《高上神霄玉清真王紫书大法》Vol. 2

Perform the rite swiftly.

This method requires reciting the incantation three times. Form the “Chenwen” hand gesture with the left hand, face southeast, circulate the Qi, and blow three times. Have a young attendant blow as well, then open your eyes and look.

The incantation says: “Divine officers of the Divine Empyrean, generals of the numinous officials, drive the resentful spirits out at once, making them take visible form as though they were in water or fire. Quickly!” Another version says: “Make them appear before the patient.”

Method for Transferring and Summoning Down

If a child cannot speak, the wet nurse may act in their place. Have a relative face the patient and blow three breaths toward them. The ritual master forms the “Celestial Officer Seal” with the right hand, extends the middle finger straight out toward the air, and traces a black talisman in sequence. While reciting this method’s incantation, form the “Golden Spear Seal” with the left hand and point it at the patient. Call aloud: “General Lihei, descend at once and aid me.” Visualize the general wearing golden armor, his face purplish red, holding an axe and riding on a black cloud. Before long, black Qi fills the space before your eyes.

The incantation says: “Heavenly Origin Treasure Register, forms transformed by Taijia. Generals Haohei and Lihei, obey my command at once: transfer the baleful influences and send down the spirits. By the decree of the True King, I command you to release the souls and attach yourselves within the patient’s body. Do not err. Perform the rite swiftly.”

The two generals, Haohei and Lihei, may also be dispatched to command the ghost spirits. Burn this talisman to ashes and swallow them, or write another talisman to summon the generals and command them to come; this is highly efficacious. Visualize the two generals arriving before you and covering them with black clouds, or covering the ghost spirits. You may also visualize black clouds covering yourself. Practice this visualization often, and write the talisman and recite this method’s incantation.

Incantation for Summoning the Thunderbolt General Haohei

The incantation says: “The true essence of pure water; the Black Emperor descends. The heavenly talisman is a sharp sword, its might shaking the myriad spirits. All demons respectfully withdraw; the myriad baleful influences lie hidden. Hasten in accordance with the commands of the Most High Divine Empyrean Jade Clarity True King.”

This method is based on the Qi of the southeast. It visualizes a divine general known as “Black Great General Qian Xiongfei.” He has a short face, a purplish-red complexion, and a large mouth, and carries a treasured sword and iron chains. The practitioner blows out Qi to summon him. When the patient sees the deity, the sky and earth seem to darken, and the patient can no longer tell people from ghosts or day from night. The practitioner then chants an incantation and issues a command, calling down divine power from within and beyond the Divine Empyrean Court, from the spirit prisons, and from the dragon pens. This power devours poison and malign influences, cuts down evil ghosts, and disperses the clouds and darkness of the underworld, its might extending throughout the netherworld. The practitioner also commands the “Black General’s Emissary” to make the sky swiftly grow dim and the ground dark and gloomy, depriving strange dragons of their light and blinding ghosts and demons. As the divine general arrives at the ritual altar, the fire bell rings out in a rapid tremor. The rite concludes with the command of the “High and Supreme True King of Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean,” urging the divine power to act at once.

Talisman of Thunder and Fire for Subduing the Black Great General

The talismanic spell commands the “Black Subduing Black Great General” to descend amid the sound of thunder. It declares that the Han official has issued an order, requiring the divine general to descend immediately from the Nine Heavens. The sunlight stalls, and heaven and earth grow dark. The gods are covered and made drowsy; ghosts and spirits are covered and thrown into confusion. The text ends by again invoking the command of the High and Supreme True King of Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean, urging that it be carried out.

To make this Thunder and Fire talisman for subduing the Black General, make a talisman board from peach wood, two inches long and two inches six fen wide. The practitioner transforms into the deity’s form, performs the Bugang and steps the Dipper (a prescribed sequence of steps that traces the positions of the stars), gathers the Qi of thunder and fire, blows onto the brush, and writes the talisman. After writing it, the practitioner chants an incantation to consecrate the talisman and places it in the center of the courtyard to suppress evil influences. The scripture says that when ghosts see the thunder and fire represented by the talisman, they flee a thousand li, and calamities come to an end.

Another kind of talisman is written in black ink on blue paper and worn on the body. When trouble arises, burning it is said to make the black Qi vanish. The scripture also records that the talisman may be swallowed and then used to induce vomiting, to treat Gu poison and expel a stillborn fetus. These are talismanic methods and effects described in the scripture as practices of the past; they do not represent modern medical treatment. The divine general summoned by the talisman has a purplish-red complexion and a fierce appearance, carries a great axe, and rides a black “Leichang,” a name for a supernatural mount used in the original text.

This concludes scroll three of The Great Method of the Purple Writings of the High and Supreme True King of Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean.

The Great Method of the Purple Writings of the High and Supreme True King of Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean, Scroll Four

Method of the Thunder Department’s Writings Descending of Their Own Accord

Incantation for Summoning the Twenty-One Generals

The Jade Palace of the Divine Empyrean is where all the gods of thunder gather, and the deity of thunder and lightning commands them there. Qi gathers and transforms, taking the form of a black “Leichang.”

The Thunder Department Method for Submitting a Petition: A spell for summoning the twenty-one generals.

Spell for Summoning the Twenty-One Generals

The Jade Bureau of the Divine Empyrean, the Daoist celestial court of thunder, commands the perfected beings of the thunder host. It gathers and transforms the currents of energy into the script of the Nine Yangs.

Above, it leads the thunder generals; below, it commands the officials, clerks, and soldiers. It can subdue whatever lies hidden, however remote, and all spirits, whatever their kind, must obey its orders.

It commands thunder and pursues lightning, bringing all the spirits under its authority. It rides in a procession of ten thousand chariots, followed by the celestial troops who carry out its decrees.

The Jade Clarity commander of the Thunder Department leads the armies on the left and right. The Fire Boar and Black Dog serve the Four Sacred Envoys.

It hunts down flood dragons and captures demons. At the sound of a summons, it descends at once.

By command of the Most High Perfected King of Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean, I summon General [name]. Hasten and obey the laws.

Ritual method: Form the Chen hand sign with the left hand, draw in energy from the Xun direction, and face Xun—the southeast—as you summon.

Yan Qing, General Who Pursues and Captures in the Eight Directions, leads one hundred and twenty sword-bearing attendants. Teng Qi, the Ghost-Driving General of the Southern Mound of the Nine Heavens’ Taiwei Palace, also descends.

Ritual method: Form the Zi hand sign, face Xun, and draw in energy. Then write the talisman and burn it before the patient or at the ritual altar. You may also visualize the divine general descending: he wears a crimson robe with wide sleeves and golden armor, a Tianding crown, and rides down on multicolored auspicious clouds.

Ritual method: Form the Zi hand sign, face Xun, and draw in energy. Write the talisman and burn it before the patient or at the ritual altar. You may also visualize the divine general descending in a crimson robe, wide sleeves, and golden armor, wearing a Tianding crown and riding down on multicolored auspicious clouds. Make this invocation:

By decree of the Perfected King of Jade Clarity, I summon Yan Qing, General Who Pursues and Captures in the Eight Directions. Go at once and seize and bind the ghostly intruder, make it attach itself to the patient, and have it truthfully state its name. Hasten and obey.

Yang Shun, General Who Responds Swiftly Above and Below, leads one hundred and twenty attendants. Ji Bao, the Ghost-Binding General of the Southern Mound of the Nine Heavens’ Taiwei Palace, also descends.

Ritual method: Form the Chen hand sign, face Xun, and draw in energy. Exhale, then write and burn the talisman. Visualize the divine general descending in black clothing and golden armor, with loose green hair, holding a precious sword. Make this invocation:

By decree of the Perfected King of Jade Clarity, I summon Yang Shun, General Who Responds Swiftly Above and Below. Go at once and take hold of any mad, baleful ghosts or bandits that may be within [the named person], swiftly seize them and make them attach themselves to the patient. Hasten and obey.

Ma Shunqing, General Who Patrols the Five Directions, leads one hundred and twenty attendants.

The Nine Heavens, Taiwei, Southern Mound Spirit-Subduing Demon General Yu Zixian.

“Extreme”

For the rite above, form the hand seal called “Chenwen,” draw in the breath from the Xun direction (southeast), draw the talisman, then burn it. Visualize the divine general descending on a fiery cloud, wearing a Tianding crown, a yellow robe with wide sleeves, and golden armor, and holding a sword. Draw in the breath, form the hand seal called “Tiyin,” blow, and summon the Southern Mound Spirit-Subduing Demon General Yu Zixian.

“Extreme”

For the rite above, form the hand seal called “Chenwen,” draw in the breath from the Xun direction, draw the talisman, then burn it. Visualize the divine general descending on a fiery cloud, wearing a Tianding crown, a yellow robe with wide sleeves, and golden armor, and holding a sword. Draw in the breath, form the hand seal called “Tiyin,” and blow on the talisman. Pray:

“By command of the True King of Jade Clarity, I summon the Five-Direction Patrolling General Ma Shunqing. Go swiftly through the Three Realms, within the Ten Directions, and across the four quarters, above and below. Pursue and seize every frenzied spirit and demon that is causing harm through its mischief in the body of [name]. Take them into custody beside the sick person and make them give their names. Carry this out at once.”

Head-Seizing Demon-Subduing General Lü Sheng, with one hundred and twenty subordinate officials.

The Nine Heavens, Taiwei, Southern Mound Demon-Interrogating General Wu Kungu.

“Heaven”

For the rite above, form the hand seal called “Chenwen,” draw in the breath from the Xun direction, draw the talisman, and burn it in the Xun direction. Visualize the divine general descending on a black cloud, shaped like a strong warrior and dressed in red brocade. Pray:

“By command of the True King of Jade Clarity, I summon Head-Seizing Demon-Subduing General Lü Sheng. Subdue the evil demons for me at once, take them into custody beside the sick person, and make them give their names. Carry this out at once.”

Nine Heavens Commander of Fate, Evil-Subduing General Gao Wen, with one hundred and twenty subordinate officials.

The Nine Heavens, Taiwei, Southern Mound Demon-Restraint General Hu Fuyi.

“Upright”

For the rite above, form the hand seal called “Chenwen,” draw in the breath from the Xun direction, draw the talisman, and burn it in the Xun direction. Visualize the divine general descending on five-colored clouds, wearing a crimson wide-sleeved robe, a three-beam crown, and golden armor, holding a halberd, and leading ten thousand attendants. Pray:

By the command of the Jade Purity True King, a revered deity in the Divine Empyrean tradition, I summon Gao Wen, the General of the Nine Heavens’ Director of Destiny who Subdues Evil. He is authorized to follow the talismanic command, go forth, drive away and capture all ghosts and spirits on a certain person that ought to be expelled, and make them swiftly reveal their true forms. Let this be carried out at once.

Li Shun, the General Who Responds to the Nine Heavens’ Director of Destiny and Shackles Ghosts, commands one hundred and twenty attendants.

Xu Zhonglian, the General of the Nine Heavens’ Taiwei Southern Mound who Burns Ghosts.

Bi.

For the ritual above: pinch the center of the middle finger, draw in the Qi of the Chen direction, and write the talisman. Burn it beneath the patient’s feet while summoning the deity. Visualize the divine general with a yellow headwrap, wearing a crimson robe with wide sleeves and holding shackles, descending from the sky astride fiery clouds. Pray:

By the command of the Jade Purity True King, I summon Li Shun, the General Who Responds to the Nine Heavens’ Director of Destiny and Shackles Ghosts. He is authorized to follow the command, draw in the Qi of the Chen direction, write the talisman, and burn it beneath the patient’s feet while summoning the deity. Visualize the divine general with a yellow headwrap, wearing a crimson robe with wide sleeves and holding shackles, descending from the sky astride fiery clouds. Pray:

By the command of the Jade Purity True King, I summon Li Shun, the General Who Responds to the Nine Heavens’ Director of Destiny and Shackles Ghosts. He is authorized to carry out the command. Swiftly seize the evil ghosts that cause trouble and harm people. Show them no leniency. Execute this order immediately.

He Ji, the General of the Nine Heavens’ Director of Destiny who Drives Away Evil, commands one hundred and twenty attendants.

Hun Buchi, the General of the Nine Heavens’ Taiwei Southern Mound who Freezes Ghosts.

Huang.

For the ritual above: form the Chen hand-sign, draw in the Qi of the Xun direction, and write the talisman. Burn it on the talisman while summoning the deity. Visualize the divine general with a crimson headwrap, wearing yellow clothes and holding two swords, descending on black clouds. The clouds bear flames and come from the Xun direction. Pray:

By the command of the Jade Purity True King, I summon He Ji, the General of the Nine Heavens’ Director of Destiny who Drives Away Evil. I command him to follow the talisman to a certain household and, regardless of the patient’s relationship to those there, immediately drive out all the ghostly evils tormenting a certain person and make them depart swiftly. May a certain yang in the afflicted household, the term used in the original, be at peace from now on. Let the command be obeyed.

Again, summon He Ji, the General of the Nine Heavens’ Director of Destiny who Drives Away Evil. I command him to follow the talisman to a certain household and, regardless of relationship, immediately drive out all the ghostly evils tormenting and harming a certain person and make them depart swiftly. May a certain yang in the afflicted household be at peace from now on. Let the command be obeyed.

Zhao Zhen, the General Who Searches and Seizes throughout the Three Realms, commands one hundred and twenty attendants.

The Nine Heavens, Taiwei, Southern Mound: Commanding the Ghost-Seizing General to Apply the Incantation of Illumination

During the ritual, form the Zi-character hand seal, draw in Chen Qi (vital energy gathered and directed according to the method of the hand seal), and write the talisman. Burn it in the Xun direction (southeast) to summon the general. Envision the divine general descending from the Gate of Heaven amid black clouds. He wears black robes and an iron crown, has a dark complexion and large eyes, and carries a precious sword. Pray:

“By command of the True King of Jade Clarity, I summon Zhao Zhen, the general who searches and captures across the Three Realms. Go with this talisman throughout the Three Realms, within the Ten Directions, and across the Four Quarters, above and below. Track down and seize the ghost troubling a certain person’s body. Drive it to the sick person, and quickly capture it and attach it to that person. Go at once.”

Yao Ming, the responsive general who shackles ghosts, commands one hundred and twenty attendants.

The Nine Heavens, Taiwei, Southern Mound: Receiving Souls with the Fire-Bell Divine Horse

During the ritual, form the hand seal at the upper joint of the middle finger, draw in Xun Qi, and write the talisman. Burn it in the Xun direction to summon the general. Envision a powerful divine warrior descending in black robes. Pray:

“By command of the True King of Jade Clarity, I summon Du Xing, the Nine Heavens’ ghost-interrogating general. Take up your iron staff, interrogate the ghost, and discover its name. Show it no leniency. Go at once.”

Liu Wen, the disheveled-haired general who binds ghosts, commands one hundred and twenty attendants.

Du Lingwen, Great General Who Assists the Sovereign at the Jade Capital of the Nine Heavens

The character “Gang.”

During the ritual, form the hand seal at the base of the middle finger, draw in Xun Qi, and write the talisman. Burn it in the Xun direction to summon the general. Envision the divine general descending on purple clouds. He wears a three-beam crown and blue embroidered robes, and has a ruddy complexion and large eyes. Pray:

“By command of the True King of Jade Clarity, I summon Liu Wen, the disheveled-haired general who binds ghosts. I now dispatch you: immediately bind the ghost troubling a certain person’s body and escort it beyond the borders. Do not disobey this command. Go at once.”

Yi De, the general who slays ghosts and destroys their forms, commands one hundred and twenty attendants.

Wang Fangping, Chief Ghost-Seizing General of the Eight Extremities’ Immortal Capital

The character “Mao.”

During the ritual, form the hand seal beneath the nail of the middle finger, draw in Chen Qi, and write the talisman. Burn it in the Xun direction to summon the general. Envision the divine general descending astride a fierce beast. He wears a wide-sleeved crimson robe, has a dark complexion and large eyes, red hair, and a blue body.

Here, “forming the hand seal,” “drawing in Qi,” “writing the talisman,” and “burning it to summon” refer to the steps in Daoist liturgy for summoning a divine general by coordinating hand seals, directing Qi, and burning talismans. “Envisioning the deity” means that the ritual practitioner visualizes the general’s appearance and descent in the mind.

Demon-Slaying, Form-Destroying General Yi De: Pinch the point beneath the middle fingernail with the right hand, gather Qi from the Chen direction, and write the talisman. Then burn it in the Xun direction to summon the general. Visualize him arriving on a fierce beast, wearing a crimson robe with wide sleeves. He has a dark face, large eyes, red hair, and a blue body. Make this invocation:

“By the command of the True King of Jade Clarity, a divine perfected being revered by the Divine Empyrean school, I summon Demon-Slaying, Form-Destroying General Yi De. Come with me to a certain household and seize the demons afflicting a certain person. Whether kin or stranger, slay them all, shattering and destroying their forms. Do not presume to disobey. Carry this out at once.”

