao, Xiyi; the Patriarch Liu, the Perfected Master of the Supreme Ultimate, Grand Minister, who Penetrates the Mysterious; the Patriarch Xu, the Perfected Master of Central Heaven, Pivot Minister, Subduer of Demons; the Patriarch Yang, the Immortal of Clear Seclusion, Wearer of Clouds; the Patriarch Huang Yunzhuang, the Perfected Master of Pucheng, Master of Constant Truth; the Teacher-Patriarch Ye, the Perfected Master of Yutian, Commander of Wind and Rain of the Western Terrace; and the successive masters of the Fire Bureau lineage who have transmitted the methods and expounded the teaching. We respectfully beseech all the Patriarchs, in their compassion, to look down upon us and take note of and record the petition of your disciples.

We have heard that the Patriarchs' Dao-bodies are pure and clear, that they personally received talismanic writs, and that auspicious signs appeared in the world; and that in dreams they received numinous scriptures from the Holy Mother. Their methods were greatly illuminated during the Kaiyuan era, and responses came upon the ritual altar, where the manifold wonders of Taiyi (the Great One, a Daoist deity name) appeared. The scriptures hidden in the stone chamber were preserved through the Shu capital lineage. Laojun appeared anew; the demoness transformed from the green ox beneath the mountain was seized, and the iron chain in the well was drawn out. The Literary Star displayed auspicious omens, and the Pivot Bureau stored up good fortune. By day, flames surged and filled the sky as the Perfected of Chongxu displayed transformations; on clear nights, colored clouds spanned the Dipper constellation as immortals flew upon the rays of the sun.

The successors of the Pucheng lineage may all be regarded as a basis for the transmission of the Dao; the transmission of the Yutian lineage likewise suffices as a model. When the Patriarchs whistled and issued commands, winds arose and thunder stirred; with a wave of the hand, they could halt the rain and calm the wind. They left behind the eight-character family letter, so that blessings might be passed down through the generations; the methods they transmitted stood foremost among all ranks, so that descendants might flourish and continue.

Tonight we respectfully pray: may the sound of jade pendants ring clear and pure, and may the immortals, riding chariots wreathed in rosy clouds, descend from the celestial road to the mortal world. Your disciples report this matter with care and reverence.

May the Three Treasures—the Celestial Worthies of the Dao (Way), the Jing (scriptures), and the Master—protect this household, bestowing blessings that continue through generation after generation, so that its Daoist teachings hold a place of prominence in every rank, and its grace flourishes and extends to descendants. Tonight we respectfully offer our prayers: may the jade pendants chime clear and resonant, and may the immortals come drifting through rosy mists, descending from the great Dao of Heaven to the mortal world. With a reverent heart, we submit this memorial and make it known.

We respectfully invite the Celestial Worthies of the Three Treasures: the Dao, the Jing, and the Master.

We offer incense of faith and pay homage to the Master.

The immortals arrive in carriages of cloud, scattering flowers and presenting tea.

The undersigned, [name and rank of the officiating priest or ritual leader], reverently submits this petition to the founding patriarchs of the teaching: Patriarch Feng of the Purple Palace, Patriarch Chen Xiyi, Patriarch Liu Tongxuan, Patriarch Xu the Demon-Subduer, and all the masters and realized ones of the Fire Palace who, across ages past and present, have transmitted the Dao and conferred its methods. We humbly beg that these patriarchs, in their compassion, look down and record this matter.

We have heard that the lineage upheld by our school and the branches it has handed down flow from a distant source, their threads connected and unbroken. The De (Virtue) and teaching of our school's masters are profound in the extreme, and the exemplars of every generation have long served to shape and temper those who come after. Now this disciple, [name], for the sake of a certain petition, comes before the Lord of the Northern Dipper to swear an oath and make this declaration, asking to pass smoothly through the critical passes governed by the movements of the stars.

