《高上神霄玉清真王紫书大法》Vol. 3

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Zhengyi 正一部 Vol. 3 / 5 25,000 characters

About this page. The original text of 《高上神霄玉清真王紫书大法》 Vol. 3 (Zhengyi 正一部, 5 volumes) is shown in Classical Chinese as transmitted in the Godners/DaoZang edition. An English interpretation of the 51 passages on this page accompanies it: select a passage or press “Interpretation” to show it. All texts in English

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Source textInterpretation

魔从内起，鬼从外来。鬼魔益欢，神变为贼。落生名於左契，注死箓於右宫。疾病来伤，岂延遐寿。吾今哀愍，乃为子说高上无极禁魔消鬼之道，子须谛听，敬信受之，勿示非人。辟除万魔，三灾不染，九横难侵，万鬼千妖，永不敢近矣。伏魔五星法存金星在头。木星在左耳。水星在右耳。火星在左肩。土星在右肩。五星不染，九横难侵，万鬼千妖，永不敢近矣。伏魔五星法存金星在头。木星在左耳。水星在右耳。火星在左肩。土星在右肩。五星号乾元亨利贞 □左肩□右肩□右股□左股□心上□左乳□右乳加五斗成咒曰：四神相冲，五斗来扶。千灾散灭，万厄自除。吾今行事，背孤与虚。是何小鬼，敢近吾庐。天丁力士，动则尽诛。急急。思七斗禁魔 □左手□左肘□左肩□心上□右肩□右肘□右手一 □右手□右肘□右肩□心上□左肩□左肘□左手二 □左手□左肘□左肩□心上□右肩□左禁□右肘□右手一 □右手□右肘□右肩□心上□左肩□左肘□左手二 □左手□左肘□左肩□心上□右肩□左禁□右足三 □右手□右肘□右肩□心上□左肩□左膝□左足四 □左足□左膝□左股□心上□右肩□右肘□右手五

Interpretation

Demonic obstacles sometimes arise from within, while ghosts arrive from outside. As ghosts and demons grow ever more rampant, even divine beings may turn into sources of harm. At birth, a person’s name is entered in the register of contracts on the left; after death, it is entered in the register of the dead on the right. When illness assails the body, how can a person’s life span remain long? Out of compassion, I now teach you the Supreme, Boundless Way for Banning Demons and Driving Out Ghosts. Listen carefully, and accept it with reverence and faith. Never pass it on to those who should not know it. In this way, you can drive away all demons, avoid the Three Calamities and the Nine Kinds of Untimely Death, and keep the myriad ghosts and monsters forever at a distance.

Method for Subduing Demons with the Five Stars

Visualize Venus above your head, Jupiter at your left ear, Mercury at your right ear, Mars at your left shoulder, and Saturn at your right shoulder. Here, “visualize” refers to the Daoist practice of inward contemplation, in which divine beings or stars are envisioned at specific locations.

The Qi of the Five Stars is untouched by evil influences. The Nine Kinds of Untimely Death cannot harm you, and the myriad ghosts and monsters will forever keep their distance.

Method for Subduing Demons with the Five Stars

Visualize Venus above your head, Jupiter at your left ear, Mercury at your right ear, Mars at your left shoulder, and Saturn at your right shoulder.

The Five Stars are called “Qian, Yuan, Heng, Li, Zhen.” A sequence of characters corresponding to body parts appears as boxes in the original and cannot be identified: left shoulder, right shoulder, right thigh, left thigh, above the heart, left breast, right breast.

Then add the Five Dipper Stars and recite the incantation:

The divine beings of the four directions strike against one another; the Five Dipper Stars come to lend their aid. A thousand kinds of calamity disperse, and ten thousand kinds of hardship vanish of themselves. I now perform this rite, turning my back to the Solitary Star and the Void Mansion. What petty ghost would dare approach my dwelling? Once the Celestial Guards and Mighty Warriors set forth, they will destroy them all. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Visualizing the Seven Dippers to Banish Demons

The following lines record the sequence in which the stars or their power are visualized as passing through parts of the body. The characters represented by boxes cannot be identified.

First form: left hand, left elbow, left shoulder, above the heart, right shoulder, right elbow, right hand.

Second form: right hand, right elbow, right shoulder, above the heart, left shoulder, left elbow, left hand.

Third form: left hand, left elbow, left shoulder, above the heart, right shoulder, forbidden position on the left side, right elbow, right hand.

Fourth form: right hand, right elbow, right shoulder, above the heart, left shoulder, left elbow, left hand.

Fifth form: left hand, left elbow, left shoulder, above the heart, right shoulder, forbidden position on the left side, right foot.

Sixth form: right hand, right elbow, right shoulder, above the heart, left shoulder, left knee, left foot.

Seventh form: left foot, left knee, left thigh, above the heart, right shoulder, right elbow, right hand.

□右足□右膝□右肢□心上□左肩□左肘□左手六 □左足□左膝□左股□心上□右肩□右肘□右手七思二十八宿及斗星角左手亢左肘氏左肩房心上心右股尾右膝箕右足一斗右手牛右肘女右肩虚心上危左股室左膝璧左足二奎左足娄左膝胄左股勖心上毕右肩赀右肘参右手三井右足鬼右膝柳右股星心上张左肩翼左肘斡左手四 □头上□左肩□右肩□左股□右股□左膝□右足五右法，伏天上地下，一切强鬼，此最为要妙之法门。移星动月，驱神役灵，其验不可测也。高上神霄玉清真王紫书大法卷之七竟高上神霄玉清真王紫书大法卷之八大护身战鬼伏魔法师曰：。移星动月，驱神役灵，其验不可测也。高上神霄玉清真王紫书大法卷之七竟高上神霄玉清真王紫书大法卷之八大护身战鬼伏魔法师曰：正月一日已前，立於密室，面向北，朝元君四拜。元君者，乃元始开天之主，亦号道祖圣母。若不朝圣母，奉法终不能灵也。自作忏罪文奏之。奏罢，叩齿三通，阴思五星，岁星在左手中，色如青玉。太白在右手中，色如白玉。荧惑在顶上，色如火珠。镇星在心中，色如黄金。辰星在足下，色如黑宝。皆有神光，动照一身。阴思咒曰：

Interpretation

The right foot, right knee, right thigh, above the heart, left shoulder, left elbow, and left hand form the sixth position.

The left foot, left knee, left thigh, above the heart, right shoulder, right elbow, and right hand form the seventh position.

Visualize the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions and the Northern Dipper:

The Horn mansion is in the left hand, the Neck mansion in the left elbow, the Root mansion in the left shoulder, the Room mansion above the heart, the Heart mansion in the right thigh, the Tail mansion in the right knee, and the Winnowing Basket mansion in the right foot. Together, these form the first position.

The Dipper mansion is in the right hand, the Ox mansion in the right elbow, the Girl mansion in the right shoulder, the Emptiness mansion above the heart, the Rooftop mansion in the left thigh, the Encampment mansion in the left knee, and the Wall mansion in the left foot. Together, these form the second position.

The Legs mansion is in the left foot, the Bond mansion in the left knee, the Stomach mansion in the left thigh, the Hairy Head mansion above the heart, the Net mansion in the right shoulder, the Turtle Beak mansion in the right elbow, and the Three Stars mansion in the right hand. Together, these form the third position.

The Well mansion is in the right foot, the Ghost mansion in the right knee, the Willow mansion in the right thigh, the Star mansion above the heart, the Extended Net mansion in the left shoulder, the Wings mansion in the left elbow, and the Chariot mansion in the left hand. Together, these form the fourth position.

For the fifth position, visualize: □ above the head, □ on the left shoulder, □ on the right shoulder, □ on the left thigh, □ on the right thigh, □ on the left knee, and □ on the right foot.

This method is used to subdue all fierce spirits in Heaven and Earth. It is a supremely important and subtle method. It can shift the stars and move the moon, and command the spirits; its efficacy is beyond measure.

End of The Great Method of the Purple Writ of the True King of Jade Clarity in the High Heavens, scroll seven.

The Great Method of the Purple Writ of the True King of Jade Clarity in the High Heavens, scroll eight: The Great Protective Body Method for Battling Ghosts and Subduing Demons.

The master said: “Before the first day of the first month, enter a secluded chamber, face north, and bow four times to the Primordial Lord (here referring to the Daoist venerated as the Lord who opened Heaven, also called the Holy Mother of the Daoist Patriarch). For the Primordial Lord is the Lord who opened Heaven and the Holy Mother of the Daoist Patriarch. If you do not pay homage to the Holy Mother, the methods you practice will not be efficacious. Write a confession of your sins and present it to the deities. After making the presentation, click your teeth three times and calmly visualize the Five Planets: Jupiter in the palm of your left hand, its color like green jade; Venus in the palm of your right hand, its color like white jade; Mars atop your head, its color like a fiery pearl; Saturn at your chest, its color like gold; and Mercury beneath your feet, its color like a black gemstone. All five planets radiate divine light, illuminating your whole body. Then silently recite the incantation:

五星镇彩，光照玄冥。千神万色如黄金。辰星在足下，色如黑宝。皆有神光，动照一身。阴思咒曰：五星镇彩，光照玄冥。千神万圣，护我真灵。巨天猛兽，制伏五兵。五天魔鬼，亡身灭形。所在之处，万神奉迎。急急如律令。再思五星卫我，变化无方；木星化为风轮。火星化为大火，匝远一身。金星在右手，化为金刚神剑，光芒冲天，放炎火。辰星在足下，变化为江水，须臾成海，海中有五龙涌出。咒曰：五星镇形，光照火精。保我五体，镇我万灵。六天魔鬼，动即斩形。急急如律令。又思天罡大煞炁，从天罡上来。其炁，内黄外黑，直至吾前，以鼻吸十二次。咒曰：大煞真炁，内阴外阳。保我命驱，除邪辟殃。山魈魍魉，土地殃炁，从天罡上来。其炁，内黄外黑，直至吾前，以鼻吸十二次。咒曰：大煞真炁，内阴外阳。保我命驱，除邪辟殃。山魈魍魉，土地殃(歹十羊)。赤口白舌，虫蛇虎狼。害我者死，谋我者亡。爱我者吉，奉我者昌。万神摧碎，伏匿天罡。急急如律令。将左手抚心，右手摩顶，暗思□星在右手，□星在左手，□星在胸前。咒曰： □星大煞，镇我心原。外辟五兵，内除五瘟。当我者迷，谋我者死。逆鬼凶神，於我何论。急急如律令。

Interpretation

The radiance of the Five Stars guards the four directions and illuminates dark places. Thousands upon thousands of deities display many-colored lights, like gold. Chenxing (Mercury) is beneath the feet, its color like black jade. All the stars emit divine light, shining over the whole body. Silently recite the incantation:

The Five Stars guard with radiant light, illuminating dark places. Thousands of gods and myriad sages protect my true spirit. Mighty celestial beasts and fierce beasts subdue every kind of weapon; the demons of the Five Heavens perish and lose their forms. Wherever I may be, the myriad gods will come to meet and protect me. Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Next, visualize the Five Stars protecting you, transforming without end: Jupiter becomes a wheel of wind; Mars turns into a great fire that circles the whole body; Venus is in the right hand and becomes a divine sword of vajra, its radiance surging straight into the sky as it breathes out flames; Chenxing is beneath the feet and becomes a great river, which in an instant gathers into a sea. Five dragons rise up from the sea. Then recite the incantation:

The Five Stars guard and protect my body, their light illuminating the essence of fire. They protect my five limbs and guard my myriad spirits. The demons of the Six Heavens—if they dare stir, their forms will be cut down and destroyed. Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Then visualize the qi of the celestial pole’s great baleful force descending from the star of the celestial pole. This qi is yellow within and black without. It comes directly before you; inhale it through the nose twelve times. Then recite the incantation:

True qi of the great baleful force, Yin within and Yang without. Protect my life and body, drive away evil influences, and ward off calamity.

The baleful qi of mountain spirits, wangliang (legendary spirits of the mountains), and local earth deities descends from the star of the celestial pole. This qi is yellow within and black without. It comes directly before you; inhale it through the nose twelve times. Then recite the incantation:

True qi of the great baleful force, Yin within and Yang without. Protect my life and body, drive away evil influences, and ward off calamity. The baleful qi brought by mountain spirits, wangliang, and local earth deities, as well as disputes and slander, insects, snakes, tigers, and wolves, will all be subdued. Those who wish to harm me will surely die; those who plot against me will surely perish. Those who cherish me will find good fortune; those who follow my way will prosper. The myriad gods destroy evil influences and force them to hide beneath the celestial pole. Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Place the left hand over the heart and rub the crown of the head with the right hand. Silently visualize a star guarding and protecting each of these places: the right hand, the left hand, and the chest. The star’s name in the text is represented here by a blank symbol. Then recite the incantation:

□ Star of the great baleful force, guard and protect my heart and spirit. Drive weapons away from without and dispel the five plagues within. Those who obstruct me will be confounded; those who plot against me will surely die. What can rebellious spirits and fierce gods do to me? Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Here, “visualization” refers to the ritual practice of focused inner contemplation: imagining the forms of deities, stars, or qi. “Inhaling twelve times” is a breathing practice performed in conjunction with the visualization and incantation.

将左手抚心，右五兵，内除五瘟。当我者迷，谋我者死。逆鬼凶神，於我何论。急急如律令。将左手抚心，右手指天，思□星在右手，□星在左手，□星在头。咒曰：阳明真炁，冠我朱阳。辟除万害，并及逆殃。盗贼凶人，虫蛇虎狼。谋我者死，害我者亡。赤口白舌，伏匿天罡。急急如律令。将右手指背对心，左手指心。思□星在左手，□星在头上，□星在右手。咒曰：明明真炁，至在天罡。镇在绛官，辟除非灾。何神敢住，何鬼敢来。千神万鬼，伏我天罡。急急如律令。两手扶三台星，为华盖。存上台星官在左手中指，中台星官在右手中，下台星官在两膝下。咒曰：吾头戴华盖，足履□罡。地网八极，天罗四张。北斗落死，阴邪灭殃。南斗上生，寿命延长。祈求如愿华盖，足履□罡。地网八极，天罗四张。北斗落死，阴邪灭殃。南斗上生，寿命延长。祈求如愿，所在吉昌。中外殃祸，动即尽亡。急急如律令。造印式法曰：凡造印，於甲子、庚申，面向东南，以辰巳二时，於浄密室中，先焚香，默祈求所事取神霄真炁吹入木中。然后，命工一时刻成，勿令断续刻。以清玉石或赤枣心，依法祭之。祭印式

Interpretation

Press the left hand against the heart and form the right hand into the gesture of holding a weapon. This is used to drive out the five kinds of plague demons within the body. Those who seek to oppose me will lose their minds; those who plot against me will die. What can rebellious ghosts or vicious spirits do to me? Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands!

Press the left hand against the heart and point the right hand toward the sky. Visualize □ Star in the right hand, □ Star in the left hand, and □ Star above the head. Recite the incantation:

The true Yangming Qi (the primordial energy of luminous Yang) covers and protects my body. It drives away every calamity and sweeps aside the disasters brought by rebellion. Thieves, wicked people, insects, snakes, tigers, and wolves: if they plot against me, they will die; if they harm me, they will be destroyed. Malicious words and quarrels alike shall be subdued beneath Tiangang (the awe inspiring force symbolized by the stars of the Northern Dipper). Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands!

Point the right hand behind you, toward the heart, and point the left hand toward the heart. Visualize □ Star in the left hand, □ Star above the head, and □ Star in the right hand. Recite the incantation:

The radiant, manifest true Qi enters Tiangang and guards the Jiang Palace (the dwelling place of divine Qi within the body), driving away sudden calamities. What spirit would dare remain? What ghost would dare approach? Thousands of spirits and myriad ghosts must all submit to the power of my Tiangang. Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands!

Hold the Three Terrace Stars (three stars near the Northern Dipper) with both hands, visualizing them as a canopy (an umbrella like emblem of protection). Visualize the officer of the Upper Terrace Star in the middle finger of the left hand, the officer of the Middle Terrace Star in the right hand, and the officer of the Lower Terrace Star beneath both knees. Recite the incantation:

A canopy rests upon my head; my feet tread upon □ Dipper. The net on earth spreads over the farthest reaches of the eight directions, and the net in heaven opens on every side. The Northern Dipper sends down death energy to destroy Yin evils and calamities; the Southern Dipper bestows life and lengthens the years. May the canopy protect me as I desire; may my feet tread upon □ Dipper. The earthly net covers the eight directions, and the heavenly net opens on every side. The Northern Dipper brings death, destroying Yin evils and calamities; the Southern Dipper grants life and lengthens the years. May every request be fulfilled, and may there be peace and good fortune wherever I go. When calamities arise within or without, may they be consumed and extinguished at once. Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands!

Making a Ritual Seal

The ritual instructions say: When making a ritual seal, choose a Jiazi or Gengshen day, face southeast, and work during the hours of Chen or Si in a quiet, secluded room. First burn incense, then silently pray for what is needed and blow the divine Xiao true Qi (the sacred energy invoked in Shenxiao Daoist rites) into the wood. Next, have the craftsperson carve the seal in one continuous operation, without stopping midway. The seal may be made from clean jade or the heartwood of a red date tree, and the prescribed ritual offerings should be made.