The Natal Spirit Officer General Dai Zuo commands 120 attendants.

The Nine Heavens Mighty Celestial Guard, Great Demon-Caging God Li Yun.

After the character “Jie,” continue with the following text:

Natal Spirit Officer General Dai Zuo: Pinch the Zi hand-seal with the right hand, gather Qi from the north, and write the talisman. Burn it in the Gen direction to summon the general. Visualize him arriving from the sky with the appearance of a spirit officer, his face blue-white and his eyes glaring in anger. Make this invocation:

“By the command of the True King of Jade Clarity, I summon Natal Spirit Officer General Dai Zuo. I command you to guard the living soul within a certain person at my ritual altar. Do not disobey; carry out the order.”

Fire-Wheel-Burning Demon General Gai Xing commands 120 attendants.

The Nine Heavens Mighty Celestial Guard, Demon-Torturing General Yan Kaitian.

Fire-Wheel-Burning Demon General Gai Xing: Pinch the upper section of the middle finger with the right hand, gather Qi from the southeast, and write the talisman. Burn it in front of the patient to summon the general. Visualize him arriving from the southeast like a general, holding a fire wheel aloft and carrying a sword, riding a flaming chariot amid clouds of fire. Make this invocation:

“By the command of the True King of Jade Clarity, I summon Fire-Wheel-Burning Demon General Gai Xing. Release the True Samadhi Fire, the divine fire used in Daoist ritual to burn away harmful spirits, and burn up demons and spirits, so that the patient may recover and the soul may rest in peace. Carry this out at once.”

Three Heavens Direct Talisman, Response-Bringing General Kong Da commands 120 attendants.

Divine Empyrean Five-Thunder Demon-Pursuing General Jiang Daochang.

After the character “De,” continue with the following text:

Divine Empyrean Five-Thunder Demon-Pursuing General Jiang Daochang: Pinch the Chen hand-seal with the right hand, gather Qi from the Xun direction, and write the talisman. Burn it in the Xun direction to summon the general. Visualize him arriving on five-colored clouds, wearing a red embroidered robe and a red headband, with a court cap that rises toward the sky, and holding a treasured sword. Make this invocation:

By command of the True King of Jade Purity, I summon Kong Da, the Three-Heavens Talisman Marshal of Immediate Response. He shall accompany me, bearing a talisman, to a certain household and confer with a certain deity among the Six Spirits, to ascertain the auspicious or inauspicious cause of the illness and report it clearly at once. With all haste, in accordance with the statutes!

The Commander-in-Chief, General Qiu Wu, arrives riding on five-colored clouds. The invocation says:

By command of the True King of Jade Purity, I summon Kong Da, the Three-Heavens Talisman Marshal of Immediate Response. He shall accompany me, bearing a talisman, to a certain household and confer with a certain deity among the Six Spirits, to ascertain the auspicious or inauspicious cause of the illness and report it clearly at once. With all haste, in accordance with the statutes!

The Commander-in-Chief, General Qiu Xiang, leads one hundred and twenty attendant officers and soldiers.

The Nine-Heavens Mighty Celestial Warrior, Ghost-Binding General Jiang Baizheng.

“Border.”

For the ritual above: form the hand seal, press the written character against the second finger, and trace the seal. Draw Qi from the Chen direction, write the talisman, then burn it at the Chen position to summon the general. Visualize the divine general wearing a nine-beam crown, with a purplish-red complexion, dressed in yellow and holding a moon-shaped axe, riding five-colored clouds from the southeast. The invocation says:

By command of the True King of Jade Purity, I summon the Commander-in-Chief, General Qiu Xiang. He shall accompany me to a certain household, lead the troops in advance, supervise and restrain the gods of Fate and the others, capture the evil spirits, and bring them here in custody, to be examined and dealt with according to the law. With all haste, in accordance with the statutes!

The Three-Heavens Talisman Marshal, General Hu Jin, leads one hundred and twenty attendant officers and soldiers.

The Nine-Heavens Mighty Celestial Warrior, Ghost-Burning General Deng Su.

“Rain.”

For the ritual above: form the hand seal with the middle finger, pressing it against the character “Wen.” Draw Qi from the southeast, write the talisman, then burn it to summon the general. Visualize the divine general in the likeness of the Talisman Marshal, dressed in yellow and wearing a sword, arriving from the Xun direction (southeast). The invocation says:

By command of the True King of Jade Purity, I summon Hu Jin, the Three-Heavens Talisman Marshal. He shall accompany me to a certain place and investigate and report whether a certain matter has come to pass. With all haste, in accordance with the statutes!

The General Who Directs the Day, Su Sheng, leads one hundred and twenty attendant officers and soldiers.

The Divine Empyrean Five-Thunder Ghost-Restraining General Guan Shining.

“Lightning.”

The ritual recorded on the right is as follows: By command of the True King, I summon Hu Jin, the Three-Heavens Talisman Marshal. He shall accompany me to a certain place and investigate and report whether a certain matter has come to pass. With all haste, in accordance with the statutes!

The General Who Directs the Day, Su Sheng, leads one hundred and twenty attendant officers and soldiers.

The Divine Empyrean Five-Thunder Ghost-Restraining General Guan Shining.

“Lightning.”

This method involves forming hand seals, drawing in Qi, writing talismans, and burning them to summon divine generals. “Visualizing the spirit” means the practitioner pictures the divine general’s appearance in the mind. “Xun” refers to the southeast direction, and “Chen” is the Chen position among the Twelve Earthly Branches. In the invocation, “a certain household” should be replaced with the name of the residence where the ritual is being performed.

Visualize the divine general as a strong warrior dressed in crimson, holding a precious sword and riding clouds from the southeast. The invocation says: “By order of the True King of Jade Clarity (a revered Daoist deity), I summon Su Sheng, the general in charge of presenting affairs on this day, and the divine general who ordinarily commands the generals of this prefecture. You must put your ranks in order, deploy your troops, and await my journey to a certain household, where you shall seize the unruly spirits and evil ghosts causing trouble and eliminate them without fail. Do not disobey this command. Carry it out at once.”

The general who attends the altar and answers the summons, Zhao Yuanzhen, leads one hundred and twenty subordinate officers.

The Divine Empyrean Five Thunders Ghost-Binding General, Wei Puyan.

A marginal note beside the character “cloud” reads: “Form the Chen hand seal, draw in Xun Qi, write and burn the talisman to summon him.” Visualize the divine general wearing a three-tiered hat and purple embroidered robes, holding a precious sword and descending from the sky. The invocation says: “By order of the True King of Jade Clarity, I summon Zhao Yuanzhen, the general who attends the altar and answers the summons. Immediately pursue and summon a certain general to the altar to await orders. Carry it out at once.”

The Chief Commander of All Troops, Zu Cheng, arrives. The invocation says: “By order of the True King of Jade Clarity, I summon Zhao Yuanzhen, the general who attends the altar and answers the summons. Immediately pursue and summon a certain general to the altar to await orders. Carry it out at once.”

The Chief Commander of All Troops, Zu Cheng, leads one hundred and twenty subordinate officers.

The Divine Empyrean Five Thunders Ghost-Torturing General, An Sishun.

A marginal note beside the character “full” reads: “Press the upper joint of the second finger, draw in Xun Qi, write and burn the talisman to summon him.” Visualize the divine general as a ritual officer of the Zhengyi school, responsible for conveying commands and deploying divine generals, holding a precious sword and riding clouds toward the altar. The invocation says: “By order of the True King of Jade Clarity, I summon Zu Cheng, the Chief Commander of All Troops. I command you to inspect the troops and horses and go to a certain household to treat illness and expel demons. Do not neglect your duties or make mistakes; otherwise, you will bear the consequences. Carry it out at once.”

The Celestial Troop Commander who leads the ranks, Liu Zudao, leads one hundred and twenty subordinate officers.

The Divine Empyrean Five Thunders Ghost-Beheading General, Wan Zhizhong.

A marginal note beside the character “wild” reads: “Press the upper joint of the second finger, draw in Chen Qi, write and burn the talisman to summon him.” Visualize the divine general as a strong warrior in a wide-sleeved crimson robe, holding a great saber and arriving from the void. The invocation says:

By order of the True King of Jade Clarity, I summon Liu Zudao, the Celestial-Ding General in charge of the rear guard. I command him to muster the troops and lead them to a certain household. As the troops form ranks, they must appear mighty as warriors: clad in a red robe with wide sleeves, holding a great saber, and coming from the void. Then recite the invocation:

By order of the True King of Jade Clarity, I summon Liu Zudao, the Celestial-Ding General in charge of the rear guard. I command him to muster the troops and lead them to a certain household. The troops must form ranks and march without disobeying the order. Carry it out at once.

These twenty-one thunder-script signs are special names used by the chief deity under the command of the Eastern Zhen Longevity Great Lord, who governs twenty-one kinds of Qi. If someone has been ill for a long time without recovering, burn incense, recite the incantation, and write these thunder-script signs. During the rite, the circulation of Qi and the finger mudras must be coordinated with the Xun Gate, a ritual direction or portal associated with the Xun trigram. The incantation says:

Eastern Zhen spirit, thunder-script signs, move swiftly. Hurl the flames, beat the war drums, and enter my talisman. Protect and save all living beings; hasten at once and do not linger. This command has the force of the decree of the Most High Divine Firmament True King of Jade Clarity.

Next, recite the incantation summoning the generals of the Nine Heavens’ thunder-script signs:

Divine generals of the Divine Firmament, spirits of the Deep Cavern, fire officials of the Southern Dipper, generals of the Northern Pole, and warriors of the Nine Heavens—all obey my summons. Reveal your true forms; slay and capture evil spirits and monsters. Descend swiftly, obey the command to destroy ghosts and demons, hunt down wicked spirits, and seal the gates leading to death. Summon them swiftly and seize them swiftly. If an evil ghost possesses a person, bring it here. Bind, interrogate, punish, seize, tie up, and hang them; in all things, obey my command. If you do not arrive within moments, you will bear the blame. Carry this out at once, by the decree of the Most High Divine Firmament True King of Jade Clarity.

To perform this rite, form the Great Divine Residence mudra with the left hand, placing it beneath the middle fingernail. With the right hand, form the mudra of the General of this rite, then dispatch the general and perform the ritual.

The scripture says: This is a kind of Nine Heavens Thunder Script, used to aid the living and deliver the dead. There are corresponding petitions for each purpose—documents submitted to deities or the underworld—and they are effective in handling all manner of affairs. If a child suffers convulsions, the script may be written in cinnabar on yellow paper, made into a pill, and swallowed. If someone is harmed by worms, poison, or other evil influences, a decoction of ghost’s head may be taken. Submit a petition to the underworld’s offices and burn it to send it on its way; this can release the dead from distress and turn danger to safety. The edict says: Once the talismanic script is written, deliver it to the relevant offices and dispatch copies to the City Gods (deities who govern the affairs of the living and the dead within a city) in each prefecture. It may also be used to refine and deliver the souls of the dead, enabling their true transcendence. When people suffer the consequences of sin and calamity, wearing this talisman can free them from them.

Petition on Iron Plaque for Slaying the Dragon Mirage

Office of the High and Supreme Jade Purity King of the Divine Empyrean:

In response to the report submitted by a certain village in a certain locality, this office hereby issues a document and dispatches an order.

Thunder Script:

By authority of the High and Supreme Jade Purity King of the Divine Empyrean, we respectfully dispatch the Nine Heavens Envoys for Slaying and Driving Out Dragons, the Twenty-One Generals of the Thunder Script, and the General of Thunderclaps. Bearing the Supreme Emperor’s talismanic command, they shall proceed to a certain river, immediately summon their awe-inspiring and fearsome divine powers, take up long ropes and Dipper blades, and put to death the monstrous dragon causing harm. They must not delay, but carry out this command at the appointed time, in accordance with the petition.

Issued at an auspicious hour on a certain day, month, and year of the Grand Marshal.

Presented and carried out by the official of the ritual rank, Minister So-and-so.

Form of Writ for Suppressing Evil

Office of the High and Supreme Jade Purity King of the Divine Empyrean:

In response to the report submitted by a certain village in a certain locality, this office hereby issues a document and dispatches an order.

Thunder Script:

In obedience to the True King’s edict, summon the divine generals of the Nine Heavens Thunder Script and their attendants, each bearing a precious sword, and send them directly to the place where the incident occurred. All demons, goblin spirits, and fiends—malevolent beings and uncanny spirits—that resist the talismanic script, as well as stubborn and wicked ghosts and gods, are to be dismembered and obliterated without a trace. Their followers are to be taken under guard to the Celestial Prison and punished according to the law.

In the year governed by the Grand Duke, should demons, strange spirits, or fierce and obstinate ghosts and gods resist the talismans, cut them to pieces and destroy them utterly, so that neither form nor shadow remains. Send all who follow them to the Celestial Prison as well, and punish them according to the law.

This is to be carried out on the year, month, and day governed by the Grand Duke, in accordance with the laws of the Divine Empyrean.

Enter the ritual office; your servant’s surname is Mou.

Rite for Passing Through the Underworld to Pardon Souls

The Jade Palace of the High Divine King of the Divine Empyrean issues a Thunder Document of the Nine Heavens, addressed to a certain place.

Thunder Document

By command of the Divine Empyrean talisman and the true edict from Nanchang, Han Si is ordered to pardon offenses and issue the Jade Talisman of Refinement and Transcendence. May the deceased’s body be preserved and their spirit clarified, enabling them to ascend to the Real and transcend the limits of life. Open the gates of the netherworld; release and pardon the departed souls. Guide the deceased through transcendence into the Elixir Chamber, so that the myriad spirits ascend to Heaven, the hundred demons return to their proper places, and the royal Way is restored to its proper course. Let the Jade Palace issue its decree. Once the laws of the Celestial Court descend, all the gods shall carry out its orders. Let everything be done in accordance with this proclamation, swiftly conveyed by the wind-and-fire courier.

Issued at an auspicious hour on the year, month, and day governed by the Grand Duke.

Enter the ritual office; your servant’s surname is Mou.

Thunder Gods of the Five Directions

East: The chief general is Li Wenhui, and the deputy general is Grand Master Hou Jianyi. The divine generals wear blue robes and golden armor and command the clerks and troops of the East.

South: The chief general is Yang Chizheng, and the deputy general is Liu Li. The divine general has three heads and four arms and draws in the Qi of the South, wielding it through techniques such as blowing and plucking. He commands the clerks and troops of the South.

West: The chief general is Zhujiashaluozhe Ayuangguang, with red eyes and curled beard and hair. The deputy general is Sun Zaizheng, the poison-absorbing, golden-headed servant, with large eyes. Both divine generals wear brocade robes and carry bows and arrows.

North: The chief general is Jing Zuo. The deputy general wears black, carries a sword, and has disheveled hair.

Face northwest and summon the divine generals, first reporting to the Heavenly Perfected Ones (true gods of the celestial realm), then to the Jia Perfected Ones (protective divine generals). Form the Ziwen hand seal with the left hand, inhale facing northwest, then blow out the breath and snap the fingers. The divine generals before the altar wear felt hats and white robes. They fly with eagles and race with hounds, seizing evil spirits and demons.

Five Thunder Capturing Squad Generals

Wu Wenshe, the squad’s vanguard general who captures the living; Liu Yuanhun, the deputy general who captures and kills; Du Gongda, the central general who captures wicked beings; and Zhang Kongli, the rear general who captures ghosts. Inhale Qi from the north, form the Ziwen hand seal with the left hand, then blow out the breath and snap the fingers. These divine generals ride horses and carry bows and arrows and long spears. Their faces are either purple or black. They devour demons, monsters, and ghosts, and uphold the righteous way. Visualize the Qi at the Gen position in the northeast, then blow it toward the altar.

Messengers Who Send Forth Souls and Move Spirits

Wang Jing, the messenger who sends forth souls and moves spirits, inhales the patient’s breath, then blows it out to carry out the rite.

Method for Clearly Subduing Ghosts and Spirits

Respectfully summon Zong Yuan, the Great General Who Subdues Ghosts, to come at once before the altar.

Wang Jing, the messenger who sends forth souls and moves spirits, inhales the patient’s breath, then blows it out to carry out the rite.

Method for Clearly Subduing Ghosts and Spirits

Respectfully summon Zong Yuan, the Great General Who Subdues Ghosts, to come at once before the altar and bring the ghosts and spirits under control. The general wears blue robes, holds the Ziwei seal in his left hand, and carries a sword in his right.

