《清微元降大法》Vol. 2
About this page. The original text of 《清微元降大法》 Vol. 2 (Zhengyi 正一部, 3 volumes) is shown in Classical Chinese as transmitted in the Godners/DaoZang edition. An English interpretation of the 52 passages on this page accompanies it: select a passage or press “Interpretation” to show it. All texts in English
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Source textInterpretation
Red shoes; holding a halberd.
The Great Spirit Yuanju, Swift Thunder of the Lower Origin, of the Purple Sovereign Taiyi: wears a five-cloud crown, has a blue-green complexion, wears golden armor and white robes, red shoes, and carries a halberd.
The Perfected Lord Huangyao, envoy bearing the Taiyi Chong command talisman of the Purple Sovereign, Ma Guo: wears a phoenix-winged helmet, golden armor and blue-green robes, red shoes, and carries a halberd.
The Great Spirit Yuanju, Swift Thunder of the Lower Origin, of the Purple Sovereign Taiyi: wears a five-cloud crown, has a blue-green complexion, wears golden armor and white robes, red shoes, and carries a halberd.
The Perfected Lord Huangyao, envoy bearing the Taiyi Chong command talisman of the Purple Sovereign, Ma Guo: wears a phoenix-winged helmet and has a blue complexion. He has lost both eyes; his beard, hair, and eyebrows are all red. He wears golden armor and purple robes, boots, and carries a double-edged axe-shaped weapon.
Wang Lie, envoy bearing the flying-thunder talisman of the Purple Sovereign Taiyi’s Swift-Thunder office: wears a sky-reaching headcloth, a yellow forehead band, and has handsome features. He wears golden armor and wide-sleeved robes, green boots, and carries an iron axe.
Lü Jinqing, envoy bearing the thunderous command talisman of the Purple Sovereign Taiyi’s Swift-Thunder office: wears a dark cap, has a ruddy complexion, wears golden armor and blue-green robes, black shoes, and carries a fire wheel.
Zhang Fu: wears a dark cap, has a fair complexion, wears golden armor and vermilion robes, black shoes, and carries an axe. Shen Ming: wears a dark cap, has a blue complexion, wears golden armor and dark robes, black shoes, and carries a knife. Zheng Qing: wears a dark cap, has a purplish-brown complexion, wears golden armor and white robes, black shoes, and carries a sword.
All three carry bows and arrows.
Han Jun, envoy bearing the talisman of the Purple Sovereign Taiyi’s Swift-Thunder office, and Xun Kuang, envoy bearing the talisman of the Taiyi Swift-Thunder office for penetrating the Origin: wear sky-reaching headcloths with red forehead bands, have golden-yellow complexions, wear golden armor and vermilion robes, green boots, and carry horse-tail sabers.
Guo Jie, the flying celestial merits officer of the Purple Sovereign Taiyi’s Swift-Thunder office: wears his hair loose and has a childlike face, in the likeness of a celestial man. He wears silver armor and vermilion robes, red shoes, and carries a fire sword. He rides a jade dragon.
Guo Jie, the flying celestial merits officer of the Purple Sovereign Taiyi’s Swift-Thunder office: wears his hair loose and has a childlike face, in the likeness of a celestial man. He wears silver armor and vermilion robes, red shoes, and carries a fire sword. He rides a jade dragon.
The Purple Sovereign Taiyi Swift-Thunder Fire Command Jade Talisman.
Some talismans are used for wholesale distribution, while others are used when burning incense.
Purple Sovereign, Great Unity, Thunderbolt Cavern Chapter
Chapter for Opening Heaven
Invocation Spell
Yuhong Gao.
Invocation Talisman
Convenience Talisman.
Purple Sovereign, Great Unity, Purple Jade Cavern Chapter
Secret Incense Invocation Talisman
Convenience Shortcut Talisman.
Request wind, clouds, thunder, lightning, and rain. I, your servant, So-and-so, carry out this command.
Additional Talisman for Urgent Use
Command thunder, snow, rain, clear skies, or wind; write the requested words inside the circle of the Convenience Talisman.
For Memorializing
Let a certain commander descend at a certain place on a certain day and bring about a specified response. Reverently comply with the Original Descent—the command descending from the gods of the upper realm—and transmit it by the Wind-and-Fire Courier Station.
When these talismans are used to hasten an effect, write them in cinnabar on yellow silk paper. In an extremely urgent situation, write them in cinnabar on blue paper; they must not be used lightly.
High, Exalted Jade Palace of Divine Empyrean, Western Terrace for Executing and Investigating the Five Thunders
Marshal Roster
Let the Divine Empyrean Marshal Who Protects Life descend at a certain place on a certain day and bring about a specified response. Reverently comply with the Original Descent and transmit it by the Wind-and-Fire Courier Station.
When these talismans are used to hasten an effect, write them in cinnabar on yellow silk paper. In an extremely urgent situation, write them in cinnabar on blue paper; they must not be used lightly.
High, Exalted Jade Palace of Divine Empyrean, Western Terrace for Executing and Investigating the Five Thunder Marshals
Zhao Deyuan, Divine Empyrean Commanding Marshal Who Protects Life, Lord of Thunderbolt Might and Transformation of the Western Terrace: His personal name is Hui. He wears his hair loose, has a red face, and is dressed in golden armor, a black robe, and red shoes. He holds a precious sword.
Qi Yingqing, Lord of Thunderbolt, Broad and Fiery, with the Ascending-to-Heaven Might Command: He wears a heavenly crown, has a slightly red face and three eyes, and is dressed in golden armor and dark red robes, with a jade belt and boots. He holds an iron implement.
Shi Kuang, Lord of Thunderbolt, Wild and Soaring, with the Returning-to-Heaven Bright Command: He wears a helmet shaped like a golden lion’s head, has a green face and red hair, and is dressed in golden armor and blue-green robes, with a gold belt and boots. He holds a precious sword.
Lei Fangzhong, Great Spirit of the East, Whose Blue Qi Surges Across the Heavens: He wears a heavenly crown and has a dignified appearance. He is dressed in golden armor and blue robes, holds a golden drill hammer, wears boots, and carries a thunder chariot on his back.
Shen Lie, also called Xinyin, Great Spirit of the South, Whose Red Qi Spreads Across the Heavens: He wears a black cap, has a green face, and is dressed in golden armor and red robes. He wears boots and holds a halberd; flowing radiance surrounds his entire body.
Wu Huayuan, Great Spirit of the West, Whose White Qi Shines Across the Heavens: He wears his hair loose, has a slightly yellow complexion, and is dressed in golden armor and white robes. He wears boots and holds a flaming sword.
The Great Deity Yinghua, Thunderous Roar of the Northern Qi, wears a soaring cloud crown. His face is tinged purple, and he has three eyes. He is dressed in golden armor and black robes, wears boots, and holds a fire sword.
The Great Deity Yinghua, Thunderous Roar of the Northern Qi, wears a soaring cloud crown. His face is tinged purple, and he has three eyes. He is dressed in golden armor and black robes, wears boots, and holds a crow-feather saber.
The Great Deity Bu Huichen, Thunderous Restraint of the Central Yellow Qi, wears a court cap with a crown that points skyward. His face is fair and handsome. He is dressed in golden armor and yellow robes, wears boots, and holds a fire wheel.
The Great Deity Mu Fang, Fierce Thunder of the Nine Qi of Jia and Yi, has a green face and loose hair. He is dressed in golden armor and green robes and holds an axe.
The Great Deity Long Juqing, Fierce Thunder of the Three Qi of Bing and Ding, has a green face and loose hair. He is dressed in golden armor and vermilion robes and holds a fire wheel.
The Great Deity Chen Xun, Fierce Thunder of the Seven Qi of Geng and Xin, has a green face and loose hair. He is dressed in golden armor and white robes and holds a treasured sword.
The Great Deity Jin Jiyuan, Fierce Thunder of the Five Qi of Ren and Gui, has a green face and loose hair. He is dressed in golden armor and black robes and holds an axe.
The “Seal of the Western Terrace Office of the Divine Empyrean” is the official seal of the Western Terrace Office of the Divine Empyrean. “Office Plaque” refers to the plaque of that branch office, inscribed “Branch Office of the Western Terrace of the Jade Office of the Most High Divine Empyrean.”
The invocation is “Gesuzha.” The invocation talisman is the “Talisman for Dispatching and Commanding,” used to summon, dispatch, and command divine generals.
Volume Sixteen of the Great Method of the Primordial Descent of Qingwei ends here.
Volume Seventeen is titled Great Method of the Western Prohibition of Shangqing. The following lists the ranks of its generals and commanders.
The Great General Zhao Gongming, Jade Origin, True Lord Who Supports Heaven, Broadly Sages, Exalts the Sublime, and Penetrates the Clear and Harmonious, wears a crossed-wing futou cap and a red forehead band. His face is ruddy, his eyes are wide open, and he has a handsome beard. He is dressed in iron armor and black robes, wears a gold belt and boots, and holds an iron whip. A black tiger accompanies him.
He is also called the “Great General Who Summons the Perfect Ones Along the Cloud Roads of the Five Directions.” He is the Divine Empyrean’s chief commander of the Western Prohibition and its direct lord. He belongs to the ranks of generals.
The Urgent and Fierce Upper General Hui Qi, governing the eastern Jia and Yi directions, has a blue face and red hair and wears blue robes.
The Urgent and Fierce Upper General □ Song An, governing the southern Bing and Ding directions, has a red face and yellow hair and wears vermilion robes.
The Urgent and Fierce Upper General Shi Wu, governing the western Geng and Xin directions, has a white face and black hair and wears white robes.
The Urgent and Fierce Upper General Yuan Bin, governing the northern Ren and Gui directions, has a black face and blue-green hair and wears black robes.
The Urgent and Fierce Upper General Gong Hong, governing the central Wu and Ji directions, has a golden face and white hair and wears yellow robes.
Summoning Talisman
Jade Talisman of the Primordial Way of Qingwei.
Urging Talisman
Hong hong duo! By command of the ritual method, Zhao so-and-so shall act swiftly. Om hong hong—bind and restrain.
Talisman for rapid descent. Add a fire-brush stroke to every talisman.
Taiyi Hun
Jade Talisman of the Primordial Way of Qingwei.
Urging Talisman
Hong hong duo! By command of the ritual method, Zhao so-and-so shall act swiftly. Om hong hong—bind and restrain.
Talisman for rapid descent. Add a fire-brush stroke to every talisman.
Taiyi Hun Dun Jade Talisman
Carry this out swiftly and without fail; it is urgent.
Divine Firmament Talisman of Ten Thousand Responses
Qingyuan Jade Talisman
Talisman for Summoning the Dark Altar
Summoning Incantation
Great and fierce! Om chi lin chi lin bu lin bu lin! By command: destroy and bind.
Talisman for Summoning the Attendant on Duty
Talismans for Treating Horse Illness and the Illnesses of the Six Domestic Animals
Talisman for Treating Cattle Bloat
Five Thunders of the Northern Pole and Celestial Heart
Immortal Court
The Emperor Lord of Dongyang, Sun Luo, has the bearing of an emperor and is named Yu Yi.
The August Lord of Dongyin, Moon Luo, has the bearing of an empress and is named Jie Lin.
The Emperor Lord of Tiangang, Star Luo, has the bearing of a king and the appearance of a heavenly man.
The Divine Lord of Heavenly Virtue, Zhuo, has the bearing of a king.
The Divine Lord of Lunar Virtue, Xian, has the bearing of a king.
They command the divine beings of the Three Realms and wield the power of the Five Thunders.
Marshal Court
The Thunderbolt Fire Marshal, the Flame Emperor Heavenly Lord Deng Xie, courtesy name Bowen,
wears a dark-colored cap and has the bearing of a celestial official. His face is faintly blue; he wears deep red robes and red shoes, carries a hammer and drill, and rides a golden dragon.
The True Lord of the Jade Bureau, Enforcer of Thunder’s Correct Decree, Xin Zhongyi, courtesy name Hanchen,
wears a celestial crown and has the bearing of an earthly official. He is clad in golden armor and a green robe, wears a jade belt and red shoes, holds a jade register, and rides a white xiezhi, a mythical beast.
The Divine Lord of Yanggu, Enforcer of Thunder’s Decree, Zhang Ya, courtesy name Yuanbo.
An official’s hat in the style of a celestial crown or water official’s cap; clad in golden armor and a black robe, with a jade belt and red shoes, he holds a goose-feather saber and rides a bear.
The Great Fierce Generals Gou Xie and Liu Ji, gods of Tiangang Fire Thunder; Zhang Ya and Yuan Bo, Lords of Yanggu who carry out the commands of Thunder.
An official’s hat in the style of a celestial crown or water official’s cap; clad in golden armor and a black robe, with a jade belt and red shoes, he holds a goose-feather saber and rides a bear.
The Great Fierce Generals Gou Xie and Liu Ji, gods of Tiangang Fire Thunder.
He wears a Celestial Warrior’s crown. His hair is red, his face is crimson, and he wears a red robe and golden armor with black shoes. He holds an awl and hammer.
The Great Transformative Generals Bi Suan and Zong Quan, gods of Tiangang Water Thunder.
He wears a jade crown and has a fierce, wrathful expression and a slightly dark complexion. He wears a black robe and golden armor with black shoes, and holds an axe.
The Five Thunder Envoys who command the gods of the North Pole: Liu Chenqing, Yan Qing, Zhu Tao, Yu Hui, and Hu Wanlang.
They all have blue-green faces and wear black caps, golden armor, red robes, and black shoes. They hold tally tablets and wear precious swords.
A talisman for summoning and inviting.
A summoning and invitation incantation.
The Xuan Ying banner.
The Shangqing Jade Talisman for Joining the Qi of the Three Lights (a jade talisman of the Shangqing school, symbolizing the joining of the Qi of the sun, moon, and stars).
It may be used for prayer, healing, dispelling evil, and aiding childbirth. It may also be burned as incense or worn. It is suitable for general use.
The Shangqing Jade Talisman of Blazing Radiance; its uses are the same as those described above.
The Shangqing Scripture of the Dongyang Blazing Radiance Cavern.
The Shangqing Scripture of the Dongyin Jingyuan Cavern.
The Shangqing Scripture of the Yaoyuan Donghuang Cavern.
A talisman for wearing.
The ranks of generals and commanders of the Tiangang Fire Thunder Great Rite.
The chief divine general presiding over the rite is the True Lord of Celestial Manifestation, Great Sage of Transformation in the Central Heaven, Liang. He has red hair, a white face, and three eyes, and holds a precious sword while wearing white robes. When performing the Tiangang Fire Thunder Great Rite, he steps and turns through the Dipper’s astral pattern.
Commanders
The chief divine general presiding over the rite remains the True Lord of Celestial Manifestation, Great Sage of Transformation in the Central Heaven, Liang. He steps and turns through the Dipper’s astral pattern, traveling and moving in circuit in accord with the movement of the Dao of Heaven. His left eye emits blue-green light, his central eye emits white light, and his right eye emits red light. The Dipper steps are ritual steps in Daoism that follow the positions of the stars.
Generals
The Great General Mu Zonge, left commander of the Tiangang Thunder Fire Assault Guard, wears a crown of fire. He has red hair, a blue-green face, and three eyes, and wears golden armor over deep red robes. He holds a thunder hammer and an awl, and sometimes rides a fire dragon. He commands thirty thousand fire-guard thunder troops and travels throughout the Three Realms.
The Right-Watch Great General Chang Quan of the Tiangang Thunder-Fire Winged Guard wears a dark-colored crown and has a red face. He wears golden armor and black robes and carries an axe. At times he rides a huge hornless dragon. He commands fifty thousand water-thunder cavalry officers and travels through the three realms of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity.
The Year-Appointed Messenger Wen Rong, the Month-Appointed Messenger Zhou Yong, the Day-Appointed Messenger Zhao Liangbi, and the Hour-Appointed Messenger Guan Jinchang all wear crossed-foot futou headgear, with its two flaps crossing upward. They look like officials in charge of talismanic decrees and carry swords.
Invocation incantation.
Yunying (the ten clans of rain).
Talisman for summoning Tiangang.
Talisman for summoning divine generals.
The Qingwei Bright-Command Jade Talisman, used to suppress and subdue evil spirits.
The Jade Clarity Origin-Circulation True Talisman.
The Tiangang Protecting-Origin Cavern Chapter, which may be swallowed to treat illness.
The Divine King Changsha is the deity of the eastern Yin and Mao directions. His subordinates are Changshui, Changhuai, Changyang, Changjing, and Changtou.
The Divine King Changmei is the deity of the southern Si and Wu directions. His subordinates are Changxin, Changmu, Boye, Bozha, and Bona.
The Divine King Bopo is the deity of the western Shen and You directions. His subordinates are Boliu, Bosi, Bojia, Bibi, and Bodo.
The Divine King Luotuo is the deity of the northern Hai and Zi directions. His subordinates are Luodi, Luojia, Luojiang, Luoyang, and Luotou.
The Divine King Changmian is the deity of the upper palace where Chen, Xu, Kui, and Gang are located. His subordinates are Changjiang, Changqing, Luohan, Luomen, and Luosha.
The Divine King Boluo is the deity of the central palace Yellow Court in the Chou and Wei directions. His subordinates are Bozhe, Boti, Luoxing, Luoqi, and Luohe.
Talisman used when summoning the Two Yang Perfected Lords.
Yang Xian, the Swift Talisman Messenger and True Lord of Ascending Heaven, Illuminating the Dao, Upholding the Law, Benevolent Holiness, and Responding to the Primordial Origin, belongs to the Fire Virtue. He wears a crown that rises toward heaven; his face is red as a jujube, and he has three tufts of beard and triangular eyes. He wears golden armor and vermilion shoes, holds an axe, and rides a golden dragon. He is also called Yang Xian, the Swift Talisman Messenger and True Lord of Great Unity, Manifesting Holiness, Wind and Thunder, Upholding the Dao, Benevolent Holiness, and Responding to the Primordial Origin. His appearance and attire are the same. Another name is the Swift Talisman Messenger and True Lord of Great Unity, Manifesting Holiness through the Wondrous Dao of Wind and Thunder and Broadly Transforming All.
Talisman for summoning the fierce spirits: [text unclear]
Summoning incantation
Collect and gather.