We further reflect that this disciple is merely a minor and junior branch within the Mysterious Gate, of modest learning. Although our name is listed among the ranks of the immortals and realized ones, we have often transgressed the precepts, and we are unclear about the Keyi (liturgy) and the admonitions of the patriarchs. To undertake ritual affairs and perform rites so rashly, without the Master's guidance and support, how could we hope to move the spirits? As for the matter we pray for, we beg the Master's permission. We further hope the Master will proclaim an edict, so that the Northern Dipper may issue a notice commanding the Star Terrace (the celestial office where the star officials reside) and its subordinate Mysterious Bureaus (Daoist divine offices) to respond at once upon hearing this petition, and commanding the relevant generals and divine commanders to arrive at our summons. May the priest pace the Dipper along the Gang (treading the steps in a prescribed pattern, symbolizing passage into the heavens) and commune with the spirits, and may all the Fulu (talismans and registers) and written documents we use prove efficacious. This disciple presumes to address the Master's majesty, praying with the utmost sincerity in the depths of the heart, and respectfully submits this memorial.

We respectfully invite the Celestial Worthy of the Seven Primes, Protector and Shelterer (the divine guardian associated with the seven stars of the Northern Dipper), and light the bright lamps.

We have heard that the Seven Primes of the Northern Dipper hold the authority over life, death, and the transformations of fate, shining down upon the human world; the lamps are divided into five colors, which can reveal omens of fortune and misfortune. The lamplight illuminates the human realm while the divine seats rise high in heaven. By means of the cinnabar talisman, the lamp flames blaze upward, like stars arrayed across the sky, shining together with the Pole Star, as though the Celestial Emperor were steering the Jade Armillary (an instrument for observing the heavens). Gazing upward, we hope the spirits will reveal their response; we humbly beg that this sincere prayer be granted.

The priest lights the lamps, and all recite the divine mantra together.

The Master visualizes his own person as united with the Star Lords of the Northern Dipper (Beidou).

By the edict of the Most High Lord Lao (Taishang Laojun), the lamps of the Northern Dipper are lit. The Seven Primordials of the Northern Dipper (Beidou Qiyuan)—the stellar deities corresponding to its seven stars—descend to save and deliver all living beings. The Left Assistant (Zuofu) and the Right Aide (Youbi) manifest their divine might; Marshal Tianpeng (Tianpeng Yuanshuai) commands the celestial troops; the Envoys of the Five Thunders (Wulei Shizhe), the Six Jia and Six Ding (Liujia Liuding)—divine generals of the Thunder Department and the celestial realm—together with the Great Sage Zhenwu (Zhenwu Dasheng) and the three stars upon the Dipper terrace (Doutai), all come to protect and bless. They dispel illness, remove calamity, and slay demons and evil spirits. Those who defy the edict must die; those who obey the edict shall live.

The Dipper lamps are kindled. The Left Assistant and the Right Aide manifest their divine might; Marshal Tianpeng commands the celestial troops; the Envoys of the Five Thunders, the Six Jia and Six Ding, the Great Sage Zhenwu, and the three stars upon the Dipper terrace all come to dispel illness and calamity and to cut down demons and evil. Those who defy the edict must die; those who obey the edict shall live.

When the Dipper lamps shine, a person’s body and dwelling become bright and pure. May good fortune endure, health and long life be granted, and peace and auspiciousness last forever. The lamplight is brilliant, and wherever it shines one may attain long life. The three hun-souls are settled and vigorous; the seven po-souls are peaceful and well. The bright lamps gather the radiance of the hun and po, so that wandering Jing-souls (essence-souls) no longer drift apart; the seven po remain securely in their proper places, and the host of spirits returns and gathers. May people, within the starlight of the Northern Dipper, ever receive illumination and long enjoy its protection. The Seven Primordials of the Dipper descend and hear the deities’ proclamation. By the brightness or dimness of the lamps, fortune and misfortune may be judged. Through divine might, whatever is prayed for shall be fulfilled as wished.