Method for the Thunder Department to Capture and Strike Ghosts

Respectfully summon Li Zheng, the Great General of the Thunder Department who captures and strikes ghosts, to seize and strike the ghostly intruders at once. Form the Ziwen hand seal with the left hand, inhale Qi from the north, blow it toward the patient, and shout, “Capture it!”

Five Thunder Illumination Method

The Great Deity in Golden Armor has penetrating divine might and manifests efficaciously. He streaks forward like a flying star, seizes the ghostly intruder, and makes it show its form.

The celestial deity Jia Boda has a pale face and wears crimson robes. He comes bearing a sword and may be summoned as desired. Facing northeast, recite the incantation and draw in Qi. Pinch the Thunder seal with the left hand and the Zhongzhiwen seal with the right. Inhale, then blow the breath toward the patient.

Method for the Thunder Deity to Capture Mountain Demons

Respectfully summon Deng Bowen, the Great Deity of Blazing Fire. Inhale Qi from the southeast and blow it toward the altar while pinching the Thunder seal. Visualize this divine general and inhale Qi. Pinch the Thunder seal with the left hand and the Zhongzhiwen seal with the right. Inhale, then blow the breath toward the patient.

Here, “drawing in Qi” means visualizing and inhaling the Qi associated with the specified direction according to the ritual instructions. “Forming a hand seal” means shaping the fingers into a prescribed ritual sign, while “blowing toward the patient” means directing the breath toward the patient.

Reverently invite the Sudden Flame Great Deity Deng Bowen to descend. Facing southeast, blow toward the altar, while forming the Thunder Hand Seal, used in Thunder Rites to summon deities and expel evil. His eyes blaze with fire, flames rise from his body, and he has fleshly wings. He holds a fire drill in his left hand and a great axe in his right. His feet are like a chicken’s claws, and he specializes in seizing mountain demons and evil ghosts.

When performing the Thunderclap Method, reverently invite the Thunderclap Firelight, Silver Teeth, Dazzling Eyes, Awe-Inspiring Deity Xin Hanchen to descend.

When performing the Altar-Guarding Method, reverently invite the Mighty-Awe Great Deity Zhuge Xin to descend.

The mighty and virtuous heavenly deities of the supreme Great Luo Heaven:

In the east, from the supreme Great Luo Heaven, is the powerful Celestial Guard who seizes ghosts, General Zhou Da. He has a green face, wears green robes and golden armor, and carries an iron staff, with a sword at his side.

In the south, from the supreme Great Luo Heaven, is the powerful Celestial Guard who binds ghosts, General Qin Ling. He has a red face, wears crimson robes and golden armor, and carries an iron chain, with a sword in one hand.

In the west, from the supreme Great Luo Heaven, is the powerful Celestial Guard who interrogates ghosts, General Geng Jing. He has a white face, wears white robes and golden armor, and carries a halberd, with a sword at his side.

In the north, from the supreme Great Luo Heaven, is the powerful Celestial Guard who beheads ghosts, General Yuan Shun. He has a yellow face, wears black robes and golden armor, and carries two iron tablets, with a sword at his side.

There are also four officers who carry out commands: Zhong Weizhen, Cheng Zijing, Zhu Longwan, and Tao Liesheng. They all wear crimson robes, forehead bands, and green tiger-patterned trousers. Each carries instruments of punishment and weapons, such as cangues and staffs.

There are four Chief Magistrates who discern malign spirits: Geng Yuan, Sun Zhen, Li Yong, and Zhang Jiang. They all wear crimson robes and black boots. With their left hands they form the Dipper Hand Seal, and with their right hands they form the Golden Spear Seal. Facing the mao direction (east), they blow toward the northeast.

When performing the Three-Day Deity Ghost-Capturing Method, reverently invite the Great Black Heaven Deity Gou Liuji and the Black Road Heaven Deity Bi Zongquan to descend.

The incantation says:

Loyalty to the utmost, filial devotion to the utmost, holiness to the utmost, efficacy to the utmost. Descend swiftly—swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands!

When performing this method, draw in Qi from the Xun direction and blow it out toward the altar. Form the Jade Emperor hand seal with the left hand and the Dipper seal with the right.

The Blue Emperor’s Officers and Soldiers at the Dipper’s Mouth: Wang Shouxin, Li Yuantai, and Zhao Zizhen. Draw in Qi from the northeast and blow it into the water, then sprinkle the water over the altar. The divine generals all wear blue robes. Form the Mao hand sign with the left hand.

The Seven Trustworthy Thunder Gods: The mighty god Mao Dangxin, who captures ghosts and burns the heavens; the Four Directions god Kou Zhongxin, who drives away ghosts and burns nightmares; the Dharma-protecting god Li Zhongxin, who escorts and transmits commands to ghosts; the god Zhao Zhongxin, who binds ghosts, disperses obstruction, and expels poison; the god Shen Zhixin, who shackles and devours ghosts and drinks poison; the god Hou Zhongxin, who tortures ghosts and has a huge head; and the Eight Trigrams god Deng Zixin, who slays ghosts beneath the fierce stars. Each god appears in Daoist robes and a Daoist crown, with a bold and fearsome bearing. Form the Zi hand sign with the left hand, draw in Qi from the north, and blow it out.

The Thunder Department’s Five-Direction Generals for Swift Capture: Bao Yuan and Yao Duan. The generals all wear crimson robes and golden armor, moving swiftly as wind and rain. Form the Zi hand sign with the left hand, draw in Qi from the north, and blow it out to summon them.

The Four Ding Messengers at the Dipper’s Mouth: Ding Wenbao, the messenger who captures ghosts; Ding Wentong, the messenger who binds ghosts; Ding Wenyi, the messenger who shackles ghosts; and Ding Wenguang, the messenger who tortures ghosts.

Talisman of the Four Ding Messengers: By command of the Solar Emperor, let true Qi descend. Summon Ding Wenbao, Ding Wentong, Ding Wenyi, and Ding Wenguang to slay ghosts and subdue evil.

Ding Wenbao is the first, Ding Wentong the second, Ding Wenyi the third, and Ding Wenguang the fourth. I command you to capture ghosts and subdue evil spirits on my behalf. Go swiftly, without neglect or omission. Once this command arrives, carry it out at once.

According to the ritual instructions, whenever this method is performed, a petition must be submitted to the Northern Dipper Celestial Pivot Court, the sacred institution in Daoism responsible for matters concerning the North Pole and the Northern Dipper. The four Ding emissaries mentioned earlier must also be formally invited. The date of the offering must be selected according to the prescribed rules; this must not be neglected. Once the command has been issued, it must be carried out at once.

The rite may be performed on a Gengshen day, a Jiazi day, a day when the Northern Dipper descends, a day of the three-seven cycle, or a Sanyuan day. Gather stellar Qi (the celestial energy used in ritual arts) and blow it toward the patient’s head. A separate offering must then be made, usually on a Chen day, with four portions of spirit money and four cups of tea. During the offering, first recite once the names of the four divine generals mentioned earlier, then chant the following spell seven times:

“Within the sun dwells numinous might. In performing this art, one must be upright and steadfast in its observance. Hasten, in accordance with the statutes!”

After chanting, wait briefly, burn the spirit money, and sprinkle the tea. Then silently recite:

“Heaven’s Yang is clear and bright; Earth responds with numinous efficacy. Ding emissaries, seize the ghosts and spirits. Hasten, in accordance with the statutes!”

Next, form the Mao and Dipper hand signs with the left hand, circulate Qi, and blow it into the ritual altar.

The Spell of Jujubes for Seizing Ghosts

“Spirit of the color of Heaven, quickly seize the wronged soul; spirit of the color of Earth, swiftly seize the evil influence clinging to the patient.”

First chant the spell, then blow onto a jujube and have the patient eat it, while loudly saying, “Seize it!” Then ask, in turn, for the names of those causing the disturbance.

Another Method

“Powerful Celestial Ding, when the sun takes its turn, move in a complete circle; powerful Celestial Ding, when the moon takes its turn, move through the directions. Descend to this place and come swiftly; drive out evil influences and illness, and make them vanish at once.”

Chant the spell while using stellar Qi and hand signs.

The Method of the Twelve Generals for Seizing at a Distance

“Swiftly summon the Six Ding spirits; the Six Jia spirits are supremely efficacious. By command of the Northern Emperor, I order you to pursue the soul without delay and seize the powerful Celestial Ding causing this disturbance.”

The Method of the Twelve Generals for Seizing at a Distance

“Swiftly summon the Six Ding spirits; the Six Jia spirits are supremely efficacious. By command of the Northern Emperor, I order you to pursue the soul without delay and seize the ghosts and monsters causing this disturbance. Make them enter the patient’s body and state their names.”

The offerings, hand signs, circulation of Qi, and chanting described here are prescribed steps in Daoist ritual arts. “Six Ding” and “Six Jia” refer to divine generals revered in Daoism, while the “Northern Emperor” is the deity who rules the North.

When performing the rite, first question the person who has come to submit a petition. The ritual master need not go there in person; they need only think of the sick person, recite the person’s residence, then recite the spell, draw in a breath, and blow it toward the petitioner. After the petitioner swallows it, the ritual master forms the “Heavenly Warrior” hand seal with the left hand and the “Sword” hand seal with the right, then draws in the breath associated with the corresponding direction and blows it onto a sheet of paper. Next, ask whether the paper has grown heavier. If it has, this is taken to mean that an evil presence has attached itself to the petitioner. The ritual master then interrogates it with stocks and fetters to discover the cause of the harm, showing it no leniency. Once its offenses have been established, it is sent to the divine bureau responsible for dealing with it.

Another method:

With reverence, I invite the Celestial Dipper deity to descend swiftly and manifest. Seize from afar the wronged souls and malicious ghosts; make them possess the person and immediately give their names. Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes! By command of the Most High, I summon the divine generals of the Hook and Sparrow, the Celestial Dipper general Xu Anjin; the Eight Directions’ demon-subduing general Xie Li; the mighty Heavenly Warrior ghost-beheading general Zhang Da; the mighty Heavenly Warrior ghost-fettering general Lian Chongdao; and the mighty Heavenly Warrior ghost-binding general Guo Shun. Come and seize them.

Rite for the Generals Who Pursue and Seize Along the Cloud Roads of the Nine Heavens:

I summon the Generals Who Pursue and Seize Along the Cloud Roads of the Nine Heavens: An Shouxin, Li Pingquan, Xing Zhongli, and Guo Zisheng. By command of the Northern Emperor, I order you to join forces with the household deity and pursue and capture the ghosts causing trouble here. Go swiftly, and return swiftly. Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes!

Form the “Great Sha” hand seal and recite the incantation. Facing north, summon the Generals Who Pursue and Seize: An Shouxin, Li Pingquan, Xing Zhongli, and Guo Zisheng. By command of the Northern Emperor, I order you to join forces with the household deity and pursue and capture the ghosts causing trouble here. Go swiftly, and return swiftly. Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes!

Then form the “Great Sha” hand seal again and recite the spell. Facing north, draw in a breath and imagine the four divine generals driving the ghosts toward you. Next, summon the Nine Heavens Cloud-Road Supreme One Zhengyi functionaries Zhai Shining, Jiang Juyuan, and Zhao Ziyu. In accordance with the decree bestowed by the Shangqing, search out and capture the evil spirits and bring them to the sick person. You must come swiftly. Use the same breath technique as before.

Rite for Seizing the Four Watchers of the Celestial Pass and Earthly Axis:

Celestial gods, earthly gods, summon swiftly the heavenly troops who keep watch in the four directions. By command of the Northern Emperor True Lord, once this order arrives, carry it out immediately. Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes!

The years, months, days, and hours each have an appointed guardian messenger: the messenger on duty for the year is Dou Zonge; for the month, Mu Zongyan; for the day, Qu Jiangzong; and for the hour, Liu Shiqing. Summon the two divine generals, the Celestial Pass and the Earth Axis, to descend at once. The Celestial Pass binds the head with a hoop, while the Earth Axis binds both feet with a sieve. These are the incantations recited during the rite to summon the divine generals and pursue and bind ghosts and spirits, then place them in cangues and interrogate them under torture. The hand seals are formed with the left and right hands on the outside of the thumbs, within the web between thumb and forefinger, pressing from top to bottom. Their purpose is to seize evil beings.

Five Thunder Ministry Dings Pursue, Capture, and Drive Away Ghost Generals

Among the Five Dings of the Thunder Ministry, the mighty Heavenly Ding who captures ghosts is named Hu Yuan; the ghost examiner is named Yong Liyuan; the ghost suppressor is named Dou Gongsheng; the ghost cangue bearer is named Yu Jiyuan; and the ghost executioner is named Shen Bao.

The scripture then repeats four of their names: the ghost examiner Yong Liyuan, the ghost suppressor Dou Gongsheng, the ghost cangue bearer Yu Jiyuan, and the ghost executioner Shen Bao.

Incantation:

The Lord Emperor issues his command, and the Perfected Ones who uphold the teachings carry it out. They assist Heaven’s court in its patrols, slay evil beings, and clear away demons. They arrive at the position of the Dipper stars and array themselves among the Dipper mansions, don armor, and take up the Ding spirits. Should any evil being dare to attack, all the gods of the Northern Dipper will descend together. Now summon the Four Saints, each to reveal its true form. With hair loose and precious swords in hand, they march alongside the Five Ding divine generals. At the summons, obey and come: dragons and tigers arrive together, dark clouds gather thickly, and officials and troops assemble under their command. Put the evil beings in cangues and interrogate them under torture until they submit and are captured. Execute this command swiftly, in accordance with the statutes. By decree, seize and restrain them.

For the above incantation: Face northwest, visualize the qi of the northwest, write the talisman for “Great Sha,” and blow it above the ritual altar. This method can be used to capture dragon demons. The names of the Thunder God and the General Who Beheads and Sheds Blood are explained later. The qi of the north corresponds to the talisman for the character Zi. The divine general has three eyes and a red ghost face, with loose hair and black clothing.

Central Heaven’s Azure Dipper Generals of the Five Thunders and Five Plagues

The Divine General of the Nine Heavens Rain Thunder is named Wen Qi and is paired with the talisman for Chou; the Mighty Six Jia General of the Celestial Capital is named Wen Cheng and is paired with the talisman for Li; the Great Marshal of the Eight Directions, the Fire Thunder General, is named Wen Di and is paired with the talisman for Mao; the Nine Heavens Director of Destiny, the Azure Dipper General of the Five Thunders and Five Plagues…

The Nine Heavens Rain-and-Thunder Divine General is named Wen Qi and is paired with the Chou pattern. The Dutian Great-Power Six Jia General is named Wen Cheng and is paired with the Li pattern. The Eight Directions Great Marshal Fire-and-Thunder Divine General is named Wen Di and is paired with the Mao pattern. The Nine Heavens Director of Destiny Six Ding Water-and-Thunder Divine General is named Wen He and is paired with the Chen pattern. The Nine Heavens Great Sage Tiangang Thunderbolt General is named Wen Ji and is paired with the Zi pattern. These divine generals seize evil spirits with the speed of wind and thunder. They wear blue robes and golden armor. The text later mentions an image or object called “diao,” but the character is unclear in the original.

On the day the Dipper descends, Wang Shichen, a ritual master revered by the Daoist Shenxiao school, burns incense and performs rites to summon the great divine generals who seize evil spirits at the Dipper’s mouth. There is no need to recite an incantation: simply form the hand seal, gather the Gang Qi used in ritual practice, and blow it toward the patient. The summoned officers and generals of the Dipper’s mouth include Guo Fu, Zhao Wenqing, Guo Yuanming, and Guo Yuandao; Xu Hengzhi, the Dipper’s mouth guardian general; Zhang Jie, a Dipper general; Liu Zhong, a flying Dipper general; Wang Anzai, a Dipper-head strongman; and Lü Wei, a Great Cavern divine general.

All these generals wear forehead ornaments, robes of brocade and embroidered silk, and green boots. They carry Yue axes; some also wield spears, halberds, or bows and arrows.

The Great Might and Virtue General is named Cheng Daling. He has five heads and ten arms, and carries swords, seals, bows and arrows, great axes, and halberds. He also raises the sun and moon, the Imperial Bell, an iron spine, and a fire wheel. His forces include tens of thousands of officials and troops, and he commands all the holy beings of the Thunder Department.

When going out or performing rites, the ritual master should visualize the Great Might and Virtue General’s forces surrounding him. If he encounters a ferocious enemy or a domineering evil spirit, he can silently recite “Great Might and Virtue General Cheng Daling,” form the Great Sha hand seal with his left hand, make the Dipper seal with his right, face northwest and gather Qi, then command the divine general to go and drive it away. He may also write a dispatch, a document by which a ritual master conveys orders, and send it to the household for worship. Offer tea and fruit, a bundle of paper money, and three paper horses, then burn them in the central hall. It is said that a response will come quickly.