Yang Jie, the Talisman Messenger of Blazing Flame and the True Lord of Ascending Heaven, the Wondrous Dao, Majestic Transformation, Sacred Benevolence, and Divine Might, belongs to Yuebo, a Daoist stellar deity. He wears a crown that rises toward heaven; his face is pale, and he has large phoenix eyes and three tufts of beard. He wears golden armor and green robes, vermilion shoes, and holds a sword or an iron implement. He rides a white jade dragon. He is also called the Swift Talisman Messenger and True Lord of Great Unity, Illuminating Holiness, Fire and Thunder, Ascending the Dao, and Responding through Transformation.
Talisman for summoning
Summoning incantation
Ega (a ritual expression used when inviting a deity).
Talismans for summoning the two talisman messengers of the Wu kings in the Qingwei tradition
Wu Lie, the Talisman Messenger of the Qingwei Thunderbolt Deity Who Ascends Through Fortune and Upholds Righteousness, appears as a man. He wears a doujian crown ornament, golden armor, and vermilion robes; holds a sword; wears vermilion shoes; and rides a giant dragon.
Wang Lie, the Talisman Messenger of the Thunder Method and Ritual Command, the Deity of Majestic Might Who Shatters Mountains and Splits Stones, appears as a woman. She wears a dragon crown reaching heaven, golden armor, and vermilion robes; wears vermilion shoes; and rides a giant dragon.
Wang Lie, the Talisman Messenger of the Thunder Method and Ritual Command, the Deity of Majestic Might Who Shatters Mountains and Splits Stones, appears as a woman. She wears a dragon crown reaching heaven, golden armor, and vermilion robes; wears vermilion shoes; holds an axe; and rides a great roc.
Talismans for summoning the various chief talisman messengers in the Qingwei tradition
Zhou Xiang, the Swift Talisman Messenger of the Qingwei Thunderbolt Who Ascends to Heaven, has a blue face and three eyes, wears vermilion robes, and holds an axe.
Wang Xiao, the Swift and Mighty Talisman Messenger of the Qingwei Thunderbolt Who Flies to Heaven, has a pale face, wears green robes, and holds a sword.
Yu Ying, the Swift Law Talisman Messenger of the Qingwei Commanding Thunder, has a dignified and imposing appearance and holds a multi-toothed goose-feather saber.
Zhong Liang, the Swift Talisman Messenger of the Qingwei Lettered-Origin Tribulation Thunder, has a crimson face, wears blue robes, and holds a halberd.
Zhang Qi, the Qingwei Messenger of Swiftly Flying Lightning and Returning to the True: dark complexion, red robes, sword in hand.
Yue Liang, the Qingwei Messenger of Abundant Radiance and Swift Illumination: a broad, blessed face, fine long eyebrows, red robes, knife in hand.
Zhao Yi, the Qingwei Messenger of the Immortal Capital who Wields the Command and Swift Flame: complexion like a jujube, large eyes, handsome beard, black robes, axe in hand.
All the messengers above wear tall, upturned headcloths, yellow bands tied across their foreheads, golden armor, and boots.
Invocation:
Gengjie, seize with the sword.
The Qingwei Jade Talisman of the Chongyuan Thunder Command is used for prayer and Daoist ritual practice.
The Wondrous Dao of Qingwei, the Resplendent Writ of the Grotto.
The Qingwei Spirit-Summoning Thunderbolt Square Talisman Messenger, named Zhang.
The Qingwei Spirit-Summoning Talisman Messenger wears a tall, upturned headcloth, a yellow band across the forehead, golden armor, and boots.
Invocation:
Gengjie, seize with the sword.
The Qingwei Jade Talisman of the Chongyuan Thunder Command is used for prayer and Daoist ritual practice.
The Wondrous Dao of Qingwei, the Resplendent Writ of the Grotto.
The Qingwei Spirit-Summoning Thunderbolt Square Talisman Messenger, named Zhang.
The Qingwei Spirit-Summoning Swift Messenger Zhou, named Shuo.
The Qingwei Spirit-Summoning Heaven-Rumbling Flood Messenger, named Qiao.
The Immortal Capital’s Shangyang Flying-Heaven Messenger Zhao, named Bi.
The Immortal Capital’s Shangyang Charging-Across Messenger Xin, named Changchen.
The Immortal Capital’s Shangyang Chongming Martial Messenger, named Bo.
The Great Dharma Generals Huangying and Jiutu, who Guard the Origin, are also included here.
The True Talisman of Huangying and Jiutu.
There are also eight talismans.
The Jade Talisman of Huangying for Pacifying the Earth and Averting Calamity.
The True Talisman of the Three August Ones for Pacifying the Earth Bureau.
Lin Yu, Messenger of the Nine Heavens, Swift and Sure.
Invocation talisman.
Ding Wu, Messenger of the Nine Heavens, Who Examines Destinies.
Invocation talisman.
These two messengers are specifically responsible for conveying commands.
Shang Gaoying, Messenger of the Nine Heavens, Bright and Luminous, of Fierce Origin.
Invocation talisman.
The Great Dharma for Pacifying the Earth under the August Radiance.
The Jade Talisman of Bright Radiance.
The Jade Writ of the August Radiance Grotto Origin.
End of volume seventeen of The Great Dharma of Qingwei’s Primordial Descent.
Volume eighteen of The Great Dharma of Qingwei’s Primordial Descent.
The Jade Talisman of Radiance of The Great Dharma of Qingwei’s Primordial Descent.
The Jade Writ of the August Radiance Grotto Origin.
End of volume seventeen of The Great Dharma of Qingwei’s Primordial Descent.
Volume eighteen of The Great Dharma of Qingwei’s Primordial Descent.
Volume Eighteen of the Great Method of Qingwei’s Primordial Descent records the Thunder Method of the Fire Bells for Ascending to Perfection of the Shangqing Xuandu tradition.
Roster of Commanders
Liu Ming, Great Marshal of the Nine Dipper Yang Radiance Flowing-Gold Fire Bells, commands sixty-four thunder deities.
Invocation Mantra
“Jiefu heng.”
Invocation Fulu
The Shangqing Yuchen Jade Talisman for Hurling Fire and Returning Gold; the Shangqing Flying Bell, Blazing Flames, Great Thunderclap Conjoined Talisman.
Heart Seal and Assisting Seal
The Vermilion Radiance Fire Command, Dongzhang.
Essentials of the Art
The Five Thunders of the High Supreme Divine Empyrean, swift, fierce, surging, and transforming.
Roster of Divine Generals
An Guang, Marshal of Bursting Fire and Burning Flames of the High Supreme Divine Empyrean, wears a lion-crested helmet. His face is red; he wears golden armor and battle boots, and carries a command tablet. A red fire pig follows behind him.
Yang Qi, Marshal of Foul Smoke and Thunderclaps of the High Supreme Divine Empyrean, wears a dragon-headed helmet. His face is fair; he wears golden armor and battle boots, and carries a treasured sword. A black fire dog follows behind him.
There are four Talisman Envoys of the Sky-Rising Blazing Fire of the High Supreme Divine Empyrean: He Liang, with a blue face, carries an axe; Wang Ji, with a golden face, carries a fire wheel; Zhong Xi, with a white face, carries a halberd; and Chu Xin, with a black face, carries an ice chariot. They all wear sky-reaching futou headwear, golden armor over vermilion robes, and black boots, and carry bows and arrows.
Yue Chong, Thunderclap Talisman Envoy of the High Supreme Divine Empyrean, wears sky-reaching futou headwear and a yellow headband around his forehead. Handsome in appearance, he wears golden armor over black robes and battle boots, and carries a long-feathered saber. He commands one hundred thousand thunder deities.
Prayer Talismans and Their Order of Use
The True Talisman of Surging Transformation of the High Supreme Divine Empyrean is used for prayer and ranks first. To activate it, say “Xingyuan.”
The Dongzhang of Cinnabar Transformation of the High Supreme Divine Empyrean ranks second. To activate it, say “Maolie.”
The Primordial Command Scripture of the High Supreme Divine Empyrean ranks third. To activate it, say “Shenwan.”
The Jade Talisman of Reaching Heaven of the High Supreme Divine Empyrean, also called the Talisman for Opening Heaven, ranks fourth.
The talismans and registers are listed above.
The High Prayer Talisman ranks first. To activate it, say “Xingyuan.” The Dongzhang of Cinnabar Transformation of the High Supreme Divine Empyrean ranks second. To activate it, say “Maolie.”
Upper Scripture of the Supreme High Divine Empyrean’s Original Command, Part Three
How to Use the Shenwan Talisman
The “Jade Talisman of the Supreme High Divine Empyrean, Connecting with Heaven” is also called the “Talisman for Opening Heaven.”
The fourth talisman is shown in the diagram above.
“Supreme High Divine Empyrean, Heaven-Soaring Talisman Envoy Lü Zhong, swiftly convey this command upward. When the talisman arrives, carry it out.”
This formula asks the talisman envoy Lü Zhong to convey the command upward without delay and instructs whoever receives it to carry it out immediately.
Jade Scripture of the Divine Radiance of the Supreme High Divine Empyrean, Part Five
How to Use the Xieming Talisman
Sixth command.
Seventh command.
A divine image or command tablet may be made from cypress or catalpa wood. During the day, it is used to dispel evil influences. This command tablet has general use and may also be affixed or hung as a talismanic command in Thunder Rites. It may be used to treat illness, hasten childbirth, or be worn or posted for protection and warding.
Cinnabar Qi.
Wear or post it for protection.
Correct Fire Blocking Talisman.
Seal.
Black Dog Talisman.
Complete.
Summoning Talisman.
Summoning Incantation.
Dun Honglang.
Supreme High Divine Empyrean’s Great Method of the Nine Yangs, Jade Origin, and Five Thunders
Marshal’s Position
Zhao Fu and Wang Hui, Jade Thunder Marshals of the Nine Yangs and Brahma Qi of the Divine Empyrean, appear as great generals. They are responsible for holding talismans and registers and offering prayers.
Ranks of Generals
Jade Origin, Impenetrable Wonder, First Yang, Deified Heavenly Lord Yan Zhong holds a tally.
Jade Origin, Bright Command, Second Yang, Deified Heavenly Lord Fu Yu holds a treasured sword.
Jade Origin, Splendid Excellence, Third Yang, Deified Heavenly Lord Duan Zhong holds a jade tablet.
Jade Origin, Thorough Brightness, Fourth Yang, Deified Heavenly Lord Wang Fang holds an axe.
Jade Origin, Radiant Brilliance, Fifth Yang, Deified Heavenly Lord You Ji holds a tally.
Jade Origin, Harmonious Transformation, Sixth Yang, Deified Heavenly Lord Gao Fu holds a blade.
Jade Origin, Complete Conquest, Seventh Yang, Deified Heavenly Lord Yuan Ping holds a jade casket.
Jade Origin, Abundant Flourishing, Eighth Yang, Deified Heavenly Lord Jie Liang holds a sword.
Jade Origin, Broad Beneficence, Ninth Yang, Deified Heavenly Lord Liu Chang holds a small halberd.
These nine Heavenly Lords have auspicious, benevolent appearances. They wear imperial robes, blue garments, and golden armor, with red shoes.
Jade Origin Thunder-Light Talisman Envoy Hu An.
Liu Chang, the deified Heavenly Lord Hong Jiuyang, wears a tall, sky-reaching headwrap and has a blue face and golden armor. He holds a small halberd.
The nine Divine Kings above have benevolent, auspicious features and wear imperial robes, blue garments, and golden armor, with vermilion shoes.
Hu An, the Jade Origin Thunder Radiance Talisman Envoy, wears a tall, sky-reaching headwrap. He has a blue face and golden armor, wears a vermilion robe and boots, and holds a wild-goose-feather saber.
Invitation talisman.
Invitation incantation.
Lang chong yan.
A talisman for convenient use.
A talisman for sending messages and dispatching swiftly.
The High and Supreme Nine Yang Brahma Qi Jade Talisman of the Empyrean.
Dun ling.
The High and Supreme Nine Yang Brahma Black Cave Register of the Empyrean.
Yu.
The High and Supreme Nine Yang Brahma Upper Scripture of the Empyrean.
Complete.
The Heavenly Register of the High and Supreme Jade Clarity Nine Yang of the Empyrean.
Chen.
The Cavern Register of Harmony and Balance, High and Supreme, of the Empyrean.
Heart seal and assistant seal.
Hong.
The High and Supreme Nine Yang Jade Talisman of the Empyrean.
The Five Thunder Method of Mysterious Unity, Azure Heaven, and Great Nourishing Radiance.
Principal commander deity:
The Jade-Landing Mysterious Brahma Five Thunder Emperor Lord Zhu Qing is an emanation of Guanyin. His inner taboo name is Yuzhuo Tan. He wears a heavenly crown and has the appearance of a heavenly youth. He wears golden armor and a vermilion robe, with vermilion shoes, holds a tally, and rides a jade dragon.
The Great Deity of Mysterious Brahma Thunderclap is an emanation of the Four Jie Emperors. Kong Ji holds an axe, and Yang Tingqing holds a precious sword; Zeng Yuanfang holds a bow and arrows, and Gao Sui holds a saber.
The deities above wear crowns of fire, have blue faces and golden armor, and wear vermilion robes and shoes.
Lin Zhongyuan, the Jade-Landing Flying Mysterious Heavenly Unity Talisman Envoy, is an emanation of Sudhana. Fang holds a bow and arrows, and Gao Sui holds a saber.
The deities above wear crowns of fire, have blue faces and golden armor, and wear vermilion robes and shoes.
Lin Zhongyuan, the Jade-Landing Flying Mysterious Heavenly Unity Talisman Envoy, is an emanation of Sudhana. He wears a tall, sky-reaching headwrap, has a pale face and golden armor, wears a dark robe and a jade belt, and wears boots. He holds a tally.
Invitation talisman.
Invitation incantation.
Li duo zha li hong.
A talisman for convenient use.
Lie.
Secret prayer incantation:
Om □□ nie □.
The Pure Tenuity Cavern Mystery Jade Talisman.
Qin.
The Jade-Landing Perfected Communion Upper Scripture; use swiftly.
Dao.
Heart incantation:
Ji li dong suo po he.
Urge the Yuanjing talisman to manifest its efficacy.
The Wuyang Lihei Five Thunders method of the Jade Clarity tradition can summon clouds and bring rain, direct cloud Qi, command dragons and spirits, and pray for manifest efficacy.
Commanders and generals: the Flying-Heaven Wuyang Lihei Great Spirits Fang Qing, Ge Ying, Qi Yun, Wang Liang, and Shi Xie.
The Lihei talisman may be written in vermilion on incense or written on paper; either method can be used.
Scripture of Strategies for the Six Jia Troops of Primordial Beginning’s Cavernous Illumination
The Six Jia divine generals:
On Jiazi day, the Great Spirit of Cavernous Illumination, He Xun; on Jiaxu day, the Great Spirit of Cavernous Clarity, Zhang Shu; on Jiashen day, the Great Spirit of Cavernous Brilliance, Lü Wu; on Jiawu day, the Great Spirit of Cavernous Prosperity, Xu (the name is damaged in the original); on Jiachen day, the Great Spirit of Cavernous Wisdom, Gao Yi; and on Jiayin day, the Great Spirit of Cavernous Vastness, Wang Hui.
When using the Six Jia talismans, first burn incense. The talisman lists Zhang Shu, the Great Spirit of Cavernous Clarity on Jiaxu day; Lü Wu, the Great Spirit of Cavernous Brilliance on Jiashen day; Xu, the Great Spirit of Cavernous Prosperity on Jiawu day (the name is damaged in the original); Gao Yi, the Great Spirit of Cavernous Wisdom on Jiachen day; and Wang Hui, the Great Spirit of Cavernous Vastness on Jiayin day. After burning incense, write the talisman in vermilion to summon them and pray for manifest efficacy.
Writ for the Six Ding Who Pursue Thunder and Subdue Dragons, Primordial Beginning’s Numinous Origin
The Six Ding divine generals:
The Jade Maiden Yan Yan of Dingmao, the Jade Maiden Deng Shou of Dingchou, the Jade Maiden Wu Xuan of Dinghai, the Jade Maiden Kong Guan of Dingyou, the Jade Maiden Shi Zai of Dingwei, and the Jade Maiden Lei Cheng of Dingsi.
First write the Six Ding talisman in vermilion, then burn incense. Use it to summon the divine generals and pray that they cut down rebellion, dispel calamities, avert misfortune, and manifest their efficacy.
Urge the talisman.
End of Volume Eighteen of the Great Method of Qingwei’s Primordial Descent.
Volume Nineteen of the Great Method of Qingwei’s Primordial Descent
Great Method of the Five Thunders of Purple Void’s Cavernous Radiance
Thunder spirits of the five cardinal mountain peaks:
Mao Yin, the azure-Qi thunder spirit of Mount Guangfu in the east; Xue Bi, the red-Qi thunder spirit of Mount Guangyou in the south; Zhang Zhong, the white-Qi thunder spirit of Mount Guanghan in the west; Lin Shike, the black-Qi thunder spirit of Mount Guangwu in the north; and Zhao Bian, the yellow-Qi thunder spirit of Mount Guangwei at the center.
Each of the above commands ten thousand thunder spirits. The text later again identifies Zhang Zhong as the white-Qi thunder spirit of Mount Guanghan in the west.
The Black Qi (black-colored vital energy) Thunder God of Guangwu Mountain in the north is Lin Shike; the Yellow Qi (yellow-colored vital energy) Thunder God of Guangwei Mountain in the center is Zhao Bian. Each commands ten thousand Thunder Gods. These Thunder Gods can appear between the Nine Heavens (the celestial realm) and the Nine Earths (the underworld). Only one or two examples are briefly recorded here; consult the relevant sources carefully when using them.
The master said: In the Divine Empyrean, they are called the “Five Generals of Thunder and Fire”; in the Azure Empyrean, the “Lords Who Set Thunder in Motion”; in the Jade Green Empyrean, the “Kings Who Slay Thunder in the Five Directions”; in the Cinnabar Empyrean, the “Talisman Envoys Who Command Thunder”; in the Jade Empyrean, the “Envoys of the Jade Department Who Raise Thunder”; in the Lapis Empyrean, the “Great Gods Who Harmonize Thunder in the Five Directions”; in the Great Empyrean, the “Envoys Who Harmonize and Examine the Five Thunders in the Five Directions”; in the Radiant Empyrean, the “Envoys Who Pursue Thunder in the Five Directions”; and in the Purple Empyrean, the “Envoys Who Search for Dragons in the Five Directions.”