法曰：凡祭印，以三九日或甲子，当於人定时，就密室中设一案，缯帛铺之。用蒸饼三楪，汤三盏，香一灶。又设三十六分列左右香烛。三上香，酌酒於案。西北上立，面南再拜，具位臣某，好乐长生，修祟大道。以今吉夜，虔备香灯供养之仪，以祈灵贶。臣某上启长生大帝君、青华大帝君、好生韩君丈人真君、曜华玉宝天面南再拜，具位臣某，好乐长生，修祟大道。以今吉夜，虔备香灯供养之仪，以祈灵贶。臣某上启长生大帝君、青华大帝君、好生韩君丈人真君、曜华玉宝天真皇人、神霄玉阙上真元君、左右真妃、上相仙伯、左华右极真宰仙圣、仙官灵官、通章印中圣众，玉文琼玺，急催追捉斩邪断瘟电火大将军、掌印捧印擎印圣众、直坛土地、一切真灵。臣某身好清洁，佩持宝印，愿内无疾病，外断诸妖，佐天行化，助国救民，断绝妖邪，驱逐鬼祟。昨於某年某月某日某时，诣某处，随箓传授神霄玉文琼玺、通章宝符、雷火斩邪急捉等印，谨於吉日，於某处浄室祭献。臣所受宝印，已於年月日，呈印样飞奏三师帝君，伏乞勑命，颁降行下所属合干去处，遇臣行移看验，於吉日，於某处浄室祭献。臣所受宝印，已於年月日，呈印样飞奏三师帝君，伏乞勑命，颁降行下所属合干去处，遇臣行移看验，辨认施行。仍乞颁降天仙圣众护印，神王雷霆猛吏、直符使者守卫玉文通章符印。百千万重道炁，流布入臣印中，令臣行用，召摄神将，总呼吏兵，收捉邪精，诛戮神鬼，拯济王民，立获感效。次愿臣某，祈求自然，契合长生，高奔玉府，面礼上帝，与道合同。臣某无任瞻天望圣，激切屏营之至，稽首再拜。

Interpretation

The ritual text states that when consecrating a ritual seal—the seal used in Daoist ceremonies—you should choose a Day of Three-Nines or a Jiazi day. Late at night, when all is quiet, set a table in a private room and cover it with silk. Prepare three plates of steamed cakes, three cups of soup, and an incense burner; arrange thirty-six sets of incense and candles on either side of the table. Offer incense three times and pour wine on the table. Stand facing northwest, then turn south and bow twice before making this invocation:

“I, your servant, [name and rank], honor long life and cultivate and serve the Great Dao. On this auspicious night, I have respectfully prepared incense and lamps as offerings, and pray that the divine spirits grant their blessings. I respectfully address the Great Emperor of Long Life, the Great Emperor Qinghua, the Perfected Lord Han, Elder of Benevolent Life, the Heavenly Perfected Emperor of Radiant Splendor and Jade Treasure, the Primordial Perfected Lady of the Jade Palace of the Divine Empyrean, the Consorts to the left and right, the Immortal Lords of the Upper Ministry, the Perfected Rulers and Immortal Sages of the Flowering Left and Supreme Right, the Immortal Officials and numinous officials, the sacred assembly named in the memorial seal, the jade writings and precious jade seals, the Great Generals of Thunder and Fire who swiftly pursue, capture, and slay evil and put an end to pestilence, the sacred assembly who hold, carry, and raise the seal, the Earth Spirit who attends the altar, and all perfected and numinous beings.

“I, your servant, pray to be purified within and without, and to carry the precious seal. May I be free of illness within and all demons without; may I assist Heaven in spreading its teachings, aid the state and relieve the people, put an end to evil, and drive out ghosts and spirits. On [year, month, day, and hour], I went to [place], where, in accordance with my register, I received the Jade Writings and Precious Jade Seals of the Divine Empyrean, the precious talismans for memorials, and the seals for summoning and swiftly capturing evil through thunder and fire. Now I have specially chosen an auspicious day to make offerings in a purified room at [place].

“The pattern of the precious seal I received was presented to the Three Masters and Imperial Lords—the revered teachers who transmit the Daoist teachings—on [year, month, and day]. I respectfully request that they issue an edict and relay it to the relevant divine offices, so that when I issue documents in the future, those offices may inspect and recognize them and carry out their commands. I also pray that the Heavenly Immortals and sacred assembly be sent to protect the ritual seal, and that the Divine Kings, fierce officers of Thunder, and messengers who attend the talismans be ordered to guard the jade writings and the talismans and seals for memorials. May hundreds of thousands upon thousands of layers of Dao Qi—the breath and power of the Dao—spread forth and enter my seal, so that when I use it, I may summon divine generals, command officials and troops, capture evil spirits, destroy ghosts and gods, and save the people, with immediate efficacy.

“Further, I pray that I, [name and rank], may fulfill the Way of naturalness, unite with long life, ascend to the Jade Palace, pay homage to the Supreme Emperor in person, and become one with the Great Dao. I look up toward the heavenly court and await the sacred command. My heart is filled with utmost sincerity, reverence, and awe. I bow my head and prostrate myself twice.”

(The invocation beginning “turn south and bow twice” is repeated in the original; it is translated here in full.)

上香酌酒散花再拜青华大帝君神霄玉文宝印，秘於九霄八万余劫。是令，契贤昌上帝，与道合同。臣某无任瞻天望圣，激切屏营之至，稽首再拜。上香酌酒散花再拜青华大帝君神霄玉文宝印，秘於九霄八万余劫。是令，契贤昌运，乃仙民欲行持，先祭之，方获灵验。头布元天坎户，地布方成离宫。以神剑宝镜各五口，缯旛五首，栢汤五盏，时果五楪，木蜜陵香汤一鼎，浄水清酽，香花列布坛下，中二层，上一层。五印下布九霄灯，步太微罡。启白：神霄小兆臣某，谨奏三师帝君、天真皇人、韩司丈人、玉府天尊、雷火大将军、通章使者、掌印天丁、风伯。启白：神霄小兆臣某，谨奏三师帝君、天真皇人、韩司丈人、玉府天尊、雷火大将军、通章使者、掌印天丁、风伯雨师、雷部圣众。臣叨慕大化，仰奉殊恩。参佩法箓，上承仙阶。今步建天圆，行坛地户。行司精诚，上达神霄。臣有仙宝玉印，依科祭拜。伏愿真仙众圣矜悯虔诚，降赐仙真道炁，灌注宝印之中，飞符走箓，咸乞奉行。不顺道者，见印成尘。次冀臣拜祭之后，万罪释消，俱希原赦，身心泰定，神宇和平，所向利亨。叩祈灵应，如蒙所启。仰荷大道，罔极之恩。臣谨有口章，拜达玉府。臣某无任诚惶诚恐，稽首顿首再拜，瞻天望圣，激切屏营之至。谨言。

Interpretation

Offer incense, pour wine, scatter flowers, then bow.

The Jade-Text Seal of the Divine Empyrean of the Great Emperor of Qinghua, a revered Daoist deity, has been kept hidden among the Nine Heavens for more than eighty thousand kalpas. By this command, may it accord with the wise and flourishing Shangdi and connect with the Great Dao. I, your servant So-and-so, look up to the holy perfected beings of the celestial realm. My heart is stirred with reverence and filled with awe and unease. I bow my head and prostrate myself twice.

Offer incense, pour wine, scatter flowers, then bow.

The Jade-Text Seal of the Divine Empyrean of the Great Emperor of Qinghua has been kept hidden among the Nine Heavens for more than eighty thousand kalpas. By this command, may it accord with a time of wisdom and flourishing. If the immortal people wish to use this seal in accordance with the proper rites, they must first make offerings and pay their respects; only then will it manifest its efficacy.

The altar is arranged as follows: above, set out the Gate of Kan of Primordial Heaven; on the ground, lay out the Palace of Li. Prepare five divine swords, five precious mirrors, five silk banners, five bowls of cypress decoction, five plates of seasonal fruit, and a vessel of wood-honey and lingxiang incense decoction, along with pure water and fine wine. Arrange incense and flowers on the lower, middle, and upper tiers of the altar. Beneath the seals assigned to the five directions, set out lamps of the Nine Heavens and tread the Taiwei stellar steps—a sequence of ritual steps arranged according to the constellations.

Then submit the invocation: “I, So-and-so, a humble novice of the Divine Empyrean, respectfully report to the Three Masters and Emperors, the Heavenly Perfected Immortal, the Elder Han Si, the Celestial Worthy of the Jade Bureau, the Great General of Thunder and Fire, the Messenger Who Transmits Memorials, the Celestial Servants Who Guard the Seal, the Earl of Wind, the Master of Rain, and the holy assembly of the Thunder Bureau.

“I admire the teachings of the Great Dao and reverently receive its special grace. I have been permitted to receive and wear a Fulu, a credential of Daoist office, and to enter the ranks of the immortals. Now I have arranged this ritual altar according to the law of the round heaven and the earthly gate. With utter sincerity, I perform the rite and direct my thoughts upward to the Divine Empyrean. I hold the immortal treasure, the Jade Seal, and make offerings in accordance with the liturgy. I beseech the perfected immortals and holy assembly to look kindly upon my devotion, bestow the Dao Qi of the immortals, and infuse it into the precious seal, so that the talismans and registers may be transmitted and put into practice.

“Those who oppose the Great Dao will turn to dust at the sight of this seal. I also pray that, after I have made these offerings, all manner of sins may be dispelled and pardon granted; that body and mind may be at peace, spirit and Qi be in harmony, and all places I visit be open and auspicious. I beseech you to grant the seal efficacy, so that my petitions may be answered. Relying on the boundless grace of the Great Dao, I respectfully submit this spoken memorial to the Jade Bureau. I, So-and-so, am filled with awe. I bow my head and prostrate myself twice, looking up to the holy perfected beings of the celestial realm, my heart stirred with reverence. I respectfully submit this report.”

次上香，以朱印，印七个，吞之。依法三祭，为忌秽浊处，印自飞走。功满之日，佩印乘凤车，上朝神霄。大天望圣，激切屏营之至。谨言。次上香，以朱印，印七个，吞之。依法三祭，为忌秽浊处，印自飞走。功满之日，佩印乘凤车，上朝神霄。大宜秘之。右印，以金为之，管九天九地神祇玉府、四海三江水曹龙神。用印勑之，无所不关。治万病，吞之即愈。右印，以枣木或金为之，丹砂涂印章。奏用天上，合同真契，能达玉九，不致下落。万神通奏，以丹砂使之。右印，以金玉为之，或枣木刊之，以丹砂涂印。此印，乃八威毒蛇之篆，管玉府雷神，祈求两泽。焚烧，邪鬼伏，斩水怪。以印黄纱投水，伐死怪，大去瘟疫，下鬼胎。惊风天吊，以印印，万病即瘥。走虎之病，邪鬼伏，斩水怪。以印黄纱投水，伐死怪，大去瘟疫，下鬼胎。惊风天吊，以印印，万病即瘥。走虎之病，印之立消。即雷部符立到，其功不可具言。右印，以雷震枣木刊之，以丹砂印。此印，有神兵八百万，随印驱瘟伐邪。大瘟时，行排门印之，不入人家，吞印发汗，免染他人。邪怪恼人，不顺法者，以印坛四面，印自方，令烧，其怪灭形。临事，更改用之。

Interpretation

Next, burn incense, stamp seven seals in cinnabar, and swallow them. Perform the three sacrificial rites in accordance with the prescribed rules. If you enter a defiled place, you must avoid it; otherwise, the seal will fly away of its own accord. On the day your cultivation is complete, wear the seal and travel in a phoenix chariot to pay court in the Divine Empyrean, the Daoist heavenly realm. Look up to the Great Heavenly Holy Venerable with heartfelt reverence and awe, and speak with care. Keep this practice strictly secret.

This seal is made of gold. It governs the Jade Offices, where the gods of the Nine Heavens and Nine Earths dwell, as well as the water offices and their officials and dragon gods of the Four Seas and Three Rivers. Using the seal to perform rites grants access to the relevant divine offices. It is said to treat all kinds of illness: swallow an impression of the seal, and you will recover.

This seal is made of jujube wood or gold, with cinnabar applied to its face. Used to submit petitions to Heaven, it accords with the True Contract, the talismanic bond that joins a petitioner to the gods. It allows a petition to reach the Heavenly Court without falling into the lower realms. Applying the seal with cinnabar enables the petition to reach the myriad gods.

This seal is made of gold or jade; it may also be carved from jujube wood and coated with cinnabar. The seal’s script is called the “Seal of the Eight Awesome Powers and Venomous Serpents.” It governs the Thunder Gods of the Jade Offices and may be used to pray for rain. Burning an impression of the seal can subdue and destroy evil ghosts and water monsters. Tossing yellow silk bearing its impression into water is said to destroy water demons, drive away pestilence, and remove spirit fetuses. For convulsions or “Heavenly Suspension”—an old term for symptoms such as childhood spasms and backward arching of the neck—treat the sufferer with an impression of the seal, and all kinds of illness are said to be cured. The seal can also immediately dispel the illness called “Running Tiger,” an old disease name. Thunder Department generals will at once arrive in response to the command; their powers are too numerous to recount.

This seal is carved from jujube wood struck by lightning, then stamped with cinnabar. It is said to contain eight million divine soldiers, who follow the seal to drive out pestilence and attack evil forces. During a major outbreak, stamp the seal at each household to keep pestilential influences from entering. Swallow an impression of the seal and induce sweating; this is said to prevent the illness from spreading to others. If evil spirits disturb people and refuse to obey the law, stamp the seal around all four sides of the ritual altar and burn impressions in each direction to make them disappear. When circumstances require, adapt the method accordingly.

右印，以雷震枣木刊之，随事行用。凡治急切之事，以印印之，其所司，则便奉行，无敢稽滞，捉神追鬼，立到。行司，万神侍卫，不敢离坛也。呈印取炁咒掐辰文南极长生，解厄化生。三台伏毕，万善咸臻。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。开印咒神霄上帝，赐印通灵。韩君降佑，无愿不成。邪妖皈正，道炁潜营。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。用印咒神霄宝印，统摄百灵。勑令所行，受命天丁。神道炁潜营。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。用印咒神霄宝印，统摄百灵。勑令所行，受命天丁。神印一下，寿命无穷。万魔拱手，千邪灭形。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。通章印咒上天秘授，使者宣传。云篆焕赫，玄之又玄。密缄章奏，祥烟冲起。不致稽延，速诣玉几。勑命告下，神霄仙旨。急急如律令。入印咒天丁受命，力士捧符。妖精馘灭，邪魔戮诛。三界之内，依吾指挥。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。押字咒北斗七星，天地光明。神炁一下，邪炁不停。急急如律令。并神霄炁诀。高上神霄建狱法

Interpretation

The seal on the right is carved from jujube wood struck by lightning. It is used for different purposes as needed. In urgent matters, stamping with the seal immediately commands the relevant divine officials to carry out their orders without delay. It can also summon divine beings to seize spirits and pursue ghosts, who arrive at once. When this method is performed, the gods under each office stand guard nearby and dare not leave the ritual altar.

Incantation for Presenting the Seal and Summoning Qi (recited when presenting the ritual seal and drawing in divine Qi), while forming the Chen hand sign (pinching the corresponding position for the Chen hour as part of the mudra):

Longevity of the Southern Pole, dispel calamities and misfortune, nurture and transform life. The Lords of the Three Terraces stars have completed their subjugation; every kind of good fortune now arrives. By the command of the Lofty High True King of Jade Clarity in the Divine Empyrean, act with urgency!

Incantation for Opening the Seal (recited when activating the ritual seal):

The Emperor of the Divine Empyrean bestows this ritual seal, enabling it to reach the gods. Lord Han descends to grant protection; nothing sought can fail to be accomplished. Evil spirits and demons return to the righteous path, while the Dao’s Qi moves unseen. By the command of the Lofty High True King of Jade Clarity in the Divine Empyrean, act with urgency!

Incantation for Using the Seal:

The treasured seal of the Divine Empyrean governs the myriad spirits. Wherever its decree reaches, the heavenly troops obey and carry it out. The Qi of the divine realm moves unseen. By the command of the Lofty High True King of Jade Clarity in the Divine Empyrean, act with urgency!

Incantation for Using the Seal:

The treasured seal of the Divine Empyrean governs the myriad spirits. Wherever its decree reaches, the heavenly troops obey and carry it out. When the divine seal descends, life becomes endless. The myriad demons respectfully withdraw, and a thousand kinds of evil presence vanish without a trace. By the command of the Lofty High True King of Jade Clarity in the Divine Empyrean, act with urgency!

Incantation for Sealing Memorials (recited when using the seal to close memorials and transmit documents):

This is a method secretly imparted by Heaven and proclaimed by its messengers. The cloud-script talismans shine with wondrous brilliance. Seal the memorial in secret, and auspicious Qi rises up; there will be no delay, and it will swiftly arrive before the Jade Emperor. The command is then issued: this is the will of the immortals and perfected beings of the Divine Empyrean. By command, act with urgency!

Incantation for Inserting a Talisman into the Seal (recited when placing a talisman or command within the ritual seal and carrying out the rite through it):

The heavenly troops obey the command; the strongmen carry the talisman and command. Demons and spirits are destroyed, evil forces are put to death. Throughout the Three Realms, all heed my direction. By the command of the Lofty High True King of Jade Clarity in the Divine Empyrean, act with urgency!

Incantation for Writing the Seal Mark (recited when writing a seal mark or marking a ritual), accompanied by the Divine Empyrean Qi method (a method for directing Qi in the Divine Empyrean tradition):

The seven stars of the Northern Dipper shine upon Heaven and Earth, bringing them to light. When divine Qi descends, evil Qi cannot remain. By command, act with urgency!