The fierce generals serving under the Southern Red Emperor are named Hu Qing and Liu Yu.

The noon inscription, the talismanic script of the southern direction, belongs to the Qi of the South. Both generals wear crimson robes, carry straight-backed swords, and wear boots.

Sun Yuanguang, the Celestial Pole and River Chief spirit-general who shackles ghosts; Wen Yongqing, the Central Heaven Dipper Prison spirit-general who subdues ghosts. These powers have been proven effective in the Divine Empyrean.

The fierce generals and officers under the Southern Red Emperor are Hu Qing and Liu Yu.

The noon inscription belongs to the Qi of the South. Both generals wear crimson robes, carry straight-backed swords, and wear boots.

Sun Yuanguang, the Celestial Pole and River Chief spirit-general who shackles ghosts; Wen Yongqing, the Central Heaven Dipper Prison spirit-general who subdues ghosts. Among the Divine Empyrean’s Thunder Department, the generals responsible for searching out ghosts and capturing evil spirits and demons are Zhang Ziwen, Sun Yankai, Sun Yanda, Wu Zhongbin, Cheng Yuan’en, Fu Yuneng, Fu Zhongxiang, Wu Zhongli, Hao Zhongming, and Tai Liu’er.

All these generals wear vermilion robes and golden armor, each carrying a straight-backed sword as they await their orders.

The messengers of the red pig and black dog are Dong Fangyan and Wang Zicai. Liu Zhonghui is the general who subdues the Six Heavens’ great vengeful demons.

These ten generals are stationed at this office, awaiting orders. They can be commanded to capture evil spirits and carry out official duties. Regular worship makes their powers effective. Offer plain fruit, tea, and wine. The last three generals specialize in governing mountain sprites of the Five Sacred Peaks, the Wutong spirits, and wicked, unrighteous ghosts that fly and wander through the air. They also govern illnesses caused by ancient tombs, including infectious diseases, non-parasitic wasting illness, and sexual and Qi exhaustion. When performing the ritual, medicine may be used alongside the rites, and an altar may be established for the ritual. Other divine beings include the True Official of Heavenly Medicine, Sun Simiao; the Meritorious Officers of Heavenly Medicine, Hua Tuo and Yang Bin; the Assistant Meritorious Officer of Heavenly Medicine, Yang De; the Spirit of the Heart, Cui Xuan; and the Spirit of Qi, Liu Di.

These Meritorious Officers of Heavenly Medicine should also be summoned according to ritual protocol, and they can all be seen. The Meritorious Officers carry out their orders by administering medicine. If the illness does not subside, establish a Heavenly Dipper Prison or Fire Prison and perform the rites to treat it.

The Supreme One’s Eight-Poison Red Staff Pill for Killing Ghosts, transmitted by the Supreme One and used to kill ghosts.

Cleanse the ghost arrow, feathers, and sweet flag (a kind of calamus). Hang the soapberry thorn upside down. Take one liang each of ghost stalk. Grind the hematite into powder, and finely grind the realgar and cinnabar. Take one fen each of these and of orpiment.

Grind all the ingredients into a fine powder. Mix wine with flour to make a paste, then roll it into pills the size of parasol tree seeds. Recite the incantation:

Dengming, Hekui, Congkui, Chuansong, Xiaoji, Shengxian, Taiyi, Tiangang, Taichong, Gongcao, Daji, Shenhou.

Recite the incantation three times, then say “Tianpeng Rui” seven times. Breathe onto the medicine, focusing your mind and sincerity as you prepare it. Then summon the Twelve Monthly Generals, make the “Dashawen” hand seal, a Daoist hand gesture, and breathe onto the Golden Elixir. Once all the pills are prepared, place them in a clean room.

When someone comes to request the Golden Elixir, first ask what illness they have. If the form or shadow of an evil spirit appears in the house, or if the house is filled with filth and baleful Qi, breathe onto the Golden Elixir, then place the pills in a clean place. If evil spirits are at work inside the house, a foul stench is overwhelming, or pestilential and malign Qi is present, take one pill and burn it in an incense burner to disperse the toxic, baleful Qi.

The following are instructions for using the Golden Elixir for different illnesses:

For heart illness: Chew one pill finely and swallow it with ginseng decoction. Recite the “Wuwen” hand seal, corresponding to the position of Wu, and say the incantation: “Lord of Mars, Fire Star, command that I restore the heart’s original Qi. Act swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances.”

For liver illness: Chew one pill finely and swallow it with ginseng decoction. Recite the “Maowen” hand seal, corresponding to the position of Mao, and say the incantation: “Lord of the Wood Star, virtue of the year, command that I restore the liver’s original Qi. Act swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances.”

For spleen illness: Chew one pill finely and swallow it with ginseng decoction. Recite the “Dashawen” hand seal, a Daoist hand gesture, and say the incantation: “Lord of the Earth Star, virtue of Earth, command that I restore the spleen’s original Qi. Act swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances.”

For illness of the lungs, take one pill of the medicine, chew it thoroughly, and swallow it with ginseng decoction.

To treat lung disease, recite this incantation together with the You-form (a talisman or hand gesture shaped like the character You):

“Lord of the Venus star, Taibai Jinxing, command me to restore vitality to the lungs. Act swiftly, in accordance with the statutes!”

For illness of the kidneys, take one pill of the medicine, chew it thoroughly, and swallow it with ginseng decoction.

To treat kidney disease, recite this incantation together with the Zi-form (a talisman or hand gesture shaped like the character Zi):

“Lord of the Water Virtue star, Chenxing, command me to restore vitality to the kidneys. Act swiftly, in accordance with the statutes!”

These incantations may be used according to which internal organ is afflicted. If confronted by madness, evil influences, or haunting spirits, use the following incantation:

“Seven gods of the Northern Dipper, Moon General, descend and arrive; twenty-eight lunar mansions, seize and capture, and call them all by name. Act swiftly, in accordance with the statutes!”

To perform this method, recite the incantation once, form the Dipper seal with the left hand (a hand gesture imitating the shape of the Northern Dipper), face north, and draw in a breath. Then blow the breath onto the elixir. Next, use the Zi-Wu Dipper method (a ritual technique that moves according to the Zi and Wu directions) to direct it into the medicine, and then use it as described above.

The Supreme Lord’s Method of Sacred Treasure Perfected Ones: Incense Smoke for Expelling Evil and Treating Illness

The ingredients are ghost arrow, ghost pestle, earthworm, Fu Shen, white Fu Ling, frankincense, and realgar, half a liang each, and three liang of mugwort. The half-liang amounts listed above are for preparing a large batch; for a smaller batch, use one qian of each ingredient. Pound and sift the ingredients into powder, then mix them with the mugwort. To use, place an appropriate amount of sacred mugwort in an incense burner and burn it, letting the smoke reach the affected area. The pain will then naturally lessen.

For shortness of breath or coughing, inhale the smoke through the mouth three or four times; it is said to bring recovery. For deafness, expose the ear to the smoke, and recovery is likewise said to follow. Take one small portion of the medicine each time and hold it in the mouth, allowing the smoke to enter; this is said to bring relief from all kinds of illness.

Five Thunder Talisman for Swift Seizure and Retribution

The practitioner forms the Thunder configuration seal with the left hand, holds a brush in the right, and faces the Xun direction (southeast). Using the energy of the Divine Empyrean, breathe onto the brush while writing the talisman and reciting:

“Essence of the Yi star, thunderbolts of Heaven. True abode of the Thunder Lord, swiftly descend with yang radiance. Infuse my divine brush, destroy rebellion and preserve life. Act swiftly, in accordance with the statutes of the Divine Empyrean Five Thunders.”

Then recite:

“Swiftly summon Yanqing, the general who swiftly seizes across the Three Realms.”

Then recite the next incantation:

“Radiant Spirit, O Radiant Spirit, quickly reveal your form! I urgently summon the great general Xin Han, Master of the Five Thunders and Rain. I descend from the Divine Empyrean, seize and capture ghosts and demons, and destroy spirits and monsters. As urgently as the statutes command, act swiftly to seize and capture!”

The instructions say: As you recite this incantation, visualize a divine general in the sky, dressed in a green robe and wearing a futou (an ancient headcloth). He holds an iron brush, its tip burning with true fire. His gaze is directed downward as he seizes and captures ghosts and demons and destroys spirits and monsters. As urgently as the statutes command, act swiftly to seize and capture!

The instructions say: As you recite this incantation, visualize a divine general in the sky, dressed in a green robe and wearing a futou. He holds an iron brush, its tip burning with true fire; lightning flashes from his eyes, his face is dark blue-black, and silver fangs show. Inhale the Qi from the southeast, then blow it out, and burn spirit money before the patient’s bed. At night, the corresponding signs will appear of their own accord.

Talismans of the Divine Empyrean

This talisman is used to summon the deity of the well turtle-dragon and dispel it.

This talisman is used to summon fox spirits. The practitioner transmits food and breath (conveying food or Qi through ritual means), causing the spirit to lose awareness and become oblivious to its surroundings. The rite is performed according to the Dousha steps (a ritual in which Daoist masters walk according to the positions of the stars).

This talisman is used to seize and capture the Twelve True Gods and carry out rites of sealing, subduing, and dispelling.

This talisman is used to sever the influence of tree and bamboo spirits, making them leave at once.

This talisman is used to treat childhood fright wind (sudden convulsions and similar symptoms in children). It may be swallowed or worn.

This talisman is used to sever the influence of spirits inhabiting dogs, cats, mice, and other animals, making them leave at once.

This talisman is used to sever the influence of flood dragons and spirits in the water.

This talisman is used to slay stone spirits and monsters.

This talisman is used to urgently dispel all manner of strange occurrences in ancient tombs.

This talisman is used to issue ritual documents and dispatch troops and generals.

This talisman is used to dispel pestilence and deal with matters involving ghost kings.

This talisman is used to dispel all manner of strange spirits and demons.

This talisman is used to summon dragons.

This talisman is used to dispel all manner of strange occurrences.

The True Talisman for Fumigating Away Evil

The talisman bears words such as “Open … until break □ until □, divine power receives its mandate and sweeps away all inauspiciousness.”

Burn and fumigate with the above talisman according to the usual procedure.

The Formal Rite for Submitting a Petition and Transmitting the Teaching

Whenever the Great Divine Empyrean Method is transmitted, the True Talisman for Fumigating Away Evil must be used:

The talisman bears words such as “Open … until break □ until □, divine power receives its mandate and sweeps away all inauspiciousness.”

Burn and fumigate with the above talisman according to the usual procedure.

The Rite for Submitting a Petition and Transmitting the Teaching

Whenever the Great Divine Empyrean Method is transmitted, petitions must be presented to the heavens and official documents sent to the Nine Earths in accordance with ritual procedure. A Zhaijiao (purification ritual) altar must be set up, the Imperial Preceptor invited to descend, and the transmission of the method certified and overseen by him. The petition and official documents are as follows:

Presented for the consideration of the Three Heavenly Imperial Preceptors, the Jade Emperor of the Vast Heaven, the Great Emperor of the Purple Tenuity and Northern Pole, and the Three Preceptors of the Divine Empyrean.

Reported to the Envoy of the Nine Heavens, the Northern Dipper, the Southern Dipper, the Three Officials, the Five Preceptors, the Office for the Descent of the Sages, the Eastern Peak, the Four Sacred Peaks, the Water Bureau, and Fengdu.

Documents are also sent to the local gods of the nine provinces, the City God of the realm, the City God responsible for this locality, the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas, the deities of the Four Great Rivers, the officials in charge of the underworld, the local earth god where the altar is established, and the generals and soldiers of this office.

This is the prescribed procedure for summoning divine troops: first report to the Imperial Preceptors and establish the ritual altar. After praying for a response and receiving it, conduct the sacrificial rites and reward the troops, then arrange for the troops to be recalled and replenished.

Offerings and ritual materials for the Jiao ceremony

For the Jiao rite, prepare the following offerings and ritual objects:

Sixty bundles of ritual money, nine dragon carriages, three phoenix palanquins, twelve painted horses, sixty cloud cranes, and five hundred cloud horses.

One hundred sheets of paper for memorials to the throne and three hundred sheets for petitions; one tael of blue silk thread in place of hair; one tael of silver cinnabar; paper for writing the blue petitions; and one tael of cinnabar.

One set of transmission robes, twelve altar-guarding horses, sixty cloud cranes, and five hundred cloud horses; one hundred sheets of paper for memorials to the throne and three hundred sheets for petitions; one tael of blue silk thread in place of hair; one tael of silver cinnabar; paper for the blue petitions; one tael of cinnabar; and one set of transmission robes.

Twelve strings of altar-guarding money, one length of purple silk damask, and one length of destiny cloth, dyed to a color corresponding to the disciple’s birth date and destiny; one zhang and two chi of altar cloth; five lengths of colored silk, one for each of the Five Directions; three lengths of yellow silk; one dan and two dou of stipend rice; two pairs of silver rings; aloeswood, paper incense, and Dalbergia incense; and one gold goose and one jade fish. The gold goose is made from one tael of gold, and the jade fish from one tael of silver.

All these items should be prepared according to the prescribed requirements. If a suitable disciple is in financial difficulty, the items may be provided according to their means, but preparations must not be careless or incomplete. The opening of the seal and the making of contracts must follow the ritual rules. The transmission of the teaching must not be granted to an unsuitable person out of personal favor or deference to power, lest the lineage of this tradition be corrupted. At the transmission Jiao altar, first make offerings to the ancestors of the lineage being inherited. Then, following the ritual, perform the rite of ascension under the transmission master’s authority. Only afterward should the disciple ascend the altar and receive the teachings in the prescribed order.

The following are the ritual implements and materials that an inheritor of the lineage should prepare for the Jingzhi—the altar site and associated objects used in Daoist ritual practice.

When setting up the ritual altar, prepare a crown of the Joined Harmony of the Two Modes, symbolizing the union of Heaven and Earth, Yin and Yang; a blue Daoist robe; a white tablet; black shoes with cloud-shaped toes; a seal case wrapped in purple cloth; brush, ink, and inkstone; a seal tray; the ritual sword and day brush associated with the Six Ding and Six Jia divine generals; a cinnabar basin; a yellow-cloth altar mat; ritual books; and a register case for storing Fulu (talismans and registers).

Next, install the sacred seats of the Jingzhi sanctuary and arrange the sacred seats for the transmission ordination ritual, where registers and other teachings are transmitted. The deities honored there include the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), the Three Emperors, and Houtu.

Also prepare the Ninefold-Spirit, Wondrously-Mysterious White Jade Tortoise Inkstone, a seal tray, the ritual sword and day brush associated with the Six Ding and Six Jia divine generals, a cinnabar basin, a yellow-cloth altar mat, ritual books, and a register case. The sacred seats of the Jingzhi sanctuary and the transmission ordination ritual are arranged in the same way, honoring the Three Pure Ones, the Three Emperors, and Houtu.

In addition, install the throne of the Primordial Lady, Ancestress of the Ninefold-Spirit, Wondrously-Mysterious White Jade Tortoise Terrace, Jade Radiance, Golden Truth, and Brahma Qi.

The honorific titles of the masters are as follows: the Patriarch is the Celestial Worthy of Long Life and Protection of Destiny, the Most High True King of Jade Purity in the Divine Empyrean; the Lineage Master is the Celestial Worthy of Salvation from Suffering and Bestowal of Blessings, the Most High King of Jade Purity in the Divine Empyrean, Qinghua; the True Master is the Celestial Worthy of Protection and Blessings, Lord Zhangren of Ke, who governs destiny, adds years, and cherishes life in the Nine Heavens; the Numinous Master is the Celestial Worthy who responds to the Primordial, determines registers, and inscribes destinies; the Mysterious Master is the Celestial Worthy who protects destiny and transforms life; the Sage Master is the Celestial Worthy who regulates, oversees, protects life, and guides transformation; the Precious Master is the Celestial Worthy who stores auspiciousness, the True Lord Yuanhua who protects life; the Celestial Master is the Celestial Worthy of Harmony and Ease, the True Lord who administers the law and presides over registers; and the Divine Master is the Celestial Worthy who gathers good fortune, the True Lord who administers commands and assigns destinies.

Also install the seat of the True Lord, Commissioner of the Nine Heavens, who responds to the Primordial and protects good fortune. Place a separate offering table beside the Supreme Emperor.

The altar should also honor the Four Ministers on the left and right of the Center of Heaven, the Four Ministers on the left and right of the Celestial Pivot, the Five Aged Emperors, the Thirty-Two Heavenly Lords, the Nine Heavens Emperors, the Emperors of the Five Directions, the Emperors of the Solar Palace and Lunar Mansion, the Nine Luminaries Lords of the Stars of Highest Clarity, the Six Ministers of the Southern Dipper, and the Seven Primordial Lords of the Northern Dipper.