Among mountains, rivers, waters, and lands, they are called the “Envoys of Savage Thunder of the Five Mountains.” Among the roaming spirits, they are called the “Great Gods Who Raise the Five Chang as One.” When traveling by day, they are the “Roaming Spirits of the Five Directions”; when traveling by night, the “Lords of the Five Flying Spirits.” In heaven, they are the “Envoys of Savage Thunder of the Five Directions”; among the roaming spirits, they are also called the “Great Gods Who Raise the Five Chang as One.” By day, they are the “Roaming Spirits of the Five Directions”; by night, the “Lords of the Five Flying Spirits.” In heaven, they also correspond to the Five Stars; on earth, they are the Chief Envoys of the Five Sacred Peaks; within military encampments, they are the Lords of the Five-Colored Earth. These five deities enter and leave hidden, unfathomable realms, their comings and goings beyond prediction. The teachings transmitted by the master should be used with care and recorded in detail.
Jade Clarity Thunder Origin Cavern Chapter
Highest Clarity: Qionghua’s Five Thunders for Seizing Dragons
Thunder Gods of the Black Dragon
First Qi, Mighty Dragon Senior General Wang Sheng; Second Qi, Mighty Dragon Senior General Qiu Xun; Third Qi, Mighty Dragon Senior General Su Yuzhong; Fourth Qi, Mighty Dragon Senior General (name partly missing); Fifth Qi, Mighty Dragon Senior General Zhang Kangbo; Sixth Qi, Mighty Dragon Senior General Zhao Yin; Seventh Qi, Mighty Dragon Senior General Gao Yan; Eighth Qi, Mighty Dragon Senior General Ou Yiwen; Ninth Qi, Mighty Dragon Senior General Gan Gong.
Each commands a Great God of the Black Dragon and its subordinates, and has authority over the various Dragon Gods. Should any Dragon God disobey orders, the senior general immediately goes to pursue and capture it.
Cavern Chapter for Summoning and Commanding Dragons by the Jade Dawn: General Purpose
The Primordial Beginning’s Mighty and Manifest Divine Command of the Five Thunders
Divine Offices
Deng Xie, the great deity who oversees the laws and commands of the Thunder Department, is titled the Celestial Lord of Crimson Heaven, the Flame Emperor. He commands the many gods of thunder.
Under his command are the Great Deity of the Black Dragon and his retinue, who oversee the various Dragon Gods. If any deity fails to carry out an order, the Senior General immediately investigates and takes that deity into custody.
The “Jade Dawn Dragon-Cavern Petition” is used to summon and command deities. The “Primordial Beginning’s Majestic Command to the Five Thunders” is the divine edict that governs the Five Thunders.
Divine Offices
Great Deity who presides over the laws and commands of thunder, Deng Xie, Celestial Lord of Crimson Heaven, the Flame Emperor;
Great Deity who promulgates the laws of thunder, Shang Dan, Celestial Lord of Heavenly Mystery and True Response;
Great Deity who issues the true commands of thunder, Zhuo Yuanjian, Celestial Lord of Numina’s Return and Manifest Restoration;
Great Deity who spreads the commands of thunder, Zhao Yan, Celestial Lord who Returns to Heaven and Upholds the Law;
Great Deity who proclaims the commands of the thunder helmet, Xiong Anfu, Celestial Lord of Resplendent Bearing and Returning Manifestation;
Great Deity who issues thunder’s mighty decrees, Song Xingyuan, Celestial Lord of Renewed Brightness and Awe-Inspiring Punishment;
Great Deity who carries out the commands of thunder and fire, Shi Fu, Celestial Lord of Longevity and Preservation of the Origin;
Great Deity who assists the pivot of thunder’s commands, Ren Guang, Celestial Lord of True Might, Thunder, and Fire;
Great Deity who oversees and manifests the commands of thunder, Liu Zong, Celestial Lord who Brightly Supports the Inner Realm;
Great Deity who administers thunder’s punitive commands, Dou Pichu, Celestial Lord of the Thunder Pivot and Thunderbolt Mechanism;
Great Deity who issues urgent commands from the Thunder Palace, Yang Ji, Celestial Lord who Overturns the Seas and Topples the Peaks;
Great Deity who wields the fierce commands of thunder and fire, Zheng Yuwen, Celestial Lord of Yin’s Origin and Yang’s Numina.
All these deities appear with imperial bearing, wearing deep-red ceremonial robes and carrying precious swords. Some wear flame-shaped crowns; their faces are blue-black, their bodies clad in golden armor, and their feet shod in boots. They hold drills and hammers and carry thunder chariots on their backs—ritual implements or divine vehicles symbolizing the power of thunder.
“Primordial Beginning’s Majestic, Brilliant Command: Cavern Petition” is the title of the related divine edict and petition text.
The Hidden Brahmā Dispatch of the Numina by the Original Beginning is a section of talismans used in Daoist Thunder Rites to command divine generals and perform ritual arts. “Nine-Heavenly Taiyi Smoke Capital Five Thunders” refers to a system of divine generals associated with the Five Thunders method.
The “Marshal Roster” names the chief commanders: the Divine Radiance of the Northern Emperor, Marshal Luo Yuanzha of the Great Heavenly Canopy, and Deng Bowen, the Great God of Swift Fire and Command. The “Generals’ Roster” names the various Celestial Lords and talisman envoys, including Cai Yuan, Jin Ming, Xin Zhi, Su Yuanzhang, Chen Qing, Zhang Zhao, Jiang Lin, Bi Deyuan, and Cheng Anfu, the Swift Talisman Envoy. These are the names of deities summoned and commanded during ritual ceremonies.
Next comes a list of Thunder Rites talismans and ritual documents, including the Jade Talisman of Jade Clarity for Raising Thunder and Shaking the Heavens, the Fierce Thunder Fire Talisman, the Flame Command Gold Talisman, the Trust Talisman, the Thunder Fire Talisman, the Lightning Flash Talisman, the Talisman for Preserving Life, the Commanding Talisman, the Nine-Heavens One Qi Cavern and Jade Document, the Cavern Document of Taiyi’s Primordial Tribulation and Thunderous Arising, and the Jade Clarity Cavern’s Luminous One Qi Primordial Method. “Talisman” refers to a ritual charm written and used in ceremonies; “document” refers to the corresponding ritual or magical text.
Under “Divine Positions,” the text lists Guan Huaqin, the True Lord of Thunder, Wind, and Heaven’s Movement, along with five divine generals: Shi Huang, the General of Thunder, Wind, and Heaven’s Movement; Kang Yongwei, the Great General; Zhu Kunchen, the Envoy; and Zhou Yueqing, the Merit Officer. The text explains that these five deities are arranged in order from bottom to top and are specifically invoked to raise a powerful wind.
The final headings, “Invocation Incantation,” “Luminous Direct Illumination,” and “Invocation Talisman,” provide instructions related to summoning deities, reciting incantations, and using talismans in the ritual.
Qi Talismans (ritual methods combining the use of Qi with talismans and registers)
Great Method of the Primordial Descent of Qingwei, Volume Nineteen, complete
Great Method of the Primordial Descent of Qingwei, Volume Twenty
Taiyi Blazing Radiance Five Thunders
Also called “Taiyi,” and also known as the “Divine Thunder of the Might-Transforming Fire Court.”
The revered master said: “The Taiyi method is divided into twelve gates. They operate according to the directions and are distributed among sixty palaces, overseeing the calamities and blessings associated with the sixty sexagenary cycles, formed by combining the ten Heavenly Stems and twelve Earthly Branches. ‘Blazing Radiance’ means brilliant, blazing light that shines through all things. Nothing between Heaven and Earth can remain unseen; wherever there is a response, communication is possible. Its efficacy is striking, and its divine power is beyond measure.”
Divine Offices
Taiyi Yingling Firelight Zhenhua Heavenly Lord Zhu Lang, also known as Zhuang Yao, symbolizes Mars. He appears in the form of Mars and holds a precious sword or rides a chariot of fire.
Taiyi Mysterious Fortune Flying Through the Sky Thunder-Booming True Lord Xun Guang, also known as Zhu Biao, symbolizes the comet-like celestial bodies called bo in ancient times. He wears a celestial crown, has three eyes and a green face, and is clad in golden armor with yellow robes and shoes. In his left hand he holds a fire pearl; in his right, a sword.
Shangqing Blazing Radiance, Might-Transforming Dongzhang
Used in ritual services for healing illness, hastening childbirth, repelling disruptive earth energies and pacifying dwellings, and eliminating evil spirits. The scripture then lists auspicious and inauspicious times, summoning talismans, summoning incantations, and related instructions.
Taiyi Five Thunders
Divine Offices
Taiyi Five Thunders Chief General Marshal Wu Qiao.
Taiyi Five Thunders Radiant Light Senior General Zhu Xing.
Shangqing Secret Method of the Xun Office for Raising Thunder
Divine Offices
Thunder Court Fierce Officer, Commander-in-Chief Marshal, Jade Office True Lord Xin Zhongyi.
Thunder Duke Senior Minister, Yang Order Heavenly Lord Jiang Hechong.
Lightning Mother Purple Radiance Yin Origin Primordial Lady Xiu Wenying.
Wind Earl Flying, Soaring, Fierce Order Heavenly Lord Fang Daozhang.
Rain Master Sweet Dew, Pure Spirit Heavenly Lord Chen Huafu.
Eastern Nine Qi Might-Transforming Thunder King Ma Yu.
The Southern Three Qi (the three kinds of primordial energy of the south): Thunder King Yan Yi Yong, Guo Yuanjing;
The Western Seven Qi (the seven kinds of primordial energy of the west): Thunder King Haohua, Tian Yuanzong;
The Northern Five Qi (the five kinds of primordial energy of the north): Thunder King Boyan, Deng Gongchen;
The Central One Qi (the one kind of primordial energy of the center): Thunder King Guangyun, Fang Zhonggao;
The Thunderclap Swift-Response Talisman Envoy, Zhang Wubo.
All the divine generals above wear the appropriate colors of clothing according to the customary ritual form.
Talisman for summoning the Eleven Celestial Lords.
The Central One Qi, Thunder King Guangyun, Fang Zhonggao;
The Thunderclap Swift-Response Talisman Envoy, Zhang Wubo.
All the divine generals above wear the appropriate colors of clothing according to the customary ritual form.
Talisman for summoning the Eleven Celestial Lords.
Jade Talisman of Jade Purity for Raising Thunder through Brahma’s Dark Transformation;
Great Thunderbolt Talisman of Jade Purity’s Brahma Radiance and Great Rosy Clouds;
Jade Capital Token Talisman;
Dragon-Summoning Talisman;
Sea-Turning Talisman;
Evil-Clearing Talisman;
Healing Talisman;
Childbirth-Accelerating Talisman;
Talisman for expelling a dead fetus;
Talisman for commanding the myriad spirits.
The Five Thunders of the Jade Palace in the Xun Directional Palace of Highest Clarity.
Jade Talisman of Jade Purity for Raising Thunder [illegible];
Precious Talisman of Highest Clarity for Raising Thunder;
Heart Seal of Wind and Thunder, and its Auxiliary Seal;
Heaven of the Jade Palace;
Weapons B, wealth gui zheng x.
Inner Inscription of Jade Purity’s Xun Radiance;
Thunderous Command of Wind and Thunder, a Dongzhang chapter.
The spirit seats of the Thunder Gods of the Nine Heavens:
True Lord of Bright and Fierce Power in the Divine Empyrean, Shang Fu;
True Lord of Bright and Fierce Power in the Lang Empyrean, Deng Zhao;
True Lord of Bright and Fierce Power in the Purple Empyrean, Zhang Yuan;
True Lord of Bright and Fierce Power in the Great Empyrean, An Chun;
True Lord of Bright and Fierce Power in the Azure Empyrean, Long Qing;
True Lord of Bright and Fierce Power in the Jade-Green Empyrean, Wang Cheng;
True Lord of Bright and Fierce Power in the Crimson Empyrean, Guan Fu;
True Lord of Bright and Fierce Power in the Radiant Empyrean, Zhao Kou;
True Lord of Bright and Fierce Power in the Jade Empyrean, Yang Fang;
Talisman Envoy of Vast Fierce Power, Soaring through the Brahma Heavens of the Nine Empyreans, Yue Quan.
Summoning Talisman;
Summoning Incantation.
Yin Ming Zha Lü Yu.
Dongzhang Chapter for Uniting and Transforming the Nine Empyreans.
Lord Wang Cheng;
True Lord of Bright and Fierce Power in the Crimson Empyrean, Guan Fu;
True Lord of Bright and Fierce Power in the Radiant Empyrean, Zhao Kou;
True Lord of Bright and Fierce Power in the Jade Empyrean, Yang Fang;
Talisman Envoy of Vast Fierce Power, Soaring through the Brahma Heavens of the Nine Empyreans, Yue Quan.
Summoning Talisman;
Summoning Incantation.
Yin Ming Zha Lü Yu.
Dongzhang Chapter for Uniting and Transforming the Nine Empyreans.
True Lord of Mysterious Unity of Dongyang, Ai.
The Perfected Lord Dongyin Mingyi holds a torch.
The Five Thunder Flashing Spirit Envoy Shuyang, Yang Jie, has a blue face and holds a treasured sword. The Five Thunder Awe-inspiring Envoy Langhui, Song Guang, has a pale face and holds a great axe.
Incense Offering Talisman
Yang Talisman, Yin Talisman
Three Caverns’ Essential Generals
The High General Chongling Zhaoyun, the High General Chonghua Dongjing, Huang Ning, and the High General Chonggao Maoling, Liu Fang. If these divine generals are urgently summoned and petitioned, they will respond.
Three Caverns Imperial Spirit Cavern Inscription
Shangqing Unified Origin Cavern Inscription
Shangqing Divine Command Cavern Inscription
End of Volume Twenty of The Great Method of Pure and Clear Primordial Descent.
Volume Twenty-One of The Great Method of Qingwei Primordial Descent
Qingwei Method of Summoning
Take a sheet of yellow paper and write “Shangqing Unified Origin Cavern Inscription” and “Shangqing Divine Command Cavern Inscription” on it.
Use a piece of yellow paper nine inches high and four inches wide. Whether the weather is clear, rainy, windy, or thundery, recite the invocation as you wish, from the heart and mouth, and command a talisman envoy to carry the talisman. Then place it on the incense and burn it.
Rain-Inviting Talisman
When inviting rain, I, your servant, [name], shall carry out the rite.
Clear-Sky-Inviting Talisman
When inviting clear skies, I, your servant, [name], shall carry out the rite.
General Urging Talisman: Used for inviting rain.
When urging on the clouds, I, your servant, [name], shall carry out the rite.
For the three talismans listed above, first visualize and recite the Qi of the character “□”; burn them only after completing this.
Retinue of Generals for the Rite
The Yang Thunder Divine Lord Changquan wears a Celestial Crown. His face is pale blue, like jade. He wears golden armor and a black robe, a jade belt, and vermilion shoes, and holds an iron axe.
The Yin Thunder Divine Lord Mue wears a Celestial Crown and has a fair complexion. She wears golden armor and a deep red robe, with vermilion shoes, and holds a treasured sword. Flames flow around her.
Visualize these two divine lords standing upon shen dragons—mythical dragon-shaped beasts—and leading ninety million deities of the Thunder Bureau.
Yang Thunder Summoning Talisman
Yin Thunder Summoning Talisman
Heart Inscription for Summoning
(“Rain ten fu”) (“Rain ten ji”) (“Rain ten ming”): recite these in your heart, and the response will come naturally.
Healing Talisman
Yang Thunder Summoning Talisman and Yin Thunder Summoning Talisman: These talismans are used to summon Yang Thunder and Yin Thunder. The original text gives no specific instructions for their use.
Heart-Summoning Chapter: This talisman chapter is used in a ritual for “summoning the heart.” The text that follows says, “(rain-ten-repeat) (rain-ten-record) (rain-ten-bright), recite in the heart, and a response will come.” This means that reciting these talisman characters or formulas silently in the heart will bring a response.
Healing Talisman: To take the talisman, place a needle in an oil lamp, burn the talisman paper, then swallow it with jujube decoction.
Childbirth-Easing Talisman: During labor, roll the talisman into a pill and swallow it with a mild vinegar drink.
Worn Talisman: Fold yellow paper into a square patch, write the talisman on the back, and stamp both the front and back. Make a pouch from silk and wear it.
Front-and-Back Stamping: This means stamping both the front and back of the talisman.
Pacifying Talisman: Write the talisman on thick gold-colored or yellow paper, then stamp it below.
Convenience Talisman: Used to pray for rain or fair weather. During the ritual, the petitioner must provide their name in writing. Use a sheet of yellow paper two chi wide, fold it into four sections, and write one Convenience Talisman in cinnabar on each section. After cutting them apart, stamp the petitioner’s name with the “Thunderclap Contract Seal.” A “Contract Seal” is a seal used on talismans and documents in Daoist rituals.
Lofty Jade Clarity, Cavern-Mystery and Subtlety, Profound Chapter of the Empyrean Heaven: This is the name of a chapter. The original text records a “Heart Seal of the Lofty Empyrean Heaven, Jade Clarity, Cavern-Mystery Chapter” beneath it, and says that this seal governs sixty characters.
Sixty-Character Talisman for Commanding and Employing Spirits of the Jade Clarity, Cavern-Mystery, Profound Chapter: This is the name of a talisman for commanding and employing spirits, whose content consists of the sixty characters of the “Jade Clarity, Cavern-Mystery, Profound Chapter.” “Commanding and employing” refers to directing and making use of divine generals or spirits. The chapter name, heart seal, and talisman name are repeated later in the original text.
Jade Clarity Register for Examining Spirits and Joining with Illumination
Monthly Generals on Duty
Deng governs the four months of Zi, Chou, Yin, and Mao. Xin governs the four months of Chen, Si, Wu, and Wei. Zhang governs the four months of Shen, You, Xu, and Hai. Cheng Zhi takes turns governing the twelve two-hour periods of each day and night.