The High Lofty Method for Establishing a Prison in the Divine Empyrean

法曰：凡治强鬼、妖魅魍魉、不正之神，累给符命，以法遣之，不去者，当具奏三天及神霄帝师，关申东岳府，备牒所属城隍，关请将兵，建立天狱，收捕根勘施行。此乃为之摄邪辅正之道也。推勘将吏中天及神霄帝师，关申东岳府，备牒所属城隍，关请将兵，建立天狱，收捕根勘施行。此乃为之摄邪辅正之道也。推勘将吏中天斗狱将，丁道安。丁道宁。丁道通。丁道泰。巡世界都押将吏神王，王魏才。子文。中天斗狱大圣追魂神将，严守真。中文。中天斗狱缚鬼神将，周初。午文。中天斗狱大圣枷鬼神将，晁真道。辰文。右件神将，当先具奏帝师，请降赴狱，领治职事。建火狱式召将吏祝咒谨召中天斗狱将，丁道安、丁道宁、丁道通、丁道泰；巡世界都押将，王魏才；中天斗狱大圣追魂神将，严守真；缚鬼神将，周初；枷鬼神将，赵伯子；拷鬼神将，晁真道；火铃将军；火铃神君；火铃力士；火铃童子，目下四散，收擒搜捉作祸不正之神，押赴火狱，分明伯子；拷鬼神将，晁真道；火铃将军；火铃神君；火铃力士；火铃童子，目下四散，收擒搜捉作祸不正之神，押赴火狱，分明现形。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。

Interpretation

The scripture says: When confronted by powerful ghosts, demons, or other harmful spirits, first issue talismanic commands repeatedly according to the prescribed method, ordering them to leave. If they still refuse, formally submit a report to the Three Heavens and the Imperial Preceptor of the Divine Empyrean (a revered deity in the Divine Empyrean tradition). Then present a petition to the Office of the Eastern Peak, the divine bureau governing the underworld, and send a notice to the local City God, requesting troops. Establish a celestial prison, capture the spirits, investigate the cause, and then deal with them according to the law. This is the method for subduing harmful spirits and upholding the orthodox Way.

Investigating and Examining the Officers

The generals of the Central Heaven’s Dipper Prison: Ding Dao’an, Ding Daoning, Ding Daotong, and Ding Daotai.

The spirit kings and officer-generals who patrol the world and oversee escorts: Wang Weicai and Ziwen.

The Great Sage Soul-Pursuing Generals of the Central Heaven’s Dipper Prison: Yan Shouzhen and Zhongwen.

The Ghost-Binding Generals of the Central Heaven’s Dipper Prison: Zhou Chu and Wuwen.

The Great Sage Ghost-Cangue Generals of the Central Heaven’s Dipper Prison: Chao Zhendao and Chenwen.

Before summoning these generals, report to the Imperial Preceptor and request that they descend to the celestial prison to oversee the proceedings.

Ritual for Establishing a Fiery Prison

Invocation of the Officers

With reverence, summon the generals of the Central Heaven’s Dipper Prison—Ding Dao’an, Ding Daoning, Ding Daotong, and Ding Daotai—and Wang Weicai, the general who patrols the world and oversees escorts; Yan Shouzhen, the Great Sage Soul-Pursuing General of the Central Heaven’s Dipper Prison; Zhou Chu, the Ghost-Binding General; Zhao Bozi, the Ghost-Cangue General; Chao Zhendao, the Ghost-Torturing General; and the Fire-Bell Generals, Fire-Bell Divine Lords, Fire-Bell Warriors, and Fire-Bell Youths. May you at once spread out in all four directions, search for and capture the harmful spirits causing disturbances, escort them to the fiery prison, ascertain the facts, and make them reveal their true forms. Act with all haste in accordance with the laws of the Most High True King of Jade Purity in the Divine Empyrean.

次书捉邪将军、总监等符、摄邪符、捉缚枷拷符、捉邪搜邪功曹符，并在后书篆，於黄上丹书，烧在狱内。九天考鬼大将军，杜兴。辰文，罡炁。甲子、庚申篆之，同前用。烧符时，祝云：与吾痛考。若遇狂邪，不伏正法者，於此作一狱，须令伏也。以符狱中焚之。火狱符咒曰：赤炁炎烟，洞炽铁城。收禁罪鬼，考按无停。南斗然骨，大帝烧形。速告情愿，使民安宁。火兵捕检，禁荡鬼营。敢有不从，司禁书名。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。掐中指甲下，投火中焚之。三日，夜用之。验，再咒曰：上帝火铃，雷火将军急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。掐中指甲下，投火中焚之。三日，夜用之。验，再咒曰：上帝火铃，雷火将军。炎火急降，烧透鬼心。谨请火铃将军、火铃神兵、火铃力士、火铃童子，与吾疾速下真火烧着。疾疾。右法，左手太清诀，召将指挥。右手掐卓刀诀，执剑。狱下，真火四岸逼。如狂邪不正，以此狱治，立伏也。召念普现将法，火狱前立两柱，掤方纸一幅，在狱前念咒，依次行持捉祟也。变狱，用流金火铃符，念晶炁灵呎，书之。狱用雷火将军，次五方用火输符五道，於立方灰下。流金火铃符

Interpretation

Next, write the talismans for the General Who Seizes Evil, the Chief Inspector, and others, along with the talismans for subduing evil, seizing and binding with fetters, and the talismans for the Merit Officers who seize and search out evil. Their seal-script forms are listed below. Write the talismans on yellow paper in cinnabar, then burn them in the prison.

The General Who Examines Ghosts of the Nine Heavens is named Du Xing. Use the Chen seal character and Gang Qi.

Write the talisman in seal script on a Jiazi or Gengshen day, and use it as before. When burning it, pray: “Interrogate them severely on my behalf.” If you encounter someone who has gone mad, acted evilly, and refuses to submit to the Orthodox Law, establish a prison here and make certain they are brought to justice. Burn the talisman inside the prison.

Fire Prison Talisman

The incantation says:

“Red Qi transforms into a haze of flame; blazing fire burns through the iron fortress. Take into custody and confine the guilty ghosts, and subject them to interrogation without pause. The Southern Dipper scorches their bones; the Great Emperor burns their forms. Make them quickly confess the truth and show remorse, so that the people may be at peace. The Fire Soldiers come to capture and investigate, sweeping away the camps of the ghost hordes. If any dare to disobey, let the deity who governs restraint record their names. In obedience to the laws of the Most High, the True King of Jade Purity in the Divine Empyrean, carry this out at once.”

Press the point below the middle fingernail, then cast the talisman into the fire and burn it. Use this method at night within three days. The scripture says it is effective. Then recite:

“Fire Bell of the Supreme Emperor, General of Thunder and Fire, in obedience to the laws of the Most High, the True King of Jade Purity in the Divine Empyrean, carry this out at once.”

Press below the middle fingernail and cast the talisman into the fire to burn it. Use this method at night within three days. The scripture says it is effective. Then recite:

“Fire Bell of the Supreme Emperor, General of Thunder and Fire. Let blazing fire descend swiftly and burn through the hearts of ghosts. I respectfully summon the General of the Fire Bell, the divine troops of the Fire Bell, its mighty warriors, and its attendants. Descend swiftly with true flames and burn on my behalf. Carry this out at once.”

Following the method described on the right, form the Taiqing hand seal with the left hand to summon and direct the commanders; with the right hand, hold the sword while forming the Zhuodao hand seal, which represents gripping a blade. Kindle true fire in the prison and make it close in from all four sides. If you encounter someone who has gone mad, acted evilly, and strayed from the Way, use this Fire Prison to subdue them and make them submit at once.

Summon and recite the method of Universal Manifestation. Set up two pillars in front of the Fire Prison, and hang a square sheet of paper before it. After reciting the incantation, carry out the ritual steps in sequence to seize the evil spirits. When transforming the prison into a Fire Prison, use the Flowing-Gold Fire Bell Talisman and recite “Jing Qi Ling Zhi,” writing out the talisman. The Fire Prison is governed by the General of Thunder and Fire. Then use one Fire Wheel Talisman at each of the five directions, placing them beneath the square ash altar.

Flowing-Gold Fire Bell Talisman

右符，辰文，南炁，用流金火铃符，念晶炁灵呎，书之。狱用雷火将军，次五方用火输符五道，於立方灰下。流金火铃符右符，辰文，南炁，朱书黄上。火轮符咒曰：火轮大将宋无忌同禁狱灵官，与吾监守为祸鬼神，不致走透。急急。建狱驱鬼现形咒神霄玉清，十万天丁。急追冤鬼，火中现形。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，辰文。须先变狱符了，依式立三日，大验也。立冰狱式召将吏祝咒谨请中天斗狱将，丁道安、丁道宁、丁道通、丁道泰；巡世界都押将吏神王，王魏才；中天斗狱大圣追魂神将，严守真；缚鬼神将，周初；枷鬼神将，赵伯子；考鬼将，晁真道；五溪使者，陈江；捷疾使者，韩意；寒冰力士，窦子希；寒冰大将，晋机；铁棒使者，张言等，目下四散，搜逻收擒作祸不正之神，押赴冰窦子希；寒冰大将，晋机；铁棒使者，张言等，目下四散，搜逻收擒作祸不正之神，押赴冰狱，分明现形。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。次书捉邪将军、总监众神等符、摄邪符、捉缚枷拷将符、捉邪搜邪功曹符，黄上丹书，次第焚之於狱中。直狱大将军侯卒从将二十一人

Interpretation

First use the Flowing Gold Fire-Bell talisman. Draw it at the hour of the Dragon, facing south and drawing in the southern Qi. Recite “Crystal Qi, numinous command” before writing. When establishing the prison, use the Thunder-Fire General talisman, then use the Five-Direction Fire-Wheel talismans in sequence, one for each of the five directions. Place them beneath the ash altar set at the corresponding positions.

Flowing Gold Fire-Bell Talisman

Draw it at the hour of the Dragon, facing south and drawing in Qi from that direction. Write it in cinnabar on yellow talisman paper.

Fire-Wheel Talisman

Incantation:

Fire-Wheel Great General Song Wuji, and the Numinous Officials who oversee the prison of confinement, please join me in guarding it and prevent troublesome ghosts and spirits from escaping. Swiftly, obey this command.

Incantation for Establishing the Prison, Driving Out Ghosts, and Making Them Appear

Jade Purity of the Divine Empyrean, one hundred thousand celestial troops: pursue and capture the wronged ghosts without delay, making their forms appear in the fire. Swiftly, obey the ordinances of the High Lord, the True King of the Jade Purity of the Divine Empyrean.

Perform this method at the hour of the Dragon. First transform the talisman into a prison talisman, then arrange it as prescribed and leave it in place for three days. It is said to be highly effective.

Ritual for Establishing an Ice Prison

Prayer for Summoning the Generals and Officers

I respectfully summon the Central Heaven Dipper-Prison Generals Ding Dao’an, Ding Daoning, Ding Daotong, and Ding Daotai; the spirit-king Wang Weicai, who patrols the world and commands escort duties; Yan Shouzhen, the Great Saint and soul-pursuing divine general of the Central Heaven Dipper Prison; Zhou Chu, the ghost-binding divine general; Zhao Bozi, the ghost-shackling divine general; Chao Zhendao, the ghost-investigating general; Chen Jiang, the Five Streams messenger; Han Yi, the swift messenger; Dou Zixi, the Ice-Bearing Strongman; Jin Ji, the Great General of Cold and Ice; Zhang Yan, the Iron-Club messenger; and the others. Go at once in separate directions to seek out and seize the unrighteous spirits causing trouble. Escort them to the Ice Prison and make their forms clearly visible. Swiftly, obey the ordinances of the High Lord, the True King of the Jade Purity of the Divine Empyrean.

Next, write in sequence the talismans of the General for Seizing Evil, the Chief Overseer of the Spirits, and the others, followed by the talismans for Controlling Evil, Seizing, Binding, Shackling, and Interrogating the Generals, and for the Merit Officers who Seize and Search Out Evil. Write them in cinnabar on yellow talisman paper and burn them inside the prison in the prescribed order.

The Great General Who Directly Oversees the Prison, Hou Zu, commands twenty-one attendant generals.

太清诀，罡炁，甲子、庚申，朱篆之。如用，先烧一道符，追直狱将。然后，画作狱也。每以洁处供养，便见真形也。水狱符书水狱符咒瞑海九万，中有石城。恶煞守，毒龙啖精。水官速送，返禁鬼神。敢犯天律，飘荡奔倾。奸恶速告，一一通名。敢有不伏，送汝天丁。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右手掐四指根，篆此符。烧在水中，用洒狱。念咒曰：壬癸之灵，太清之精。为我灭火，炎化为冰。谨请捷疾使者，韩篆此符。烧在水中，用洒狱。念咒曰：壬癸之灵，太清之精。为我灭火，炎化为冰。谨请捷疾使者，韩意；寒冰力士，窦子希；寒冰大将，晋机；五溪使者，陈江；铁棒使者，张言，吾奉太上勑，与吾速把狂邪鬼神驱入狱着。疾。右法，同前用之。水轮符右法，依式建立，三日讫。於狱显现毕，当具事由，量轻重，申解所司，断治施行。切勿妄结鬼神情罪。戒之，慎之。高上神霄玉清真王紫书大法卷之八竟高上神霄玉清真王紫书大法卷之九神霄玉清王府三十六天狱真符

Interpretation

“Supreme Clarity Formula” is a hand mudra used when performing rituals. “Astral Qi” refers to the Qi associated with ritual methods such as pacing the Dipper and visualization. On Jiazi and Gengshen days, write the talismans and registers with cinnabar. To use them, first burn a talisman to summon and apprehend the prison generals, then draw the form of the prison. Each time, make offerings in a clean place. The true form will then appear.

Water Prison Talisman

Incantation to recite while writing the Water Prison Talisman:

Deep in the vast sea, ninety thousand li away, stands a stone city. Evil fiends guard it, and poisonous dragons devour essence and Qi. I ask the Water Official to swiftly escort and confine the ghosts and spirits. If they dare violate the laws of Heaven, make them drift and capsize. Let every treacherous and wicked deed be swiftly reported, with each name given in turn. Whoever refuses to obey shall be handed over to the celestial troops. Execute this command with all haste, in accordance with the law of the High and Lofty True King of the Jade Purity of Divine Empyrean. Urgently obey!

With the right hand, pinch the base of the fourth finger and write this talisman. Burn it in water, then sprinkle the water from the talisman into the prison.

Recite the incantation:

Burn the talisman in water, then sprinkle the water from the talisman into the prison.

Recite the incantation:

The numinous Qi of Ren and Gui, which belong to Water, and the essence of Supreme Clarity: please extinguish the flames for me, turning raging fire into cold ice. I respectfully summon the Swift Messengers Han Yi; Dou Zixi, the Mighty One of Cold Ice; Jin Ji, the Great General of Cold Ice; Chen Jiang, the Messenger of the Five Streams; and Zhang Yan, the Messenger of the Iron Staff. By the command of the Most High, join with me and swiftly drive the frenzied, evil ghosts and spirits into the prison. Execute this command swiftly.

Perform the above ritual methods as described earlier.

Water Wheel Talisman

Perform the above ritual methods with the prescribed ceremonial arrangement. The work will be complete after three days. Once the prison appears, investigate the cause of the matter, weigh the severity of the offense, and report it to the divine office in charge for action. Then judge and act accordingly. Never presume to determine on your own that ghosts or spirits are guilty. Be vigilant and cautious.

End of Scroll Eight of The Great Method of the Purple Writ of the High and Lofty True King of the Jade Purity of Divine Empyrean

Scroll Nine of The Great Method of the Purple Writ of the High and Lofty True King of the Jade Purity of Divine Empyrean

True Talismans of the Thirty-Six Heavenly Prisons of the Palace of the Jade Purity King of Divine Empyrean

The True King of Divine Empyrean said: “Behind the palace, within the realm of the Empty Expanse of Luminous Spirit, are arrayed…”

神霄真王曰：府之后，郁灵空界之中，列三霄玉清真王紫书大法卷之八竟高上神霄玉清真王紫书大法卷之九神霄玉清王府三十六天狱真符神霄真王曰：府之后，郁灵空界之中，列三十六天狱，专命中央黄帝统治诸狱，以致天司。此天狱真符，乃九霄玄一六阳郁纲清秀之炁，自然结成真符。凡世之人，禀形胎育，秽气未消，体未洞真，不能召致天炁。若修行上道，则三界邪魔悖乱正神，使心不能定，诸念竞起，万邪来干。此去六天之后，昌运合期，道化当行，真符渐露。受之者，能制伏邪魔，断除邪欲，使三宫宁静，九炁卫形。如或违越科条，罪不汝贷。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。法曰：每一狱，有掌狱灵官一员，狱中灵官、真吏、典者一百二十人。天狱灵官、吏兵，将文行持，驱摄邪精，斋戒冥心，朱篆真符，随意用心，呼召立降。凡行持，只用天狱一符，不必尽用。法曰：凡顽祟，治之不下者，须立三冥心，朱篆真符，随意用心，呼召立降。凡行持，只用天狱一符，不必尽用。法曰：凡顽祟，治之不下者，须立三十六天狱，变身为真王。掐申文，想天狱广阔，左右天兵，雷阵围绕，仗剑立狱，灵官、典吏、从官严切。祝付须管败露，立获昭报，伏准真王勑，分明於狱中显现邪迹。摄勘

Interpretation

The True King of the Divine Empyrean says: Beyond the celestial palace, in a deep and boundless realm, stand thirty-six heavenly prisons. They are governed solely by the Central Yellow Emperor, and their authority extends upward to the Celestial Bureau, the offices that administer the heavens. This true talisman of the heavenly prisons formed naturally from the pure, abundant energy of the Mysterious One and Six Yangs, gathered in the Nine Heavens. People in the world carry impure energy from the moment they are conceived and take shape. They have not yet reached the realm of Dongzhen, communion with the true Dao, and so cannot summon the energy of heaven.

When those who cultivate the higher Dao have their true spirits disturbed by demons from the Three Realms, their minds and spirits become unsettled, distracting thoughts arise, and evil influences assail them. After six days, when good fortune and the right moment align and the Daoist method begins to take effect, the true talisman gradually appears. Those who uphold this talisman can subdue demons, cut off evil desires, bring peace to the Three Palaces—the body’s three vital regions, upper, middle, and lower—and have the Nine Qi guard the body. Anyone who violates the ritual regulations will receive no pardon. Respectfully obey the commands of the Most High True King of the Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean.