The Star Lords of the Three Terraces and the Canopy Star, together with the Star Lords of the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions.

The Three Officials who govern the three realms of Heaven, Earth, and Water, and the True Lords of the Four Saints of the Northern Pole.

The Great Masters of the Mysterious Center and the Three Heavens.

The True Lords of the Three Marshals of High Antiquity and the True Lords of the Three Origins and Nine Offices.

The emissaries and presiding powers of the Upper Clarity Heavenly Treasury Court.

The emissaries and presiding powers of the Upper Clarity Five Thunders Court.

The left and right assistant ministers, attendants, and other officials of the Jade Clarity King’s Residence in the Divine Empyrean.

The twenty-one Great Generals of the Divine Empyrean Thunder-Pattern Bureau.

The Great General who serves as chief inspector and commander of the troops at the Jade Clarity King’s Residence in the Divine Empyrean.

The Great General of the Thunderbolt and Demon-Subduing Division of the Divine Empyrean Heavenly Thunder Array.

The spirit officials, officers, and soldiers of the Evil-Apprehending Division of the Divine Empyrean Heavenly Thunder Bureau.

The talisman emissaries, generals, golden youths, spirit officials, jade maidens, merit officers, and functionaries and soldiers listed in the Jade Clarity True King’s Secret Register for Protecting Immortals (the Divine Empyrean school’s register of rites for protecting immortals).

The officials in the Celestial Bureau who oversee the allotment of life and the allotment of wealth.

The talisman emissaries, generals, golden youths, spirit officials, jade maidens, merit officers, and functionaries and soldiers listed in the Jade Clarity True King’s Secret Register for Protecting Immortals.

The divine lords in the Celestial Bureau who oversee the allotment of life and wealth and the dispelling of calamities and misfortunes.

The divine lords in the Celestial Bureau who maintain the registers and records of immortals, together with the presiding powers of its various offices.

The True Lords of the Five Sacred Peaks and Five Emperors, and the Five Heavenly Sacred Emperors of the Sacred Peaks.

The Great Emperor Fuso of the Water Palace and the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas.

The Source Kings of the Four Great Rivers, the Water Emperors of the Nine Rivers, and the assembled saints of the Water Palace.

The perfected immortals who attained the Dao in the grotto-heavens of famous mountains, and the assembled saints of the Middle Realm.

The Great Emperor of Fengdu in the Northern Yin and the True Lords of the Ten Offices of the Underworld.

The assembled saints of the various offices of the Underworld, and the principal City God deities of cities throughout the land.

The principal City God deity of the local area, together with the immortal officials, generals, and functionaries listed in the ritual registers.

The spirit officials who oversee the altar, conduct inspections, supervise the purification ritual, oversee the retreat, or attend to ritual duties, together with the Earth Gods who guard the Daoist altar.

The sacred positions listed above should be arranged according to the altar and ritual setting actually used for the purification ritual. The principal local City God deity, the immortal officials, generals, and functionaries listed in the ritual registers, as well as the spirit officials who oversee the altar, conduct inspections, supervise the purification ritual, oversee the retreat, or attend to ritual duties, and the Earth God who guards the altar, should likewise be appointed according to the setting.

The number and placement of these divine positions may be increased or reduced as appropriate.

The Venerable Han Jun admonished those who seek learning and immortality: “The True King is charged with governing the human realm, while the Jade Emperor sends down divine beings to help spread the transformation of the Dao. The secret registers of Divine Empyrean Heaven have seven ranks, and the scriptures of prohibition are divided into three grades. Their authority can subdue the myriad heavens, and their merit surpasses that of many other orders. Each transmitted method has its own corresponding practices, too many to describe one by one.

“The exalted secret registers of Divine Empyrean Heaven contain the profound and wondrous methods of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning. They are a path to which all the sages turn. Tradition says they were first bestowed by the Eastern Repository during the Kaihuang era. Established across successive kalpas, they are not transmitted to those whose foundations in practice are insufficient. Sealed securely in purple jade, they are hidden in the Upper Hall of Green Jade. For great matters, they can protect Heaven and Earth; for subtle matters, they can summon and command divine beings. All the true offices that administer the affairs of spirits follow their regulations.

“Now the time is auspicious, and the world has encountered a High Perfected One—a realized immortal. Taking pity on living beings, who are lost in divergent and deviant customs, the High Perfected One has revealed the secret methods of the High Heavens to spread the far-reaching transmission of the Great Dao. All who have the affinity may be saved in accordance with their intentions, and countless people may be delivered. Having respectfully received these precious teachings, you should strive to pursue quiet cultivation. Begin with the rank of Divine Empyrean Primordial Unity, then advance beyond the realm of the vast Green Silk Net. Hold firmly to your resolve to practice; do not abandon your original determination. Have faith, accept and carry out the teachings, and follow the methods in the hope of receiving spiritual efficacy.

“The Three Officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water record matters with their brushes; the Five Emperors administer the talismanic mandates. They investigate good and evil without error and register merit and fault without omission. Anyone who dares to violate the ordinances will be dealt with under the severe laws of Heaven, without pardon. These admonitions are now made known to all, in the hope that everyone will practice diligently. The transmission order, seven ranks of offices, and ritual positions of the Divine Empyrean Registers for Protecting Immortals are set out below.

“Those who have not received the Taishang registers of the nine grades of scripture are called ‘White Tablets’ and should be addressed as ‘Disciples of Initial Truth of Divine Empyrean Heaven.’

“If someone has already received the Taishang Register of the Seven Primordial Longevity Youths, they should be addressed as ‘Assistants in Transforming the Age of Great Peace of Divine Empyrean Heaven…’” At this point, the original text repeats the preceding statement about those who have received registers: those who have received the Taishang registers of the nine grades of scripture are called “White Tablets” and should be addressed as “Disciples of Initial Truth of Divine Empyrean Heaven.”

Those who have received the “Register of the Seven Primordial Lords and Long-Life Youths” should be addressed as “Disciples Who Assist and Transform in the Peace of Shenxiao.”

Those who have received the “Register of the Northern Emperor’s Subjugation of Demons and Ascent to Truehood in the Cavernous Abyss” should be addressed as “Exalted Disciples Who Assist and Transform in the Peace of Shenxiao.”

Those who have received the “Register of the Zhengyi Covenant’s Three-Five and Metropolitan Merits” should be addressed as “Exalted Keepers of the Shenxiao Registers and Rituals Who Assist and Transform in the Peace of Shenxiao.”

Those who have received the “Register of Purple Emptiness and Yang Radiance,” together with the lower-grade scriptures and registers of Shenxiao, should be addressed as “Exalted Shenxiao Masters of Transformative Rituals, Immortals of Numinal Subtlety and Passage to the Primordial.” If their registers and ritual texts are incomplete, they should use only the final two words, “Keeper of Rituals,” from the title listed above.

Those who have received the “Register of the Central Covenant of Lingbao Rituals” should be addressed as “Exalted Shenxiao Masters of Cavernous Transformation, Upper Ministers of Protective Salvation, Harmony, and Purple Radiance.” These sixteen characters designate the second rank. If their registers and ritual texts are incomplete, they may be addressed as “Immortal of Passage to the Primordial.”

Those who have received the “Register of the Great Cavern of Shangqing” should be addressed as “Exalted Shenxiao Masters of the Jade Heaven and Cavernous Radiance, Immortals of Numinal Emptiness and Universal Transformation.” This is the first rank. If their registers and ritual texts are incomplete, they may be addressed as “Shenxiao Master of Cavernous Radiance, True Immortal of Numinal Emptiness.”

Those who practice the Great Shenxiao Method should receive the Great Cavern register and be addressed as “Master of [such-and-such] Peak, True Person of [such-and-such] Qi,” filling in the peak and Qi according to each person’s circumstances. The titles for every rank in Shenxiao’s Three Caverns and Four Supplements—the system of scriptures and registers of the Shenxiao tradition—should be recorded in detail.

Those of the initial rank, and disciples who have previously received registers, should devote themselves to cultivating the rank of “Shenxiao Master of Cavernous Radiance, True Immortal of Numinal Emptiness.”

Those who practice the Great Shenxiao Method should receive the Great Cavern register and be addressed as “Master of [such-and-such] Peak, True Person of [such-and-such] Qi.” The titles for every rank in Shenxiao’s Three Caverns and Four Supplements should be recorded in detail.

Disciples of the initial rank and those who have previously received registers should devote themselves to their practice and advance gradually. They must not skip ranks or mix together the various grades, lest their True Qi—the original vital energy cultivated in practice—fall into disorder and their numinal awareness become unclear. Otherwise, the Three Officials, the deities who govern Heaven, Earth, and Water, may reduce their allotted years of life, bringing calamity upon their nine generations of ancestors. You must act with care and preserve the truth of the Dao over the long term.

Shenxiao Ritual Vestments

Vestments of the First Rank

A jeweled crown of Jade Purity and a white jade hairpin; thirty-six strips of blue-green draped silk; a blue-green silk sash adorned with clouds in nine colors; a purple Daoist robe adorned with blue-green clouds in nine colors; a purple inner garment, worn beneath the robe, adorned with blue-green clouds in nine colors; a crimson skirt with six panels and four decorative bands, adorned with clouds in nine colors; a white jade tablet, vermilion shoes, and a white jade pendant.

Vestments of the Second Rank

Wear a hibiscus-and-bilusheng crown, decorated with hibiscus flowers and blue-green clouds, with a white jade hairpin. Drape a blue-green ritual cape with thirty-six decorative streamers, embroidered with blue-green and five-colored cloud patterns. Wear a purple Daoist robe decorated with blue-green and five-colored cloud patterns, over a blue-green inner garment with the same decoration. Wear a crimson skirt made of five panels, with four bands along the hem, decorated with five-colored cloud patterns. Hold a white jade tablet, wear gilt silver ornaments, and put on vermilion shoes.

Third-Rank Attire

Wear a hibiscus-and-blue-sky crown with a rhinoceros-horn hairpin. Drape a purple ritual cape with thirty-two decorative streamers, embroidered with blue-green and five-colored cloud patterns. Wear a purple Daoist robe decorated with blue-green and five-colored cloud patterns, over a blue-green inner garment with the same decoration. Wear a crimson skirt made of five panels, with four bands along the hem, decorated with five-colored cloud patterns. Hold a white jade tablet, wear gilt silver ornaments, and put on vermilion shoes.

Fourth-Rank Attire

Wear a Crown of the Two Principles in Harmonious Union, symbolizing the joining of Yin and Yang, with a rhinoceros-horn hairpin. Drape a crimson ritual cape with twenty-four decorative streamers, embroidered with blue-green, three-colored cloud patterns, landscapes, and the Seven Stars. Wear a pale yellow Daoist robe decorated with blue-green, three-colored cloud patterns, over a pale yellow inner garment with the same decoration. Wear a pale yellow skirt made of five panels, with four bands along the hem, decorated with three-colored cloud patterns. Hold a sandalwood tablet, wear white jade ornaments, and put on vermilion shoes.

Fifth-Rank Attire

Wear a Seven-Star Crown of Harmonious Union, decorated with the Seven Stars and symbolizing the union of Yin and Yang, with a rhinoceros-horn hairpin. Drape a pale yellow ritual cape with twelve decorative streamers, embroidered with black and green cloud patterns. Wear a pale yellow Daoist robe decorated with black-and-green cloud patterns, over a pale yellow inner garment with the same decoration. Wear a pale yellow skirt made of five panels, decorated with black-and-green cloud patterns. Another record describes this crown and attire: wear a black crown decorated with star patterns and symbolizing harmonious union, with a rhinoceros-horn hairpin; drape a pale yellow ritual cape with twelve streamers; wear a pale yellow Daoist robe, inner garment, and five-panel skirt, all decorated with black-and-green cloud patterns. Hold a sandalwood tablet, wear silver ornaments, and put on black shoes.

Sixth-Rank Attire

Wear a Seven-Star Crown of Harmonious Union with a rhinoceros-horn hairpin. Drape a pale yellow ritual cape with twelve decorative streamers, embroidered with black and green cloud patterns. Wear a pale yellow Daoist robe decorated with black, green, and three-colored cloud patterns, over a pale yellow inner garment with the same decoration. Wear a pale yellow skirt made of five panels, decorated with black, green, and three-colored cloud patterns. Hold a cypress-wood tablet, wear copper ornaments, and put on black shoes.

The ritual garments worn by those of the seventh rank consist of a dark cap made of peach wood, a wooden hairpin, a pale yellow Daoist robe, an inner garment and skirt, a cypress tally, a bronze pendant, and black shoes.

The ritual garments described above belong to the first rank. The same attire is used when receiving the transmission of the Divine Empyrean tradition, when being recommended and witnessed at an altar, and when presiding over or carrying out the conferral of registers: a pale yellow Daoist robe, an inner garment and skirt, a cypress tally, a bronze pendant, and black shoes.

The Secret Registers of the Divine Empyrean also records that a blue-green cap, a deep red ritual robe, red shoes, and a tally are worn in the arcane tradition governed by the Jade-Clear King’s palace in the Divine Empyrean. If practitioners among the people of the heavens—that is, cultivators in the celestial realms—achieve merit through their practice, attain the Dao, and become perfected, they may be appointed to serve in Jade-Clear and wear these garments.

Among the Three Caverns and Four Supplements—the principal classifications of Daoist scriptures—kept in the inner palace of the Divine Empyrean, some texts have been handed down since ancient times and are often found in the world. Others are restricted and secret treasure scriptures that have remained undisclosed through successive cosmic ages. They number 1,200 scrolls, divided into six grades and twelve ranks, arranged in upper, middle, and lower tiers, and kept in the eastern and western Hua Terraces. After the years of Renchen and Gengzi, when peace begins and fortune turns, these scriptures will gradually come to light.

Those who obtain one scripture from the upper tier are called “Perfected Ones of the Void, Unified Transformation, Masters of the Cavern of Radiant Scenes in the Jade Heaven of the Divine Empyrean.” Once their cultivation is complete, they may hold offices such as High Minister, High Chancellor, or Perfected Earl in the Jade Palace.

Those who obtain one scripture or method from the middle tier are called “Perfected Ones of Preservation, Deliverance, and Harmonious Illumination, Masters of the Cavern of Transformation in the Divine Empyrean.” Once their cultivation is complete, they may serve as Immortal Ministers or Immortal Marquises of the eastern and western terraces.

Those who obtain one scripture or method from the lower tier are called “Perfected Ones of Subtle Wonder and Penetration to the Origin, Masters of Primordial Transformation in the Divine Empyrean.” Once their cultivation is complete, they may serve as Immortal Officials, Chief Administrators, or Perfected Stewards of the eastern and western terraces. Their ritual garments include a jeweled cap of Jade-Clear clouds and rosy mists; a purple-spirit, green-jade hairpin; a shoulder sash woven from thirty-six streaks of flying-cloud green light; a crimson-brown robe; a yellow skirt patterned with flying green; vermilion shoes; a blue-green jade tablet of the Cavern Spirit; a jade pendant in which the Three Qi reflect one another; and a long sword symbolizing the dispelling of demons, three feet and six inches in length. They must perform their rites on the “Altar of the Nine Qi.”

Those who obtain scriptures or methods from the upper, middle, or lower tier but whose collection is incomplete, or who also obtain one or two Three Caverns scriptures or methods that circulate in the world, are called “Disciples of Auxiliary Transformation and Peace in the Divine Empyrean.” Once their cultivation is complete, they may serve among the Immortals and Perfected Ones of the heavens, or be appointed to minor official posts or as Immortal Clerks in the Divine Empyrean. They cannot yet hold the exalted rank of dwelling alone in the High-Clear Jade Heaven, nor can they exercise the highest authority over the divine offices. Their ritual garments consist of a plain-jade cap of three blue-green blossoms or a Three-Plainness cap of the Origin; a purple-essence, water-jade hairpin; a plain purple sash of thirty-six bands; a blue-green-brown robe; a yellow lower garment; a skirt edged in green; a yellow-flower jade tally; vermilion shoes; a jade pendant; and a sword of Three-Five Elixir Essence, three feet and two inches long. They perform their rites on the “Altar of the Three Lights and Eight Celestial Divisions.”

Those who receive the complete scriptures and methods of all three tiers and bring their cultivation to completion can ascend to the rank of High Sovereign Dao Lord of the Three Heavens and stand among the assembled sages. These ritual garments may be worn only when submitting memorials, paying homage to the perfected spirits, inspecting registers, and performing rites; they must not be worn casually. The Spirit Officials will assess practitioners according to their achievements.