Fire Command Talisman Envoys
The talisman envoy for the Zi period is called Bi Yuanming; for Chou, Lou Yuanfang; for Yin, Wei Yuanliang; for Mao, Shen Yuanda; for Chen, Zhu Yuanheng; for Si, Xu Yuanshou; for Wu, Ji Yuanzhen; for Wei, Zhang Yuantao; for Shen, Fang Yuande; for You, Lei Yuanzhu; for Xu, Tian Yuanrong; and for Hai, Wei Yuanji.
All the envoys have imposing figures. They wear black caps, golden armor, black robes, and golden belts; each bears a seal and holds an axe.
The Five Directions’ Thunder Ranks
The East belongs to azure Qi and Wood Thunder, governed by the Jia-Yi Divine Lord Song Xiansheng, courtesy name Wenyuan. He wears a heavenly crown and has a commanding appearance. He is dressed in golden armor and a deep red robe, with a golden belt and black shoes. He holds a thunder drill and carries a thunder chariot on his back.
The South belongs to red Qi and Fire Thunder, governed by the Bing-Ding Divine Lord Long Guang, courtesy name Yaozhong. He wears a heavenly crown and has a commanding appearance. He is dressed in golden armor, a yellow robe, and black shoes, and holds a long axe.
The West belongs to white Qi and Metal Thunder, governed by the Geng-Xin Divine Lord Zhou Fang, courtesy name Xing Shen. His attire is the same as described above, and he holds a precious sword.
The North belongs to black Qi and Water Thunder, governed by the Ren-Gui Divine Lord Wu Chong, courtesy name Puyuan. He wears golden armor and a blue-green robe, and holds a water wheel. His other attire is the same as described above.
The Center belongs to yellow Qi and Earth Thunder, governed by the Wu-Ji Divine Lord Wang Yunxin, courtesy name Liangchen. He wears golden armor and holds a fire-throwing wheel. His other attire is the same as described above.
The names listed above form a register for checking which Thunder deities take their turns over a ten-year cycle. In any given year, the corresponding year deity exercises actual governance.
Cavern Chapter
Your appointed-position minister, surnamed [name omitted].
Following the prescribed ritual format, respectfully state the purpose of this matter, submit it under the authority of the celestial writings, and petition for the summoning and dispatch of divine generals.
Leave three lines blank at the top of the talisman paper.
This talisman is used to summon a certain divine general. The general is to answer the summons and manifest its efficacy on a specified day and hour this month. It must be carried out with all due speed.
“Dongzhang”
The minister [name], invested with ritual authority, respectfully states the purpose of this matter, submits it under the authority of the celestial writings, and petitions for the summoning and dispatch of divine generals.
Leave three lines blank at the top of the talisman paper.
This talisman is used to summon a certain divine general. The general is to answer the summons and manifest its efficacy on a specified day and hour this month. It must be carried out with all due speed.
Issued on [year, month, day, and hour].
The minister [name], invested with ritual authority, receives this mandate and carries it out as commanded.
Arrange the seats of the masters (set out the ancestral masters’ spirit tablets).
Prayer talisman.
Purification talisman (used to remove impurity and cleanse the ritual altar).
Shangqing Jade Pivot Thunder-Rousing Talisman (a talisman in the Shangqing Jade Pivot method for rousing thunder).
Yingying, Marshal, Honggong, Great Spirit, (rain ten circles), Distant Envoy.
The Five Thunders Envoys’ Office, Sectional Bureau.
Write this talisman first, then summon the wind and thunder.
This talisman is used to summon a certain divine general to carry out orders.
By the talismanic mandate issued by Primordial Beginning, proclaim and bring a certain matter to fulfillment. May it manifest and be confirmed at a specified place on a specified day and hour this month. Respectfully await confirmation from the celestial realm. It must be carried out with all due speed.
Issued for execution on [year, month, day, and hour].
I respectfully dispatch a certain envoy to convey the order.
Arrange the seats of the masters (set out the ancestral masters’ spirit tablets).
Here, use a longer sheet of dispatch paper. Write the text in ink and draw the talisman in cinnabar.
Cover talisman.
The minister [name], invested with ritual authority, respectfully seals this document.
On the back of the cover:
Issued on [year, month, day, and hour].
When using this talisman, first write the talisman and summon a certain envoy to convey the order.
Arrange the seats of the masters (set out the ancestral masters’ spirit tablets).
Here, use a longer sheet of dispatch paper. Write the text in ink and draw the talisman in cinnabar.
Cover talisman.
The minister [name], invested with ritual authority, respectfully seals this document.
On the back of the cover:
Issued on [year, month, day, and hour].
Whenever this talisman is used, first write it and summon a divine general; the general then carries the talisman to convey the order.
Credential talisman (a talisman serving as proof of authority when conveying an order).
Used to summon the four envoys listed below; it may also be used to summon divine generals.
Respectfully summon a certain divine general. The talisman must be carried out with all due speed. By official dispatch, summon the Jade Pivot general and have him hasten to the ritual altar. Dispatched on [month, day, and hour].
Wang Xin, Jade Pivot Envoy of the Cavern of Clarity, who attends to the year,
Wu Lie, Jade Pivot Envoy of the Cavern of Radiance, who attends to the month,
Shang Wei, Jade Pivot Envoy of the Cavern of Numinosity, who attends to the day.
Tang Jing is the numinous messenger in charge of the Jade Pivot, who conveys commands at the appointed times.
These four messengers are charged with delivering various documents and proclamations. Whenever a task is undertaken, only one of them is sent.
The Inner Method of the Western Numinous Realm of Shangqing, Vastly Sagely and Revering the Mysterious
Chief Commander
The True Lord of the Grotto of Harmony, Zhao Gongming, who Supports Heaven, is Vastly Sagely and Reveres the Mysterious. He wears a heavenly crown, has a red face and triangular eyes, and bears a handsome beard. He is clad in golden armor and vermilion shoes, carries a treasured sword, and is accompanied by a black tiger.
Deputy Generals
Yu Liang, the Talisman Envoy of the Left Guard, Vastly Fierce and Surging as a Mound, has a blue face and wears vermilion robes.
Song Wei, the Talisman Envoy of the Right Auxiliary, Vastly Fierce and Surging to Heaven, has a red face and wears black robes.
Both envoys wear crossed-foot futou headgear, with the two flaps crossed upward, and red forehead bands. They wear golden armor and cloud boots, and each carries a treasured sword.
The Heavenly Guards and Majestic Fierce Grand Radiance Senior Generals Lu Wan, Hui Qi, Shi Wu, Liang Jie, Kong Yan, and Chang Xin all have blue faces. They wear ancient helmets and iron armor, are dressed as great generals, and each carries a dragon-chopping saber.
Ge Chong, the Talisman Envoy who Leads the Righteous and Flies through the Mysterious, is an Auxiliary of Heaven. His hair hangs loose, his face is black, and he has five eyes arranged lengthwise. He wears golden armor over ordinary clothes, goes barefoot, and carries a ritual tally.
Invocation Incantation
Danqin Dìyu.
Summoning Talisman for Generals
The Golden Talisman for Connecting with the Mysterious of Shangqing.
After burning incense, offer a prayer over the talisman according to what you desire in your heart; the matter will then respond and come to pass.
Talisman for Urgent Summoning
Talisman for Commanding Auxiliary Generals
Invocation Incantation
Dunling.
Dispersing Calamities and Averting Misfortune
This talisman is used to submit a memorial concerning a matter: the True Lord Zhao Chang, who Supports Heaven, is Vastly Sagely and Harmonious, specially bestows his command and orders a certain general to … Await a clear report. Once the talisman arrives, carry out the command immediately.
Issued in the year, month, day, and hour of a certain Tai Sui cycle.
Submitted in memorial concerning a matter: the True Lord Zhao Chang, who Supports Heaven, is Vastly Sagely and Harmonious, specially bestows his command and orders a certain general to … Await a clear report. Once the talisman arrives, carry out the command immediately.
Issued in the year, month, day, and hour of a certain Tai Sui cycle.
With due reverence, dispatch a certain talisman envoy to convey the report upward.
The Inner Instructions of the Western Numinous Realm of Shangqing, Vastly Sagely and Revering the Mysterious.
During practice, first settle and center the mind and spirit, making stillness and purity the chief aim. Once quiet, silently recite in the heart:
“Heaven and earth are mysterious and wondrous; the Primordial Beginning (the ‘sun’ within the sun and moon), Yin-Yang (the ‘moon’ within the moon); thunder and mystery stand guard. Turning upward, they rise and flourish; the pivotal mechanism—the crucial secret—gives forth luminous Qi.”
After reciting, visualize the Qi in the heart, the vital energy of Daoist teaching, streaming from the body’s thirty-six thousand pores like fine rain and dense mist. It is also like blue clouds and golden light, gathering into a clear Fulu, then returning to the heart.
Precious Chapter for Setting Thunder in Motion
At the beginning of chaos, there was no form. A single Qi gave birth to all things. Heaven and earth were opened, and thunder began to move. It covers and nurtures the vast heavens. Hong, [missing character], heng. Yin and Yang unite; the sun and moon race swiftly. Ji nu shi na, zhi xia ju chen. Between breaths, the spirits arrive: gu po xiang jing. They embrace and harmonize, dissolving conflict; wind and fire roar into motion. Chong ying shu huang; the immeasurable face toward the palace gates. Splendor above, protection below; mountains, seas, rivers, and streams are brought to peace. Jing wu ji lu; the true command returns to its source. Recite and uphold it once, and you can stride through the sky. Haste, haste, as commanded by
the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning.
Recite it once, and the Azure Emperor will bow and heed your command. To command thunder and lightning is as easy as turning over your hand.
Daily Recitation Mantra
Gu gu jing jin jie xie.
Shenxiao Chongxuan Western Prohibition Method
Chief Commander:
Recite it once, and the Azure Emperor will bow and heed your command. To command thunder and lightning is as easy as turning over your hand.
Daily Recitation Mantra
Gu gu jing jin jie xie.
Shenxiao Chongxuan Western Prohibition Method
Chief Commander:
The Divine Swift Upper General of the Cloud Road of the Nine Heavens of Taixuan, True Lord Zhao, has a dignified and solemn bearing and is also called Gongming. He resembles Immortal Sun. He wears a hat with ox ears, has handsome features and a beard, and wears a red robe, a jade belt, and white silk shoes. A black tiger follows behind him.
Direct Talisman
The Great General He Conglong, who unites the five directions, has the appearance of a Direct Talisman spirit general.
Invocation Mantra
Om yi she.
Invocation Talisman
Commanding Talisman
Secret Mantra
[Missing character] zi wa wu wan mao [missing character] you [missing character] shen.
Langyuan Jingdao Dongzhang.
This concludes Volume 21 of the Great Method of Qingwei’s Primordial Descent. Volume 22 is titled “The Nine Characters of the Qingwei Shenxiao Fanhei Biling Wonderful Pivot.”
When engaging in visualization, imagine a divine general arriving from the east, wearing a futou headpiece and a purple robe.
The Nine Characters of Qingwei Shenxiao Fanhei Biling Miaoshu
When engaging in visualization, imagine a divine general arriving from the east, wearing a futou headpiece and a purple robe, fastened with a gold belt, and holding a golden tray. On the tray is a character shining with golden light. Draw it toward you, write it down, and then stamp it onto various Fulu (talismans and registers). These nine characters have the same function: they are the Jade Emperor’s hidden taboo names.
The Scripture of the Primordial Beginning’s Single Qi
Used for prayer, healing, dispelling evil, and hastening childbirth, it can bring anything to pass.
The Talisman of the Primordial Beginning’s Single Qi
It responds whenever used and can bring anything to pass.
The Talisman for Commanding the Thunder of the Three Qi and Three Realms
The Wondrous Scripture of the Primordial Beginning’s Single Qi
This talisman is used to marshal the Brahma-Clear luminous Qi and to govern all the heavens.
The Talisman of the Celestial Lord of Wondrous Dao and Transformation, Primordial Beginning’s Single Qi, and the Marshal of Dongqing Cave
Its flying secret taboo name is “Changsheng.”
This deity is the ruler of the mind-spirit. Reciting his hidden taboo name and using his talisman brings an immediate response.
Qi
The Primordial Beginning’s single Qi is the root of the Qi of all things. From it arise the myriad forms and the Three Luminaries; primordial Qi circulates and moves, driving generation and transformation. Ancestral Qi moves at the root of Heaven and resonates with all thunder, serving the needs of Zhaijiao (purification rituals), other ritual services, and the Three Powers of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity.
This talisman is used for prayer, healing, dispelling evil, and hastening childbirth. It is also used in lian du, rites for delivering the dead, and ba shu, rescuing and redeeming departed souls, as well as in gathering and controlling spirits in mountains, rivers, and tombs, so that requests may be fulfilled. The talisman governs all the myriad spirits of the Three Realms. Matters both great and small can be made to respond immediately as one wishes. Those who practice Daoist methods or thunder rites and obtain this secret name should devote themselves to carrying it out. By using this talisman to govern all affairs, no method is beyond reach. Anyone who carelessly discloses it or uses it negligently will face the corresponding punishment under the precepts.
General-Purpose Talismans for Prayer
The twelve double-hour designations.
Talismans for prayer and hastening.
First focus the mind above, then turn the talisman paper over and write the text on its reverse. Begin with the sixth talisman, then write the others in sequence up to the first. As you write, urgently summon the powers of wind, clouds, thunder, rain, lightning, snow, hail, clear skies, dragons, and thunderbolts. This method applies to all kinds of situations.
The text for activating the talisman is written on its reverse.
True Thunderbolt Talisman
This may be used by burning or ingesting the talisman to treat illness and drive away evil spirits. It may also be used to suppress or affix in place, and is generally suitable for all purposes.
Shangqing Spirit-Transformed Talisman for Elevating and Appointing the City God
To be endorsed and carried out by a designated person.
The talisman described here is to be used whenever dispatching documents or commands to the various gods. Before affixing it, first present a formal dispatch from the Office of the Commissioner of the City God, naming the presiding official of the City God’s office at the relevant location.
Wind and Thunder Immediate Response Talisman
Use it in six strokes. It may be used to pray for clear skies, rain, or wind, and to entreat the gods to respond swiftly.
Numinous Writ of the Void
The Numinous Writ of the Void was transmitted from the Great Void.
The dragon gods of the heavens and the presiding spirits of the Three Realms must all obey the command. Those who defy it will have their corpses cut down. Hasten to carry out the calamity decree of the Thunder Patriarch, the Jade Pure Emperor.
The method recorded here is to write golden characters in the sky with one’s gaze, visualizing them growing larger and gathering together. The ritual master should regularly recite the “Chaos Incantation.”
The dragon gods of the heavens and the presiding spirits of the Three Realms must all obey the command. Those who defy it will have their corpses cut down. Hasten to carry out the calamity decree of the Thunder Patriarch, the Jade Pure Emperor.
The method recorded here is to write golden characters in the sky with one’s gaze, visualizing them growing larger and gathering together. The ritual master should regularly hold fast to these five characters.
Ritual Pattern for the Qingwei Eight-Trigram Altar Prostration
Shangqing Jade Writ of the Empty Azure Cinnabar Firmament
The talisman described here should be written in cinnabar on blue paper, nine inches long and three inches wide, and affixed in front of the petition. One, two, three, or four characters may be written on the talisman. In urgent circumstances, the full talisman text must be recited with prostrations.
Petition Form for Averting Calamity and Deliverance
Your servant [name], holder of a ritual rank:
Your servant respectfully submits this memorial, setting forth the matter for which he petitions. I reverently carry out the Shangqing Jade Writ of the Empty Azure Cinnabar Firmament, bestowed from on high. I beseech Your Holy Majesty, in your compassion, to grant the matter for which your servant prays and to carry it out in accordance with the Jade Writ. Your servant has offended the sacred authority and is inwardly fearful. Prostrate, I await the sacred command; with utmost sincerity, I look up to the sacred presence and beseech an early instruction, to be delivered to the appropriate administrative office for execution. Respectfully submitted.
Year of the Tai Sui, month and day. Petition submitted by your servant [name], holder of a ritual rank.
Enclose in an envelope.
This document uses the memorial format for presenting a jade petition to the gods of the Eleven Luminaries. “Jade petition” refers to a memorial used in Daoist ritual. “Respectfully presented” expresses reverence in submitting it. “Your servant, of such-and-such rank, with the surname…” is the space for the petitioner’s official status and surname. “Seal it in a case and deliver it to the designated stellar palace for submission” means to place the memorial in a sealed case and send it to the specified stellar palace.
The “Eleven Luminaries” collectively comprise the Sun, Moon, Jupiter, Mars, Venus, Mercury, Saturn, and the luminaries Rahu, Ketu, Purple Qi, and Lunar Obscuration. The “Highest Clarity” is the celestial realm revered in Daoism. “True Sovereign,” “Emperor Lord,” “Primordial Lady,” and “Dao Lord” are honorific titles for divine beings. The text lists each stellar deity and its palace: the Solar Emperor Lord resides in the Palace of Cavernous Yang and Brilliant Radiance; the Lunar Primordial Lady resides in the Palace of Cavernous Yin and Congealed Luminescence. The five luminaries Jupiter, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and Saturn are respectively assigned the palaces of Azure Florescence, Luminous Separation, Bright Spirit, Golden Mystery, and Central Yellow. Rahu, Ketu, Purple Qi, and Lunar Obscuration also each have an assigned palace. In the ritual, the memorial is completed and submitted using these names and palaces. “Rahu at the beginning of the cycle” and “Ketu in the middle of the cycle” are titles for Rahu and Ketu. Several titles are repeated below the heading “collective designation of the Eleven Luminaries.”
The “format for an introductory petition” is the formal submission used when presenting a memorial. First, enter “Your servant, of such-and-such rank, with the surname…” and then state the matter being reported: after examining a particular matter, respectfully prepare one sealed case containing a jade petition, request that it be submitted and an edict issued, and direct the relevant office to carry out the instructions. The closing phrases “Respectfully submitted above” and “Submitted through the palace; may the command be approved and carried out; respectfully recorded” are formal language for reporting and requesting authorization to proceed. The year, month, day, and petitioner’s name are entered at the end.