Casting the Basin Talisman for Divination

I have heard that clear and secluded water is the place where divine water abides, and that transmission from mind to mind, together with the conferral of oral formulas, is precisely the essential method of the true talisman (Fu). By this means one observes change in stillness and discerns the subtle and profound workings of Heaven. Reverently we pray that divine grace shine like light and spread its favor widely, that blessings be as mild as a spring day, and that life extend without end, like a long-flowing stream that has its settled course. May all that is received and all that is undertaken appear clearly. The auspicious writ has been prepared and is now about to be proclaimed.

Proclaiming the Writ, Casting the Basin Talisman, and Summoning the Two Envoys

The Taiyi Fire Bureau (Taiyi Huofu)—the divine bureau in Daoism that oversees the offices of fire—burns the talisman. We pray that divine grace spread widely, that blessings flow in harmony, and that lifespan be endless, extending with a settled course like a long-flowing stream. May all that is received and all that is undertaken appear clearly. The auspicious writ has been prepared and is now about to be proclaimed.

Proclaiming the Writ, Casting the Basin Talisman, and Summoning the Two Envoys

The Taiyi Fire Bureau burns the talisman and issues the summons: the two immortal envoys within the Northern Dipper, Qingyang and Tuoluo, together with the Communicating Secretary (Tongshi Sheren) of the Dipper—the divine office charged with conveying affairs—upon hearing the summons, immediately descend to the altar. Swiftly, swiftly, in obedience to the edict of the Emperor Lord of Great Scarlet Heaven (Dachi Tiandijun).

Within the Northern Dipper there are divine generals who assist the celestial Xuanji, the pivot of the stars’ motion. You preside over rewarding the good and punishing the evil, examining faults and distinguishing right from wrong. In accordance with the Yuheng, one of the seven stars of the Northern Dipper, you transmit commands, and your majesty holds the Jasper Pool in awe. On hearing my call, you must ride the wind and drive fire, hastening at once to descend before the altar, without delay or disobedience. Swiftly comply with the edict of the Great Scarlet Celestial Emperor. The syllables of the incantation follow, retained as in the original: san chi ling zha li xing di mo suo he, duo sa he li ti ju sha he, an □ zha li she.

The Dipper gods of heaven are the deities of the stellar luminaries of the Northern Dipper. On the left is Ruming, and on the right is Miaozhen. Your divine powers and transformations are beyond measure, and you can pass in and out of the dark netherworld. I now formally announce the summons: descend swiftly to the altar court. Swiftly comply with the edict of the Great Scarlet Celestial Emperor. Visualize the deities descending.

The ritual master states the matter and burns the uniting talisman, a Fulu (talismans and registers) that accords with the deities and serves to convey the summons.

The announcement and summons having just been made, the deities have surely deigned to descend. This office now, on behalf of a certain person, sets up an altar and institutes the Dipper rite—establishing an altar to worship the Northern Dipper—praying that hardships be relieved and disasters removed. What follows is still the wording of the announcement and summons. I would welcome and invite Chenma, thereby expressing reverent service. I respectfully ask the deities to exercise their divine power, bestow this uniting talisman, and convey it to the officials of the Dipper, requesting that they send down the light of grace, condescend to the seats of the lamps, and act in accordance with the edict. I respectfully await the deities’ manifest response.

The ritual master states the matter and burns the uniting talisman.

The announcement and summons having just been made, the deities have surely deigned to descend. This office now, on behalf of a certain person, sets up an altar and institutes the Dipper rite, praying that hardships be relieved and disasters removed. I would welcome and invite Chenma, thereby expressing reverent service. I respectfully ask the deities to exercise their divine power, bestow this uniting talisman, and convey it to the officials of the Dipper, requesting that they send down the light of grace, condescend to the seats of the lamps, and act in accordance with the edict. I respectfully await the deities’ manifest response.

Tread the guideline and pace the Dipper, visualizing the dispatch and sending-off of the deities.

Celestial Worthy of Numinous Communion and Resonant Response.