The instructions say: Each heavenly prison has one spirit official who oversees it. Within each prison are also spirit officials, true clerks, and record keepers, numbering 120 in all. The prison’s spirit officials, clerks, and troops carry out written orders to expel and capture evil spirits. To perform the method, one must observe purification and quiet the mind, then write the true talisman in cinnabar. At a call guided by the mind, the spirits will descend at once. In ordinary practice, only one heavenly prison talisman is needed; there is no need to use them all.

The instructions also say: When faced with stubborn, hard-to-remove evil influences, establish a visualization of the thirty-six heavenly prisons and imagine yourself as the True King. Form the Shenwen hand seal, and visualize the vast prisons, with celestial troops on either side and a formation of thunder surrounding them. Hold a sword and guard the prison gate. The spirit officials, record keepers, and attendant officers stand in solemn formation. The practitioner declares that the evil influences are to be brought in for judgment, so that their crimes are exposed and retribution follows at once. By the True King’s decree, their traces are made clearly visible within the prison.

Apprehension and examination: capturing and investigating evil influences.

应行法之士，出入行持，在人家宅，有凶恶邪神、精魅侮弄行法之人。先於安歇处，扫令洁浄，卓下建灰狱一座，卓上供养天将、吏兵等，用皂旗一面，立於灰坛中间。引将捉人家宅，有凶恶邪神、精魅侮弄行法之人。先於安歇处，扫令洁浄，卓下建灰狱一座，卓上供养天将、吏兵等，用皂旗一面，立於灰坛中间。引将捉到邪鬼，於此现形。太真玉帝天狱真符飞真流光太丹妙灵真符此符，当召九霄天狱主者。神霄真王曰：凡行神霄之道，上摄天妖，下驱鬼毒、邪精、疫疠，无不治之。或境域方隅之中，山河江海之内，土木精邪之炁，五行不正之神，妄作异端，妄兴妖孽，伤残物命，损害王民，诸法不能治者，当召天狱正神、洞天福地仙官、五岳四渎江河山川城隍社令仙官兵马，搜捉诚灭，随意召摄。王民，诸法不能治者，当召天狱正神、洞天福地仙官、五岳四渎江河山川城隍社令仙官兵马，搜捉诚灭，随意召摄。其或九幽泉曲，幽肩北阴酆都妖鬼邪神冤祟相报，缠缚生命，上延下续，法不能解者，当召九垒重阴罗郑北帝、九州社令仙官兵马，随意驱遣，以积济世之功。勿以施财为念，贪着为心。或以法取非财，则罪延九祖，可不戒哉。一如玄科律令。

Interpretation

Those who cultivate and perform the methods of the Divine Empyrean, whether practicing outdoors or at home, may encounter fierce evil gods, spirits, or ghosts that toy with them and cause trouble. They should first clean the place where they will rest, then set up an “ash prison”—a ritual altar of packed earth and ash used to subdue and restrain spirits—beneath a table. On the table, they should make offerings to the celestial generals and their officers and troops, and plant a black flag in the center of the ash altar. They should then summon the divine generals to seize the troublesome evil ghosts and make them reveal their forms here.

True Talisman of the Celestial Prison of the Great Perfect Jade Emperor

True Talisman of the Wondrous Spirit of the Great Cinnabar of Flying Truth and Streaming Light

This talisman is used to summon the presiding deity of the Celestial Prison of the Nine Heavens.

The True King of the Divine Empyrean said: “Anyone who cultivates the Way of the Divine Empyrean can subdue celestial demons above and drive out below ghostly poisons, evil spirits, and pestilence; nothing lies beyond their power to set right. If, in any region, along its borders, or amid its mountains, rivers, and seas, evil influences arise from plants, trees, earth, or stone, or spirits born of the Five Phases become disordered and conjure strange phenomena and calamities, harming living beings and bringing ruin to the people, and no other method can subdue them, then summon the righteous gods of the Celestial Prison, along with the immortal officials and troops of the grotto heavens and blessed lands, the sacred officials of the Five Sacred Peaks and Four Great Rivers, and the immortal officials and troops under the command of the rivers, mountains, waterways, and city and earth gods. Have them search out and utterly destroy the evil forces, dispatching and directing them according to the circumstances.

“If demons, evil gods, and aggrieved spirits in the Nine Deep Springs and the Northern Yin City of Fengdu take revenge on one another, entangling and binding the living so that calamities continue without end and no ritual method can undo them, summon the immortal officials and troops of the Northern Emperor of Luofeng, Lord of the Ninefold Yin Earth, and the territorial gods of the Nine Provinces. Dispatch them as circumstances require, thereby building merit by saving the people of the world. When performing the rite, do not make the collection of money your purpose, and do not harbor greed. If you exploit your ritual powers to demand ill-gotten wealth, the sin will extend to your ancestors for nine generations. How could you fail to take this as a warning? In all things, follow the laws and ordinances of the Mysterious Tradition.”

每遇行持修进之日，则朱书此篆。摄真灵命，飞丹九光大无上道君，及法中诸六甲六丁将军兵马、金童玉女、功曹使者、直符与法官，一身三宫正神。混合妙化，上朝三境，随意所陈，然后治事。更用后十干将吏，收捕邪鬼，立有报应矣。天□狱符□者，击也咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。关部宫正神。混合妙化，上朝三境，随意所陈，然后治事。更用后十干将吏，收捕邪鬼，立有报应矣。天□狱符□者，击也咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。关部大将，掬摄狱官。押邪□狱，考责不停。狱主典吏，真命严急。摄问邪囚，稍有不伏，刑以刀兵。须管严密，无透狱情。急急。密咒唵吽吽唵嗏俱捉来唵摄考速吽判摄。天w狱符w音稍，搅也咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。摄召狱主，部领大将。掬邪入狱，考问祸因。刀兵法兵，从法严行。祸情速掬，不管顽雄。威猛扭考，现迹分明。急急。密咒唵三摄邪摄俱知□□考邪形唵□刀兵行。祸情速掬，不管顽雄。威猛扭考，现迹分明。急急。密咒唵三摄邪摄俱知□□考邪形唵□刀兵考速考形嘧吽摄。天摽狱符咒曰：

Interpretation

Whenever you undertake cultivation or further practice, write this talisman in cinnabar. Use it to summon and gather the True Spirits and the spirits of life, along with the “Flying Elixir, Nine Radiances, Great and Supreme Lord of the Dao,” a revered Daoist deity. Also summon the generals and troops who command the Six Jia and Six Ding in Daoist ritual, the golden boys and jade maidens, the merit officers and messengers, the duty talisman officials, the ritual officers, and the true spirits within your own Three Palaces. Bring them into accord with the wondrous Dao and have them ascend to attend court in the Three Realms of Heaven, where they will await commands. Then perform the ritual. Also mobilize the officers and clerks of the Later Ten Stems to seize evil ghosts and immediately inflict retribution.

“Tian yu fu” means “to strike.”

Incantation:

True King of the Divine Empyrean, issue your decree throughout the Nine Heavens. Summon the true spirits who guard the passes and serve as palace officers. Bring them into accord with the wondrous Dao and have them ascend to attend court in the Three Realms, where they will await commands; then begin the ritual. Next, mobilize the officers and clerks of the Later Ten Stems to seize evil ghosts and immediately inflict retribution.

“Tian yu fu” means “to strike.”

Incantation:

True King of the Divine Empyrean, issue your decree throughout the Nine Heavens. Summon the great generals who guard the passes and bind the prison officials. Escort the wicked into prison, and interrogate and punish them without pause. Command the prison warden and the clerks who handle the case to carry out their duties with utmost strictness and urgency. Bring in the wicked prisoners for questioning; at the slightest resistance, punish them with weapons and penal force. Keep them under tight guard, and do not let anything about the prison come to light. Carry this out at once.

Secret incantation:

Om, hum, hum, om, cha, ju: seize and bring them here. Om, bind and interrogate swiftly. Hum, judge and bind.

“Tian w yu fu w” is read as “shao,” meaning to stir or agitate.

Incantation:

True King of the Divine Empyrean, issue your decree throughout the Nine Heavens. Summon the prison warden, who commands the great generals. Seize the wicked and imprison them; interrogate them about the cause of their crimes. Let the weapons and ritual forces carry out the law with severity, and quickly uncover the whole truth, no matter how stubborn the offender may be. Restrain and interrogate them with awe-inspiring force, so that the signs of the matter become clear. Carry this out at once.

Secret incantation:

Om, bind the wicked, bind them together; know the truth. Interrogate the wicked and reveal their form. Om, [unclear], let the weapons and ritual forces act. Quickly gather the facts of the crime, no matter how defiant the offender. With fierce authority, twist and interrogate them; make the traces plain. Carry this out at once.

Secret incantation:

Om, bind the wicked, bind them together; know the truth. Interrogate the wicked and reveal their form. Om, [unclear], let the weapons and ritual forces interrogate them. Quickly interrogate and reveal their form. Mi, hum, bind.

Tian biao prison talisman.

Incantation:

神霄真王，勑下九天。劫召典狱，分身现形。摄邪入狱，酷考不停。形骸碎段，根责邪源。违时重考，刑以风刀。狱官奉命，不得容情。急急。密阮唵丁丁力士唵毒考唵吽啼哩吽摄。天辩狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。命召典勘，狱官现形。部领官将，摄邪不停。邪祟入狱，毒考形神。碎首分尸，速吐邪源。根责严紧，须管分明。急急。密咒唵皮丁枷考唵总□摄邪不停。邪祟入狱，毒考形神。碎首分尸，速吐邪源。根责严紧，须管分明。急急。密咒唵皮丁枷考唵总□摄邪狱勑摄。天膊狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。急召典狱，分炁降临。依禀帝旨，摄狱考邪。邪祟入狱，考讯无情。典狱部吏，加以刑刀。须管败露，分现迹形。碎身万段，膊邪刑名。急急。密咒唵仇雠□□摄唵见无逃形唵邪须灭迹勑摄。天剪狱符咒曰：神霄真王，劲下九天。狱典准勑，分现真形。摄邪入狱，急考无情。祸邪重考，剪碎身形。分尸万段，速剪不停。急急。密咒唵刀刀唵剪剪唵速剪邪魂摄。天x狱符巨金切，禁也。咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。追召典狱，依勑降临。摄祟入狱，x邪不停。严明重考，刑以刀兵。雷令柳罚，分明现形。急急。

Interpretation

The True Sovereign of the Divine Empyrean, a revered deity in the Divine Empyrean Thunder Rites, receives an order and descends from the Nine Heavens. He summons the officials who oversee the prisons and manifests his form, confining the evil spirits in prison and subjecting them to relentless interrogation. He shatters their bodies and traces evil back to its source. If the time limit is exceeded, he increases their punishment and inflicts it with wind blades. The prison officials must carry out the order without showing leniency. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Secret Incantation

Om, Dingding, warriors; om, torture and examine; om, hong, diri, hong, seize!

Heavenly Debate Prison Talisman

Incantation:

The True Sovereign of the Divine Empyrean receives an order and descends from the Nine Heavens. He summons the officials in charge of interrogation and causes the prison officials to manifest their forms. He orders his subordinate generals to seize the evil spirits without delay, take them into prison, and harshly interrogate their body and spirit. He shatters their heads and bodies, urging them to reveal the source of their evil as quickly as possible. He investigates that source strictly and ensures it is brought fully to light. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Secret Incantation

Om, Pi Ding, fetter and examine; om, Zong □; seize the evil without delay. The evil spirit enters prison; harshly interrogate its body and spirit. Shatter its head and body, urging it to reveal the source of its evil as quickly as possible. Investigate that source strictly and ensure it is brought fully to light. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Secret Incantation

Om, Pi Ding, fetter and examine; om, Zong □; seize the evil and confine it in prison, carrying out the order to capture and bind it.

Heavenly Shoulder Prison Talisman

Incantation:

The True Sovereign of the Divine Empyrean receives an order and descends from the Nine Heavens. He urgently summons the officials who oversee the prisons and sends forth a portion of his divine Qi to descend. In accordance with the Celestial Emperor’s decree, he confines the evil spirits in prison and interrogates them. Once they are in prison, he questions them harshly and shows no leniency. The prison officials wield their blades of punishment, ensuring that the evil spirits are exposed and their traces clearly revealed. They hack their bodies into countless pieces and inflict punishments directed against evil spirits. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Secret Incantation

Om, enemies □□, seize! Om, appear with no form able to escape; om, evil must leave no trace. Carry out the order to capture and bind.

Heavenly Shearing Prison Talisman

Incantation:

The True Sovereign of the Divine Empyrean receives an order and descends from the Nine Heavens. The prison officials manifest their true forms in accordance with the order and confine the evil spirits in prison, immediately subjecting them to harsh interrogation. They intensify the punishments inflicted on the harmful spirits, shear their bodies apart, and divide them into countless pieces. They swiftly carry out the punishment of shearing, without delay. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Secret Incantation

Om, blades, blades; om, shear, shear; om, swiftly shear and seize the evil soul.

Heavenly Giant Prison Talisman (“Giant” is pronounced like “prohibition” and means to restrain)

Incantation:

The True Sovereign of the Divine Empyrean receives an order and descends from the Nine Heavens. He summons the prison officials and orders them to descend. They confine the evil spirits in prison and continually subdue them. They conduct a rigorous interrogation and intensify the punishments, inflicting them with blades and weapons. They then punish the spirits with thunder commands and willow whips, making their traces clearly visible. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

In Daoist ritual practice, “prison talismans” and “prison incantations” are expressions used in rites for capturing and interrogating evil spirits. Through images of divine generals, prison officials, and punishment, they convey the command to confine evil spirits, trace their origins, and make them appear.

密咒唵铁丁x邪碎首摄唵□玘哩□帝摄。天杻狱，刑以刀兵。雷令柳罚，分明现形。急急。密咒唵铁丁x邪碎首摄唵□玘哩□帝摄。天杻狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。禀勑速召，狱典现形。摄邪入狱，重考分形。严切诛责，立问邪因。稍若不伏，碎骸断筋。急急。密咒唵火刀啼金捉唵奉勑急摄。天别狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。勑召典狱，分降不停。摄邪入狱，立折其形。y戮邪祸，掬问元情。刀兵千万，分尸化形。狱主奉勑，无辄容情。急急。密咒唵呵哩唵诛考责摄。天訄狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。速召典狱，主狱降临。急部从官，摄邪不停。邪精入狱，訄考其形。管须败获，刑以火兵。急急。密咒唵刑刑唵刀兵唵考鬼唵灭形劫摄。天刚狱符咒曰：神霄真王，劫下九天。．摄命典狱，速降威灵。摄邪入狱，严问祸因。刚肉重考，败露其形。狱主奉令，急急亲唵灭形劫摄。天刚狱符咒曰：神霄真王，劫下九天。．摄命典狱，速降威灵。摄邪入狱，严问祸因。刚肉重考，败露其形。狱主奉令，急急亲临。急急。密咒唵刀剜肉零零丁丁考伐勑摄。天刘狱符咒曰：

Interpretation

The secret incantation is: “Om tie ding, shatter evil and crush its head, seize and bind, om … di seize.” It contains characters that cannot be identified and consists of syllables chanted during the ritual.

The Heavenly Cudgel Prison is a celestial prison where punishment is carried out with weapons. At the command of the Thunder, the evil spirits are made clearly to appear. Let this be carried out at once, by urgent command.

The secret incantation is: “Om tie ding, shatter evil and crush its head, seize and bind, om … di seize.”

Talisman of the Heavenly Cudgel Prison

The incantation says: The True King of the Divine Empyrean (a revered deity of Divine Empyrean thunder rites) issues an edict from the Nine Heavens. Upon receiving the edict, immediately summon the prison clerks and make them appear in bodily form. Seize the evil spirits and confine them in the prison. Interrogate and torture them severely, subjecting their bodies to punishment. Inflict harsh penalties and at once investigate why the evil spirits committed their misdeeds. If they show even the slightest defiance, shatter their bones and break their limbs. Let this be carried out at once, by urgent command.

The secret incantation is: “Om fire, blade, ti, gold, seize; om, receive the edict, seize at once.”

Talisman of the Heavenly Parting Prison

The incantation says: The True King of the Divine Empyrean issues an edict from the Nine Heavens, ordering the prison officials to assemble at once and descend in separate directions without delay. Seize the evil spirits and confine them in the prison; immediately maim their bodies, slay them and dispel the calamity, and question them about the truth at its source. Punish them with ten thousand weapons until their bodies are shattered. The prison warden shall carry out the command and show no leniency. Let this be carried out at once, by urgent command.

The secret incantation is: “Om ha li, om, execute, interrogate, punish, seize.”

Talisman of the Heavenly Qiu Prison

The incantation says: The True King of the Divine Empyrean issues an edict from the Nine Heavens, swiftly summoning the prison officials and ordering the prison warden to descend. Quickly assemble the subordinate officers and immediately seize the evil spirits. Take the evil essence into the prison, interrogate it and maim its body; be sure to subdue and capture it, punishing it with fire and weapons. Let this be carried out at once, by urgent command.

The secret incantation is: “Om, punish, punish; om, weapons; om, interrogate the ghost; om, destroy the body, seize and bind.”

Talisman of the Heavenly Gang Prison

The incantation says: The True King of the Divine Empyrean issues an edict from the Nine Heavens, ordering the prison officials to seize the life of the evil spirits and swiftly descend to manifest their divine might. Take the evil spirits into the prison and sternly demand to know why they have caused trouble. Interrogate them severely with forceful punishments until the form of their guilt is exposed. The prison warden shall obey the command and come in person to carry it out at once. By urgent command.