“Place the petition-protecting talisman inside the case used to secure and present the memorial” gives instructions on protecting the petition with a talisman and how to position it: the talisman is to be placed inside the case containing the memorial. “Yang or Yin day” indicates that the date must be selected according to the day’s Yin-Yang designation. “Ritual dispatch for dispelling stellar afflictions” refers to a ritual document for warding off misfortune caused by the luminaries. “The Branch Office of the Whirling Pivot in the Palace of Cavernous Yang” is the name of the governing office listed for this type of document.
In the format used for submitted documents, report this together with the words of petition: The Celestial Emperor Taiyi (of the Taiyi divine pantheon) descends; Ziwei (the spirit of the North Star) stabilizes the stellar palace; and the Taichu Fen Yuan Zhenfu (talismans for warding off harm and securing protection) are issued.
The talisman shown on the right is used to petition for a certain Star Lord to descend. If the Star Lord descends, ask that he be installed in the Palace of the Emperor. Pray that calamities be dispelled, blessings bestowed, and lasting protection granted. This matter must be carried out swiftly in accordance with the ordinances of Shangqing (the Shangqing school of Daoism).
Let the year, month, first day of the lunar month, and hour of the Tai Sui be announced:
I respectfully dispatch a certain general to convey the Taichu Fen Yuan Zhenfu swiftly.
The talisman shown on the right is used to petition for a certain Star Lord to descend. If the Star Lord descends, ask that he be installed in the Palace of the Emperor, to dispel calamities, bestow blessings, and grant lasting protection. This matter must be carried out swiftly in accordance with the ordinances of Shangqing.
Let the year, month, first day of the lunar month, and hour of the Tai Sui be announced:
I respectfully dispatch a certain general to convey the document swiftly and submit it to the heavenly court, then await a response.
Your servant, a ritual practitioner of a certain rank, acts upon an imperial command.
List the master’s rank.
Great Method of Petitioning the Purple Pole’s Mysterious Pivot (a rite for petitioning the spirits of the Northern Dipper)
Rank of the general.
Fang Yangzhong, emissary of the Mysterious Pivot who swiftly submits petitions to the Northern Dipper, wears embroidered robes and a crossed-winged futou cap. His countenance is solemn, like gold and jade. He wears a white skirt, holds an axe, and rides a black dragon.
Talisman for Purifying Impurities: Burn the talisman in a water vessel. Sprinkle the talisman water to purify the area, then burn another talisman to summon the spirit.
Your servant, a certain person, acts upon an imperial command.
Summoning Talisman: First visualize the emissary Fang Yangzhong in your mind, then ask him to convey the petition on your behalf.
I summon Fang Yangzhong, emissary of the Mysterious Pivot above. Your servant, a certain person, acts under command.
The first four characters of the seal inscription.
The last three characters of the seal inscription.
Taixuan Night Radiance Talisman: At night, burn incense, face north, click the teeth together, and state what you wish to report.
Northern Dipper Jade Talisman for Communicating with the Real: Cut the paper into a square three inches on each side and write on it in cinnabar.
Your servant, a certain person of ritual rank, respectfully petitions:
To the star spirits of the Northern Dipper, the Star Lords Left Assistant and Right Support, the High Minister of the Dipper’s Pivot, the Registrar of Communications within the Dipper, and the divine kings Qiangyang and Tuoluo: I respectfully pray that all you sacred spirits show compassion and grant my petition. I ask you to examine the matter undertaken by your servant, a certain person, and grant your response.
Xuanying Talisman: Write in cinnabar on blue paper. Once the matter is completed, bow again, remain prostrate for a short while, then withdraw and await a sign of efficacy.
To the Dipper’s luminous officers, the Registrar of Communications within the Dipper, and the divine kings Qiangyang and Tuoluo: I respectfully pray that all you sacred spirits show compassion and grant my petition. I ask you to examine the matter undertaken by your servant, a certain person, and grant your response.
Xuanying Talisman.
Write the talismanic characters in cinnabar on blue paper. When the work is done, bow twice, remain prostrate for a short while, then withdraw and await a spiritual response.
Dipper Luminosity Talisman
Faith Talisman
Silently make your petition in your heart.
Flying Firmament Commanding the Dipper Talisman
If there is no response to your petition, face north and burn this talisman again, repeating the process three times. Burn it at the prescribed hour, and a clear response will follow.
Write the talismans above in cinnabar on yellow silk and present them to the Cloud Crane. That night, lie down properly and await a sign. You may also prepare a memorial and submit it.
Submitting a Memorial
Your servant, invested with the appropriate ritual rank, respectfully petitions:
To the Celestial Lord of the Supreme Unity who assists the Dark Dipper, the Great Spirit of the Pivot, and the Envoy who oversees the perfected beings. Your servant received the sacred writings long ago. Today, on this particular day, the matter for which I pray must receive a response. I hope to establish a connection as soon as possible. I now respectfully unroll this memorial, asking that the envoy deliver it swiftly. My heart is sincere and earnest, beyond what words can express.
Memorial Format
All petitions must be written in cinnabar on yellow paper cut into a square measuring one chi and two cun on each side. Bind it with a waist-shaped cord; do not use leather.
Begin with these four characters:
Your servant, invested with the appropriate ritual rank, of the surname [surname] and given name [name], petitions concerning the natal affiliation of [place or person]. This person corresponds above to the Lord of the [number]th star of the Northern Dipper. May the Star Lord look upon this matter and take note. Your servant has received this petition and cannot refuse it, so respectfully conveys it on the petitioner’s behalf and presents this heart memorial. I humbly request:
Issue an edict commanding the offices of the immortals and the celestial physicians and officials under your authority to remove this person’s illness and calamities, and quickly grant recovery and peace. I look up in hope of your gracious favor and pray for a response soon. I respectfully submit this petition before the sacred presence of the Nine August Sovereigns of the Northern Dipper, Lords of the Highest Way.
In the year of the Grand Marshal [year], on the [day] of the [month]. Your servant, invested with the appropriate ritual rank, of the surname [surname] and given name [name], submits this memorial.
Begin with these three characters.
Burn this heart memorial over an incense burner.
Water Basin Talisman
Write the patient’s name inside the talisman’s circle, then write the six-character incantation repeatedly above the name. Write the talisman in cinnabar on yellow paper; it may be any size. Once it is written, stir the water, then place the talisman in it. Observe the direction it points to and use this to judge good or ill fortune.
Take a basin of water and write the twenty-four directions in sequence around its rim. Use the direction indicated by the talisman to divine good or ill fortune. For an auspicious talisman, write it on yellow paper with cinnabar; it may be any size. Once it is written, stir the water in the basin, place the talisman in it, and observe which direction it points toward. Judge good or ill fortune accordingly.
Take a basin of water and write the twenty-four directions in sequence around its rim. Divine good or ill fortune according to the direction in which the talisman points.
The Basin’s Method for Revealing Karmic Retribution
If the talisman points toward the Qian direction, it indicates that the Lord on High has pardoned the sins. Things will settle naturally after three days; this is not considered dangerous.
If it points toward the Hai direction, it indicates entanglement with an inauspicious star moving in retrograde. The situation will certainly improve after five days.
If it points toward the Ren direction, it indicates that the spirits have a request to be fulfilled and that an unpaid grievance debt is also involved. Perform a ritual to thank the spirits and fulfill the vow, thereby resolving the entanglement. The illness may be cured after seven days.
If it points toward the Zi direction, it indicates involvement with the Three Primal Spirits, worship and prayer, or a curse. Seek to resolve the matter as soon as possible; things will improve after seven days.
If it points toward the Gui direction, it indicates involvement with graves, disputes concerning tombs, or related matters. Offer prayers on behalf of the deceased, and the illness must be cured within ten days.
If it points toward the Chou direction, it indicates that an unpaid grievance debt is being claimed. Unless it is resolved, survival may be difficult within ten days.
If the life talisman points toward the Gen direction, it indicates that the allotted lifespan is nearly over. Even burning paper money cannot prevent a sorrowful event within ten days.
If it points toward the Yin direction, it indicates that the underworld is claiming the soul. Within three days, an air of decline will enter the household.
If it points toward the Jia direction, it indicates that a deceased woman is casting a curse. Resolve the matter at once, or claims and pressure will soon follow.
If it points toward the Mao direction, it indicates that the talisman has encountered the Five Dao spirits of misfortune. Make offerings and send off a talisman; things will improve after half a month.
If the talisman points toward the Yi direction, it indicates that an epidemic is approaching. Submit a petition to inform the spirits, and things will be settled and the illness cured after ten days.
If it points toward the Chen direction, it indicates that the spirits of the Five Temples have come to make a claim. Do good deeds and pray for blessings and safety; things may improve after half a month.
If it points toward the Xun direction, it indicates that a family member has a request to make, and a sacrifice must be performed. Otherwise, there may be danger to life in fewer than five days.
If it points toward the Si direction, it indicates that a heavenly punishment has been incurred and the person’s name has been entered in the registers. Within seven days, they may enter the netherworld.
If it points toward the Bing direction, it indicates that the person is affected by the movement of the stars. Perform a Jiao offering ritual, and the illness will naturally subside after ten days.
If it points toward the Wu direction, it indicates that offending the Earth Star has brought about disaster. Perform a Jiao offering promptly, and health will be restored after five days.
If it points toward the Ding direction, it indicates that the person has been condemned by Silun. Offer thanks to the Eastern Kitchen Director of Destiny, the spirit who governs household food and drink, blessings, and misfortune; recovery will come after one day.
If it points toward the Wei direction, it indicates involvement in a matter of guilt overseen by the spirit of Mount Tai. Submit a petition to inform the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak, and recovery will follow within ten days.
If it points toward the Kun direction, it indicates that someone in the household has been cursed. Explain matters to one another and resolve the dispute; the person may recover after seven days.
If on a Shen day one violates taboos concerning the Killing Spirit, Flying Earth, or similar forces, performing a jiao offering and praying for five days can ensure safety.
On a Geng day, the Supreme God sends down punishment. One should promptly perform a jiao offering to confess and seek forgiveness; peace will come after a month.
If on a You day one offends the Plague Spirit, one should perform a jiao offering and pray, then hold a ritual to appease the plague for seven days. Recovery and good health will follow.
If on a Xin day one has made a vow to the City God, one should promptly fulfill it and report back. Peace will come after a month.
If on a Xu day one offends the Five Emptinesses, the Buried Corpse Ghost, or other baleful forces, one may carry out Daoist rites. Recovery will follow after a month. Here, “carrying out rites” means performing ritual services according to Daoist liturgy.
The Outer Altar Thunder-Rite for Beheading and Investigating: The Great Method of the Jade Palace of Divine Thunder
Register of Thunder Generals
The Thunder Lord, the Great God of Sudden Fire and Command, the Flame Emperor Celestial Lord Deng Xie, style name Bowen. He wears a celestial crown and has a kingly bearing. He is dressed in blue and clad in golden armor, wears vermilion shoes and a jade belt, holds an iron drill and hammer, and rides a dragon.
The Marshal and Commander-in-Chief of Thunder, the True Lord of the Jade Palace, Xin Zhongyi, style name Hanchen. He wears a celestial crown and has a kingly bearing. He is dressed in green and clad in golden armor, wears a jade belt and vermilion shoes, holds a register in his left hand and a fire brush in his right.
The Thunderbolt’s Swift-Flying Talisman Emissary, the Spirit Lord of Yang Valley, Zhang Ya, style name Yuanbo. He wears a celestial crown and has a kingly bearing. He is dressed in black and clad in golden armor, wears a jade belt and vermilion shoes, and holds a precious sword.
The Eastern Wood-Thunder Emissary of the Nine Qi of Jia and Yi, Jiang Ganglun, style name Jizhen. He wears a primordial crown, has a blue face and red hair, and is dressed in blue and clad in golden armor. He wears vermilion shoes and holds an axe; a Clear-Wind Chariot leads the way before him.
The Southern Fire-Thunder Emissary of the Three Qi of Bing and Ding, Bi, style name Jizhen. He wears a primordial crown, has a blue face and red hair, and is dressed in blue and clad in golden armor. He wears vermilion shoes and holds an axe; a Clear-Wind Chariot leads the way before him.
The Southern Fire-Thunder Emissary of the Three Qi of Bing and Ding, Biji, style name Lingzhen. He wears a celestial crown and has a slightly flushed face and yellow hair. He is clad in golden armor, wears vermilion shoes, and holds a precious sword; a vermilion phoenix leads the way before him.
The Western Metal-Thunder Emissary of the Seven Qi of Geng and Xin, Hua Wentong, style name Zi’an. He wears a celestial crown and is dressed in white and clad in golden armor. He wears vermilion shoes and holds an axe and battle-axe; a Bai Ze leads the way before him.
Lei Ya, the Thunder Envoy associated with Water in the north, corresponding to Ren and Gui, has the courtesy name Chenghong. He wears a celestial crown, has a pale complexion and black hair, and is dressed in black, clad in golden armor, and wears red shoes. He holds an iron hammer, and a dark tortoise stands before him.
Chen Shi, the Thunder Envoy associated with Earth in the center, corresponding to Wu and Ji, has the courtesy name Jiling. He wears a celestial crown, has a slightly dark complexion, and is dressed in yellow, clad in golden armor, and wears red shoes. He holds an iron tablet, and a lion stands before him.
Cheng Qing, Envoy of Thunder’s Swift Advance and Assault upon the Origin, has the courtesy name Duanshi. He wears a folded futou (an ancient headcloth) on his feet, and a red cloth is tied around his forehead. He has a blue face and red hair, and wears a red robe, golden armor, boots, and a gold belt. He holds an axe and stands on a dragon-like mirage creature. Behind him follow the nine million members of the Thunder Bureau.
A general-use talisman for prayer
A talisman for rapidly sending messages.
Write it in black ink on yellow paper and burn it over an incense burner.
The Inner Instructions of the Western Terrace of the High and Exalted Divine Empyrean
Summoning Talisman
I, your servant, have received the summons.
A mind seal used when summoning divine generals.
Respectfully invite the Celestial Emperor to descend.
Divine Ranks
Zhao Hui, the Celestial Lord of Wondrous Transformation and Abundant Grace, Investigator, has the courtesy name Deyuan. He wears a celestial crown, has a slightly ruddy complexion, and is clad in golden armor, dressed in black, and wears red shoes. He holds a sword. At times he lets his hair hang loose and goes barefoot.
Department of Swift Advance
Xu Lvzhen, the Great Swift Advance Deity of Wood in the east: blue-faced, red-haired, dressed in blue, and wearing red shoes; he holds a sword. At times he lets his hair hang loose and goes barefoot.
Xu Lvzhen, the Great Swift Advance Deity of Wood in the east: blue-faced, red-haired, dressed in blue, and riding a wind chariot.
Xun Ling, the Great Swift Advance Deity of Fire in the south: slightly ruddy-faced, yellow-haired, dressed in red, and riding a fire chariot.
Yang Zhong, the Great Swift Advance Deity of Metal in the west: pale-faced, black-haired, dressed in white, and holding a sword.
Tang Bin, the Great Swift Advance Deity of Water in the north: slightly dark-faced, blue-haired, dressed in black, and riding a water chariot.
Wang Lie, the Great Swift Advance Deity of Earth in the center: yellow-faced, white-haired, dressed in yellow, and holding an axe.
All the deities listed above wear celestial crowns, are clad in golden armor from head to toe, and wear red shoes.
The Upper Spirit, the Flashing Talisman Envoy Yue Xiong, stands to the left of the Dragon Gate. He wears a sky-reaching futou cap and a red forehead band. His face is golden, and he has five eyes. He is clad in a full suit of gold armor, wears black boots, and holds a ceremonial axe.
The Fire-Thunder Swift Merit Officer Ou Ran stands to the right of the Dragon Gate. He wears a Merit Officer’s cap. His face is pale; he wears gold armor over a blue-green robe, black shoes, and carries a golden axe.
The Thunderbolt Division is responsible for pursuing, apprehending, and capturing the Flaming Thunder.
The First Heaven Envoy He Fu has a blue-green face and red hair. The Second Earth Envoy Yan Xin has the appearance of a Celestial Soldier. The Third Water Envoy Yue Chong has a slightly ruddy complexion, raised eyebrows, large phoenix eyes, and three strands of beard. All these envoys wear crossed-leg futou caps and yellow forehead bands, and each holds an object shaped like a dragon’s head.
The Third Water Envoy Yue Chong has a slightly ruddy complexion, raised eyebrows, large phoenix eyes, and three strands of beard. He wears a crossed-leg futou cap and a yellow forehead band, and holds a dragon-headed sword. He is clad in gold armor over a vermilion robe and wears boots.
The Thunderbolt’s Advancing Fire, Burning Flame Across the Sky Talisman Envoy Zhong Fang, whose courtesy name is Kuangqing, has a slightly ruddy complexion, round eyes, and a handsome beard. He wears a sky-reaching futou cap, a vermilion robe, and green boots, and carries a wild-goose-feather saber.
The Thunderbolt’s Unified Fortune, Flying Through the Sky Talisman Envoy Tang Yi wears a futou cap and a vermilion forehead band. Handsome in appearance, he is clad in gold armor over a purple robe, wears boots, and carries a sky-reaching axe.
Convenient Talisman
Write it in cinnabar on yellow paper, then summon a Swift Great Spirit to bear the talisman and register to its destination.
Summon the wind, clouds, thunder, rain, and lightning together. Your servant, [name].
Swiftly urge on and summon the wind, snow, thunder, rain, and lightning. Your servant, [name].
Golden Talisman for Gathering Thunder of the High and Supreme Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean
Cavern Chapter of the High and Supreme Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean
Petition.
Heaven-opening Great Seal Script.
Talismans for dispelling evil, fumigating talismans, and treating illness, as well as talismans to be inserted with a needle; they may be burned, mixed into water, and drunk.
Talismans to hasten childbirth; talismans to wear.
Talismans for pacifying and securing; command talismans.
Seal mark.
Inner Instructions of the Western Terrace
Upper Spirit Talisman of the Western Terrace of Mount Taihua
Cavern Chapter of the High and Supreme Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean
Petition.
Heaven-opening Great Seal Script.
Talismans for dispelling evil, fumigating talismans, and treating illness, as well as talismans to be inserted with a needle; they may be burned, mixed into water, and drunk.
Talismans to hasten childbirth; talismans to wear.
Talismans for pacifying and securing; command talismans.
Seal mark.