I, so-and-so, in my capacity as holder of a Daoist liturgical office, together with the purification officials, the altar officials, and all who take part in the Zhaijiao (purification ritual), respectfully and with sincere hearts submit this memorial to petition and invite: the supreme saints of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), the highest deities revered in Daoism; the lofty perfected of the ten extremities; the Dao-lords of the Nine Sovereigns of the Northern Dipper; and the myriad numinous saints of the Four Bureaus; the master-lords and generals of the Fire Bureau—the deities and commanders of the Fire Bureau—and the deities who, at the feast of lamps, inspect and examine the rites of the altar. We earnestly beg you all to look down upon this devotion, make it manifest, and shed your light upon us.

I have heard that the smoke born of burning incense returns into the void and rises like a ceremonial canopy, and that its fragrance has already reached the heavens. With minds collected, we gaze up toward the cinnabar empyrean of the North Pole, hoping that the divine perfected will come riding in golden carriages. Yet the celestial realm, mysterious, pure, and still, remains cut off from the filth of the dusty human world. We look up toward the heavenly palaces and offer the whole of our sincerity.

Purple clouds are seen surging thickly over the crimson bridge, and auspicious mists come thronging together with colorful ceremonial escorts. Divine envoys in embroidered robes lead the way and suddenly descend upon the jasper altar; the silver flames of the lamps shine upon one another, as though the stars of heaven were set in array. I and the purification officials gaze afar toward the heavenly steps and respectfully await the carriage of the star-lords.

Burning the carriage-receiving talisman (Fulu)

Descent of the Saints

We prostrate ourselves in thanks and once more reverently petition: the Great Saint of the Central Heaven, Father of the Dipper; the Celestial Lord Longhan of the North Pole; the Great Saint of the Central Heaven, Mother of the Dipper; the Celestial Empress of Purple Radiance, Golden Perfection, and Holy Virtue; together with the star-lords of the Northern Dipper and the deities of their palaces and bureaus—the Sovereign Star-Lord of Greedy Wolf, the Sovereign Star-Lord of Giant Gate, the Sovereign Star-Lord of Preserved Emolument, the Sovereign Star-Lord of Civil Melody, the Sovereign Star-Lord of Upright Integrity, the Sovereign Star-Lord of Martial Melody, the Sovereign Star-Lord of the Army-Breaker, the Sovereign Star-Lord of the Outer Assistant, the Sovereign Star-Lord of the Inner Aide, and the rest. We also respectfully invite the Lady of Prolonged Life of the Nine Sovereigns of the Northern Dipper, Great Saint of the Central Heaven.

We prostrate ourselves in thanks and respectfully hope that the star-lords will look down in compassion, bestow auspicious light, and descend among the seats of the purification altar.

The Cloud Carriage

The memorial of invitation is now performed. The divine perfected have already descended, and we prepare clear tea to offer up with reverence.

Offering Tea

We, servants of the established rank, So-and-so and the rest, with sincere hearts jointly present this memorial:

We respectfully invite the High Perfected of the Ten Extremes of the Vacuous Sovereign’s Wondrous Dao (the Way); the High Perfected of the North Pole; the Celestial Lord of the Brahma-Qi (vital energy) of the Longhan era; the Celestial Empress of Purple Radiance, Golden Perfection, and Victorious De (Virtue/Power); the Great Dao Lords of the Nine Sovereigns of the Northern Dipper; the Perfected Governors arrayed in ranks within the Dipper Palace; the Star Lords of natal destiny and primordial chronograms; the Master Lords of the Fire Bureau; the Celestial Marshals of the Thunder Gods; and all the deities petitioned at the lamp altar who have come forward to inspect and bear witness. We earnestly beg the holy perfected, in their compassion, to look down and clearly examine this matter.