The secret incantation is: “Om, carve flesh with a blade; ling ling ding ding, interrogate, punish, command, seize.”

Talisman of the Heavenly Liu Prison

The incantation says:

神霄真王，勑下九天。典狱准勑，急降坛司。摄邪入狱，{考不停。取问祸邪，通吐罪名。雷兵重考，分尸断形。急急。密咒唵□哩俱帝{邪到鬼神摄。天韧狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。关召狱典，速降灵擅。摄邪入狱，韧狱不停。急分鬼迹，立要通名。祸邪永断，兵刀灭形。急急。密咒唵元天灵明唵，速降灵擅。摄邪入狱，韧狱不停。急分鬼迹，立要通名。祸邪永断，兵刀灭形。急急。密咒唵元天灵明唵摄韧形摄□吽摄。天捕狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。勑召典狱，灵官降形。速领狱卒，考邪重刑。刀兵万万，布炁天牢。严考邪祟，剪灭邪形。急急。密咒唵部临唵捕邪唵勑灵官雷兵威勑摄。天|狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。勑召灵官，管狱典吏。摄考邪祟，急入天狱。|剥凶邪，速摄无停。断尸千段，杵碎其形。八威吐毒，猛马烁精。狱吏重考，刑以刀兵。急急。密咒唵灵灵勑天地狱鬼神酆山刀阵管考摄。天穋狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。勑疾关召，狱主降临。摄祟天狱，重加考刑。}邪鬼肉，碎杵其形。天丁前捕，剥磕不停。狱吏冥考，尽吐罪名。急急。密咒

Interpretation

The True King of the Divine Empyrean issues his command and sends it throughout the Nine Heavens. At his order, the officials who govern the Celestial Prison descend immediately to the ritual altar. They seize the evil spirits and confine them in the prison, where they are to be interrogated harshly without pause. They pursue the malevolent beings responsible for causing harm and make them confess their crimes; then, with thunder troops, they subject them to severe torture until their bodies are split and shattered. Carry this out at once.

Secret Incantation

Om… … When the evil spirits arrive, seize the ghosts and gods together.

Celestial Restraint Prison Talisman

The incantation says:

The True King of the Divine Empyrean issues his command and sends it throughout the Nine Heavens. Summon the officials who govern the Celestial Prison and have them descend swiftly to the ritual altar. Seize the evil spirits and confine them in the prison; torture them without pause. Immediately discover the traces of the ghostly spirits and make certain they reveal their names. Put an end forever to the harm caused by malevolent beings, and destroy their bodies with weapons. Carry this out at once.

Secret Incantation

Om, heavenly numinous power of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning—om, descend swiftly to the ritual altar. Seize the evil spirits and confine them in the prison; torture them without pause. Immediately discover the traces of the ghostly spirits and make certain they reveal their names. Put an end forever to the harm caused by malevolent beings, and destroy their bodies with weapons. Carry this out at once.

Secret Incantation

Om, heavenly numinous power of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning—om, seize and imprison their forms… hum, seize them.

Celestial Capture Prison Talisman

The incantation says:

The True King of the Divine Empyrean issues his command and sends it throughout the Nine Heavens. He commands the officials who govern the Celestial Prison and orders the divine officers—generals appointed to carry out divine duties in Daoism—to descend and manifest. They are to lead the prison guards swiftly and torture the evil spirits with severe punishments. Array countless forces of blades and weapons until the Celestial Prison is filled; interrogate the evil spirits harshly, and cut off and destroy their forms. Carry this out at once.

Secret Incantation

Om, approach; om, capture the evil spirits; om, command the divine officers and thunder troops to seize them in obedience to this awesome order.

Celestial Prison Talisman

The incantation says:

The True King of the Divine Empyrean issues his command and sends it throughout the Nine Heavens. He commands the divine officers and the officials who govern the Celestial Prison to seize and interrogate the evil spirits, and immediately escort them into the Celestial Prison. Strip away their malevolent nature and seize them swiftly, without pause; cut their corpses into a thousand pieces and pound their forms to dust with pestles.

The Eight Powers—mighty divine forces—breathe forth poisonous vapor, while fierce divine beasts burn the evil essence. The prison officials interrogate them harshly and punish them with blades and weapons. Carry this out at once.

Secret Incantation

Om, the divine officers obey the command and govern ghosts and gods in the prisons of Heaven and Earth. In Mount Feng, the underworld realm of Daoist lore, the blade array keeps them under strict control and interrogates them harshly. Seize them.

Celestial Li Prison Talisman

The incantation says:

The True King of the Divine Empyrean issues his command and sends it throughout the Nine Heavens. Immediately send orders summoning the prison warden to descend and seize the evil spirits, bringing them into the Celestial Prison for harsh interrogation. Pound the flesh of the evil ghosts until their bodies are shattered. The heavenly troops capture them at the front, strip them down and strike them without pause; the prison officials interrogate them harshly in the underworld and make them confess all their crimes. Carry this out at once.

Secret Incantation

金丁铁阵大神唵天狱重考无形勑摄。重加考刑。}邪鬼肉，碎杵其形。天丁前捕，剥磕不停。狱吏冥考，尽吐罪名。急急。密咒金丁铁阵大神唵天狱重考无形勑摄。天柄狱符兵永切，忧囚也咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。关召灵官，狱主令临。摄邪入狱，押队严刑。雷公摄祟，刀阵摇形。碎首不赦，兵刀重加。天雷一下，狱主奉行。急急。密咒唵急真威摇祟力士锁邪灭迹速勑摄。天刑狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。严勑集召，灵官降灵。典狱齐至，摄祟刑身。狱卒重考，威剑灭形。灵官巡检，察照寻声。哭乞告命，愈宪天刑曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。严勑集召，灵官降灵。典狱齐至，摄祟刑身。狱卒重考，威剑灭形。灵官巡检，察照寻声。哭乞告命，愈宪天刑。急急。密咒唵刀兵刑邪灭祟唵火星荧域如形绝灭勑摄。天诛狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。所统雷将，降狱考情。根讨罪犯，重宪其身。神兵外部，邪精减形。邵阵刽子，用刀宪刑。急急。密呎唵(口十半)咤哩勑刀诛灭邪形神圣勑摄。天驱狱符咒曰：

Interpretation

The Great God of the Golden-Ding Iron Formation descends at the command, capturing invisible evil spirits and confining them in the Celestial Prison, where they are subjected to even harsher punishments. The demons’ bodies are shattered; celestial soldiers advance to seize and repeatedly strike them. The prison officials interrogate and torture them in the netherworld until they confess each of their crimes. Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes!

Secret Incantation

The Great God of the Golden-Ding Iron Formation descends at the command, capturing invisible evil spirits and confining them in the Celestial Prison.

Celestial-Prison Talisman Soldiers Cut Them Down Forever; the Prisoners Suffer

This means: use the Celestial-Prison talisman soldiers to cut down the evil spirits, leaving them imprisoned and in anguish.

The Incantation Says:

The True King of the Divine Empyrean (a revered deity of Divine Empyrean Thunder Rites) issues an edict to the Nine Heavens, summons the numinous officials (divine generals who carry out rites under command), and orders the prison master to appear. Capture the evil spirits and bring them to the prison; confine them under guard and punish them severely. The Thunder Lord captures the evil spirits, while the blade formation shakes their bodies. Shatter their heads; grant them no clemency, and subject them to further punishment by weapons.

When the celestial thunder sounds, the prison master carries out the command. Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes!

Secret Incantation

Om. Summon at once the mighty warriors who shake evil with their true power. Bind the evil spirits, erase their traces, and capture them by command.

Celestial-Punishment Prison Talisman

The Incantation Says:

The True King of the Divine Empyrean issues an edict to the Nine Heavens, commanding the numinous officials to descend at once. The divine officials who govern the prisons assemble together, capture the evil spirits, and punish them. The jailers intensify the torture, destroying their forms with fearsome swords. The numinous officials patrol and inspect, searching by sound and trace. The evil spirits weep and beg for their lives, yet must still endure celestial punishment. Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes!

Secret Incantation

Om. Punish the evil spirits with weapons. Om. Let fiery stars shine upon them, so that they are destroyed according to their traces. Capture them by command.

Celestial-Execution Prison Talisman

The Incantation Says:

The True King of the Divine Empyrean issues an edict to the Nine Heavens. The Thunder Generals under his command descend to the prison, investigate the circumstances, track down the offenders, and punish them severely. Divine troops attack from outside, diminishing the forms of the evil essences. The executioners of the Shao formation carry out the sentence by command, punishing them with blades. Swiftly, in accordance with the statutes!

Secret Incantation

Om… By command, destroy the forms of the evil spirits with blades. The divine holy ones capture them by command.

Celestial-Expulsion Prison Talisman

The incantation says:

神霄真王，勑下九天。追召狱主，天罡后驱。统兵百万，摄邪入狱。天狱刑宪，重考邪精。驱身碎截，尸首不完。天勑降下，威宪难胜。急急。密咒唵神雷驱邪灭迹啼刀兵重加不赦劫摄。天域狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。摄化天狱，召集狱军。押祟入狱，宪刑重加。邪祟灭迩，鬼妖为尘。雷兵队仗：神霄真王，勑下九天。摄化天狱，召集狱军。押祟入狱，宪刑重加。邪祟灭迩，鬼妖为尘。雷兵队仗，考诚碎身。急急。密咒唵□哦咤唵灭妖诚邪断尸勑摄。天役狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。威勑四镇，典狱急临。摄祟入狱，加考灭形。重役入火，迸煎为汁。天兵万万，威剑绝灭。急急。密咒唵□咤唵驱役入火穿出碎身唵□吽勑摄。天掠狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。摄命天狱，狱官降临。雷兵阵队，齐降天狱。狱狱考祟，普掠不停。天擒远捉，邪祟绝形。急急。密咒唵宪狱普掠神王速灭绝唵神威摄祟考灭勑摄。天治狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。所统天狱，主领灵官。雷车外布，天兵后随。摄邪入狱，刀治考形。形骸碎破，零落无踪。急急。密咒

Interpretation

The True King of the Divine Empyrean descends from the Nine Heavens by Heaven’s decree. He summons the divine officers who oversee the prisons and orders the Heavenly Dipper star spirits to drive the offenders from behind. Commanding a million soldiers and generals, they seize the evil spirits and cast them into prison. The Heavenly Prison examines and punishes them severely under the law, expelling, cutting apart, and mutilating their bodies. Heaven’s decree has descended; its august laws cannot be resisted. Execute immediately.

Secret incantation:

Om! Divine thunder drives out evil spirits and erases them without a trace. Their cries are like weapons of war; calamities upon calamities, with no pardon granted. Seize them immediately.

Celestial Domain Prison Talisman

Incantation:

The True King of the Divine Empyrean descends from the Nine Heavens by Heaven’s decree, casts a spell to establish the Heavenly Prison, and summons its soldiers and generals. The evil spirits are escorted into prison and punished severely until they vanish without a trace and the ghosts and monsters turn to dust. The thunder soldiers form ranks:

Execute immediately.

Secret incantation:

Om! Let punishment descend; destroy demons and evil beings, cut apart their corpses, and seize them by command.

Celestial Labor Prison Talisman

Incantation:

The True King of the Divine Empyrean descends from the Nine Heavens by Heaven’s decree. With an august edict, he guards the four directions, and the divine officers in charge of the Heavenly Prison arrive swiftly. They seize the evil spirits and cast them into prison, inflicting punishment until their bodies are destroyed. They subject them to fire punishment, throwing them into the flames to be burned until they melt into liquid. The Heavenly soldiers number in the thousands and tens of thousands; wielding mighty swords, they destroy the evil spirits completely. Execute immediately.

Secret incantation:

Om! Drive the evil spirits into the fire, pierce them through and shatter their bodies. Om! Seize them by command.

Celestial Pursuit Prison Talisman

Incantation:

The True King of the Divine Empyrean descends from the Nine Heavens by Heaven’s decree and confines the evil spirits in the Heavenly Prison; the prison officials then descend. The thunder soldiers form ranks and descend together to the Heavenly Prison. Each prison punishes the evil spirits in turn, imposing penalties across the board and hunting them down without pause. The Heavenly soldiers seize and pursue evil spirits in distant places, utterly destroying their bodies. Execute immediately.

Secret incantation:

Om! The Heavenly Prison imposes punishment everywhere; the divine king swiftly destroys the evil spirits. Om! By divine might, seize the evil spirits and punish them until they are destroyed. Execute by command.

Celestial Governance Prison Talisman

Incantation:

The True King of the Divine Empyrean descends from the Nine Heavens by Heaven’s decree and governs the Heavenly Prison. The numinous officers (divine officials of the celestial realm) responsible for prison affairs carry out his command. Thunder chariots are arrayed outside, and the Heavenly soldiers advance behind them. The evil spirits are seized and cast into prison, where they are punished with blades until their bodies are shattered and scattered without a trace.

Execute immediately.

Only the title of the secret incantation is given; no incantation text is included.

唵□所统天狱，主领灵官。雷车外布，天兵后随。摄邪入狱，刀治考形。形骸碎破，零落无踪。急急。密咒唵□刀阵考灭邪精唵奉命真王不停唵统军摄。天制狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。普勑召命，狱主齐临。摄狱制考，鬼邪灭形。神威猛烈，碎精邪形。狱主禀勑，速制绝踪。急急。密咒唵法制□吽考邪灭精唵速勑摄。天戚狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。五雷总狱，戚制邪精。鬼邪入狱，诛戚无踪。天威四镇，考罚考形。狱主禀令，普考不停。急急。密咒唵金丁唵刀兵唵火车戚制鬼邪刑宪摄。天戮狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。天威摄狱，狱官主职。讨伐邪源，狱考灭形。神威重宪，刑以火刀。火刀戮杀，不见形尸。急急。摄。天戮狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。天威摄狱，狱官主职。讨伐邪源，狱考灭形。神威重宪，刑以火刀。火刀戮杀，不见形尸。急急。密咒唵刀兵戮罚鬼唵邪灭精自灭形唵吽喷哦咤勑摄。天刺狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。威勑四镇，典狱急临。摄祟入狱，加考灭形。重役入火，迸煎为汁。天兵万万，威剑绝灭。急急。密咒唵□咤唵驱役入火穿出碎身唵□吽勑摄。

Interpretation

The symbols “Om □” and similar marks indicate talismanic characters or missing characters in the original. These scriptures mainly contain incantations used alongside prison talismans in the talismanic methods of the Shenxiao school. Invoking the authority of the Shenxiao True King, the Thunder Bureau’s celestial troops, and the prison officials, they declare that evil spirits will be seized and taken into the heavenly prison, then subdued and destroyed through weapons, fire, and punitive examination.

The opening passage says that the heavenly prison governed by “Om □” commands the spirit officials. Thunder chariots are arrayed outside, with celestial troops following behind. Evil spirits are seized and taken into the prison, punished with weapons, and examined in their bodily form, until their bodies are shattered and scattered without a trace. The final word “urgent, urgent” is an order for the command to be carried out at once. The secret incantation that follows uses phrases such as “obeying the True King’s command” and “commanding the army and seizing” to emphasize leading troops under the divine king’s orders and capturing evil spirits.

The incantation for the “Heavenly Edict Prison Talisman” calls on the Shenxiao True King for a command. It declares that the decree is sent down through the Nine Heavens, summoning the lords of the various prisons to assemble, seize and subdue evil spirits, and destroy their bodily forms. The incantation also describes the divine power as fierce, ordering the prison lords to carry out punishment swiftly and make the evil spirits vanish without a trace. The secret incantation that follows uses phrases such as “enforcement according to the law,” “examine and destroy evil and its essence,” and “swiftly decree the seizure,” expressing the intent to subdue and seize according to the law and without delay.

The incantation for the “Heavenly Might Prison Talisman” says that the Five Thunders command the heavenly prison and use “might” to subdue evil spirits; here, “might” refers to punitive authority and punishment. It says to seize ghostly evils and bring them into the prison, punish them, and leave them without a trace. Heavenly authority guards the four directions, while the prison lords carry out their examinations and punishments as ordered. In the secret incantation, terms such as “golden warriors,” “weapons,” and “fire chariots” symbolize troops, instruments of punishment, and firepower in Thunder Method incantations.

The incantation for the “Heavenly Execution Prison Talisman” says that heavenly authority commands the heavenly prison, with prison officials overseeing its duties. They attack the source of evil and destroy its bodily form through punishment in the prison, inflicting severe penalties with fire and blades until no trace of the evil remains. The secret incantation that follows likewise conveys the intent to punish with weapons and destroy evil spirits and their essence.

Finally, the incantation for the “Heavenly Piercing Prison Talisman” says that the Shenxiao True King orders the guardians of the four directions and the prison officials to take their posts at once, seize the malevolent entity, and subject it to examination and punishment. It is then thrown into fire and boiled down to liquid, while a great host of celestial troops uses mighty swords to destroy it completely. The secret incantation likewise expresses the intent to drive evil spirits into the fire, pierce them, and destroy their bodily forms.