Inner Instructions of the Western Terrace
Upper Spirit…
Talisman for Commanding the Myriad Spirits
“I, your servant, so-and-so” (the humble form of self-reference used by Daoist priests).
Talisman for Transmitting the General’s Command:
The sky-ranging, swift-footed courier Zhu Guangchao wears a dark-colored cap, has a fair complexion, and is dressed in red robes and the official robe of the Grand Music Bureau. He holds a sword and carries a jade tablet.
The talisman emissary Guan Liang wears a cap adorned with the image of a Xiezhi (a mythical beast of discernment). He has a blue face and three eyes, wears golden armor and green robes, and has red shoes. He holds an iron implement.
Summoning Talisman: Write the name of the general deity in the center of the talisman.
Jade Terrace Talisman: Use after offering incense and dressing properly. It is suitable for all occasions.
Command Tablet: Nine cun high, two cun and four fen wide, and one cun thick. Its top is round and its bottom square.
Front and back: On the back, write, “By command of the Great Emperor, True King of Jade Clarity in the Highest Divine Empyrean.”
Recitation: “With due reverence, I offer incense and summon the three thunder envoys of the Jade Terrace Guard of the Residence of the True King of Jade Clarity in the Highest Divine Empyrean: He Fu, Yan Xin, Yue Chong, and Yun Yi. Come swiftly, bear the command tablet and talisman, patrol the Three Realms, and carry out your duties without delay. In all matters, comply with the True Lord’s command.”
End of Volume Twenty-Two of the Great Method of the Primordial Descent of Qingwei.
The Great Method of the Primordial Descent of Qingwei, Volume Twenty-Three
The Great Method of the Five Thunders for Slaying and Investigation from the Western Terrace of the Jade Residence in the Highest Divine Empyrean
Retinue of Generals:
The True Lord of Fierce Thunder of the Celestial Immortal of Thunderbolt and Dongyang Cave on the Western Terrace of the Highest Divine Empyrean, Jin Gaoqing, wears a crown of fire, has a green face and three eyes, wears golden armor and a robe of alluring color, and red shoes. He rides a giant dragon and holds a halberd.
Yang Jie, the Swift Talisman Emissary and True Lord of Thunderbolt, Flying Through the Sky, and the Wondrous Dao of Responsive Transformation, also called Yuebo, wears a celestial crown. He is handsome, with small eyes, fine, sparse eyebrows, and three strands of beard. He wears golden armor and green robes, has red shoes, holds a sword, and rides a white jade dragon.
Yang Xian, the Swift Talisman Emissary and True Lord of Great Transformation through the Wondrous Dao of the Wind and Thunder of Taiyi’s Manifestation of Sainthood, wears a celestial crown. He is handsome, with a complexion red as a jujube, three strands of fine beard, wide-open eyes, and a stern expression. He wears golden armor and deep-red robes, has red shoes, and holds an axe.
Li Degang, the High and Supreme Thunderbolt Envoy of the Divine Empyrean, wears a tall official cap. He has a blue face and wears golden armor, a black robe, and green boots. He holds a treasured sword.
The Thunderbolt Pursuit Flying Command Talisman Envoy, Xi Xian, wears a tall official cap. He has a blue face and red hair, and wears golden armor, a black robe, and green boots. He holds a goose-feather saber, a type of blade with a saw-toothed back.
Wu Qing, the Iron-Armored Divine Empyrean Saber-Bearing Angel Who Levels Heaven, wears a Xiezhi crown adorned with the mythical beast said to distinguish right from wrong. She has a woman’s appearance, with blue eyebrows and blue hair, and wears golden armor, vermilion robes, and vermilion shoes. She rides a black dragon and bears the likeness of Xi Xian, the Flying Command Talisman Envoy: tall official cap, blue face, red hair, golden armor, black robe, and green boots, with a goose-feather saber in hand.
Wu Qing, the Iron-Armored Divine Empyrean Saber-Bearing Angel Who Levels Heaven, wears a Xiezhi crown. She has a woman’s appearance, with blue eyebrows and blue hair, and wears golden armor, vermilion robes, and vermilion shoes. Riding a black dragon, she holds a golden whip.
The High and Supreme Divine Empyrean Jade Talisman of the Jade Palace for Raising Thunder—a jade talisman used by the Divine Empyrean Jade Palace to raise thunder.
The High and Supreme Divine Empyrean Jade Palace’s Cavernous Chapter for Raising Thunder—a ritual chapter used by the Jade Palace to set thunder in motion.
The High and Supreme Divine Empyrean Jade Palace’s Numinous Chapter for Communicating with Heaven—a numinous chapter used by the Jade Palace to reach the celestial realm.
A Convenient Talisman—a talisman designed for ease of use.
A Message Talisman and a Talisman for Cutting Away Evil—talismans used respectively to convey messages and dispel evil spirits.
The Invocation Spell of the Thunder-Bearing Great Emperor Na Lei—a spell for summoning deities and commanding thunder.
A Healing Talisman and a Childbirth-Assisting Talisman—used respectively to pray for healing and to aid childbirth.
Qi, Qi.
A Wearable Talisman and a House-Settling Talisman—used respectively as a personal amulet and to protect a residence.
Correct.
The Western Terrace Command-Token Talisman—a command-token talisman used by the Western Terrace.
The High and Supreme Primordial Yang Cavern-Flame Five-Thunder Method.
Roster of Generals:
Deng Xie, the Great Thunder-Rite God and Celestial Lord of the Yan Emperor, wears a heavenly crown and has the bearing of a celestial official. He wears deep red robes and golden armor, with vermilion shoes. He holds a drill and hammer and rides a golden dragon.
Xun Qian, the Great Thunder Duke and Fierce God of the Thunderbolt, has the bearing of a king and a blue face. He wears golden armor and vermilion robes, with black shoes. He holds an axe and drill and bears a thunder chariot on his back.
The Thunder Deity has the bearing of a celestial official and wears deep red robes and golden armor, with vermilion shoes. The deity holds a drill and hammer and rides a golden dragon.
Xun Qian, the Great Thunder Duke and Fierce God of the Thunderbolt, has the bearing of a king and a blue face. He wears golden armor and vermilion robes, with black shoes. He holds an axe and drill and bears a thunder chariot on his back.
The Mother of Lightning, Daoist Lord Chongyuan Qingyuan, has the bearing of an empress. She wears blue robes and holds a treasured sword, with lightning encircling her entire body.
Yan Zhong, the Flying and Soaring Lord of Wind, has the bearing of a king. He wears green robes and casts a wind wheel with his hand.
Chen Zhong, the Broad-Origin, Bright-and-Numinous Lord of Rain, has the bearing of a king. He wears blue robes and casts a water wheel with his hand.
The “Ranks of the Thunder Generals of Dongyan” lists the names, appearances, clothing, and ritual implements of the Thunder Generals of Dongyan, and records the names and uses of related talismans and registers.
There are six Lords Who Raise Thunder: Lord of the Jiazi year Xun Fang, with a blue face; Lord of the Jiaxu year Wang Fu, with a black face; Lord of the Jiashen year Lü Jie, with an auspicious appearance; Lord of the Jiawu year Chen Changling, with a commanding appearance; Lord of the Jiachen year Long Hong, with a handsome appearance; and Lord of the Jiayin year Yu Rong, with a ruddy complexion. “Raise Thunder” refers to the divine office of summoning thunder. The text first lists the deities and their appearances, then repeats the names of Lü Jie, Chen Changling, Long Hong, and Yu Rong, adding that these generals wear sky-piercing crowns, golden armor, and vermilion robes, black shoes, and carry iron axes.
There are six Lords Who Marshal Thunder: Ding Mao Yi Xin, Ding Chou Yuan Xun, Ding Hai Tang Yan, Ding You Lu Rong, Ding Wei Xiang Shen, and Ding Si Li Zhao. “Marshal Thunder” refers to directing and deploying the power of thunder. All these generals wear sky-piercing crowns, have blue faces, wear golden armor and vermilion robes, and black shoes. They carry goose-feather sabers and wear dragon-headed, luminous swords.
Zhu Guang, the Talisman Emissary of Dongyan who listens, observes, looks back, and sounds the thunder, is responsible for listening and observing, looking back, and transmitting thunder commands. Zhu Guang wears a fire crown and has a date-red face, three eyes, and five long whiskers; his bearing is imposing. He wears golden armor and crimson robes, a jade belt, and vermilion shoes, and carries a tally. Yue Qin, the Talisman Emissary of Dongyan who brings the thunderclap back in a chariot and sends forth molten gold, wears a sky-piercing crown and has a golden face. He wears golden armor and purple robes, a jade belt, and vermilion shoes, and carries a great axe.
These generals are led by a “Right Commander-in-Chief,” who commands a host of nine hundred thousand.
The text then lists the names of jade talismans, talisman commands, and inner formulas used in a group of thunder rites, including the “Jade Talisman of the Clear Command of Jade Clarity,” the “Jade Talisman of the Flame-Bright Fire Command of Highest Clarity,” the “Jade Talisman of the Thunder-Raising Flame Command of Highest Clarity,” and the “Flying Talisman of the Thunder-and-Fire Command of Dongyan.” The “Inner Formula of the Five Thunders of the Luminous Spirit of High Origin and Clear Emptiness” is an inner cultivation formula for the Five Thunders method. “True Talisman of Immediate Response of Highest Clarity,” “Talisman of the Vermilion Yang and Vast Blaze of Highest Clarity,” and “Talisman of the True Lord of Clear Emptiness” are names of talismans. “Urge and summon,” “for completing the urging,” “summoning talisman,” and “summoning incantation” indicate that these talismans or formulas are used in ritual steps for urging and summoning deities. “Swift” means that a response comes quickly or that something is to be used without delay.
The Shangqing Vermilion Yang Grand and Fiery Talisman: used to make an urgent summons.
The talisman of the True Lord of Clear Emptiness: used to summon. The summoning spell is “Yujieqin.”
The Clear Emptiness Luminous Spirit Central Transformation Talisman Envoy, Zhu Guangchao: He wears a tall black gauze cap that rises toward the heavens and a yellow forehead band. His face is pale, and he has three eyes. He wears golden armor and vermilion robes, boots, and carries a blade.
The trusted talisman for summoning commanders: the summoning spell is “Achun.”
The trusted talisman for summoning generals: the summoning spell is “Juhouaixi.”
The divine offices listed in the Gao Yuan Clear Emptiness Luminous Spirit Five Thunders Method:
The True Lord, Commander of the Thunder Court, Silver Fangs and Shining Eyes, Xin Hanchen. He wears the robes of an Earth Official and holds a jade register. His face is slightly greenish; he wears green clothing and red shoes.
The Cave Radiance Red Immortal Swift-Command Talisman Envoys are Zhang Shiying, Ge Zhonghua, Wang Kangze, Xu Zhi, and Yuanzhong. Each wears clothing in the color associated with his direction, a celestial crown, golden armor, and black shoes, and carries a thunder axe and a drill.
The Cave Radiance Summoning Truth, Luminous-Command Envoys are Geng Long, Liu Huaqing, Gu Liang, Song Chong, Wang Heng, Shiying, Ge Zhonghua, Wang Kangze, Xu Zhi, and Yuanzhong. Each wears clothing in the color associated with his direction, a celestial crown, golden armor, and black shoes, and carries a thunder axe and a drill.
The Cave Radiance Summoning Truth, Luminous-Command Envoys are also listed as Geng Long, Liu Huaqing, Gu Liang, Song Chong, and Wang Heng. They face the heavenly court, wear black gauze caps and clothing in the colors associated with their directions, and carry axes. Talisman documents are placed beside them.
The Clear Emptiness Luminous Spirit Swift-Command Cave Chapters; the Clear Emptiness Luminous Spirit Spirit-Transporting Jade Talisman; the Clear Emptiness Luminous Spirit Thunder Court Jade Scripture; the Clear Emptiness Luminous Spirit Five-Part Cave Chapters.
The Evil-Clearing Talisman: used to hasten childbirth and treat illness. Yang Qi (vital energy). The Convenient Talisman: may be used as circumstances require, and to make an urgent summons. The Pacifying Talisman: used to pacify and summon. The Trusted Summoning Chapter, Ren.
The Supreme Purity Western Spirit Grand Origin Great Method
The Commanders’ Roster (list of generals and commanders)
The True Lord Zhao Gongming, Western Spirit Who Supports Heaven, Vastly Sagely, Exalted and Wondrous, of the Cave of Harmony: He wears a crown reaching to the heavens. His face is reddish-black, his eyebrows rise sharply, and he has triangular eyes and a fine beard. He wears golden armor and vermilion robes, vermilion shoes, and carries a sword. In another depiction, he wears a crossed-leg gauze cap, a red forehead band, golden armor, and black clothing. He holds a whip, wears boots, and is accompanied by a black tiger.
Deputy Marshal Lü Ying, the Spirit of Fiery Might, Circling Fortune, and Rushing Numinosity, wears a tiger crown. His face is purplish red, his eyebrows rise high, and he has five long strands of beard. He wears silver armor and battle boots, holds a saber, and carries a bow and arrows.
Chief Talisman Envoy Zhu Changchao, who swiftly commands the Flying Mystery Spirit of Fiery Might, wears a crown of flames. His face is slightly dark, and a black tiger follows him.
Deputy Marshal Lü Ying, the Spirit of Fiery Might, Circling Fortune, and Rushing Numinosity, wears a tiger crown. His face is purplish red, his eyebrows rise high, and he has five long strands of beard. He wears silver armor and battle boots, holds a saber, and carries a bow and arrows.
Chief Talisman Envoy Zhu Changchao, who swiftly commands the Flying Mystery Spirit of Fiery Might, wears a crown of flames. His face is slightly dark, and his hair is red. His expression is imposing. He wears silver armor and black robes, black shoes, and holds a goose-feather saber, a long blade shaped like a goose feather. He commands a thousand elite generals of fiery spirit.
Assistant generals:
Hui Qi, the Galloping Might Senior General of the Eastern Jia-Yi position, has a green face and red hair and wears green robes.
Song An, the Galloping Might Senior General of the Southern Bing-Ding position, has a red face and yellow hair and wears vermilion robes.
Shi Wu, the Galloping Might Senior General of the Western Geng-Xin position, has a white face and black hair and wears white robes.
Yuan Bin, the Galloping Might Senior General of the Northern Ren-Gui position, has a black face and green hair and wears black robes.
Gong Hong, the Galloping Might Senior General of the Central Wu-Ji position, has a golden-yellow face and white hair and wears yellow robes.
The eight great spirits, Senior Generals of Spirit Fiery Might and Manifest Rushing Power, are Xu Fang, Zhu Quan, Xu Ji, Zhou Guang, Shi Wu, Su Chu, An Qi, and Yang Zhong. They all wear jade crowns and have imposing expressions. They wear golden armor and black robes, vermilion shoes, and hold tally-staves, tokens representing their divine offices and commands.
Long Xun, Talisman Envoy of Western Numinosity, Harmonious Accord, Thunder and Fire, and Rising Tremor, wears a tall, sky-reaching headcloth and a red headband. He has a green face, three eyes, and red hair. He wears golden armor and green boots and holds a goose-feather saber.
Invocation: Zhi qin lang.
Invocation talisman:
Long Xun, Talisman Envoy of the Qingwei tradition, Western Numinosity, Harmonious Accord, Thunder and Fire, and Rising Tremor, wears a tall, sky-reaching headcloth and a red headband. He has a green face, three eyes, and red hair. He wears golden armor and green boots and holds a goose-feather saber.
Invocation: Zhi qin lang.
Invocation talismans:
Qingwei Primordial Dao Jade Talisman.
Great Numinosity, Fortune-Circulating, Deliverance Jade Talisman.
Urgency incantation and empowering rite: Zhao Mou, om, hong, hong, she.
Swift-Descent Talisman.
Dipper taboo signs, characters or symbols associated with the Northern Dipper: Tu yang shun yin tong. Dismissal incantation: hong, hong, duo li da.
“Upper Clarity Radiant Illumination Command Talisman”: On yang days (odd-numbered days), recite “Qu Tingdu”; on yin days (even-numbered days), recite “Qu Tingping.”
“Great Clarity Flying Prohibition and Completion Command Jade Talisman”: Used to prohibit various things from happening. Write it in cinnabar on yellow silk, and visualize the talisman flying out.
“Upper Clarity Communication and Petition for Mandate Talisman”: Used for prayer, making petitions, and summoning. It must be performed with incense; use the type of incense described earlier.
“Upper Clarity Western Prohibition Vast Mandate Jade Talisman”: Recite “Chi jie,” meaning “by command, act swiftly.”
“Upper Clarity Western Spirit Radiant Nurturing Talisman”: Recite “Ji huo,” meaning “set in motion at once.”
“Great Mystery Hidden and Evading Jade Talisman”: Write it in black ink on black silk, writing on the reverse side. The incantation is “The sun clashes with the dim Dipper, its light obscured.”
“Upper Clarity Harmony and Auspicious Fortune Talisman”: Write it in cinnabar on blue-green silk.
“Upper Clarity Direct Command Talisman”: The talismans above are used for carrying out tasks and may be used for any purpose, large or small.
The text then lists the names of a group of talismans, registers, and scriptures: the Upper Clarity Flying Transverse Fierce Command Talisman; the Upper Clarity Radiant Command Merit and Mandate Jade Talisman; the Upper Clarity Nurturing Qi Talisman (Qi is vital energy); the Upper Clarity Spiritually Fierce Talisman for Sweeping Away Evil (sweeping away evil means eliminating evil); the Imperial Origin Earth-Quelling and Spirit-Directing Talisman; the Three Qi Incense Talisman; the Upper Clarity Rushing Mystery, Directing the Mystery Cavern Register; the Upper Clarity Spiritually Fierce Primordial Grace Cavern Register; the Upper Clarity Spiritually Fierce Radiant Fortune Wondrous Scripture; the Virtue-Anchoring and Lunar Virtue Talisman; and the Great Method of the Upper Clarity Jade Origin Western Prohibition and Veneration of Radiance.
The “Great Hua Western Terrace Office Summoning Mandate Talisman” is used for summoning. When summoning, recite the incantation “Dan qin lang,” then use the summoning talisman, and recite “Yu ji xin.”
“Tiger-Helmet Left Office, Twelfth Division, Yang-Day Service”: On yang days, it enlists Wang Liang, the Great God of Loyal Might of the Western Prohibition’s Left Wall. He appears as a black-faced general, holding an axe.