We, your servants, have heard that the divine perfected extend through innumerable worlds. Even what is as fine as dust can, within the deep and formless, carry out creative transformation. They preside over the yin talismans of the human realm, and their merit is vast beyond measure. From antiquity to the present they have been supremely numinous and supremely holy. When Heaven and Earth divided forth from Taiji (Supreme Ultimate), the stars of the North Pole were already set in array. The nine-petaled lotus appeared at the same time; the seven stars of the Northern Dipper govern the turning of the four seasons, and the myriad beings arise from this. Thus, although human station differs as noble or humble, the allotment of fate is alike illumined by the stars. What are called misfortune and good fortune, calamity and auspicious sign, all take their rise from this, and are likewise governed by the divine perfected.

The divine perfected constantly cherish great compassion and great vows. Responding to entreaty, they bestow mercy, and by profound virtue and favor they time and again answer the prayers of the world. Now we, your servants, respectfully set forth our intent, present the talisman and sword, and invite the holy cortege to descend. The lamp flames shine and divine light descends; wherever the candlelight reaches, the spirits gather as one, and the mysterious celestial images stand forth in solemn array. We now set out clear water and fine wine and perform the rite of the first offering.

Ritual Service

We, servants of the established rank, So-and-so and the rest, with sincere hearts jointly present this memorial:

We respectfully invite the High Perfected of the Ten Extremes of the Vacuous Sovereign’s Wondrous Dao, and the holy cortege of the Celestial Lord of the Brahma-Qi of the Longhan era, to descend. The lamp flames shine and divine light descends; wherever the candlelight reaches, the spirits gather as one, and the mysterious celestial images stand forth in solemn array. We now set out clear water and fine wine and perform the rite of the first offering.

Ritual Service

We, servants of the established rank, So-and-so and the rest, with sincere hearts jointly present this memorial:

The supreme and unsurpassed Dao (the Way), the perfected immortals of the heavens of the ten directions, the Heavenly Lord of Longhan of Brahma-Qi (vital energy), the Empress of Purple Radiance, Golden Perfection, and Sacred Virtue, the Great Lords of the Way of the Nine Emperors of the Northern Dipper, the deities of the Dipper Palace, the Stellar Lords of the Natal Prime Chronogram (the stellar gods who govern an individual’s natal destiny and the fortunes of the year), the Master-Lords of the Fire Bureau, and the gods who command the mighty spirits of the Three Realms: we beseech you, in your compassion, to look down and clearly examine the prayer offered here.

I have heard that the Nine Heavens and the Nine Earths alike honor the Northern Pole and the Northern Asterism, and that the glory of the Northern Dipper is beyond compare. The gods dwell in brilliance on high and manifest themselves in the vault of heaven, so that all who have ears and eyes can see and hear them, and all living beings endowed with life receive what they bestow. Their merit takes part in the transformation and nourishment of the myriad things, and the Dao runs through the Three Powers of Heaven, Earth, and humanity. Their numinous might is as vast as the seas and the mountains; even creatures as slight as the fish and eels of the rivers cherish hearts of reverence and worship. How, then, could calamity fail to disperse, or blessings fail to descend? When the heart is moved, communion is sure; when a prayer is made, a response is certain. Therefore we reverently set forth pure wine and offerings, and present the wine according to the rite.

The Ritual Service

We, your subjects of the stated offices, So-and-so and the others, respectfully declare with one heart:

To the supreme and unsurpassed Dao, the perfected immortals of the heavens of the ten directions, the Heavenly Lord of Longhan of Brahma-Qi, the Empress of Purple Radiance, Golden Perfection, and Sacred Virtue, the Great Lords of the Way of the Nine Emperors of the Northern Dipper, the deities of the Dipper Palace, the Stellar Lords of the Natal Prime Chronogram, the Master-Lords of the Fire Bureau, the celestial marshals of the thunder gods, the officers and subordinates of the Three Realms, and all mighty spirits: we beseech you, in your compassion, to look down and clearly examine the prayer offered here.