天掠狱符神霄真王，勑下九天。摄命天狱，狱官降临。雷密咒唵□咤唵驱役入火穿出碎身唵□吽勑摄。天掠狱符神霄真王，勑下九天。摄命天狱，狱官降临。雷兵阵队，齐降天狱。狱狱考祟，普掠不停。天擒远捉，邪祟绝形。急急。密咒唵宪狱普掠神王速灭绝唵神威摄祟考灭勑摄。天治狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。所统天狱，主领灵官。雷车外布，天兵后随。摄邪入狱，刀治考形。形骸碎破，零落无踪。急急。密咒唵□刀阵考灭邪精唵奉命真王不停唵统军摄。天制狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。普勑召命，狱主齐临。摄狱制考，鬼邪灭形。神威猛烈，碎精邪形。狱主禀勑，速制绝踪。急天制狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。普勑召命，狱主齐临。摄狱制考，鬼邪灭形。神威猛烈，碎精邪形。狱主禀勑，速制绝踪。急急。密咒唵法制□吽考邪灭精唵速勑摄。天戚狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。五雷总狱，戚制邪精。鬼邪入狱，诛戚无踪。天威四镇，考罚考形。狱主禀令，普考不停。急急。密咒唵金丁唵刀兵唵火车戚制鬼邪刑宪摄。天戮狱符咒曰：

Interpretation

These “Prison Talismans” all invoke the commands of the True King of the Divine Empyrean. They summon prison officials, Thunder Soldiers, and prison lords from the celestial prisons to suppress, seize, and punish ghosts, demons, and other baleful beings. “Celestial prison” refers to the heavenly realm’s prisons in Daoist belief. Here, the terms “examine,” “deal with,” “restrain,” “punish,” and “execute” respectively mean to judge and punish, handle, prohibit or subdue, or destroy.

Celestial Seizure Prison Talisman

By command, the True King of the Divine Empyrean issues an edict to the Nine Heavens, ordering the celestial prisons to take in baleful beings. Prison officials descend, and Thunder Soldiers form ranks and enter the celestial prisons. They search each prison and punish the baleful beings, pursuing them without pause. The heavenly troops seize distant demons, leaving them nowhere to hide. Execute this swiftly.

The secret incantation uses sounds such as “Om” and “Hum,” together with the divine king’s command, to urge the attendants to cast the baleful beings into fire, shatter their forms, and take them into custody.

Another incantation for the “Celestial Seizure Prison Talisman” likewise invokes the True King of the Divine Empyrean to issue an edict to the Nine Heavens and summon prison officials and Thunder Soldiers. They search all the prisons and punish the baleful beings, capturing them and making them disappear. The secret incantation calls upon the divine kings within the prisons to swiftly destroy the baleful beings and, through divine power, take them into custody and punish them.

Celestial Governance Prison Talisman

By command, the True King of the Divine Empyrean issues an edict to the Nine Heavens, summoning the celestial prisons under his authority and the spirit officials in charge of them. Thunder chariots form ranks outside, followed by the heavenly troops, who seize the baleful beings and bring them into the prisons. They punish their forms with weapons until their bodies are shattered and every trace of them is gone. Execute this swiftly.

The secret incantation calls upon ranks of weapons to judge and destroy the wicked spirits. Acting swiftly on the True King’s command, the general who leads the troops takes them into custody.

Celestial Restraint Prison Talisman

By command, the True King of the Divine Empyrean issues an edict to the Nine Heavens, summoning all the prison lords. They seize and restrain the ghosts and demons in the celestial prisons until their forms are destroyed. Divine power is fierce and shatters the forms of wicked spirits. The prison lords receive the edict and swiftly subdue the baleful beings, erasing every trace of them. Execute this swiftly.

The secret incantation invokes the authority of the law to restrain, judge, and punish the baleful beings, destroy the wicked spirits, and swiftly take them into custody by command.

Celestial Punishment Prison Talisman

By command, the True King of the Divine Empyrean issues an edict to the Nine Heavens, commanding the Five Thunder celestial prisons and using their power to suppress wicked spirits. Once the ghosts and demons are seized and brought into the prisons, they are executed until every trace of them is gone. The might of Heaven guards the four directions and judges their forms. The prison lords are commanded to punish them all without pause. Execute this swiftly.

The secret incantation uses fearsome instruments of punishment—golden nails, weapons, and fire chariots—as commands. It invokes them to suppress ghosts and demons, carry out punishment according to the laws of Heaven, and take the baleful beings into custody.

Celestial Execution Prison Talisman

The incantation is titled “Celestial Execution Prison Talisman”; no text follows.

神霄真王，勑下九天。天威摄狱，狱官主职。讨伐邪源，狱考灭形。神威重宪，刑以火刀。火刀戮杀，不见形尸。急急，勑下九天。天威摄狱，狱官主职。讨伐邪源，狱考灭形。神威重宪，刑以火刀。火刀戮杀，不见形尸。急急。密咒唵刀兵戮罚鬼唵邪灭精自灭形唵吽喷哦咤勑摄。天刺狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。承勑关召，狱主速临。化狱碎祟，割碎身形。邪妖灭迹，鬼尸自亡。剥烁袅磕，断首宪刑。急急。密咒唵洞焚咤哩摄唵摄妖精碎身万段肉骨化尘唵吩吽嗽天剞狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。勘狱灵官，分形降临。摄邪入狱，迫考酷刑。严行勘治，刑以雷兵。排兵布阵，诛剞不停。肉尘肌碎，形影不存。急急。密咒唵雷兵唵雷刀唵吽□□绝摄刑。严行勘治，刑以雷兵。排兵布阵，诛剞不停。肉尘肌碎，形影不存。急急。密咒唵雷兵唵雷刀唵吽□□绝摄。天~狱符咒曰：神霄真王，勑下九天。掌狱灵官，展布威权。捉鬼在狱，如法推研。有犯禁律，诛斩毋蠲。碎形刊骨，永断祸根。急急。密咒唵雷神唵雷兵唵咤哩灭鬼精唵吽摄。天剥狱符咒曰：

Interpretation

The True King of the Divine Empyrean (the principal deity in the Divine Empyrean Thunder Rites) receives the command and descends from the Nine Heavens. The might of Heaven shakes the netherworld prisons; the prison officials each perform their duties, attacking the source of evil and using the punishments of the underworld to destroy its physical form. The divine power is stern: under the laws imposing severe penalties, the offender is subjected to the punishment of the fire blade. Once the fire blade has struck, no corpse remains. By urgent command: receiving the command, he descends from the Nine Heavens; the might of Heaven shakes the netherworld prisons; the prison officials each perform their duties, attacking the source of evil and using prison punishments to destroy its physical form. The divine power is stern: under the laws imposing severe penalties, the offender is subjected to the punishment of the fire blade, and after the execution no corpse remains. By urgent command.

Esoteric Incantation

Om (a ritual utterance): weapons and blades punish and destroy ghosts and demons. Om: evil influences are annihilated, and spirits and monsters destroy their own forms. Om hum, pen o zha: by command, seize and bind them.

Heavenly Piercing Prison Talisman

Incantation:

The True King of the Divine Empyrean receives the command and descends from the Nine Heavens. By command, summon the prison lord to descend swiftly. Shatter the evil influences in the netherworld prisons and tear apart their forms; make evil demons vanish without a trace and ghostly corpses perish of themselves. Strip and scorch them; behead and punish them. By urgent command.

Esoteric Incantation

Om dong fen zha li: seize and bind them. Om: seize and bind the demons and spirits, smash them into ten thousand pieces, and turn flesh and bone to dust. Om fen hum sou.

Heavenly Cutting Prison Talisman

Incantation:

The True King of the Divine Empyrean receives the command and descends from the Nine Heavens. The prison-inspecting spirit official (a divine official charged with examining the netherworld prisons) descends in manifested forms, dragging the evil influences into the prison and subjecting them to severe punishment. Examine and punish them rigorously; impose punishment with thunder troops. Arrange the battle formations and execute them without pause. Turn their flesh into dust and shatter their bodies until neither form nor shadow remains. By urgent command.

Esoteric Incantation

Om, thunder troops; om, thunder blades; om hum, □□ seize and bind utterly. Examine and punish them rigorously; impose punishment with thunder troops. Arrange the battle formations and execute them without pause. Turn their flesh into dust and shatter their bodies until neither form nor shadow remains. By urgent command.

Esoteric Incantation

Om, thunder troops; om, thunder blades; om hum, □□ seize and bind utterly.

Heavenly ~ Prison Talisman

Incantation:

The True King of the Divine Empyrean receives the command and descends from the Nine Heavens. The spirit official who governs the prison exercises his authority, capturing the ghost and bringing it into the prison for interrogation and investigation according to the law. All who have violated the prohibitions are executed without exception or pardon. Shatter their forms and carve apart their bones, forever cutting off the source of calamity. By urgent command.

Esoteric Incantation

Om, thunder spirit; om, thunder troops; om zha li: annihilate ghosts and spirits. Om hum: seize and bind them.

Heavenly Stripping Prison Talisman

Incantation:

神霄真王，勑下九天。关集狱主，号召灵官。摄狱追考，剥肉挑皮。钉丁钉骨，酷叫连天。磕泺剥体，灭形自然。帝勑降行，急速诛形。急急。密咒唵全帝唵喷喷唵剥邪鬼唵剥鬼精堑散斗收绝灭形。天震。天摇。天摄。天政。天x。缺此五狱符咒。立狱咒天狱灵灵，水火交并。天锁紧密，坚固喷唵剥邪鬼唵剥鬼精堑散斗收绝灭形。天震。天摇。天摄。天政。天x。缺此五狱符咒。立狱咒天狱灵灵，水火交并。天锁紧密，坚固如铁。追邪现形，伺报开扃。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右三十六天狱，乃一阴一阳之狱，依方所立。至狱，用一牌子供养狱官，阴用细砂，阳用火灰。下书以符上，以灰砂盖於都大狱。星用牵罡如法，似镜光之无痕。路中设真王一位，并三十六狱。校刑，中吏兵三十六。定法，下吏兵三十六。检法吏、直狱，各各自有圣位。玉府圣位玉府上卿五雷使，陶伯成。监察黑车丈人，元若泉。按治魔丑摧邪仙伯，周定。镇邪戾定籍土仙卿，陶伯华。定罪罚恶考谪上律卿，金可道。蓬莱都水使者，陶景宏。天□掌狱灵官，陈绍高。天摽掌狱灵官，孙庆和。天y掌狱灵官可道。蓬莱都水使者，陶景宏。

Interpretation

The True King of the Divine Empyrean, the chief thunder deity venerated by the Divine Empyrean school, issued an edict to the Nine Heavens, summoning the lords of the prisons and commanding the spirit officials, divine functionaries who oversee sacred duties. They seized the guilty souls in the prisons, investigated and interrogated them, stripped away their flesh and skin, and drove nails into their bones, making the punished cry out without cease. They then tore apart their limbs, causing their bodies to vanish of themselves. By imperial command, the sentence was to be carried out at once, swiftly destroying their forms. Let the order be obeyed without delay.

Secret Incantation

Om, command all; om, spray and spray; om, strip away evil ghosts; om, strip away ghost essences; cut and scatter the Dipper, gather, sever, and extinguish the form.

Heaven quakes, Heaven shakes, Heaven seizes, Heaven governs, Heaven □. The talismanic incantation for the Five Prisons is missing here.

Incantation for Establishing a Prison

The prisons of Heaven are efficacious and manifest; water and fire move in mutual exchange. The heavenly locks are tight and secure, hard as iron. Pursue and capture the wicked spirits, making them reveal their forms; guard them and submit a report, then open the prison gate. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes of the Most High True King of the Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean.

The Thirty-Six Heavenly Prisons belong respectively to the Yin and Yang prisons and are arranged according to the directions. Upon reaching the prison site, establish a spirit tablet to honor the prison official: use fine sand for a Yin prison and fire ash for a Yang prison. Write the talisman below, then cover it with ash or sand over the General Prison. Following the prescribed method, guide the stellar Dipper steps—walking the astral pattern in accordance with the stars’ positions—so that they shine like light reflected in a mirror, leaving no trace. Along the way, establish a spirit seat for the True King and set up the Thirty-Six Prisons. There are thirty-six middle officers and soldiers responsible for reviewing punishments, and thirty-six lower officers and soldiers responsible for determining the laws. The officials who inspect the laws and the prison officials each have their corresponding sacred seats.

Sacred Seats of the Jade Bureau

Senior Minister of the Jade Bureau and Envoy of the Five Thunders: Tao Bocheng.

Inspector of the Black Chariot, the Elder: Yuan Ruochuan.

Overseer of demons and the ugly, vanquisher of evil, Immortal Earl: Zhou Ding.

Suppressor of wickedness and violence, Earthly Immortal Minister who settles the registers: Tao Bohua.

Minister of the Upper Laws who determines crimes, punishes, and eradicates evil: Jin Kedao.

Chief Water Envoy of Penglai: Tao Jinghong.

Heaven □, Spirit Official in charge of the prison: Chen Shaogao.

Heaven Biao, Spirit Official in charge of the prison: Sun Qinghe.

Heaven y, Spirit Official in charge of the prison: Kedao.

Chief Water Envoy of Penglai: Tao Jinghong.

天□掌狱灵官，陈绍高。天摽掌狱灵官，孙庆和。天y掌狱灵官，苏可明。天剜掌狱灵官，吴裕。天捕掌狱灵官，李将泰。天|掌狱灵官，牛德安。天怲掌狱灵官，井丹华。天刑掌狱灵官，杜妙之。天驱掌狱灵官，孙永龄。天役掌狱灵官，贾茂。天治掌狱灵官，白天民。天掌狱灵官，郑才拱。天剥掌狱灵官，潘昌佑。天威掌狱灵官，苏成章。天震掌狱灵官，昊从间。天辩掌狱灵官，苏可封。天剪掌狱灵官，范隆景。天杻掌狱灵官，朱廷俊。天訄掌狱灵官，华间。天辩掌狱灵官，苏可封。天剪掌狱灵官，范隆景。天杻掌狱灵官，朱廷俊。天訄掌狱灵官，华国安。天{掌狱灵官，董秀仲。天韧掌狱灵官，耿奉先。天□掌狱灵官，吴令器。天摇掌狱灵官，苏若澄。天诛掌狱灵官，金道卿。天制掌狱灵官，严丕。天馘掌狱灵官，关壳。天掠掌狱灵官，马封之。天剞掌狱灵官，宋子本。天政掌狱灵官，印彦安。天戮掌狱灵官，童觉民。天摄掌狱灵官，时庭老。天~掌狱灵官，褚潜。天□掌狱灵官，叶祖仲。天膊掌狱灵官，萧子昌。天x掌民。

Interpretation

These are the names of the spirit officials in charge of the celestial prisons. “Spirit officials” are divine officers who serve in the Daoist celestial court. Each entry gives the official title first, followed by the name. Several characters in the original appear as boxes or garbled text, so those titles cannot be identified with certainty.

Celestial □ Prison Warden, named Chen Shaogao.

Celestial Biao Prison Warden, named Sun Qinghe.

Celestial y Prison Warden, named Su Keming.

Celestial Wan Prison Warden, named Wu Yu.

Celestial Capture Prison Warden, named Li Jiangtai.

Celestial | Prison Warden, named Niu Dean.

Celestial Bing Prison Warden, named Jing Danhua.

Celestial Punishment Prison Warden, named Du Miaozhi.

Celestial Expulsion Prison Warden, named Sun Yongling.

Celestial Service Prison Warden, named Jia Mao.

Celestial Administration Prison Warden, named Bai Tianmin.

Celestial Prison Warden, named Zheng Caigong.

Celestial Stripping Prison Warden, named Pan Changyou.

Celestial Might Prison Warden, named Su Chengzhang.

Celestial Thunder Prison Warden, named Hao Congjian.

Celestial Debate Prison Warden, named Su Kefeng.

Celestial Shears Prison Warden, named Fan Longjing.

Celestial Cangue Prison Warden, named Zhu Tingjun.

Celestial Qiu Prison Warden, named Hua Jian.

Celestial Debate Prison Warden, named Su Kefeng.

Celestial Shears Prison Warden, named Fan Longjing.

Celestial Cangue Prison Warden, named Zhu Tingjun.

Celestial Qiu Prison Warden, named Hua Guoan.

Celestial { Prison Warden, named Dong Xiuzhong.

Celestial Restraint Prison Warden, named Geng Fengxian.

Celestial □ Prison Warden, named Wu Lingqi.

Celestial Shaking Prison Warden, named Su Ruocheng.

Celestial Execution Prison Warden, named Jin Daoqing.

Celestial Control Prison Warden, named Yan Pi.

Celestial Decapitation Prison Warden, named Guan Ke.

Celestial Plunder Prison Warden, named Ma Fengzhi.

Celestial Gouging Prison Warden, named Song Ziben.

Celestial Governance Prison Warden, named Yin Yanan.

Celestial Slaughter Prison Warden, named Tong Juemin.

Celestial Seizure Prison Warden, named Shi Tinglao.

Celestial ~ Prison Warden, named Chu Qian.

Celestial □ Prison Warden, named Ye Zuzhong.

Celestial Arm Prison Warden, named Xiao Zichang.

Celestial x Prison Warden of the people.

天摄掌狱灵官，时庭老。天~掌狱灵官，褚潜。天□掌狱灵官，叶祖仲。天膊掌狱灵官，萧子昌。天x掌狱灵官，□□□。天禁掌狱灵官，陶康美。天狱府问政司吏，褚逸。天狱府问结司吏，甘令露。掌皇天下界牢狱上吏，郭琼俊。天狱府司非校录正吏，王仲果。天狱府司察采访主吏，狄列甫。天狱府司禁镇摄上吏，严威武。天狱府司行刑考谪典吏，崔观之。二十六狱掌龙神吏，谭伯灏。三十六狱校刑中吏，敬惟恭。三十六狱定法下吏，安庭天。三十六狱检法上吏，褚福佑。三十六狱大长通变情罚吏，褚文。三十六狱条庭吏，吕经常。伏魔狱法正吏，玄武卿。西台治法阅长通变情罚吏，褚文。三十六狱条庭吏，吕经常。伏魔狱法正吏，玄武卿。西台治法阅狱吏，郑本。察狱杀吏，全通康。直狱正吏，郭刚武。掌风雷雪雹电光猛将，费日新。三五邵阳将军，闾不斩。邵阳雷公火车将军，任军万。起罡将军，赵守炎。建罡将军，熊修尚。发罡将军，田斩妖。黄帝雷公将军，黄定平。青帝雷公将军，周取。白帝雷公将军，董无敌。赤帝雷公将军，柳斩祟。

Interpretation

The spiritual officials who oversee the prisons of the celestial realm are Shi Tinglao, Chu Qian, Ye Zuzhong, Xiao Zichang, one official whose name is unknown, and Tao Kangmei.