Anyone who has received the Shenxiao method should, upon first entering its ranks, be called “Attendant of the High and Supreme Shenxiao, Assisting Transformation and Establishing Peace.” They should practice the Great Shenxiao Method and be known as “Right Attendant, Fellow Registrar of the Assembly’s Archives.” After accumulating 140 deeds of merit and virtue within one year, they may submit a petition to the Heavenly Court of Shenxiao, requesting appointment to a rank among the officials who study immortality.

Immortal officials oversee eight kinds of offices, each with its own duties. Practitioners in the world who wish to rise in the immortal ranks must advance in order and may not skip ranks. Once appointed to an immortal office, their duties also extend to governing affairs in the human world. Only when their work below accords with that of the merit officers, divine officials who oversee registers of merit and fault, and their work above accords with the Heavenly Heart, can they be considered to have attained an immortal rank. Some posts are offices held by perfected immortals in Heaven. To be entered among the ranks of immortal officials means to transcend the ordinary and enter the sacred realm. Claiming to govern the Heavenly Court and arrogating a higher post by skipping ranks is a serious offense.

The Office of Ritual Administration, whose officials have received the registers of the Three Caverns—the credentials conferred for Daoist scriptures and rites—may govern at the rank of “True Minister, Shenxiao Ritual Master.” It follows the same rules as the attendants. Its authority concerns documents for governing official duties; it is not an official post in the Celestial Court. Those who have received registers from Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) and been granted one of the nine grades of immortal official titles enter at the ninth grade, whether they are officeholders, attendants, disciples, or True Ministers. All are included among the ranks of immortal officials.

Eighth-Grade Immortal Officials at the Frontier

Right Hall General, Left Hall General, Right Linghua, Left Linghua, Right Guard of Honor, Left Guard of Honor, Right Keeper of the Treasures, Left Keeper of the Treasures.

These eight posts belong to the eighth grade. For every 140 merits accumulated, one official rank may be advanced in a year.

Seventh-Grade Immortal Officials

Right Director of the Palace, Left Director of the Palace, Right Director of the Command Pennant, Left Director of the Command Pennant, Right Director of the Army, Left Director of the Army, Right Director of the Guards, Left Director of the Guards.

These posts belong to the seventh grade. For every 160 merits accumulated, one official rank may be advanced in a year.

Sixth-Grade Officials

The Right and Left Court Ritual Masters, the Right and Left Military Affairs Masters, the Right and Left Senior Prohibition Masters, and the Right and Left Prohibition Masters are sixth-rank offices. These positions correspond to 180 merits. After a year’s service has been accumulated, one may be promoted by one rank.

Fifth-Rank Offices

The Right and Left Masters of Merit and the Right and Left Masters of Law Enforcement are fifth-rank offices. They correspond to 200 merits. After a year’s service has been accumulated, one may be promoted by one rank.

Fourth-Rank Offices

The Right and Left Masters of the Horse and the Right and Left Masters Who Deliver from Calamity are fourth-rank offices. They correspond to 220 merits. After a year’s service has been accumulated, one may be promoted by one rank.

Third-Rank Offices

The Right Master Who Adds to the Count, the Master Who Extends Life, the Left Master Who Adds to the Count, and the Right and Left Masters Who Extend Life are third-rank offices. They correspond to 240 merits. After a year’s service has been accumulated, one may be promoted by one rank.

Second-Rank Offices

The Right and Left Masters of Registers and the Right and Left Masters of Destiny are second-rank offices. They correspond to 260 merits. After a year’s service has been accumulated, one may be promoted by one rank and granted the title “Co-Administrator of the Affairs of the Jade Clarity Bureau,” meaning one shares in administering the bureau’s affairs.

First-Rank Offices

The Central, Right, and Left Earls of Primordial Perfection are first-rank offices. They correspond to 380 merits. After a year’s service has been accumulated, one may be promoted by one rank and granted the title “Administrator of the Affairs of the Jade Clarity Bureau,” meaning one presides over the bureau’s affairs.

The Four Assistants

The Right and Left Vice Directors and the Right and Left Attendants of the Dark Golden Gate together correspond to 360 merits. Upon receiving an office, one may be granted the title “Administrator of the Affairs of the Jade Clarity Bureau.”

The Four Assistants

The Right and Left Vice Directors and the Right and Left Attendants of the Dark Golden Gate.

Once the three hundred and sixty meritorious deeds have been completed, one must also help another person, provide someone with aid, save a living creature, or accomplish a major deed that brings blessings and virtue. Only then may the record be counted as merit. Whenever one is promoted to a higher rank among the celestial officials, the merits must be listed in detail, but the petition must not be handed to an individual. This accords with the regulations for celestial officials of the First Rank. Those who practice this method should wear the Great Grotto ritual vestments, the Daoist robes prescribed for ceremonial use.

Promotion requires a celestial official of the same rank to recommend and guarantee the candidate and submit a petition. If no official of the same rank is available, one should request an order from the Three Officials (the Officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water). After the merits have been examined, the promotion may proceed. If three hundred and sixty meritorious deeds have not been accumulated within a year, the remaining merits should be reported to the Supreme Emperor, with a request that they be converted into a reward. When submitting a memorial to report the merits of the troops and generals, nothing may be omitted. Any fault should be reported promptly and voluntarily, and offset with merit.

Celestial officials should burn talismans and registers every day. Each completed act brings promotion by one official rank. On the day they take their turn of duty, celestial officials are accompanied by thousands upon thousands of officers and troops. If an official on duty does not burn the talisman, they may swallow it instead, and a celestial official will come to assist them.

Incantation for Summoning the Celestial Officials

Above the high heavens, Jade Clarity reigns as king. The Three Qi of the Numinous Treasure are the pivot governing the Three Departments. In the presence of the Supreme Emperor, if the talisman is not burned, it may be swallowed instead, and a celestial official will come to assist.

Incantation for Summoning the Celestial Officials

Above the high heavens, Jade Clarity reigns as king. The Three Qi of the Numinous Treasure are the pivot governing the Three Departments. Before the Supreme Emperor stands the chief office of the Celestial Bureau, whose departments each fulfill their duties and assist in carrying out the Jade Statutes, the laws of Heaven. The celestial officials take their places according to rank, each attending to their own duties. Recite the incantation to summon them, and the celestial officials will descend, all in accordance with the regulations of the Heavenly Seal. In reverent obedience to the command of the Venerable One of the High Heavens, we respectfully summon the celestial official named here to carry out the order in accordance with the laws.

General Talisman for Summoning the Celestial Officials

Follow the method of dress and ritual described in the register, and practice visualization by focusing the mind’s attention. This is the true talisman of the Divine Empyrean for commanding demons, sending vanguards ahead, and slaying ghosts.

Shenxiao, the divine court associated in Daoism with thunder and the heavens, commands the Heavenly Demons. Qinghua commands the Earth Demons; Nanling commands the Ghost Demons. The Green Heaven Demon King, Bayuan Choubo, commands the Naked Demons; the Red Heaven Demon King, Futian Danshi, commands the Beast Demons; the White Heaven Demon King, Fanshan Liuyue, commands the Assembly Demons; the Black Heaven Demon King, Jianchou Langfu, commands the Jing-Essence Demons; and the Yellow Heaven Demon King, Hengtian Danli, commands the Evil Demons. The Most High commands the Six-Cavern Great Demon Lords of Fengdu, the Daoist underworld, to lead the heavenly troops. All demons, obey this command: the Heavenly Officers go ahead to clear the way, slay ghosts and spirits, and erase their traces. The divine talisman officers and troops of the thirty-six heavens brandish spears and halberds; those who defy the order shall be beheaded. Ghosts, spirits, and evil beings in the Great Cavern dare not advance and attack. Wind and thunder, together with blazing fire, strike forth, slaying ghosts and shattering their bodies. Go ahead as commanded and clear the way; when the talisman command arrives, carry it out at once. Urgently, in accordance with the statutes! Heavenly troops and myriad demons, obey this command: the Heavenly Officers go ahead to clear the way, slay ghosts, and erase their traces… (The following incantation is repeated once.) Urgently, in accordance with the command of the Great Emperor, the True King of High Shang Shenxiao.

For this talismanic method, make the Chen hand sign, draw Qi from the Xun direction (southeast), and write the talisman in cinnabar on yellow paper. Write a separate dispatch ordering the demons to clear the way ahead and drive off ghosts and baleful spirits. The generals, officers, merit officers, and talisman messengers within the talisman are to relay to the divine court the sick person’s petition and account of what happened, await the commands of the divine generals, and each begin their assigned work. Before the ritual master arrives, the talisman officers have already reached the sick person’s home and bound the evil spirits on the master’s behalf. When the master arrives, they complete the case, cut off the spirits’ influence, and send them away.

Another method is to burn the talisman paper and blow its ashes toward the target, which can immediately seize the evil spirits. To deal with a distant matter, make the Chen hand sign, blow the talisman ashes, then point the sword-fingers in the relevant direction to drive the spirits away ten thousand li. This method is mainly used to subdue fierce spirits such as mountain demons and the Wutong spirits. When spirits that cannot be subdued drive someone mad, burn a talisman and use vinegar and charcoal smoke to treat the affliction. When commanding the talisman, recite the Incantation of the Five Emperor Demon Kings; when summoning the demons, use the secret incantation.

Talismanic Method for Reaching Heaven and Penetrating Earth

Shenxiao Talisman for Reaching Heaven

“Yang di bi ta hong an □ luo □, urgently and swiftly, in accordance with the command.”

The Great General Who Reaches Heaven wears golden armor over his chest. His eyes are blue and white. He wears a red silk, gold-edged, wide-sleeved shirt, an immortal’s sash, white trousers, and vermilion shoes. His name and incantation are: “Di bi ta hong an □ luo □, urgently and swiftly, in accordance with the command.”

The appearance of the Great General Who Reaches Heaven is as follows: clear, handsome eyes; a golden breastplate; a red silk tunic with broad golden sleeves; an immortal’s sash; white trousers; and red shoes. He holds a treasured sword.

Divine-Torii Talisman for Penetrating the Earth

The Great General Who Penetrates the Earth has a purplish-red face and stern, wrathful brows and eyes. He wears a golden breastplate, yellow robes, and black-green garments.

Invocation to Summon the Jade Youths

Reverently summon the twelve youths of the Lingbao Jade Purity Hall, among whom is one named Sun Jade Rosy Clouds Youth. By command of the Celestial Emperor, I ask you to descend swiftly. Hasten in obedience to the decree of Jade Purity. Form the Jade Purity mudra (pinch the fingers into a ritual hand seal according to Daoist practice).

The Appearance and Number of the Jade Youths

Five hundred Jade Youths in embroidered robes with blue-green feathers.

Five hundred Jade Youths in embroidered robes with deep-green feathers.

Five hundred Jade Youths in embroidered robes with jade-colored feathers.

Five hundred Jade Youths in embroidered robes with gray-blue feathers.

Five hundred Jade Youths in embroidered robes with dark-indigo feathers.

Five hundred Jade Youths in embroidered robes with red feathers.

Five hundred Jade Youths in embroidered robes with deep-red feathers.

Five hundred Jade Youths in embroidered robes with purple feathers.

Five hundred Jade Youths in embroidered robes with dark feathers.

Five hundred Jade Youths in embroidered robes with white feathers.

Five hundred Jade Youths in embroidered robes with yellow feathers.

Five hundred Jade Youths in embroidered robes with rosy-cloud feathers.

Method for Using the Youths to Command the Myriad Spirits

For all twelve kinds of Jade Youths listed above, visualize each one inwardly according to the ritual method, so that they are all dressed in robes embroidered in five colors.

Five hundred Jade Youths in embroidered robes with rosy-cloud feathers.

Method for Using the Youths to Command the Myriad Spirits

The twelve Jade Youths mentioned above are to be visualized in the mind according to the instructions of the method. They all wear embroidered robes in five colors and take their turns on duty during the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season lasts three months; one Jade Youth is in charge each month, commanding five hundred attendants. When a particular month comes around, write and burn a talisman to summon the Jade Youth on duty. The Jade Youth can serve as a guard, obey commands, and accompany you in paying homage to the True Gods. When summoning one, make the hand seal of the General Formula, exhale Qi from the Xun direction, and then write the talisman in cinnabar.

Whenever you need to employ the Jade Youths, on the third and ninth days of the month prepare jujube soup, rice milk, five bowls of honey porridge, and fragrant flowers. Call the youths, then give them their commands. Next, summon the Youth of One’s Birth (the youth referred to in this method is not female): close your eyes, gather what is called ghost Qi (the Qi of ghosts and spirits), blow once, and silently call the names of the Three Souls. Make the hand seal of the Supervisor with your middle finger, clasp it tightly, and blow out a breath of dark Qi. Then make the Jade Clarity hand seal and recite the incantation three times for the youth to witness. Now invite the youth on duty that day to arrive; you may then use them as needed.

Incantation for the Youth to Witness:

True Lord of the Yi Lodge (a spirit associated with the Yi Lodge, one of the Twenty-Eight Lodges), compel the spirits to appear in visible form.

Another Incantation, to Be Recited with Single-Minded Focus:

Blue Youth, by command, bring the divine pronouncement down to me. Please swiftly help me inquire into human affairs and discern the course of events, so that I may commune with the spirits and receive efficacious responses.

This method also says to recite the incantation and empower water on the nights of the Jiazi and Gengshen days, then drink the water.

Incantation for Summoning the Jade Maidens:

I respectfully summon the gentle Qi, the Ninefold-Spirit Female Immortal (a female immortal spirit among the Ninefold Spirits), and the Jade Maiden on duty that day. May she wear a robe patterned with phoenixes and a light skirt, and descend to the divine court by command of the True King. Swiftly obey the edict of Jade Clarity. Use the pattern of the Chen direction as the talisman, exhale Qi from the Xun direction, and write the talisman.

The following are the names of the Jade Maidens to be summoned, each commanding five hundred attendants:

The Jade Maiden who carries a banner, wearing an embroidered robe in five colors.

The Jade Maiden who carries a ceremonial tablet, wearing an embroidered robe in five colors.

The Jade Maiden who carries a battle-axe, wearing an embroidered robe in five colors.

The Jade Maiden who carries a halberd, wearing an embroidered robe in five colors.

The Jade Maiden who carries a spear, wearing an embroidered robe in five colors.

The Jade Maiden who carries a fan, wearing an embroidered robe in five colors.

The Jade Maiden who carries a mirror, wearing an embroidered robe in five colors.

Those carrying incense, halberds, fans, mirrors, medicine, torches, bottles, swords, seals, talismans, registers, books and records, ritual implements, tasseled sashes, and jade tablets are all Jade Maidens dressed in embroidered robes of five colors, with five hundred in each category. At the front of the procession, Jade Maidens lead the singing; at the rear, Jade Maidens play wind instruments. The Jade Maidens carrying ritual diagrams, tasseled sashes, and jade tablets, along with those leading the singing, are also included in the ceremonial retinue.

Next are listed the cyclical designations jiǎzǐ, jiǎxū, jiǎshēn, jiǎwǔ, jiǎchén, and jiǎyín, followed by dīngmǎo, dīngsì, dīngwèi, dīngyǒu, dīnghài, and dīngchǒu. These are day names formed by combining the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches. Each category likewise consists of five hundred Jade Maidens dressed in embroidered robes of five colors.

The Jade Maidens mentioned above (goddess envoys who serve the deities) should be visualized in accordance with the prescribed rites. On the nights of the jiazi and gengshen days, recite the ritual incantation and drink water over which it has been chanted. Each Jade Maiden has her own duties. During rites such as paying homage to the perfected deities, presenting memorials, submitting petitions, and establishing an altar to perform ritual methods, summon the appropriate Jade Maiden for each task, and she will come to serve.

After seven days of fasting and purification, the Jade Maiden will come as soon as she is summoned. Do not gaze at her for long. The year is said to comprise six yang, six yin, six jia, and six ding periods. Each month is divided into three ten-day periods, assigned respectively to the six jia and six ding. Each period has one guardian on duty, along with five hundred guards for that period, who come with the Jade Youths to protect and assist. They may also be used to capture deities and pursue souls, and to learn what good or ill fortune the future holds. Once summoned by name, they may be dispatched at will, and their efficacy is unfailing.

End of Volume Five of the Great Method of the Purple Writ of the Perfected King of Jade Purity in the Highest Heaven (Gaoshang Shenxiao Yuqing Zhenwang Zishu Dafa).

The Great Method of the Purple Writ of the Perfected King of Jade Purity in the Highest Heaven (Gaoshang Shenxiao Yuqing Zhenwang Zishu Dafa), Volume Six

Section on the Great Generals

Commanding General of the Troops’ Vanguard: Wang Yanwen. General Commanding the Vanguard Troops: Wang Yanze.