I have heard that the deities of the Northern Dipper are the pivot and the rulers of the celestial realm. They set the six Qi in motion and govern the four seasons; they order the guiding norms of Heaven and Earth, hold overall command of Qian and Kun, oversee the Five Phases (Wuxing: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water), and preside over the Bagua (Eight Trigrams). Their radiance shines upon the human world, and their divine stations stand exalted within the heavens. Tracing matters back to the beginning of Heaven and Earth, before the myriad things had yet differentiated, when Heaven and Earth still had neither form nor image…

He grasps the key to the workings of the Heavenly Dao (the Way) and is the sovereign who rules the myriad things. He sets in motion the six Qi (vital energy)—Yin, Yang, wind, rain, darkness, and light, together with other changes of climate—and arranges the four seasons. He sets in order the constant norms of Heaven and Earth, holds overall command of Qian and Kun, governs the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), and presides over the Bagua (Eight Trigrams). His radiance descends into the human world, while his divine station stands high in the heavenly realm.

Tracing back to the Great Beginning, Heaven and Earth had not yet divided, and there were neither forms nor images. Only after primordial chaos first opened and Heaven and Earth took shape did the myriad things come to possess an interwoven order of warp and weft. The August Person took up the brush and wrote the Fulu (talismans and registers)—the Daoist talismanic script used to convey divine commands and summon spirits. The Most High opened the secret storehouse and elucidated the profound methods of the Dao. Seated upon a jade ritual throne, he spread abroad a teaching as binding as golden statutes and jade laws. Ascending to the realm of the immortals, he mastered the secret essentials transmitted by his teachers and left behind wondrous Jing (scriptures/classics). When the divine command went forth, spirits ascended to have audience with the Celestial Emperor, and thus the numinous writings of the Fire Bureau—scriptures concerning the divine offices and ordinances of the Fire Bureau—were made manifest. We look up in remembrance of this lineage of the teaching, handed down from generation to generation, and this humble servant is also permitted to pray with a sincere heart. My heart is as devout as the sunflower and the bean leaves that turn to follow the sun, yet I am ashamed that the offerings are meager and fall short of proper ritual. With luminous water—the clear water used in sacrifice—and fragrant pure wine, I respectfully present, according to the rites, the final offering.

Presenting the Memorial in the Course of the Ritual

I have heard that although the Dao is without a mind of its own, one may still beseech it with perfect sincerity; therefore the Most High sent down the statutory texts for praying for length of years and the benefit of life. Although Heaven does not speak, it is able to respond with favor. The Perfected Lord of the Northern Dipper—the stellar deity of the Northern Dipper—established the ritual method for dispelling calamity and releasing one from adversity. The stellar spirits descend in their carriages, sashes fluttering, and arrive at the altar together with the glow of the rosy clouds. The rite has already completed its three offerings; how dare I, for even a moment, fail to be single-minded in sincerity and reverence?

I reflect that in high antiquity, in the age when records were kept by knotted cords, people did not yet use written characters. Later the August Person took up the brush and elaborated the Cavern Chapters—Daoist scriptures. Thus memorials could be sealed and submitted, bearing words of earnest prayer and thanksgiving, and brush, ink, and paper became the means of setting forth one’s intent. The Celestial Emperor is near amid the clouds; his sagely scrutiny is not remote. Nine times I knock my head and look up toward the celestial countenance; three times I purify my hands and burn incense, reverently opening the cloud coffer—the case in which Daoist scriptures are stored. The golden carriage and jade conveyance—the chariot of the Celestial Emperor—grace the human world with their presence, and the jade characters and golden writs of the heavenly realm thereupon issue a response in a gentle edict. I respectfully command the divine officers of the ritual altar to hasten in bearing the memorial up to the celestial court. What is presented is the formal memorial and the heart petition; I shall kneel and respectfully announce them.

The Reading of the Pass Document Is Complete

The ritual master paces the Gang steps—walking in a prescribed pattern so as to symbolize stepping into the positions of the stars—then prostrates upon the ground to await the deities’ reply. After the reply is received, he rises and offers incense.

Release from Adversity

The Great Saint, the Seven Primordial Lords of the Northern Dipper—the seven exalted deities transformed from the seven stars of the Northern Dipper—are able to release one from the adversity of the Three Calamities.