“Tiger-Helmet Right Office, Twelfth Division, Yin-Day Service”: On yin days, it enlists Gao Zhong, the Great God of Thunderous Radiance of the Western Prohibition’s Right Wall. He appears as a green-faced general, holding a sword.
The “Upper Clarity Service Talisman,” “Upper Clarity Flying Fierce Swift Command Talisman,” and “Trust Talisman” are listed among the talismans for enlisting divine generals. The general enlisted is a black-faced general holding an axe.
The Great Deity Gao Zhong, who guards the right wall of the Western Forbidden Enclosure, has a blue-green complexion and looks like a great general. He holds a sword in his hand.
Shangqing Talisman for Commanding Spirits
Shangqing Talisman of Swift, Violent Summoning
Credential Talisman
The incantation for commanding the sixty spirits is: “Hong duo da da.” The incantation for commanding Master Zhao is: “Om hong hong she.”
Talisman for Summoning the Dark Altar
Upper Summoning Incantation
Summon General Zhao of Jade Origin and command him to hurry to Yuhan: “General Zhao of Jade Origin, come swiftly to Yuhan.”
Talisman for Summoning the Attendant Spirit
Incantation of the Great, Fierce Spirit
Summon the mighty divine general on duty that day and command him to come quickly. The incantation is: “On this day, the mighty attendant spirit, come swiftly, om chi lin chi lin bu lin bu lin.”
“By command, subdue and capture the baleful force.”
Summoning Talisman
Dan
Shangqing Jade Chapter of Numinosity and Radiance
End of juan 23 of the Great Rites of the Qingwei Primordial Peak.
Great Rites of the Qingwei Primordial Descent, Juan 24
Secret and Wondrous Qingwei Method of the Five Yang Talismans
This method is used together with the Taiji Thunder Method of the Five Yang.
Five Yang Talisman
Taiyi Jade Radiance Talisman of the Five Thunderfires
Shangqing Jade Chapter of the Purple Pole Jade Terrace
Talisman of the Jade Text for Gathering Radiance
Jade Terrace Cinnabar Chapter
Divine Chapter of the Metal Phase
Feathered Chapter of the Metal Phase
Jade Command Chapter of Lang
Purple Silk Cavern Chapter
Measureless Cavern Chapter
True King’s Command Talisman
Taiji Commanders and Generals
The great deity who rules over thunder and administers its laws is the Heavenly Lord of the Flame Emperor, Deng Xie, of the Cavern of Yang. The Thunder Department’s supreme commander and marshal, the True Lord of the Jade Palace, is Xin Zhongyi, of the Cavern of Numinosity. The Thunder Department’s Swift Talisman Envoy, the Lord of Yanggu, is Zhang Yuanbo, of the Cavern of Peace. The Thunder Department’s Jade-Helmeted Messenger who flies swiftly to deliver commands is Cheng Manqing. The Thunder Duke’s First Minister is Jiang Hezhong. The Lady of Purple Radiance, Mother of Lightning, is Xiu Wenying. The Immortal Official of Flying Winds, Earl of Wind, is Fang Daozhang. The Sweet-Dew Rain Master is Chen Huafu.
The Nine Black Horse of the East is Yu Xiu; the Three Black of the South is Guo Yuanhuang.
In the west, Tian Yuanzong commands the seven black Qi; in the north, Deng Gongchen commands the five black Qi; and in the center, Fang Zhonggao commands the one black Qi. Wang Leihao, Master Ying; Fengbo Feiyang, the immortal official Fang Daozhang; and Yushi Ganlu, Chen Huafu.
In the east, Ma Yuxiu commands the nine black Qi; in the south, Guo Yuanhuang commands the three black Qi. In the west, Tian Yuanzong still takes the lead, commanding the seven black Qi; in the north, Deng Gongchen still takes the lead, commanding the five black Qi; and in the center, Fang Zhonggao still takes the lead, commanding the one black Qi. Wang Leihao, Master Ding Wenguang; Dongyang Youling, Ding Wenhui; Jinguang Liujing, Ding Wenxing; and Xuhuang Taihua, Ding Wenda.
General Prayer Talisman
By command of the Great Spirit of Thunder’s Might, the Heavenly Lord who restores radiance and wields awe-inspiring punishment, Song Xingyuan; the Five Thunders of Taiji, who govern the thunder methods of the five directions; the true spirits of the Dragon Circle; the Five Thunders of Taiji; and the true spirits of the Tiger Division.
Summoning Talisman
Western Prohibition Talisman
Great Method of Yang Thunder and Yin Thunderclaps
The chief commander is the Heavenly Lord of Huayang, Gao; the deputy commander is the Heavenly Lord of the Northern Emperor of Divine Fire, Luo; and the third commander is the Heavenly Lord of the Flame Emperor of Revered Fire, Deng.
The vanguard generals under command are Cai Yuan, Jin Ming, Xin Zhi, Su Duan, Chen Han, Zhang Wang, Jiang Lin, and Bi Yuan.
Yang spirits and Yin troops; Yin thunder and Yang thunder; spirit soldiers.
Talisman for Summoning and Deployment
The Western Great Mystery’s Seven Qi (seven kinds of primordial energy), senior general Yang Fire, the Heavenly Lord of the Flame Emperor, Deng.
The vanguard generals under command are Cai Yuan, Jin Ming, Xin Zhi, Su Duan, Chen Han, Zhang Wang, Jiang Lin, and Bi Yuan.
Yang spirits and Yin troops; Yin thunder and Yang thunder; spirit soldiers.
Talisman for Summoning and Deployment
The Western Great Mystery’s Seven Qi, senior general Yang Thunder and Yin Thunderclaps, the Heavenly Lord of Divine Transformation, Liu.
The Thunder Court’s Nine Dipper Stars, Flowing Metal and Fire Bell, the Heavenly Lord of Floating Radiance, Liu; the Thunder Court’s Three Mountains, Wood Marshal Taiyi Qingxuan, the Heavenly Lord, Xun.
In the center, the Messy-Haired Yellow Qi Messenger, Fang (the original text reads “men shi bing”), also called Wenqi; the Thunder Court’s Jade-Helmeted Heavenly Order, the Thunder-Driving, Swift Divine General, Wu.
In the north, the Messenger Who Overturns Rivers and Seas, Sun Jiangzha; in the west, the Messenger Who Shatters Mountains and Clashes with Rocks, Liu Yan (the original text reads “men shi jin”).
In the south is the envoy Yan Wumen, wrapped in blazing flames and riding a chariot of fire. In the east is the envoy Wang Lin (a Daoist divine general), who breaks and uproots trees; he is also known as Zong Ci. There is also the envoy Liu Yan, who smashes mountains and shatters rocks.
In the south is the envoy Yan Wumen, wrapped in blazing flames and riding a chariot of fire. In the east is the envoy Wang Lin, who breaks and uproots trees; he is also known as Zong Ci.
The Perfected Lord Liu De commands mighty thunderclaps and bolts of lightning.
“Dongzhang of the Purple Essence of the Bixu Dao”
Use according to the format of the “Heavenly Scripture.”
Jade Thunder Talisman.
Talisman for Stabilizing the Earth and Primordial Luminosity.
Silently recite: “Harmonize with the Radiance of the Heavenly Emperor’s Sun.”
Dragon Radiance, Primordial Origin Thunderfire Talisman. One may also write “Command.”
The divine general Gou Liuji commands Yang thunder and Yin ting; the divine general Bi Zongyuan commands Yin thunder and Yang ting.
Thunder Deity of Flight: Choose a day and hour, and quickly establish a spiritual connection. After performing the rites, burn the talisman. If there is no response by the appointed time, burn incense according to the ritual and perform the rites again. Issue an expedient talisman (used to summon urgently), calling and urging the Thunder-Sounding Envoy Zhao Shucheng to come swiftly and deliver the order with the talismanic dispatch.
Prayers for clear skies and for rain are performed in the same way.
If Heaven’s will has not yet granted the request, pray according to the prescribed method and use the talismans for summoning the two envoys. Their clothing colors are described in detail in the book “Courier Dispatch.”
The expedient talismans include:
One: Qingwei Heavenly Cycles and Meetings True Jade Talisman.
Two: Qingwei Impulse Transformation, Manifest Origin Jade Talisman.
Three: Shangqing Radiant Clarity Dongzhang.
Four: Yuqing Flying Dawn, Opening Heaven Swift Petition True Talisman.
Five: Simplified Talisman.
Six: Yuqing Heavenly Cycles Dongzhang.
Seven: Command Talisman.
Use the Shangqing Thunderfire Talisman and burn it to drive away evil Qi.
Write the talismans above in black ink on yellow paper, three inches wide and five inches high. Place burning charcoal in a heated iron, then put in the talisman together with jiangzhen incense and soapberry, and fumigate the sick person’s body. Once the smoke has dispersed, sprinkle vinegar over it. After fumigation, put the talisman in the stove and burn it.
Conjoined Talisman: Cut the two talismans above apart, join them together, and apply the seal of your servant, [name].
“Inner Method of Thunder of the Primordial Beginning and Primordial Unity”
“Heavenly Chapter of the Limitless”
The Scripture of Boundless Heaven is also known as the Great Dao of Boundlessness, the Heavenly Scripture, the Cavernous Chapter, or the Ten-Character Scripture of Thunder. It is regarded as a supreme classic, the pivot of Primordial Chaos—the original state before Heaven and Earth were separated and before the myriad things came into being—and the source of the Great Beginning, when Heaven and Earth were first created. Its power is believed to regulate creation, command the Celestial Lords and thunder, bring peace to the state and family, drive away evil and cure illness, and deliver both the living and the dead. Reciting and using this scripture can establish communion with the divine.
“The Three Administrations of the Jade Terrace Chapter” is a heading identifying a section or ritual lineage. The “Thunder Command Talisman” below is a talisman used in ritual practice. The phrase “written in vermilion on blue paper: your servant, [name]” means that the ritual master’s name is written in vermilion ink on blue paper. “The Qingwei Command for Thunder, an Immediate Response Flying Talisman” and “The Primordial Beginning’s One Qi, Ancestral Talisman of the Thunder Emperor” are names of talismans or inscriptions written on them. These talismans are used to command the Three Qi Thunder Kings and the myriad spirits of the Three Realms.
“Procedure for Using the Scripture” explains how to write the text and perform the invocation. Usually, the five characters of the scripture are written in ink on thick yellow paper; for more important rites, they are written in vermilion. The ritual master first records their rank and name, then states that the Empty Cavern Heavenly Scripture was transmitted from Primordial Chaos and derives from the Great Beginning, and that they act in accordance with the command bestowed by the Primordial Beginning. Next, as the matter requires, they petition a particular divine lord or marshal, respectfully inviting that figure to obey the command of the Heavenly Scripture and descend at a specified place, year, month, day, and hour, where they are to manifest and bring the requested result to pass. At the end of the rite, phrases such as “Hasten at once, in strict accordance with the Heavenly Scripture’s ordinances; carry this out with utmost urgency” are used to press the divine command to take effect quickly. The year, month, day, and hour, the ritual master’s rank and name, and the master’s position are then recorded.
The position listed in the text is “Daoist Lord Li Fu, Illustrious Sovereign of the Jade Void.” “Format for the corner-sealed cover” gives the layout for the cover used to enclose a scripture or talisman. The front is inscribed “Heavenly Scripture of Boundlessness, proclamation and summons,” followed by the ritual master’s rank and name and a statement of the rite to be carried out. The name of the divine lord or celestial general being summoned is written separately, and the year, month, day, and hour are marked on the back. The paper and writing style depend on the importance of the rite: ordinarily, one or two characters are written in vermilion on yellow paper; for more important rites, three characters are written in vermilion on blue paper; for the most important rites, five characters are written in ink on blue paper.
The final section, “Procedure for Commanding Generals to Hold the Scripture,” gives the ritual format for holding the scripture when commanding or inviting generals. The following text begins with the words “In charge of the [unclear]” and “Respectfully in accordance with the command bestowed from on high.”
The “Celestial Document of the Limitless” (the heavenly document of the Great Dao of Limitlessness) now submits a petition concerning a certain matter, asking Heaven to issue a summons in accordance with the procedures of the Heavenly Scriptures.
I respectfully summon Wang Qizhong, the talisman envoy of the Great Dao of Limitlessness. On a certain month, day, and hour, may he descend upon a certain household, carry the Celestial Document of the Limitless, and proceed to a certain palace to summon a certain Divine Lord and a certain Marshal, and immediately carry out the command. I, your servant, am now waiting at a certain household, respectfully awaiting the gods’ revelation and response.
May the summons be issued in accordance with the Grand Duke and the year, month, day, and hour.
A certain household carries the Celestial Document of the Limitless and proceeds to a certain palace to summon a certain Divine Lord and a certain Marshal, who are to carry out the command immediately. I, your servant, am now waiting at a certain household, respectfully awaiting the gods’ revelation and response.
May the summons be issued in accordance with the Grand Duke and the year, month, day, and hour.
The ritual offices are listed in full. Alone, I receive and uphold the decree, and carry it out in accordance with the law.
After these documents have been rolled up and bound with five-colored thread, cast them into a blazing fire to be burned.
A talisman for general use in prayer.
A talisman for commanding evil spirits and treating illness.
A talisman for commanding the myriad spirits.
The name of Marshal Wen, the Dark Register of the Upper Spirit, is Qiong; his courtesy name is Ziyu.
Summoning Incantation
“Yu ji qin.” Recite silently three times while visualizing the summoned deity descending.
Summoning Talisman
A talisman used to summon.
Commanding Talisman
A talisman used to issue commands to a talisman.
Urging Talisman
A talisman used to urge action.
The above texts are ritual documents handed down by Patriarch Leiyuan for submitting petitions to the upper realm. They are exceptionally secret writings.
Purple Sovereign Flame Radiance Flying Spirit Great One Five-Thunder Method
The Marshal and His Officers in Formation
Marshal Xu Yanchang, the Great One, Upright Spirit, Grotto Radiance, Flame Radiance, Thunderbolt, Wind and Thunder. He wears a heavenly crown and a ruler’s robes, is clad in golden armor, wears blue garments and vermilion shoes, and holds a tally.
Purple Spirit Flame Radiance Wind and Thunder Wind-Chasing Envoy Yu: Great One Five-Thunder Method
The Marshal and His Officers in Formation
Marshal Xu Yanchang, the Great One, Upright Spirit, Grotto Radiance, Flame Radiance, Thunderbolt, Wind and Thunder. He wears a heavenly crown and a ruler’s robes, is clad in golden armor, wears blue garments and vermilion shoes, and holds a tally.
Yu Zhong, the Purple Spirit Flame Radiance Wind and Thunder Wind-Chasing Envoy, holds a wind wheel.
Kong Fuchen, the Cloud-Chasing Envoy, holds a treasured sword.
Chu Lie, the Thunder-Chasing Envoy, holds an iron drill and wears a thunder chariot.
Zhang Juyuan, the Lightning-Chasing Envoy, holds two axes.
Shi Zhu, the Rain-Chasing Envoy, wears a water chariot.
Tang Jian, the Dragon-Chasing Envoy, holds a great axe.
Fang Jun, the Summons-Urging Envoy, holds an iron baton.
All the messengers described above wear crossed-foot kerchiefs, with the two flaps crossing upward. Their faces are blue, their hair is red, they wear golden armor and vermilion robes, and they have black boots.
The Messenger Zhu Xing, who bears the Taiyi Moon-Sprite Flowing Radiance Chongyuan Talisman, wears a golden helmet. His face is blue-green, and he has three eyes. He wears golden armor and vermilion robes, red shoes, and carries a halberd.
The Taiyi Five-Thunder Messenger Qiu Liang wears a black cap. His face is crimson; he wears golden armor and green robes, red shoes, and carries cymbals. These are the Taiyi Radiant-Flame Thunder Gods, numbering one hundred thousand. They assist the seasonal order, carry out decrees, support the Great Dao, and save the people.
Written beneath the “Talisman for Summoning Commanders and Generals” are the two characters “Summon Zhang.” The talisman identifies Yinghong as commander and Qiqin as general.
Burn this talisman over incense to summon the divine generals. Alternatively, recite the heart-mantra: without burning incense, silently repeat the summoning spell within the heart, and a response will manifest.
“Original Cycle Purple Radiance Taiyi Command Talisman”: ordinarily, write it in cinnabar on yellow paper; in an emergency, write it in cinnabar on red paper.
For prayer, burn the talisman over incense to summon the divine generals. Alternatively, without burning incense, silently repeat the summoning spell within the heart, and a response will manifest.
“Prayer Chong Talisman”; “Prayer Dong Zhang.”
“Taiyi Thunderclap Jade Talisman”: use one character each time. The specific method for marking and using it is given below. If no response occurs after use, it may instead be written in cinnabar on blue paper.
“Purple Emperor Radiant-Flame Xingyuan Dong Zhang”: for prayer, use one character each time. The method for marking and using the talisman is given below. Use it during severe droughts, floods, or wars.
“Primordial Radiant-Flame Protection from Calamity Dong Zhang”: for praying for rain, write it in black ink on white paper; for praying for snow, write it in white ink on yellow paper; for seeking thunder or rain, write it in vermilion ink on red paper; for praying for clear skies, write it in black ink on black paper; to set it in motion, write it in white ink on black paper.
“Radiant-Flame Taiyi Thunderclap Fire-Thunder Talisman”: used in various rites, including fumigation and treatment, dispatching through the air, suppression, and subjugation.
“Fire-Elixir Talisman for Hastening Childbirth”: write it in cinnabar on yellow paper, roll it into a small pill, and swallow it.
“Worn Talisman.”
“Design of the Command Tablet”: the tablet is nine cun high, one cun thick, and two cun four fen wide. The four characters “Command: Thunder Court” are engraved on its back.
“Shangqing Divine-Blaze Five-Thunder Talisman”: write it in cinnabar on yellow paper, roll it into a small pill and swallow it, or wear it. The design of the front of the command tablet is shown below.
Nine cun long, one cun thick, and two cun and four fen wide.
Inscription on the reverse:
Command the Thunder.
The Shangqing Divine and Fierce Five Thunder Method.