General Summoning Incantation

By the command of the True King and with the Jade Emperor’s golden talisman, I report to Heaven and establish the ritual altar. The altar is built according to the pattern of Heaven and Earth, for commanding the gods and dispatching spirits and ghosts. In my left hand I hold the Huo Luo covenant engraved with dragon patterns; at my right side I wear the Divine Empyrean Jade Statutes. I recite the Feathered Chapters of Jade Purity and pay homage to the Great Emperor. Below, I command the deities of mountains and rivers, waters and land, caverns and abysses; above, I rank among the ministers and nobles of the True King of the Divine Empyrean.

I recite the Mysteries of the Great Cavern. At the first recitation, I summon the Lords of Destiny of the Nine Heavens; at the second, the Perfected Immortals of the Nine Heavens. I am the lord of the immortal realm, the Supreme Elder and the sovereign of the Five Sacred Peaks. All matters entrusted to me are held in my heart. I summon wind and rain and rouse the thunder to fury. The gods of the Thunder Bureau lead the way; thunder shakes Heaven and Earth, and even mountains may split apart. The Primordial Heavenly Emperor commands all the gods under Heaven in the four directions of wind and fire to obey together, and sends orders to the golden-armored officers and Thunder Celestial Soldiers listed in the registers: once summoned, they must all descend immediately before the altar and may not defy the command. They must promptly carry out the decree of the Lofty True King of Divine Empyrean Jade Purity.

The True King said: “The Jade Writs of the divine offices and the numinous writings of the jeweled palaces each have their own duties and registers. Every department has three hundred thousand officers in charge, and sends one representative down to the human realm. In addition, one hundred and twenty chief officials are ordered to descend among humankind. When you have a matter to handle, you may summon them and make inquiries, but you must purify your body and mind through abstinence. If you reveal the secrets of Heaven, after death you will fall into Fengdu, the Daoist underworld, and will not be pardoned even after ten thousand kalpas.”

Great General

The Great General of the Central Altar is the commander who presides over the ritual altar. He belongs to the gods of the Thunder Array and is a divine officer who assists the Daoist rites and carries out the duties of Heaven, commanding troops. If he reveals the relevant secrets of Heaven, after death he will fall into Fengdu and remain without pardon through ten thousand kalpas.

Great General

The Great General of the Central Altar is the commander who presides over the ritual altar. He belongs to the gods of the Thunder Array and is a divine officer who assists the Daoist rites and carries out the duties of Heaven, commanding troops, cutting down dragon demons and subduing spirits and monsters. His Chen script belongs to Xun Qi, a script and Qi-method marking associated with the Earthly Branch Chen and the Xun trigram of the Eight Trigrams.

The Great General who Commands the Troops is the commander who patrols the ritual altar and leads the troops. He is a celestial spirit-officer in the divine offices’ military department, serving as an assistant deity responsible for cutting down dragon demons and subduing spirits and monsters. His Chen script belongs to Xun Qi.

The Great General Who Commands Water is a numinous official in the divine bureau responsible for water affairs. He governs floods throughout the world, as well as rivers, seas, waterways, and inundations. His associated hand-seal formula is the “Chen seal,” and he is aligned with the Qi of the Xun direction.

The Great General Who Commands Fire is a celestial numinous official in the divine bureau responsible for fire affairs. He governs fires throughout the world, the spread of flames, and the Fire Emperor, and is the foremost of the fire gods. In performing the rite, one blows Qi toward the southeast from the hour of Chen to the hour of Wu.

The Great General Who Commands Wind is a celestial numinous official in the divine bureau responsible for wind affairs. He governs great winds throughout the world, as well as baleful winds that bring warm pestilential diseases. His associated period is from the hour of Yin to the hour of Chen, and he is aligned with Yin-Yang Qi.

The Great General Who Commands Clouds is a celestial numinous official in the divine bureau responsible for raising clouds. He governs the gods as they move clouds, spread Qi, and exhale mist. His associated hand-seal formula is the “Si seal,” and he is aligned with the Qi of the Xun direction.

The Great General Who Commands Qi is a celestial numinous official in the divine bureau responsible for Qi phenomena, or changes in the climate. The scripture first says that he governs the four seasons throughout the world, then repeats the duties assigned to the Great General Who Commands Clouds. His associated hand-seal formula is the “Si seal,” and he is aligned with the Qi of the Xun direction.

The Great General Who Commands Qi is also described as a celestial numinous official in the divine bureau responsible for Qi phenomena. He governs the four seasons and the twenty-four Qi periods—the climatic cycles divided according to the seasonal calendar—and the signs revealed by their orderly or irregular progression. His associated hand-seal formula is the “Mao seal,” and he is aligned with the Qi of the due east.

The Great General Who Commands Rain is a celestial numinous official in the divine bureau responsible for bringing rain. He leads all the divine hosts who bring rain throughout the world and is charged with relieving severe drought. His associated period is from the hour of Zi to the hour of Chou, and he is aligned with the Qi of the northwest.

The Great General Who Commands Execution is a celestial numinous official in the divine bureau responsible for subduing evil. He punishes the unfilial, rebellious, treacherous, and wicked; expels baleful spirits; and destroys those who commit violent evil. During the rite, one draws the hand-seal formula on the middle finger and presses the lower joint with the finger gesture. He is aligned with the Qi of the Chen direction.

The Great General Who Commands Birth is a celestial numinous official in the divine bureau responsible for childbirth. He governs births and infants throughout the world, as well as the fate that determines in advance the prosperity of one’s descendants. His associated hand-seal formula is the “Chen seal,” and he is aligned with the Qi of the Xun direction.

The Great General Who Commands Illness is a celestial numinous official in the divine bureau responsible for calamities and illness. He governs all kinds of lingering sickness and affliction throughout the world. His associated hand-seal formula is the “Chen seal,” and he is aligned with the Qi of the Xun direction.

The Great General Who Inspects Evil holds a register and is responsible for evil deeds, examining the accumulated record of people’s transgressions. This general must not be invoked casually. His associated hand-seal formula is the “Chen seal,” and he is aligned with the Qi of the Xun direction.

The General of Transformation and the General of Issuing Documents are responsible for distributing the documents of this office. The General of Adjudication oversees the determination of guilt and blessing. The General Who Holds the Register keeps the records of evil deeds and examines the sins people have accumulated; he must not be sent on errands casually. When performing the rite, form the Chenwen hand seal and draw in Qi from the Xun direction.

The General of Transformation and the General of Issuing Documents are responsible for distributing the documents of this office. The General of Adjudication is responsible for determining guilt and blessing. The General Who Cuts Off Disease Spirits and the General Who Collects Poisons treat sores, toxins, itching, and pain. The General Who Beheads Epidemics, the General of the Fire Bell, the General Who Restores Names, the General of Swift Action, and the General Who Reverses the Course must also form the Chenwen hand seal and draw in Qi from the Xun direction. “Zhu” refers to a harmful spirit that clings to a person and causes illness; “wen” refers to epidemic diseases such as warm epidemics.

These generals, each responsible for particular duties, may be summoned by writing a Fulu according to the matter at hand and stating its purpose on the talisman. Then recite the incantation for summoning the divine generals and perform the rite according to each general’s assigned function. Keep the ritual hidden from others, so that they are not dispatched to the wrong place. In this way, their efficacy will become manifest, and the petition will find a response.

Gao Shang Zuoxuan Zhenqing said: The divine generals, including the General Officer Who Seizes Souls and the General Who Rides to the Outpost, can carry out many kinds of tasks when commanded: bestowing life, putting out fires, stopping epidemics, beheading evil, punishing wickedness, destroying heretical temples, investigating and binding harmful spirits, changing names and recording merit, and transmitting orders swiftly. They can also treat diseases caused by clinging spirits, avert calamities, adjudicate and dispatch those concerned, expel malign influences, imprison ghosts, collect and remove poisonous forces, and cut off illnesses caused by clinging spirits. There is no place they cannot reach when needed for a rite. The practitioner must purify the mind and observe ritual abstinence, then summon the divine generals at the altar to receive their response.

During the rite, also form the hand seal, recite the general incantation, and write the Fulu. Then recite the incantation again and burn the talisman, summoning the divine generals one by one; they will arrive swiftly. To seize, bind, interrogate, or punish, state inwardly the task they are to carry out, since each general has a particular jurisdiction. Write the talisman in cinnabar on yellow paper, place it above the patient’s head, and burn it while reciting the general incantation. Draw in Qi and blow it toward the patient. To expel and seize evil spirits, draw in Qi from the north and blow it out. The “Expelling and Seizing Method” means driving malign spirits away and making them retreat to the north.

The incantation for summoning the Chief Supervisor who commands the troops and generals.

The Jade Pure King of the Divine Empyrean (a deity revered by the Divine Empyrean school) issues a command in response to the calamity, summoning the Great General in Overall Command and the Great General Who Commands the Troops. Come at once to my ritual altar; on receiving the talismanic command, arrive without delay. Act with all haste in accordance with the decrees of the Most High True King of the Jade Pure Realm of the Divine Empyrean.

Incantation for Summoning the Chief Commissioner

In reverent obedience to the command issued in response to the calamity by the Jade Pure King of the Divine Empyrean, I summon a certain general of the Jade Pure Court of the Divine Empyrean. Come at once to my ritual altar, and carry out a certain task for me as directed by the talismanic command. Act with all haste in accordance with the decrees of the Most High True King of the Jade Pure Realm of the Divine Empyrean.

Also

I reverently summon the Heavenly Soldiers and Divine Generals of the Jade Pure Realm and Lord Han the Elder, a title of a divine general, to bestow the true Qi (vital energy). Great General Who Ascends to Heaven, hasten to the ritual altar and set out at once. Swiftly!

Also

I reverently summon the Heavenly Soldiers and Divine Generals of the Jade Pure Realm and Lord Han the Elder to bestow the true Qi. Great General Who Ascends to Heaven, hasten to the ritual altar and set out at once. Swiftly!

The names and duties of the generals are listed below:

Great General in Overall Command, Wang Wenxuan; Great General Who Commands the Troops, Ding Zhonggui.

Great General in Charge of Water, Wang Yan; Great General in Charge of Fire, Zhao Zhongming.

Great General in Charge of Wind, Feng Hao; Great General in Charge of Clouds, Dong Long.

Great General in Charge of Qi, Zhai De; Great General in Charge of Rain, Ding Zongcheng.

Great General in Charge of Killing, Jiang Deyou; Great General in Charge of Life, Liu Tong.

Great General in Charge of Illness, Ding Zongsheng; Great General Who Seizes Ghosts, Ma Sheng.

Great General Who Binds Evil Spirits, Chen Meng; Great General Who Examines Ghosts, Zhuang Dexiang.

Great General Who Destroys Temples, Zhao Hou; Great General Who Subdues Demons, Yuan Zhen.

Great General Who Binds Dragons, Ying Suyuan; Great General Who Searches Out Traitors, Ding Youzhong.

Great General Who Inspects Evil, Lu Huayuan; Great General Who Pursues Souls, Zhang Gongming.

Great General Who Imprisons, Wu Li; Great General Who Releases, Ma Wen.

Great General Who Determines Cases, Cui Gangzhong; Great General of Transformation, Zhang Guang.

Great General Who Severs, Lu Huayuan; Great General Who Pursues Souls, Zhang Gongming.

Great General Who Imprisons, Wu Li; Great General Who Releases, Ma Wen.

Great General Who Determines Cases, Cui Gangzhong; Great General of Transformation, Zhang Guang.

Great General Who Cuts Off Corpses, Wen Tong; Great General Who Cuts Off Chronic Illness, Chen Qing.

Great General Who Gathers Essence, Meng Hao; Great General Who Gathers Poisons, Zhuo Li.

Great General Who Beheads Epidemic Demons, Xu Shiheng; Great General Who Relieves Injury, Zheng E.

Great General Who Upholds Righteousness, Wen Youzhi; Great General Who Wards Off Wrongdoing, Chu Fei.

The authentic talismans of the Generals in charge of rain, execution, life, illness, capturing ghosts, binding evil, interrogating ghosts, demolishing shrines, subduing demons, binding dragons, seeking out traitors, inspecting wrongdoing, pursuing souls, guarding prisons, releasing prisoners, adjudicating cases, transformation, severing corpses, severing zhu afflictions (driving away harmful spirits that cling to the body and cause illness), gathering essence, gathering poison, slaying pestilence, relieving injury, upholding righteousness, warding off wrongdoing, guarding ritual altars, severing abscesses, resolving calamities, urgent dispatches, fire bells, ghost chariots, restoring names, reversing actions, sealing mountains, entering the sea, and beacon-post riders (mounted messengers responsible for delivering orders or making patrols), among others.

The Great Method of the Purple Writings of the True King of Jade Clarity in the Highest Heaven of the Divine Empyrean, Volume Six, ends.

The Great Method of the Purple Writings of the True King of Jade Clarity in the Highest Heaven of the Divine Empyrean, Volume Seven: Section on the Officials Who Capture Evil Spirits.

Incantation for summoning and inviting the spirit officials.

Han Jun of the Nanchang Fire Bureau, Shangguan Long of the Rain Division, the five directional lords of lightning in the divine court of the Thunder Residence, and the Thunderbolt Celestial Soldiers receive their orders. Through the True Talisman, they report to the Heavenly Venerable of Mysterious Numinous Power, commanding wind and fire to rage without cease and swiftly summoning Dharma rain, compassionate clouds, and sudden thunder from the ten directions. They search for dragon spirits and unleash flashes of lightning. With the fire command, they sweep away inauspicious influences and destroy the demonic host, subdue demons and evil spirits in the Celestial Prison, and swiftly bring down the true numinous powers. Hasten to obey the command of the Jade Emperor Han, Lord of the Cave Abyss and the Three Samādhis.

For the above technique: form the Chen hand sign, representing a specific talismanic script; marshal the Qi of the Divine Empyrean and summon the deities.

The Ghost-Catching Numinous Officer Huacheng

For the above technique: pinch the base of the ring finger, draw in Qi from the due east, write a talisman and burn it to summon the officer. Recite: “Ghost-Catching Numinous Officer Huacheng, lead one hundred and twenty attendants and capture the ghosts and spirits for me. Go and carry this out at once.”

The Ghost-Binding Numinous Officer Bian Qing

For the above technique: form the Chen hand sign, draw Qi from the Zhen direction (the east) with the right hand, and write a talisman to summon the officer. Recite: “Ghost-Binding Numinous Officer Bian Qing, lead one hundred and twenty attendants and capture the ghosts and spirits for me. Bind them at once, bring them here, and report. Go and carry this out.”

The Ghost-Interrogating Numinous Officer Hou Li

For the above technique: pinch the upper section of the middle finger, draw in Qi from the Chen direction, and write a talisman to summon the officer. Recite: “Ghost-Interrogating Numinous Officer Hou Li, lead one hundred and twenty attendants and come at once. Question the ghostly beings and ascertain their names. Go and carry this out.”

The Ghost-Pursuing Numinous Officer Tang Shun

For the above technique: pinch below the fingernail of the index finger, draw in Qi from the Xun direction (the southeast), write a talisman, and burn it to summon the officer. Recite: “Ghost-Pursuing Numinous Officer Tang Shun, lead one hundred and twenty attendants and pursue the frenzied evil spirits for me. Hand them over at once to the sick person. Go and carry this out.”

The Numinous Officer Dong Qing Who Searches for Wrongdoers

For the above technique: pinch below the fingernail of the index finger, draw in Qi from the Xun direction, write a talisman, and burn it to summon the officer. Recite: “Ghost-Pursuing Numinous Officer Tang Shun, lead one hundred and twenty attendants and pursue the frenzied evil spirits for me. Hand them over at once to the sick person. Go and carry this out.”

For the above technique: pinch below the fingernail of the index finger, draw in Qi from the Xun direction, write a talisman, and burn it to summon the officer.

(When summoning the divine officer) call out loudly: “Divine Officer Dong Qing, lead one hundred and twenty attendants and join me in searching for and capturing treacherous, evil entities. Make them possess someone and reveal themselves at once. Carry this out immediately!”

Demon-Subduing Divine Officer Sun Yuan

When performing the rite, press the area beneath the nails of two fingers, draw Qi from the Xun direction (the southeast), write a Fulu, and burn it to summon him. Call out loudly: “Divine Officer Sun Yuan, lead one hundred and twenty attendants and join me in subduing demons and evil forces and bringing ghosts under control. You may also enter the body of the person who has requested the rite. Carry this out immediately!”

Dragon-Binding Divine Officer Ma Wen

When performing the rite, make the Chen hand sign (a mudra indicating the Chen position), draw Qi from the Chen position, write a Fulu, and burn it to summon him. Call out loudly: “Divine Officer Ma Wen, lead one hundred and twenty attendants and go with me to [a specified place] to capture the dragon deity who has committed misdeeds. Come swiftly to the ritual altar. Carry this out immediately!”