The Great Saint, the Seven Primordial Lords of the Northern Dipper, are able to release one from the adversity of the Four Baleful Influences.

The Great Sage, the Seven Primordial Lords of the Northern Dipper (Beidou Qiyuanjun)—the seven honored deities corresponding to the seven stars of the Northern Dipper—can remove calamities associated with the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), and can also remove the adversity of the Six Harms.

The Great Sage, the Seven Primordial Lords of the Northern Dipper, can remove the adversity of the Four Baleful Influences, and can also remove the adversities of the Five Phases, the Six Harms, the Seven Injuries, the Eight Difficulties, and the Nine Stars.

The Great Sage, the Seven Primordial Lords of the Northern Dipper, can remove calamities between husband and wife, calamities in matters concerning men and women, calamities at the time of childbirth, and misfortunes that occur one after another.

The Great Sage, the Seven Primordial Lords of the Northern Dipper, can remove the calamities brought by pestilence, disease, harassment by malign spirits, harm from tigers and wolves, injury from insects and snakes, plunder by bandits, punishment by the rod, unexpected death, and curses and oaths.

The Great Sage, the Seven Primordial Lords of the Northern Dipper, can further remove such calamities as shackles and penal punishment, unexpected death, curses and oaths, the Heavenly Net, the Earthly Web, armed violence, and water and fire, and ultimately remove every calamity.

The repeated praise of the Seven Primordial Lords of the Northern Dipper here is a form of invocation in rituals of prayer and the warding-off of misfortune. “Adversity” (e) refers broadly to calamity and predicament, while “Heavenly Net and Earthly Web” (tianluo diwang) refers to disaster or a predicament from which it is difficult to escape.

Thus, the Lords of the Seven Primordials (the exalted deities corresponding to the seven stars of the Northern Dipper) are supremely holy and supremely numinous. They can relieve calamities of every kind and deliver living beings from suffering. Should an urgent matter of prayer arise, to hold and recite this text is enough to secure peace and safety. Relying on this method, one may greatly increase blessings and karmic reward and bring oneself into harmony with the Five Phases (Wuxing: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water). The three hun souls are thereby settled and made sound, so that evil specters cannot remain. True Qi (Qi, vital energy—the subtle essential breath of heaven and earth, as Daoism describes it) descends from the five directions, and the myriad blessings arrive together with it. Long life and release from the Eight Difficulties (the many hardships of human life) are thereby gained, all through devoted service to the seven stars. Life after life, body and mind remain free and at ease; age after age, the guardian deities stay bright and clear. Good deeds are like a shadow in the light, and spiritual response is like an echo in a mountain valley. The deities of the Three Primordials (the spirits who preside over the three realms of heaven, earth, and water) protect one together, and the myriad sages likewise look down and take heed. There is neither calamity nor obstruction, and one forever keeps a tranquil mind of the Dao (Dao, the Way).

Promotion and Transfer, the Reception of Healing, and the Commencement of Divination

We, servants of the stated rank, So-and-so and others (here the Daoist priest presiding over the rite enters name and title), with the utmost sincerity respectfully address the Lofty Perfected of the Ten Extremes of the Wondrous Dao of the Vacuous Sovereign; the Heavenly Lord of Brahma-Qi of the Longhan aeon; the Celestial Empress of Purple Radiance, Golden Perfection, and Sagely Virtue; the Great Lords of the Dao of the Nine Sovereigns of the Northern Dipper; the Perfected Magistrates arrayed in the palaces of the Dipper; the Star Lords of natal destiny and original chronogram; the Master Lords of the Fire Bureau; the celestial gods and the Masters of Thunder; and all the Heavenly Lords and Lofty Perfected invoked at the lamp altar. We reverently hope that the deities will descend amid auspicious light, clearly examine this address, and respond to it.