Register of Generals:
The Thunder’s Great and Brilliant Heavenly God, Left Envoy for Punishing Evil, Gou Liuji: He wears a gold crown shaped like a xie beast, has red hair and a blue-green face, and is dressed in golden armor and red robes. He holds a golden hammer-drill and commands twenty thousand troops.
The Thunder’s Black Dew Great God, Right Envoy for Punishing Evil, Bi Zongyuan: He wears a jade crown shaped like a jiao beast, has a slightly dark complexion and a sparse beard, and is dressed in golden armor and black robes. He holds an axe.
Incantation for Summoning the Generals:
Yulou luzha, luhong luzha.
Talisman for Commanding the Generals:
This talisman is used to subdue evil spirits. Write the name of the Heavenly General in the center of the talisman.
Talisman for Summoning the Generals and Inviting Rain:
Use the Thunder Bureau seal, the seal used by the Thunder Bureau.
To summon rain, use the character zhou or the character jing, combine it with the preceding talisman and this one to form a three-character sequence, and write it repeatedly to bring on rain.
Talisman for Bringing Rain:
Write two copies in the same way and use them according to the method described above.
Talisman for Praying for Clear Skies:
Write two copies in the same way.
Your servant, so-and-so, carries this out.
Talisman for Clearing the Skies:
Write one copy in the same way.
Your servant, so-and-so, carries this out.
General-Purpose Talisman for Prayer:
The General Summoning Talisman.
When praying for rain, color the upper section red and the lower section black. When praying for clear skies, color the upper section black and the lower section red.
End of Volume Twenty-Four of the Great Method of Qingwei’s Primordial Descent.
Volume Twenty-Five of the Great Method of Qingwei’s Primordial Descent: General-Purpose Talismans for Prayer and the General Summoning Talisman. When praying for rain, the upper section is red and the lower section black; when praying for clear skies, the upper section is black and the lower section red.
Volume Twenty-Five of the Great Method of Qingwei’s Primordial Descent.
Secret Registers of the Five Thunders of the Purple Emperor, Supreme Unity, and Mysterious Beginning
Register of Generals:
The Supreme Unity Moon-Bane, Flowing Radiance High General, Lord of Heaven of Huayin, Zhu Xing: He wears a golden helmet with phoenix-wing ornaments, has a green face with three eyes and red hair, and a face round as the full moon. He is dressed in golden armor and red robes, and wears red shoes. In his left hand he holds a fire pearl, and in his right he carries a halberd.
The Purple Emperor, Supreme Unity, and Mysterious Beginning Thunderclap Heavenly Lord, Marshal Xianxin, Wu Qiao.
The senior-ranked gods and generals wear celestial crowns that display the dignity of kings. They are dressed in golden armor and red robes, wear red shoes, ride jade dragons, and hold tally tokens.
The Great God of Harmonious Convergence of the Nine Qi of the East, Ji Chang, wears a dragon crown. His face is green, his hair red, and he is clad in golden armor, a blue robe, and red shoes. He holds an axe.
The Great God of Wondrous Mystery of the Three Qi of the South, Tang Yuan, wears a crown of fire. His face is red, his hair yellow, and he is clad in golden armor, a vermilion robe, and red shoes. He holds a fire sword.
The Great God of the Cinnabar Origin of the Seven Qi of the West, Long Qin, wears a celestial crown and has handsome features. He is clad in golden armor, a white robe, and red shoes. He holds a goose-feather saber.
The Great God of Vast Magnitude of the Five Qi of the North, Song Chenqing, wears a celestial crown and has a purplish complexion. He is clad in golden armor, a dark robe, and red shoes. He holds a halberd.
A passage repeats the following account: The Great God of the Cinnabar Origin of the Seven Qi of the West, Long Qin, wears a celestial crown and has handsome features. He is clad in golden armor, a white robe, and red shoes. He holds a goose-feather saber. The Great God of Vast Magnitude of the Five Qi of the North, Song Chenqing, wears a celestial crown and has a purplish complexion. He is clad in golden armor, a dark robe, and red shoes. He holds a halberd.
The Great God Who Sets the Spirit in Motion of the One Qi of the Center, Song Xingdong, wears a celestial crown and has a golden face. He is clad in golden armor, a yellow robe, and red shoes. He holds a mirror.
Wang Lie, Lu Fang, Lei Yan, Wu Fu, Xu Duan, and Mu Ji, the Envoys of the Mysterious Beginning Thunderclap, Thunder, and Fire Talismans of Arising and Shaking, wear official caps with upward-pointing or crossed flaps. Their expressions are stern, and they are clad in golden armor, yellow robes, and black shoes. They hold goose-feather sabers.
Talismans for Purifying Impurities and for Incense
Summoning Generals Talisman
Summoning Incantation
The incantation is “Dan Di Hong Zhao Heng,” silently recited three times in the mind.
Purple Emperor, Great One, Talisman of Arising and Rectifying Jade
A talisman used in prayer.
Purple Emperor, Great One, Mysterious Beginning, Cavern Chapter
The character “Zhong.”
Purple Emperor, Great One, Mysterious Beginning, Upper Scripture
For ordinary use, write it in cinnabar on yellow paper; for prayer, write it in cinnabar on blue paper.
Write the talisman swiftly to summon a particular god or general, so that the prayer may be answered and carried out without delay.
Purple Emperor, Great One, Faith Talisman
Qingwei Flying Talisman
Write it in cinnabar on yellow, blue, or green paper. Each talisman must be annotated according to the prescribed rules.
The Convenient Talisman of the Purple Sovereign and Great Unity can be used to dispel malign Qi. Burn it, then use the smoke to fumigate the body and take it internally.
The Clear Tenuity Heart Seal (a heart method transmitted in the Clear Tenuity school).
“The generals who command the spirits must act as swiftly as sparks among the stars when they hear the order.”
The Essentials of Daoist Method
Transmitted by Li Shaowei, the Perfected One who Preserves Unity at Cloud Mountain.
Within the Dao there is a Dao; within the Dao there is a method; within the method there is also a method. The “Dao within the Dao” means that not a single thought arises in the heart, and all things return to stillness. The “method within the Dao” means that in stillness, the dragon and tiger unite in intercourse (an image in internal cultivation for the union of Yin and Yang); in movement, one sweeps a hand, gives a command, and wields the thunder. The “method within the method” means pacing the Dipper, making hand-seals, reciting incantations, and drawing talismans. Everything else is merely a technical art of calculation. The Great Dao cannot be put into words; it can only be understood through the heart and spirit. The wondrous method cannot be taught; it can only be realized inwardly. Those skilled in cultivation practice the Great Dao and do not cling to particular techniques. Those skilled in seeking a teacher take their own original heart as their teacher, rather than another person.
Someone asked, “Are methods also divided into the innate and the acquired?”
If we speak of the innate, originally not even “One” existed. “Dao” is merely a name imposed for convenience—so how could there have been any method? Besides, the moment a thought stirs, it already belongs to the acquired. Talismans, diagrams, incantations, and hand-seals are forms still further removed from the source. Know that what is born before Heaven has no form at birth; only when stirred by things acquired afterward does it develop feeling and intention. To respond while remaining still, and after responding to return to stillness—who but a Perfected One can do this?
Method does not lie in deliberate visualization; deliberate visualization is not true method. Method does not lie in contrived action; deliberate contrivance is deviant and false. Method does not lie in shouting loudly; cries and commands become madness. Method does not lie in prayer and praise; prayer and praise are merely the work of shamans.
The subtle workings of the method and the union of Yin-Yang are expressed through square and circle, movement and stillness. The Dao runs through Heaven, Earth, and humanity—the Three Powers—and thus through all things in the universe. Water, Fire, Wood, Metal, and Earth correspond to the Five Phases; East, South, West, North, and Center correspond to the Five Directions; and Heaven, Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, Thunder, Mountain, and Lake correspond to the Eight Trigrams (Bagua).
Those who cling rigidly to divination and numerology assign a particular matter to a particular aperture when drawing a talisman. They use the changes of nature to work out relations of generation and overcoming, then begin and complete the strokes according to fixed procedures, believing that in this way they have grasped the mysteries of how spirits and deities operate. But before the Taiji—the Supreme Ultimate—divided, where could Yin-Yang, the Three Powers, the Five Phases, the Five Directions, or the Eight Trigrams have come from? For this reason, a person of the Dao can set aside such external procedures when practicing the method and need not rely on talismanic scripts.
An old saying goes: “Draw a talisman without knowing the aperture, and spirits and deities will laugh at you; draw one knowing the aperture, and you can startle them.” Those who practice the method today do not understand the foundations of Daoist ritual. They act arbitrarily on paper and take that to be the talisman’s aperture, without realizing that the “aperture” here is no ordinary point. It is the “cavern of spirit and Qi,” formed jointly by Heaven and Earth, where spirit and Qi meet and which contains the essence of Kan and Li—the vital energies that symbolize Water and Fire and the union of Yin and Yang. This aperture must be sought within oneself, not elsewhere. Once a person recognizes it, they can speak of the Dao; the meaning of Daoist ritual extends far beyond drawing talismans. The Essentials of the Preface to the Supreme One’s Mind Method says: “When gathered inward, it serves as fetal breathing; when put into operation, it becomes the aperture. This is the truly subtle key to Daoist ritual.” These words disclose the secret within and should be contemplated carefully.
A talisman is a real token of verification between Heaven and Earth, yet people often take cinnabar, ink, paper, and brush to be the talisman itself. I believe that a single spark of numinous light can reach up to Heaven and penetrate down to Earth. Wherever the spirit is invested, what could not become a talisman? Emptiness, Water and Fire, tiles and rubble, earth and stone, plants and trees, food and drink—all can become talismans. A talisman may appear or remain unseen; its power can penetrate and transform. This is the talisman of Daoist ritual.
The Suwen says: “When the mind is calm, empty, peaceful, and free of attachment, the true Qi (the fundamental breath on which life and cultivation depend) flows smoothly. When the spirit is kept within the body, where can illness come from?” People fall ill—sometimes they feel cold, sometimes feverish; sometimes an illness is severe, sometimes mild—all because they have failed to care for themselves properly and have not restrained their desires. This gives harmful forces among the six Qi (the six kinds of natural energy that affect the human body) an opening to enter.
In healing with Fulu (talismans and registers), a talisman is only a design written in cinnabar and ink on paper. Can it really manifest power on its own? The efficacy of Fulu comes from the practitioner’s own true Qi. Thus it is said: “A talisman has no fixed form; its power comes from Qi.” Once this principle is understood, anything can carry Qi. Even a lump of clay or a handful of thatch can be used to heal another person.
A talisman is a token that brings Yin and Yang into harmony, and only the most sincere person under Heaven can use it. Without sufficient sincerity, the talisman will naturally have no effect. Thus it is said: “I bring my Jing and Qi into harmony with the Jing and Qi of all things between Heaven and Earth; I bring my spirit into harmony with the spirit of all things between Heaven and Earth.” Their Jing and Qi mingle, and their spirits support one another. In this way, a small paper talisman can summon spirits and ghosts, compelling them to respond.
Spells passed down within the same lineage may use identical talismans and incantations, yet work for some people and fail for others. The reason is insufficient sincerity. Without sincerity, one lacks confidence; without confidence, doubts arise; once doubt takes hold, the mind has no firm center. And with no firm center in the mind, how can one resonate with the world beyond oneself? Thus all spells, at their root, are methods of the mind. When the mind’s intent is clear and unobstructed, the spells can work.
Heaven, Earth, and humanity—the Three Powers—are connected by the same Qi. Heaven moves through Qi; Earth brings forth all things through Qi; Yin and Yang express expansion and contraction through Qi; wind and thunder set change in motion through Qi. The human body breathes through Qi, and Daoist methods likewise work through Qi.
What links Heaven, Earth, and humanity—the Three Powers—is one and the same primal Qi. Heaven moves through Qi; Earth transforms and gives life through Qi. Yin and Yang unfold or contract through Qi; wind and thunder are set in motion and transformed through Qi. People breathe through Qi, and the methods of the Dao respond and connect through Qi. Those skilled in cultivation understand that Shen arises from Qi, and Qi governs Shen. They allow no distracting thoughts from outside to enter and no delusions within to take root. They keep the primal Qi calm and flowing, returning to its source and restoring life’s original nature. Whether walking, standing, sitting upright, or lying down, they continually guard and nourish the primal Qi, cultivating a full and upright vitality.
To apply this cultivation to the methods of the Dao is to unite one’s own true Qi with the transformations of Heaven and Earth. Thus, an exhalation can become clouds and rain, and a breath can become thunder. When summoning generals and officers, the original Shen naturally becomes clear and alert; when subduing evil spirits, gods and ghosts naturally submit. One can reach up to the heavenly realms, descend to the underworld, enter and leave the realms of darkness, and transform without limit. What among these things is not done by me? Without an inner master, Qi scatters and the mind grows clouded. When performing rites, if one relies only on Fulu and a ritual ruler, hoping for success by luck, I do not think it can be done.
Someone asked, “What does ‘transforming the self into a god’ mean?”
At the primordial kalpa of Yuanshi, the beginning of the cosmic cycle, the One Qi divided and gave rise to the true gods. I am Yuanshi, and Yuanshi is me: this is called “transforming the self into a god.”
Some people in the world close their eyes and visualize deities. I do not think this practice can succeed.
Someone else asked, “What does ‘transforming the self into a god’ mean?”
At the primordial kalpa of Yuanshi, the One Qi divided and gave rise to the true gods. I am Yuanshi, and Yuanshi is me: this is called “transforming the self into a god.”
Some people in the world close their eyes and focus their minds on a deity, imagining a divine general arriving from a particular direction. Others massage and contract their bodies, circulate their inner Qi, and make it join with the Qi outside. Alas, these are all delusions. If they could truly bring gods and generals to respond, then the saying “the general’s spirit-god” would have a basis. In moments of leisure, quiet the mind and nourish Shen, and Shen will naturally become clear and alert. Harmonize the primal Qi, and it will naturally fulfill its true function. When performing rites, follow the natural course: Shen joins with Shen, and Qi joins with Qi. At the mere lift of an eye or stir of a thought, the gods, officers, and troops under one’s command surge forth in great numbers, as if they were right beside you.
The Yellow Emperor said, “The universe is held in the palm of the hand; the myriad transformations arise from within oneself.” Those who understand this feel as vast as Heaven and Earth, while Heaven and Earth seem small beside them. Zhuangzi said, “In stillness, one is like a corpse; in manifestation, like a swimming dragon. Deep and quiet, one is silent; when one speaks, it is like thunder.” Only those who understand this can discuss the key to movement and stillness.
The Thunder Gods travel back and forth as swiftly as lightning. The world is full of turbid, impure Qi, so the Thunder Gods should not remain for long. Once summoned, they should therefore be sent away promptly, without dwelling on empty ceremonial wording. As the saying goes, “I am greater than Heaven and Earth, while Heaven and Earth are smaller than I am.” Zhuangzi says, “The body lies still as a corpse, while the spirit and Qi appear like a dragon; the mind is deep and silent, yet can sound like rolling thunder.” Only those who understand this can discuss the key to movement and stillness.
The Thunder Gods should be summoned swiftly and sent away in good time, without clinging to empty ritual display. Some rites involve spirit possession and consecration, summoning divine generals and having them deliver messages, sealing the arms with water, or capturing the souls of the dead and causing them to fall into a spirit banner. If the ghosts and spirits do not manifest, or the rites fail to bring a response, these are matters of magical technique. The language of ghosts and spirits may be used to teach people, but those who truly understand the Dao do not cling to such things. Someone asked, “How can evil spirits be subdued?” Simply rectify yourself and cultivate the right way. Have you not heard? Even the spirits of flowers and moonlight dared not appear before Di Lianggong. Upright gentlemen command the respect even of ghosts and spirits; how much more so those who possess the Dao?
Someone asked, “What is refining and liberating?”
To refine the souls of the dead, one must first cultivate one’s own mind and spirit. To liberate others, one must first liberate oneself. This is the fundamental principle of refining and liberation. Human nature is inherently luminous and can endure alongside Heaven; it is only through greed and attachment that birth and death arise. The human body is composed of the “Four Great Elements”—earth, water, fire, and wind—and will eventually fall apart. There is no physical form worth clinging to. If one remains attached to a deluded mind and fails to awaken, one will wander through the Six Paths, the six destinations of rebirth, and pass among the Three Woes, the three lower realms of hell, hungry ghosts, and animals.
Therefore, the Most High, a Daoist honorific for the supreme divine, took pity on living beings and transmitted the teachings. Those who possess the Dao use their own true nature to awaken the delusion of others, their own Yang Qi to refine the Yin Qi of others, their own divine illumination to bring forth the divine illumination of others, and their own original Qi to guide the original Qi of others. The key is to clear the mind, settle one’s thoughts, and practice with undivided attention; even a single deviation in thought can prevent the work from reaching completion. Edicts, talismans and registers, and the various liturgies are merely methods established to teach and guide. The written words and rites may all be in place, but their true efficacy does not reside in these forms alone.
The Qingwei Daoist Lineage
The Jade Pure One, the Original Beginning Supreme Emperor.
The High Pure One, the Numinous Treasure Supreme Emperor, the Jade Worthy Dao Lord.
The titles and deeds of the “Heavenly Emperor of Mysterious Transformation of True Origin” are respectfully recorded here.
If one clings only to the written forms of imperial proclamations, talismans and registers, and specialized ritual liturgies, one cannot grasp their ultimate meaning. The teachings establish these forms for good reason: they serve a purpose. Their wording is recorded here, but the true principle does not reside in written forms alone.
The venerable deities listed by the Qingwei Dao tradition include the Jade Pure Supreme Emperor, the Highest Pure Jade Lord of the Way and numinous treasure, the Heavenly Emperor of Mysterious Transformation of True Origin, whose name and deeds are respectfully recorded; Yang Che, the Heavenly Lord of the Wondrous Way and True Destiny of the Nine Heavens; Xu Lingqing, the Primal Lady of the Nine Heavens of Grotto Illumination; Zhu Xuan, the Perfected One, a Celestial of the Jade Hall; and the Mysterious Great Azure Beneficence, Radiant Transformation, and Support of Fusang True … . Here, “imperial proclamation” means a sacred decree; “talismans and registers” refers to Daoist written talismans and registers of ritual authority; and “ritual” refers to prescribed forms of ceremony. These are all specialized forms within Daoist ritual and teaching.
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