Prison-Guarding Divine Officer Hou Zu

When performing the rite, make the Chen hand sign, draw Qi from the Chen position, write a Fulu, and burn it to summon him. Call out loudly: “Divine Officer Hou Zu, lead one hundred and twenty attendants and join me in guarding the water and fire prisons. Do not let the ghosts escape. Carry this out immediately!”

Temple-Destroying Divine Officer Zhao Cheng

When performing the rite, make the Chen hand sign, draw Qi from the Chen position, write a Fulu, and burn it to summon him. Call out loudly: “Divine Officer Zhao Cheng, lead one hundred and twenty attendants and join me in demolishing evil temples and driving out evil spirits. Do not delay. Carry this out immediately!”

Far-Reaching, Eight-Direction Responsive Divine Officer Lu Gui

When performing the rite, make the Si hand sign (a mudra indicating the Si position), draw Qi from the Xun direction, write a Fulu, and burn it to summon him. Call out loudly: “Divine Officer Lu Gui, lead one hundred and twenty attendants and go where I need you to handle [a specified matter]. Carry this out immediately!” This rite is used to deal with epidemics and is considered especially efficacious. It can gather and dispel toxic Qi and poisons.

Three-Realms Responsive Divine Officer Gao Cunzhong

When performing the rite, make the Chen hand sign, draw Qi from the eight directions, write a Fulu, and burn it to summon him. Call out loudly: “Divine Officer Gao Cunzhong, make the deities of Heaven and Earth throughout the Three Realms and within the eight directions sense and know of this, so that they may all help me capture and bind the evil spirits. Once the task is done, I will reward you. Carry this out immediately!”

Calamity-Dispelling Divine Officer Qu Cheng

This Spiritual Official, a divine general in Daoism charged with carrying out exorcisms, excels at capturing evil ghosts and spirits on a large scale.

To perform this method, form a hand seal and make the Wen gesture with the index finger. Draw on the Qi of the Chen hour—the energy used in Daoist ritual according to the time of day. Draw the talisman, then burn it to summon the spirit. Recite: “Spiritual Official Gao Shun, lead one hundred and twenty attendants and hurry to the home of [name]. Search every hidden and secluded place, whatever its height, distance, or direction, and capture the evil spirits causing trouble. Show them no mercy. If any resist, make them suffer retribution at once. Go to all eight directions to seize those far away; search only within the four directions for those nearby. Take hold of their souls and make them possess a body. They must not disobey. Carry this out immediately!”

Three Realms Urgent-Response Spiritual Official Xia Shengzhao

To perform this method, form a hand seal with the ring finger, draw on Chen Qi, blow on the talisman, then burn it. Recite: “Spiritual Official Xia Shengzhao, lead one hundred and twenty attendants and follow me into the Three Realms to seize the evil spirits swiftly. Act according to my will. Carry this out immediately!”

Three Realms Spiritual Official Zhou Yan, Binder of Evil and Captor of Ghosts

To perform this method, form the hand seal from the Zi position to the Chou position, draw on the Qi of the north, draw the talisman, then burn it to summon the spirit. Recite: “Spiritual Official Zhou Yan, lead one hundred and twenty attendants and go with me at once to the home of [name]. Bind the evil spirits and capture the ghosts. Carry this out immediately!”

Three Realms Chief Spiritual Official Yuan Xiu

To perform this method, form the Golden Knife hand seal, draw on Chen Qi, draw the talisman, then burn it to summon the spirit. Recite: “Spiritual Official Yuan Xiu, lead one hundred and twenty attendants and go with me to seize and destroy the ghosts and spirits. Act according to my will. Carry this out immediately!”

Three Realms Commander, Urgent-Capture Golden Knife Spiritual Official Yang Congguang

To perform this method, form the Golden Knife seal, draw on Chen Qi, draw the talisman, recite the incantation, then burn the talisman. Recite: “Spiritual Official Yang Congguang, lead one hundred and twenty attendants and go with me at once to release the ghost of one who has hanged himself. Act according to my will. Carry this out immediately!”

The scripture says: The Golden-Blade Divine Officer, a divine general who wields a golden blade and is commanded to inspect and subdue evil spirits, should not be summoned casually, lest harm come to spirits and ghosts. One must be vigilant and cautious about this.

Incantation for Summoning the Golden-Blade Divine Officer to Subdue Evil Spirits

Golden-Blade Divine Officer of the Jade Court of the Divine Empyrean, when you hear my summons, descend at once before the ritual altar. When driving out evil spirits and treating illness, take the lead in seizing and binding them. If ordered to place them in stocks, place them in stocks; if ordered to interrogate them, interrogate them. Do not disobey the command or delay. Repeat the summons to the Golden-Blade Divine Officer with the incantation above, and conclude: “I act in accordance with the decree of the Most High Jade Pure King of the Divine Empyrean.”

When writing this talisman, form the Golden-Blade Mudra with the left hand, face the Chen direction, draw in the breath, and blow it onto the talisman. To cut down ghosts and evil spirits and subdue malevolent forces, summon the Golden-Blade Divine Officer. For minor disturbances, do not summon the officer; use only the two talismans that follow, swallowing or burning them to dispel the trouble.

Yang Divine Officer’s Talisman for Dispelling Monsters and Guarding the Home, and the Later Fire Talisman

Write the talisman on the palm of your hand, draw in the breath from the southeast, and then recite: “Divine Officer of the Jade Emperor, draw upon the power of Heaven and Earth and descend swiftly. Hasten in accordance with the statutes and commands.”

This Divine Officer is an emissary who commands the Three Realms and is charged with swiftly seizing evil spirits. For treating illness, seizing evil spirits, or warding off plague and epidemic diseases, simply write this talisman and the officer’s name, and he will immediately arrive before the ritual altar. It is said that forming the mudra, reciting the incantation, calling the officer by name, and writing the talisman will all bring results.

True Talisman for Summoning All the Generals of the Six Ding and Six Jia and Their Swift-Apprehending Envoys

For treating illness, seizing evil spirits, or warding off plague and epidemic diseases, simply write this talisman and the officer’s name, and he will immediately arrive before the ritual altar. It is said that forming the mudra, reciting the incantation, calling the officer by name, and writing the talisman will all bring results.

This is a true talisman for summoning all the generals of the Six Ding and Six Jia.

The Great General who transforms the spirit and unites it with form on Jiazi is named Ling Fei; the Great General who sets the spirit in motion and changes its form on Jiayin is named Jiang Zhen; the Great General who guides the spirit to completion and gives it form on Jiachen is named Tian Shiwen; the Great General who divides the spirit and form on Jiawu is named Sun Geng; the Great General who refines the spirit and form on Jiashen is named Fu Sheng; and the Great General who nourishes the spirit and form on Jiaxu is named Zhang Haozhen.

The Great General of Purple Yang Firelight on Dingchou is named Huang Dong; the Great General of Azure Yang Primordial Light on Dingmao is named Xu Yuanzhe; the Great General of Threefold Yang Flame Light on Dingsi is named Sun Enxian; the Great General of Supreme Yang Spirit Light on Dingwei is named Zheng Qubing; the Great General of Bright Yang Pure Light on Dingyou is named Chen Meng; and the Great General of Yang Firelight on Dinghai is named Huang Dong. The text then lists again the Great General of Azure Yang Primordial Light on Dingmao, Xu Yuanzhe; the Great General of Threefold Yang Flame Light on Dingsi, Sun Enxian; the Great General of Supreme Yang Spirit Light on Dingwei, Zheng Qubing; the Great General of Bright Yang Pure Light on Dingyou, Chen Meng; and the Great General of Sixfold Yang Golden Light on Dinghai, Liu Zhongzhen.

These Six Jia and Six Ding Great Generals number 120 in all and are commanded by twelve leaders. They are charged with subduing unrighteous spirits and demons. The Six Jia and other Great Generals cultivate their bodies by swallowing talismans, enabling them to drive off and capture evil spirits that bring calamity and plague.

General Summoning Talisman of the Spiritual Radiance of the Six Jia and Six Ding Jade Maidens

The Jiazi Golden Radiance Jade Maiden is named Lingzhu; the Jiayin Great Radiance Jade Maiden, Qiguang; the Jiachen Elegant Radiance Jade Maiden, Huanting; the Jiawu Vermilion Radiance Jade Maiden, Lingfei; the Jiashen Luminous Radiance Jade Maiden, Zhenyuan; and the Jiaxu Yellow Radiance Jade Maiden, Shenguang.

The Dingchou Purple Spirit Jade Maiden is named Lanxiu; the Dingmao Azure Spirit Jade Maiden, Xutai; the Dingsi Vermilion Spirit Jade Maiden, Longyuan; the Dingwei Supreme Spirit Jade Maiden, Chunfeng; the Dingyou Pure Spirit Jade Maiden, Baoyun; and the Dinghai Golden Spirit Jade Maiden, Xingfang.

These Six Jia and Six Ding Jade Maidens number 120 in all and are commanded by twelve leaders. They are invoked when presenting memorials to the Heavenly Court, submitting documents, and dispatching official orders.

General Talisman for Summoning the Six Ding and Six Jia Golden Youths

The Golden Youth of golden light on a Jiazi day is named Deng Wenqing; the Golden Youth of green light on a Jiayin day is named Yang Da; and the Golden Youth of purple light on a Jiachen day is named Su Gongwencha.

General Talisman for Invoking the Six Ding and Six Jia Golden Youths

On a Jiazi day, the Golden Youth of golden light is Deng Wenqing; on a Jiayin day, the Golden Youth of green light is Yang Da; on a Jiachen day, the Golden Youth of purple light is Su Jinqing; on a Jiawu day, the Golden Youth of cinnabar light is Wu Lingzhen; on a Jiashen day, the Golden Youth of numinous light is Chen Jinqing; and on a Jiaxu day, the Golden Youth of dark light is Ling Daoqing.

On a Dingchou day, the Golden Youth of precious light is Hong Qian; on a Dingmao day, the Golden Youth of green light is Wang Xiuqing; on a Dingsi day, the Golden Youth of cinnabar light is Zhang Dongzhen; on a Dingwei day, the Golden Youth of superior light is Hua Fengguang; on a Dingyou day, the Golden Youth of pure light is Fu Zhengqing; and on a Dinghai day, the Golden Youth of purple light is Ding Wei.

Together, the Six Jia and Six Ding Golden Youths number 120, and the names of their twelve commanders are listed here. This general talisman is used in rites such as paying respects with memorials, submitting petitions to the gods, and dispatching official documents.

Ritual Provisions of the Divine Bureau (provisions governing the Divine Bureau’s rites)

To receive the registers, talismans, and seals of the exalted divine court, take up an immortal office, and be entered among the ranks of the Great Cavern immortals, one must first meet the requirements for the corresponding official grade. One then advances step by step into the ranks of the immortal officials. Since this is not handled in the human world, it is called “receiving office in secret.” After performing daily rites of homage and submitting written petitions, one enters the initial grade only when a divine presence manifests an auspicious sign. Advancement then proceeds in order, up to the ninth grade of office.

According to the prescribed rules, these matters should be reviewed at night in the divine court, while during the day one carries out one’s duties in the world of the living. The human body still bears worldly impurities and has not yet fully entered the wondrous Dao. One must therefore refine and nourish the body, repent of one’s faults, harmonize the spirit, and gather Qi (vital energy, the life force in Daoist teaching). Only after the body has gradually become pure may this method be practiced; even slight contact with impure Qi makes it impossible to perform. Once cultivation has been perfected, one reports one’s merits to the divine court, which in turn submits them to the holy perfected beings and issues an official decree.

After receiving the registers and talismans of the high immortal officials, one wears them on the body. It is said that they enable one to command troops and generals, whose response to summons is unfailing, and to cause written words to form. The original decree feared that the secrets of Heaven might be revealed. The Great Emperor Qinghua therefore instructed that, before performing any technique, one should first visualize the True King before oneself. Each day, one must also draw in the Firmament Qi from the southeast, which is blue.

When writing talismans and registers, use yellow silk paper and cinnabar, while drawing in Qi from the southeast. Form the Firmament Mudra, the hand seal used in ritual practice, with the pattern on the middle finger as the guide. Turn the palm upward and extend the second, fourth, and fifth fingers. Visualize whichever divine generals the task requires. When using a talisman to summon spirits, write according to the purpose of the task. Beneath the talisman, hold the breath and mentally circle the left and right eyes seven times. The spirits will then descend, and the practitioner will naturally understand what to do. When sending formal notices and documents, use a seal and silently recite the secret incantation while awaiting a response.

This method is not restricted to Daoist priests or laypeople, nor to men or women; anyone who is committed may practice it. To summon the various spirits, one must first call upon the Jade Youth Meritorious Officer, a divine clerk who conveys commands and summons spirits. When writing a talisman, visualize the inkstone as a dragon’s enclosure, the ink as red jade, the brush as a yellow dragon, and the paper as a golden tablet. As the brush moves, hold the breath and concentrate on the visualization, as though writing golden seal script.

The Firmament Method for Gathering the Five Stars of the Jade Pivot

The “Secret Method of the Five Luminaries and the Jade Pivot in the Inner Chamber” is said to have been transmitted by the Primordial Lord of the South Pole to the immortals of the Divine Empyrean. It was not passed on to ordinary practitioners. When performing the method, visualize the inkstone turning into a ring shaped like a dragon, the ink into red jade, the brush into a yellow dragon, and the paper into a golden tablet. As the brush touches the paper, hold your breath, concentrate, and visualize the talisman being written.

The Divine Empyrean Method for Gathering the Five Stars at the Jade Pivot

This method is said to have been transmitted by the Primordial Lord of the South Pole to the immortals of the Divine Empyrean. At midnight on the night of the Beginning of Spring, visualize the Eastern Year Star (Jupiter) located in the Inner Chamber, with the Vermilion Palace about one inch behind the eyes. At midnight on the Beginning of Summer, visualize the southern Fire Star located at the Jade Gate, with the Flowering Chamber beside the right eye, extending inward five fen. At midnight on the Beginning of Autumn, visualize the western Great White Star (Venus) in the center, with purple qi between the eyebrows, one inch inward; the sun is on the left and the moon on the right. At midnight on the Beginning of Winter, visualize the northern Water Virtue Star located in the Mysterious Palace, one inch and five fen inward from the hairline. Then visualize the central Earth Star entering the Mudball Palace—the upper Dantian inside the crown of the head—by two inches. It is shaped like an infant, and also like strands of silk linked together.

Next, click the teeth five times, swallow the saliva in the mouth, and recite the spell:

“High Primordial Purple Center, where the Five Emperors dwell. Precious fan, jade radiance; rosy clouds at the Mysterious Gate. Jing and Qi gather and surge, transforming into five immortal elders. They wear blue headcloths and have pale faces, with dark blue capes and vermilion skirts. Fire bells hang at their left sides, the Seven Perfected at their right; they hold the Huoluo ritual implement, scatter down flying spirits, and tread the Nine Heavens. Jing and Qi surge, transforming into the Five Elders; they wear blue headcloths and have pale faces, with dark blue capes and vermilion skirts. Fire bells hang at their left sides, the Seven Perfected at their right; they hold the Huoluo, scatter down flying spirits, and tread the Nine Heavens, breathing forth their essence to refine and nourish the body. The Eight Radiances and Three Divisions—the Daoist term for the gods and Qi channels within the body—bring me into the realm of truth; protect my Hun, subdue my Po, and carry me on clouds as I ascend to immortality. Swiftly, in accordance with the decree of the High Jade Clarity King Who Protects the Immortals, let it be done.”

When the visualization is complete, visualize the Star Lords breathing forth the primal Qi of their respective directions from their mouths, forming a talisman like strands of silk. Take it with water, while visualizing the stars of the Five Directions standing in attendance.

Subduing Demons and Dispelling Ghosts

The Great Emperor Qinghua said, “I see demons mingling and running amok. They are no longer kept in check by the laws of the forest and are disturbing the human world, bringing calamities and illness upon the people. Fortunately, I have encountered the True King. I earnestly beg you to show compassion and mercy.”

Qinghua replied, “The human mind governs the myriad transformations. If you can nurture the spirit within yourself, the spirit will remain with the mind and help it govern the myriad transformations. If you can recognize and grasp your own spirit, it will keep watch over you. If you do not recognize your own spirit, it will leave you; if you do not nurture it, it will return to its source. This is what is meant here by ‘spirit.’ The Three Officials (deities who govern Heaven, Earth, and Water) lament in grief, and the Five Spirits (deities corresponding to the body’s five organs) leave the body. This is…”