In the Celestial Prison Office, the clerk responsible for interrogating cases is Chu Yi, and the one who renders final judgments is Gan Linglu. The senior official overseeing prison affairs throughout the human realm is Guo Qiongjun. The chief clerk who investigates offenses and records crimes is Wang Zhongguo; the chief official who patrols and conducts inquiries is Di Liepu; the senior official who imposes restraints, guards, and subdues is Yan Weiwu; and the administrative clerk who carries out punishments and assesses culpability is Cui Guanzhi.

The clerk overseeing the affairs of the dragon spirits of the twenty-six prisons is Tan Bohao. Among the thirty-six prisons, the mid-ranking official who reviews punishments is Jing Weigong, the junior official who determines ordinances is An Ting Tian, and the senior official who examines ordinances is Chu Fuyou. The chief senior official who oversees all affairs, understands how to adapt, and imposes punishments according to the circumstances is Chu Wen; the clerk who administers the prison regulations is Lü Jingchang. In the Demon-Subduing Prison, the chief official responsible for ordinances is Xuanwu Qing.

At the Western Tribunal, the official who reviews prison cases, understands how to adapt, and imposes punishments according to the circumstances is also Chu Wen. Lü Jingchang still administers the regulations of the thirty-six prisons, and Xuanwu Qing remains the chief official of ordinances in the Demon-Subduing Prison. The official who reviews prison cases at the Western Tribunal is Zheng Ben; the official who investigates prison conditions and handles cases involving killing is Quan Tongkang; and the chief official who directly manages prison affairs is Guo Gangwu.

Fei Rixin oversees the mighty divine generals of wind, thunder, snow, hail, and lightning. The Three-Five Shaoyang General is Lü Buzhan; the Shaoyang Thunder Lord, Fire-Chariot General is Ren Junwan. The General Who Raises the Dipper is Zhao Shouyan, the General Who Establishes the Dipper is Xiong Xiushang, and the General Who Unleashes the Dipper is Tian Zhanyao. The Yellow Emperor’s Thunder General is Huang Dingping, the Azure Emperor’s Thunder General is Zhou Qu, the White Emperor’s Thunder General is Dong Wudi, and the Red Emperor’s Thunder General is Liu Zhansui. Here, “Dipper” refers to a power associated with the stars and thunder rites in Daoist magic. These titles name the divine officials and generals in the Shenxiao lineage who each oversee prison affairs, punishments, and thunderous offices.

黑帝雷公将军，苏向前。天雷晃将军，周对。水雷雹光将军，彻公用。邀校扑杀将军，赵护国。霹雳号黑将军，钱斩邪。霹雳杀伐将军，童镇华。移山翻海铁甲使者，强威力。洞风鼓震天威赤文使者，江汉卿。掌风雹金铃使者，韩无择。三十六雷鼓力士，观道先。风鼓震天威赤文使者，江汉卿。掌风雹金铃使者，韩无择。三十六雷鼓力士，观道先。降雹力士，叶仙成。摧邪力士，郭横行。玉枢殿下左神将，姜迁。玉枢殿下右神将，关师元。北帝殿下左神将，章成才。北帝殿下右神将，蒋世华。天狱直符直吏，社啸风。东方青帝考官，晋昌年。南方赤帝考官，杨炎明。西方白帝考官，顾通直。北方黑帝考官，韩世隆。中央黄帝考官，蔡秀实。主雷大将，程希。欻火大神，邓伯温。负光大神，何道卿。振威大神，诸葛新。兴雷大神，宋不杰。引领大神，贺永平。火目电光神，平容新。震目大神，柳公子。执部领军大神，迁太平。负风猛神，冯猛。掌云火龙骑山沸海大神，东方器。掌霹雳火光银牙耀目猛吏，辛汉臣。雷公火车六师，邵阳

Interpretation

The Black Emperor’s Thunder Duke General is named Su Xiangqian; the Heaven-Thunder Flashing General is named Zhou Dui; the Water-Thunder Hail-Light General is named Che Gongyong; the Summoning, Drilling, and Striking-Down General is named Zhao Huguo; the Thunderclap Black General is named Qian Zhanxie; and the Thunderclap Punitive General is named Tong Zhenhua.

The Iron-Armored Messenger who moves mountains and overturns seas is named Qiang Weili. The Red-Inscribed Messenger whose cavernous wind drums shake the heavens with power is named Jiang Hanqing. The Golden-Bell Messenger who commands wind and hail is named Han Wuze. The Thirty-Six Thunder-Drum Strongmen, divine generals who command the thunder drums, are named Guan Daoxian. The Red-Inscribed Messenger whose wind drums shake the heavens with power is still Jiang Hanqing; the Golden-Bell Messenger who commands wind and hail is still Han Wuze; and the Thirty-Six Thunder-Drum Strongmen are still Guan Daoxian.

The Hail-Calling Strongman is named Ye Xiancheng; the Evil-Subduing Strongman is named Guo Hengxing. The Left Divine General beneath the Jade Pivot Hall is named Jiang Qian, and the Right Divine General is named Guan Shiyuan. The Left Divine General beneath the Northern Emperor’s Hall is named Zhang Chengcai, and the Right Divine General is named Jiang Shihua. The Direct Talisman Officer of the Celestial Prison is named She Xiaofeng.

The examiner of the Eastern Azure Emperor is named Jin Changnian; the examiner of the Southern Red Emperor is named Yang Yanming; the examiner of the Western White Emperor is named Gu Tongzhi; the examiner of the Northern Black Emperor is named Han Shilong; and the examiner of the Central Yellow Emperor is named Cai Xiushi.

The Chief Thunder General is named Cheng Xi; the Great God of Sudden Fire, who commands swift thunder and fire, is named Deng Bowen; the Great God Who Bears Light is named He Daoqing; the Great God Who Rouses Might is named Zhuge Xin; the Great God Who Raises Thunder is named Song Bujie; and the Great God Who Leads the Way is named He Yongping. The Fire-Eyed Lightning-Light God is named Ping Rongxin; the Great God of Shaking Eyes is named Liu Gongzi; the Great God Who Commands the Corps and Leads the Army is named Qian Taiping; and the Fierce Wind-Bearing God is named Feng Meng.

The Great God who commands cloud-fire, dragon mounts, and the boiling of mountains and surging of seas is named Dongfang Qi. The Fierce Officer who commands thunderclap firelight and the gleam of silver teeth that dazzle the eyes is named Xin Hanchen. The Six Masters of the Thunder Duke’s Fire Chariot are named Shao Yang.

掌云火龙骑山沸海大神，东方器。掌霹雳火光银牙耀目猛吏，辛汉臣。雷公火车六师，邵阳公弼。左大判官，林萼。右大判官，段明。三五邵阳主帅将军，郑彻灵。流金火铃大将军，陶方夫。霹雳典籍功曹，王彦公。掌恶部功曹，向真道。掣恶挥钺上命使者，安道和。日晃阳光太极吏，公翠景。火铃威天公吏，缪可程。玉光金精上吏，威伯华吹海扬波驰役神，陈灵华。猛吏，曹惠知。斩妖伐木开山火令神，陈曼卿。追雷击电猛吏，土辰处正。雷城央风云上吏，傅成辉。飞云走电大神吏，龙化基。掌雷车黑炁神吏，董观可。吞啖妖魔天中神吏，应元京。部辖灵魔掌律文吏，央风云上吏，傅成辉。飞云走电大神吏，龙化基。掌雷车黑炁神吏，董观可。吞啖妖魔天中神吏，应元京。部辖灵魔掌律文吏，和正之。勘劾妖魔正善恶主吏，通元法。掌善恶孝逆忠和都吏，谢晖。掌水旱分野灾沙上吏，金铎。掌山林旷野溪谷主吏，侯通。雷威主吏，林春臣。雷威猛吏，周旻昌。执节都吏，陆靖。风雷神吏，尚幽静。五雷直符使者，丘太乙。黑面神君，徐高。

Interpretation

The great god who governs clouds, fire, dragon mounts, and the shaking of mountains and seas is named Qi and belongs to the East.

The fierce official who governs thunderclaps and flashes of fire, with gleaming silver teeth, is named Xin Hanchen.

The six marshals of the Thunder God’s Fire Chariot are named Shaoyang Gongbi.

The Left Grand Judge is named Lin E.

The Right Grand Judge is named Duan Ming.

The general who commands the Three-Five Shaoyang forces is named Zheng Cheling.

The general who commands the Flowing-Gold Fire Bell is named Tao Fangfu.

The merit officer who governs the thunderclap registers, a celestial records official, is named Wang Yangong.

The merit officer who governs the affairs of the evil division is named Xiang Zhendao.

The envoy who carries a battle-axe and, by command from above, punishes evil deeds is named An Daohe.

The Taiji official who governs the dazzling radiance of the sun is named Gong Cuijing.

The Celestial official who governs the might of the Fire Bell is named Miu Kecheng.

The high-ranking official of Jade Radiance and Golden Essence is named Wei Bohua.

The god who stirs the sea, raises its waves, and commands divine attendants is named Chen Linghua.

The fierce official is named Cao Huizhi.

The Fire Edict god who beheads demons, fells trees, and opens mountains is named Chen Manqing.

The fierce official who pursues thunder and unleashes lightning is named Tu Chenchuzheng.

The high-ranking official who governs wind and clouds in the Thunder City is named Fu Chenghui.

The great official who rides the clouds and drives lightning is named Long Huaji.

The divine official who governs the Thunder Chariot and black Qi is named Dong Guanke.

The celestial divine official who devours demons is named Ying Yuanjing.

The civil officials who command spirits and demons and govern statutes and registers are named Fu Chenghui, Long Huaji, Dong Guanke, Ying Yuanjing, and He Zhengzhi.

The chief official who investigates and impeaches demons, and determines right and wrong, good and evil, is named Tong Yuanfa.

The metropolitan official who governs good and evil, filial and rebellious conduct, and loyalty and harmony is named Xie Hui.

The high-ranking official who governs floods and droughts, regional disasters, and sandy lands is named Jin Duo.

The chief official who governs mountains, forests, open country, and ravines is named Hou Tong.

The chief official of thunderous might is named Lin Chunchen.

The fierce official of thunderous might is named Zhou Minchang.

The metropolitan official who carries the tally is named Lu Jing.

The divine official of wind and thunder is named Shang Youjing.

The envoy who carries the direct talisman of the Five Thunders, conveying talismanic commands from the five directions of the Thunder Division, is named Qiu Taiyi.

The Black-Faced Divine Lord is named Xu Gao.

雷阵左领将军，时即行。雷阵右领将军，宋师元。掌雷鼓师都吏，彭元汉。掌罡风天汉吏，刘君谷。起雨兴蕾买吏，桂长卿。威使震铃吏，土展含清。掌霹雳火光吏，尤勉。掌鬼政龙书洞阳吏，褚风。龙圈治水吏，安镇卿。追风布蕾买虎吏，林运。掌兵器甲卒吏，尚丹天。天雷掌吏，孙穷元。负天担石太微令，洞真瑶。掌天书吏，林运。掌兵器甲卒吏，尚丹天。天雷掌吏，孙穷元。负天担石太微令，洞真瑶。掌天书大籍吏，王文举。斗中六通使者，陈太初。龙队监催使者，华可容。霹雳搜龙使者，陈宁。雷阵左右车使者，陈大表。散云历黑使者，轰洞灵。缚魂监送使者，吴彦常。典录考禁使者，熊孔美。霹雳催风使者，黄世昌。霹雳迷魂使者，王元宾。霹雳火车腥烟使者，向敌。霹雳迸火禁炎使者，催宣。霹雳火猪黑犬使者，贾公瑾。霹雳倒提摧拉使者，成化成。霹雳四望使者，高彦宣。霹雳回车使者，火光神。掣雷电奔云使者，龙腾明。掌兵甲横身飞云使者，乐禹功。驱风雷电斤斧使者，云汉英。彦宣。霹雳回车使者，火光神。

Interpretation

The Left Commander of the Thunder Formation: to carry out orders immediately upon appointment.

The Right Commander of the Thunder Formation: Song Shiyuan.

The Master-Recorder in charge of the thunder drum: Peng Yuanhan.

The officer in charge of the gale and the Celestial River: Liu Junggu.

The officer responsible for raising clouds, bringing rain, and bestowing abundant showers: Gui Changqing.

The officer responsible for shaking the bell with formidable force: Tu Zhanhanqing.

The officer in charge of lightning’s fiery flashes: You Mian.

The officer in charge of ghost affairs, dragon writings, and Dongyang matters: Chu Feng.

The officer responsible for enclosing and governing waterways and controlling floods: An Zhenqing.

The officer responsible for pursuing the wind, bestowing abundant showers, and wielding tiger strength: Lin Yun.

The officer in charge of weapons and armored soldiers: Shang Dantian.

The officer in charge of celestial thunder: Sun Qiongyuan.

The Taiwei Commissioner responsible for bearing the celestial stone: Dongzhen Yao.

The officer in charge of celestial writings: Lin Yun.

The officer in charge of weapons and armored soldiers: Shang Dantian.

The officer in charge of celestial thunder: Sun Qiongyuan.

The Taiwei Commissioner responsible for bearing the celestial stone: Dongzhen Yao.

The officer in charge of the great register of celestial writings: Wang Wenju.

The Six-Powers Messenger within the Dipper (responsible for Dipper affairs and conveying commands): Chen Taichu.

The Dragon-Retinue Inspector and Urging Messenger (who oversees and sets the dragon retinue in motion): Hua Kerong.

The Thunderclap Dragon-Seeking Messenger (who searches for dragons with the force of thunder): Chen Ning.

The Left and Right Chariot Messengers of the Thunder Formation (in charge of its left and right chariots): Chen Dabiao.

The Cloud-Scattering and Darkness-Clearing Messenger (who disperses clouds and sweeps away gloom): Hong Dongling.

The Soul-Binding Inspector and Escort Messenger (who restrains souls and escorts them away): Wu Yanchang.

The Register-Keeping and Prohibition-Reviewing Messenger (in charge of documents, inspections, and prohibitions): Xiong Kongmei.

The Thunderclap Wind-Urging Messenger: Huang Shichang.

The Thunderclap Soul-Bewildering Messenger: Wang Yuanbin.

The Thunderclap Fire-Chariot and Foul-Smoke Messenger: Xiang Di.

The Thunderclap Flame-Bursting and Fire-Restraining Messenger (who makes flames burst forth and controls the blaze): Cui Xuan.

The Thunderclap Fire-Pig and Black-Dog Messenger: Jia Gongjin.

The Thunderclap Inverting, Hoisting, and Overthrowing Messenger: Cheng Huacheng.

The Thunderclap Four-Directions Watcher: Gao Yanxuan.

The Thunderclap Returning-Chariot Messenger: Firelight Spirit.

The Messenger who wields thunder and lightning and races through the clouds: Long Tengming.

The Messenger in charge of weapons and armor, who flies through the clouds: Le Yugong.

The Messenger who commands wind and thunder, the lightning axe, and the hatchet: Yun Hanying.

Yanxuan.

The Thunderclap Returning-Chariot Messenger: Firelight Spirit.

掣雷电奔云使者，龙腾明。掌兵甲横身飞云使者，乐禹功。驱风雷电斤斧使者，云汉英。狱中推勘雷霆九司灵官掌法灵官，孟可言。断罪定对灵官，王子明。勑符灵官，尚从一。上章奏灵官，朱士登。直狱灵官，李尧卿。讯问鞫问灵官，上官推。考校灵官，欧阳颖。检祟过犯拷问灵官，东门清。急捉灵官，司徒羽。治病捉邪十干游奕将甲日将，张迁。统兵将，普与。吏兵，三千人。乙日将，元吉。统兵将，秦周。吏兵，四千人。丙日将，顾文行。统兵将，桑千。吏兵，八千人。丁日将，赵珏。统兵将，董周。吏兵，七千人。戊日将，秦志。统兵将，仲文。吏兵，九统兵将，桑千。吏兵，八千人。丁日将，赵珏。统兵将，董周。吏兵，七千人。戊日将，秦志。统兵将，仲文。吏兵，九千人。己日将，蓬惠。统兵将，耕太。吏兵，一万人。庚日将，则周。统兵将，贾忠。吏兵，四千三佰人。辛日将，细道。统兵将，杜方。吏兵，一千人。壬日将，田由。统兵将，彭圯。吏兵，三千人。癸日将，王昌。统兵将，兰嗣。吏兵，一万人。此十干将，各随直日使用，勑水解秽，镇宅驱邪。或以文札，差令前去治事。

Interpretation

The messenger who commands thunder and lightning and races through the clouds is named Long Tengming.

The messenger who oversees weapons and armor and soars across the clouds is named Le Yugong.

The messenger who drives the wind and thunder and wields an axe is named Yun Hanying.

The Nine Thunder Courts’ Spirit Officials Who Investigate Cases in Prison

The spirit official who oversees the laws is named Meng Keyan.

The spirit official who determines guilt and adjudicates disputes is named Wang Ziming.

The spirit official who oversees talismans issued by command is named Shang Congyi.

The spirit official responsible for submitting memorials and reports is named Zhu Shideng.

The spirit official who oversees the prisons is named Li Yaoqing.

The spirit official responsible for questioning and hearing cases is named Shangguan Tui.

The spirit official responsible for inspection and verification is named Ouyang Ying.

The spirit official responsible for investigating demons, spirits, and wrongdoing, and carrying out interrogation, is named Dongmen Qing.

The spirit official responsible for swift capture is named Situ Yu.