I have heard that if one repents with devout reverence and dares not transgress the teachings of the Jing (scripture/classic), and if one earnestly memorializes prayers upward, one may perhaps move the heart of Heaven to respond. The rivers and seas are deep and broad, and Heaven and Earth are vast and wide; there is nothing they do not embrace and nothing they do not contain, and thus they are able to receive and accommodate all living beings.

When I think of people such as ourselves, our lives are humble and insignificant as we dwell in the dusty world. Though we have a slight knowledge of studying the Dao (the Way), we are still ashamed of drifting with the current. Looking back upon our conduct and admonishing ourselves, we have already fallen short in integrity, and our cultivation has not been sufficiently upright. The seven emotions and six desires continually entangle us; the three karmas of body, speech, and mind, and the six roots of eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind, have none of them been purified. Even after receiving the methods, we have instead drawn still more faults upon ourselves: covering over what is false and concealing what is true, discoursing emptily on being and non-being, and divulging the secret purport of the profound Keyi (liturgy), so that the offenses recorded on the black registers of the underworld steadily increase. Faults have accumulated in great number, yet in ordinary days there have been few good deeds. At times, in pacing the stellar steps—following a prescribed gait that simulates the positions of the stars—we have mistaken the order of left and right; at times, in concentrated visualization, contemplating deities or scenes with the mind, we have disordered the sequence of what comes before and what follows. It is not that offerings of incense have gone unperformed, yet the Fulu (talismans and registers) we have written do indeed contain errors.

These faults, in the open light, perhaps no one knows; but in the hidden darkness the spirits have long been stirred to wrath. Now that the faults have come to light, we earnestly beg forgiveness and pardon. We wish that our names be enrolled in the immortal realm of Shangqing, that form and spirit be clear, tranquil, and harmoniously balanced, and that together we may hope to roam the realm of mystery; that our minds and aspirations be sincere and pure, forever practicing the Dao of emptiness and non-being. As our highest wish, we pray that Heaven and Earth be peaceful and secure, the sovereign sage and enlightened and the ministers worthy and good, the sun and moon bright and rightly steady, and wind and rain timely and well-ordered; that warfare and calamity cease throughout the world, and that the people joyfully sing of years of abundant harvest and peaceful ease.

Next, we wish that the zhai official so-and-so—one who presides over or takes part in the Zhaijiao (purification ritual)—enjoy auspicious harmony, that his allotted fate transcend the adversities already fixed, and that deviant demons be unable to trouble him; we wish that salary and blessed fortune support his person, that his body obtain radiance, that soul and spirit be clear, pure, and upright, and that the whole family, old and young, be at peace through the four seasons. We also wish that the souls of our ancestors of seven generations soon reach the realm of carefree wandering, and that the departed souls lingering in the Three Paths—the dark and bitter realms spoken of in Daoism—all ascend to the land of peace and joy. All sentient beings hope to receive the wide bestowal of Heaven’s grace.

Now the incense has burned out, the smoke of the precious seal-script is about to disperse, and the bronze clepsydra, the ancient timepiece, is nearly drained. The lingering light of the immortals shines from afar upon the thatched hut; the escort that clears the road already goes before the carriage. The immortal ranks stand in orderly array; one hears only the tinkling of pendants, and dimly sees caps and robes solemn and well-ordered. Rainbow banners and feathered canopies have already risen into the heavens, and the tiger guards and dragon carriage will also return to the Golden Portal, the dwelling of the Celestial Emperor. Crimson mists steam upward; jade towers and jasper halls rise high in pure cold. Though a matter has a beginning, it is hard to bring it to full completion, and the feeling of earnest attachment is likewise hard to express in full. The immortal carriage comes suddenly and departs suddenly, leaving only a deep longing. Together with the zhai official, we gaze from afar toward the steps of Heaven and respectfully see the immortal carriage on its way.

The memorial-presentation and prayer-and-aversion ritual of the Taiyi Fire Bureau (Taiyi Huofu, the Fire Bureau in which Daoist deities reside) has been completed.

Note: The character “掌” should be “赏.”