The Ten Traveling Generals of the Heavenly Stems Who Heal Illness and Capture Evil

The general for a Jia day is Zhang Qian. The commander of his troops is Pu Yu, and he leads three thousand officials and soldiers.

The general for an Yi day is Yuanji. The commander of his troops is Qin Zhou, and he leads four thousand officials and soldiers.

The general for a Bing day is Gu Wenxing. The commander of his troops is Sang Qian, and he leads eight thousand officials and soldiers.

The general for a Ding day is Zhao Jue. The commander of his troops is Dong Zhou, and he leads seven thousand officials and soldiers.

The general for a Wu day is Qin Zhi. The commander of his troops is Zhong Wen, and he leads nine thousand officials and soldiers.

The general for a Ji day is Peng Hui. The commander of his troops is Geng Tai, and he leads ten thousand officials and soldiers.

The general for a Geng day is Ze Zhou. The commander of his troops is Jia Zhong, and he leads four thousand three hundred officials and soldiers.

The general for a Xin day is Xi Dao. The commander of his troops is Du Fang, and he leads one thousand officials and soldiers.

The general for a Ren day is Tian You. The commander of his troops is Peng Yi, and he leads three thousand officials and soldiers.

The general for a Gui day is Wang Chang. The commander of his troops is Lan Si, and he leads ten thousand officials and soldiers.

Each of these ten generals of the Heavenly Stems stands ready to receive orders on the day corresponding to his stem. By imperial command, they may use talisman water to dispel impurity, protect a residence, and drive away evil spirits. They may also be sent written instructions and dispatched to deal with particular matters.

十干将诀甲日寅。乙日卯。丙戊日巳。丁巳日午。庚日申。辛日酉。壬日亥。癸日子。治病符勑笔咒结空成梵，真炁自生。《赤书》玉字，八威龙文。保制劫运，使天长存。治病斩邪，万生安宁。急急如高上咒结空成梵，真炁自生。《赤书》玉字，八威龙文。保制劫运，使天长存。治病斩邪，万生安宁。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。总治病符第一符咒第一上丹明堂，白帝除凶。六宫明浄，道化长生。百病速去，使汝长生。第二符咒第二中丹赤子，黄帝元仙。预晓吉咎，浄肃心元。丹晶一液，保命延年。第三符咒第三下府神君，赤帝黑王。六府流液，百病不伤。金液保命，永符吉昌。上元符咒上元赤子，守於黄房。摄神皈命，保子永昌。中元符咒中元太乙，坐镇玉堂。招魂卫身，得见真王。下元符咒下元元黄房。摄神皈命，保子永昌。中元符咒中元太乙，坐镇玉堂。招魂卫身，得见真王。下元符咒下元元主，列在神庭。制魂成阳，面升玉堂。法曰：此三符，管三宫升降，百病悉去，真炁长存。掐辰文，取巽炁，朱书，烧灰，用乳香汤调下。小儿，心前佩之。面东南服了，当念太乙救苦天尊三百声。勑符咒

Interpretation

The Ten Heavenly Stems’ Key

The day marked by Jia corresponds to the hour of Yin; Yi to Mao; Bing and Wu to Si; Ding and Ji to Wu; Geng to Shen; Xin to You; Ren to Hai; and Gui to Zi. This key matches the days named by the Heavenly Stems to the hours named by the Twelve Earthly Branches, and serves as a guide to the proper time for performing the method.

Incantation for Empowering the Brush to Write a Healing Talisman

(The brush-empowering incantation is recited while writing talismans and registers.) Sanskrit characters form in the void, and true Qi (the primordial energy spoken of in Daoism) arises naturally. The jade characters in the Red Script are dragon texts endowed with eight kinds of power. They can protect and halt the calamities of the age, allowing Heaven and Earth to endure; heal illness and cut down evil spirits, bringing peace to all beings. Swiftly, carry out the command of the Most High.

Sanskrit characters form in the void, and true Qi arises naturally. The jade characters in the Red Script are dragon texts endowed with eight kinds of power. They can protect and halt the calamities of the age, allowing Heaven and Earth to endure; heal illness and cut down evil spirits, bringing peace to all beings. Swiftly, carry out the command of the Most High, the True King of Jade Clarity in the Divine Empyrean.

General Healing Talisman

First Talisman Incantation

First, in the Upper Cinnabar Field, the Hall of Light is guarded by the White Emperor, who removes misfortune and evil. The six palaces become clear and pure, and the Dao’s transformation flows through them, granting long life. All illnesses quickly depart, so that you may live long.

Second Talisman Incantation

Second, in the Middle Cinnabar Field, the Red Child is guarded by the Primordial Immortal of the Yellow Emperor. It can know good and ill fortune in advance, while the heart and spirit remain clear and composed. A single drop of cinnabar liquid can preserve life and extend the years.

Third Talisman Incantation

Third, the Divine Lord of the Lower Palace is guarded by the Red Emperor and the Black King. Fluids flow through the six viscera, and no illness can invade. The liquid of gold preserves life and brings lasting good fortune and prosperity.

Upper Origin Incantation

The Red Child of the Upper Origin keeps watch in the Yellow Chamber, the chamber of spirits within the body. Gather the spirit and return to nature and life; may you be blessed with lasting prosperity.

Middle Origin Incantation

The Great One of the Middle Origin sits in the Jade Hall, the dwelling place of spirits. Call back the hun and po souls and protect the body, so that one may behold the True King.

Lower Origin Incantation

The Primordial Yellow Chamber of the Lower Origin. Gather the spirit and return to nature and life; may you be blessed with lasting prosperity.

Middle Origin Incantation

The Great One of the Middle Origin sits in the Jade Hall. Call back the hun and po souls and protect the body, so that one may behold the True King.

Lower Origin Incantation

The Primordial Lord of the Lower Origin takes his place in the Divine Court, where the spirits dwell. Restrain the souls and transform them into Yang energy; then ascend to behold the Jade Hall.

The method says: These three talismans govern ascent and descent through the three palaces—the upper, middle, and lower divine residences within the body. They can dispel all illnesses and keep true Qi within the body for a long time. When performing the rite, form the hand seal for the Chen sign and gather Qi from the Xun direction, then write the talisman in cinnabar. Burn it and mix the ashes into an agalloch broth to drink. For a child, wear it over the chest. After facing southeast and taking it, recite the Celestial Worthy Who Rescues from Suffering three hundred times.

东华元君，韩君降临。玉府真命，保热生灵。真炁到处，永保长生。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。咒水治病法凡人请符水，具事由。祝神了，安水。右手依法取东南炁，用丁甲诀，左手大指压倒中指，掐子文，却倒四指压大指，余二五指皆直。咒曰：水，具事由。祝神了，安水。右手依法取东南炁，用丁甲诀，左手大指压倒中指，掐子文，却倒四指压大指，余二五指皆直。咒曰：乾元亨利贞，六甲与吾并。灵泉入五脏，六腑保安宁。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。咒尽，挑诀入水，再掐玉清诀。次念咒曰：七政八灵，日月同生。本因道德，我得真名。北方辰星，是我真形。能荡万秽，能润万真。能终守一，保人长生。百邪荡秽，五脏安宁。壬癸壬癸，付与天丁。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。再飞子午斗。入水咒曰：荧荧煌煌，七星仰昂。生为北斗，星为天罡。乾亨利贞，明俱帝乡。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。遣符咒天雷隐隐，龙虎交并。日月星斗，照耀分明。某日功曹，直符而行。去病伐恶，不得隐停，速去速来。明彰报应，勿煞汝身。疾。咒毕，存。遣符咒

Interpretation

The Primordial Lady of the Eastern Florescence, a female immortal deity of the Eastern Florescence lineage, and Lord Han descend. The Jade Bureau, the celestial government where Daoist immortals dwell, sends down a true mandate to protect living beings. Wherever true Qi, the vital energy understood in Daoism as the source of life, reaches, it can bring lasting health and extend life. The rite must be carried out swiftly in accordance with the command of the True King of Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean.

Method for Healing Illness with Chanted Water

When someone comes to request talisman water for healing, first ask about the illness and its causes. After reporting the matter to the deities, set out the water. With the right hand, follow the ritual instructions to gather Qi from the southeast. At the same time, form the Dingjia hand seal, a gesture used in Daoist rites: press the left thumb against the middle finger and bend it downward to form the Zi pattern; then bend the other four fingers downward over the thumb, leaving two fingers extended.

Incantation:

Qian, Yuan, Heng, Li, Zhen: the Six Jia unite with me. The numinous spring enters the five viscera and brings peace to the six bowels. In accordance with the command of the Most High True King of Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean, act swiftly. When the incantation is complete, touch the water with the hand seal, then form the Jade Clarity hand seal.

Next, recite:

The Seven Luminaries and Eight Spirits are born together with the sun and moon. My origin comes from the Dao and De; I have received my true name. The Star of the Northern Dipper is my true form. It can sweep away all impurity and nourish the myriad things; it can keep a single mind steadfast from beginning to end and grant long life. Disperse all evil influences and impurities, and bring peace to the five viscera. The Qi of Ren and Gui is entrusted to the Celestial Soldiers. In accordance with the command of the Most High True King of Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean, act swiftly. Then perform the Flying Zi-Wu Dipper, a ritual in which the hand seal is moved in sequence.

Next, recite the incantation for entering the water:

Starlight shines; the Seven Stars hang high. The Northern Dipper gives rise to transformation, and the stars become the Celestial Dipper. Qian, Yuan, Heng, Li, Zhen: their radiance shines together upon the Imperial Realm, the dwelling of the Celestial Emperor. In accordance with the command of the Most High True King of Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean, act swiftly.

Incantation for Sending Off the Talisman

Heavenly thunder rumbles; dragon and tiger converge. The sun, moon, and stars shine clearly. On this day, the Merit Officer, a divine official who conveys documents and carries out missions in Daoist practice, leads the Talisman Officer, who transmits talismanic commands, to depart. Drive away illness and punish evil. Do not hide or linger; go swiftly and return swiftly, make the retribution clear, and do not harm your life. Carry out the command at once. After reciting the incantation, visualize in the mind the relevant divine generals and the scene of the rite.

天雷隐隐，龙虎交并。日月星斗，照耀分明。某日功曹，直符而行。去病伐恶，不得隐停，速去速来。明彰报应，勿煞汝身。疾。咒毕，存将随符而去。高上神霄玉清真王紫书大法卷之九竟高上神霄玉清真王紫书大法卷之十霹雳摧魔部总召霹雳将吏咒天阳阳，地阴阴。五方五雷，十方风神。雨师雷长，掌水真君。雷光童子，霹雳将军。随勑所命，集圣济生。吾奉玉清真王律令，谨召某将，火急降临。疾。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁，吹坛前。任意役用，当用后符遣之。左领军将军，王佐，一百二十人。右领军将军，冯雄，一百二十人。召咒神霄玉勑，出身上清。飞雷迅电，龙虎前奔。左右领军，急人。右领军将军，冯雄，一百二十人。召咒神霄玉勑，出身上清。飞雷迅电，龙虎前奔。左右领军，急速降临。搜精断怪，斩邪除踪。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐中指上节为诀，取巽炁，存此二符将，并皂衣，统领雷部神吏。斩邪怪用之。左车使者，留炎，一百二十人。右车使者，王可久，一千人。召咒

Interpretation

Thunder rolls faintly in the heavens, while the Dragon and Tiger move side by side, crossing paths. The sun, moon, and stars shine with perfect clarity. On the appointed day, the Merit Officer, a divine official who conveys commands and handles affairs, is ordered to proceed directly, drive out illness, and punish evil. He must not delay or linger, but set out swiftly and return swiftly. Retribution must be made clearly manifest, but do not harm your own life. Hasten to carry this out. When the incantation is complete, visualize the divine general setting out with the talisman.

End of Volume Nine of The Great Writ of the Purple Script of the True King, High and Supreme, of Jade Purity in the Highest Firmament.

Volume Ten of The Great Writ of the Purple Script of the True King, High and Supreme, of Jade Purity in the Highest Firmament

Section on Thunderbolts That Crush Demons

Incantation for Summoning All Thunderbolt Generals and Officers

Heaven belongs to Yang; earth belongs to Yin. The Five Thunders of the five directions, the wind gods of the ten directions, the Rain Master, the Thunder Chief, the Perfected Lord Who Commands Water, the Thunder-Light Youth, and the Thunderbolt Generals must all heed the summons of the talismanic command, descend and gather, and help sustain life. In accordance with the decree of the True King of Jade Purity, I respectfully summon General [name]; descend at once. Hasten to carry this out.

To perform this method, form the hand-seal for the Chen character, a type of hand gesture, draw in Qi from the Xun direction (southeast), and blow it out toward the front of the ritual altar. The summoned divine generals may be dispatched as needed; when the work is done, send them off with the talismans that follow.

General Wang Zuo, Commander of the Left Army, leads one hundred and twenty men.

General Feng Xiong, Commander of the Right Army, leads one hundred and twenty men.

Summoning Incantation

General Feng Xiong, Commander of the Right Army, leads one hundred and twenty men.

Summoning Incantation

By decree of the Jade Emperor of the Highest Firmament, whose authority comes from Shangqing: thunder and lightning speed through the air, with the Dragon and Tiger racing ahead. Commanders of the Left and Right Armies, descend swiftly; search out spirits and monsters, cut down evil beings, and erase their traces. Hasten to obey the decree of the True King, High and Supreme, of Jade Purity in the Highest Firmament.

To perform this method, form the hand-seal on the upper section of the middle finger and draw in Qi from the Xun direction. Visualize the generals in these two talismans dressed in black, commanding the Thunder Bureau’s divine officers. Use them to cut down demons and monsters.

Left Chariot Messenger Liu Yan leads one hundred and twenty men.

Right Chariot Messenger Wang Kejiu leads one thousand men.

Summoning Incantation

神霄御阙，掌部天龙。真王勅命，火急前冲。左有雷阵，右有电君。左车使者，右车天丁。一召无违，千里赴程。剪妖除鬼，打考分明。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁，存神皂衣，驾雷车，性猛烈，打考鬼神用之。神霄掷火大将军，陈用真，一百二十人。流金火铃大将军，周达，一百二十人。召咒南昌火府，神霄之天。丈人令旨，百二十人。流金火铃大将军，周达，一百二十人。召咒南昌火府，神霄之天。丈人令旨，急下九天。玉京力士，掷火将军。流金叱魔，交焕不冲。魔鬼为灰，火铃将军。天红地赤，万里离明。神霄一勑，鬼无逃形。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐午文，取南炁。烧剪妖怪，尽为灰尘，能浄天狱。掷光童子，兰英，一百二十人。电光玉女□□，一百二十人。召咒太一十精，白旗招摇。百邪拱手，六天无妖。龙宫水池，斩杀天妖。神府历勑，下告天曹。掷光童子，焰遍治滔，丧邪双目。电光玉女，普用焚烧。八方邪怪，入骨皆燋。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。

Interpretation

The Palace of the Divine Empyrean (the palaces of the Divine Empyrean heaven) commands the celestial Dragon Corps. The True King issues his order, and the power of thunder surges forward at once. To the left is the Thunder Array, to the right the Lord of Lightning. The Left Chariot Envoy and the Right Chariot Heavenly Soldiers, who drive the thunder chariot and await their commands, accompany them. Once summoned, they never disobey; even if a thousand li away, they arrive immediately. They clearly mete out judgment and punishment, cutting down demons and driving away ghosts. Swiftly carry out the command of the Most High True King of the Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean.

When performing this method, form the Chen hand mudra, draw in the Qi of the Xun direction (southeast), and visualize a deity dressed in black, riding a thunder chariot. Its power is fierce, and it is used to judge and punish ghosts and spirits.

The Great General Chen Yongzhen, who casts fire in the Divine Empyrean, commands one hundred and twenty troops.

The Great General Zhou Da, of the Flowing-Gold Fire Bell, commands one hundred and twenty troops.

Summon the Fire Bureau of Nanchang, governed by Daoist deities, and by the command of the Elder of the Divine Empyrean, a revered deity in the Divine Empyrean tradition, dispatch one hundred and twenty troops.

The Great General Zhou Da, of the Flowing-Gold Fire Bell, commands one hundred and twenty troops.

Summon the Fire Bureau of Nanchang. By the command of the Elder of the Divine Empyrean, descend swiftly from the Nine Heavens. The Strongmen of Jade Capital and the Fire-Casting Generals unleash the might of the Flowing-Gold Fire Bell. They shout down demons and evil spirits, while interwoven flames blaze with an unstoppable radiance. All demons and ghosts are burned to ash. General of the Fire Bell, obey this command.

The sky glows red with fire, and the ground shines crimson; for ten thousand li, all is bright. Once the Divine Empyrean gives its command, ghosts and spirits have nowhere to hide. Swiftly carry out the command of the Most High True King of the Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean.

When performing this method, form the Wu hand mudra and draw in the Qi of the south. Use it to burn and destroy demons until they are reduced to ash; it can also clear the Celestial Prison, the heavenly prison in Daoist belief.

The Radiant-Casting Youth Lan Ying commands one hundred and twenty troops.

The Lightning-Radiant Jade Maiden, whose name is partly missing from the original text, commands one hundred and twenty troops.

Invocation:

The Ten Essences of Great Unity, arrive bearing white banners and summon forth the stirring might of the divine. All manner of evil spirits bow and obey; within the Six Heavens, no demons remain. In the Dragon Palace’s pool, cut down the celestial demons. The Divine Bureau issues its talismanic command and conveys it to the Celestial Administration. The Radiant-Casting Youth spreads flames in every direction, burning away evil spirits and blinding the eyes of malign beings. The Lightning-Radiant Jade Maiden carries out a sweeping incineration. The demons of the eight directions are all scorched from within and without. Swiftly carry out the command of the Most High True King of the Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean.

When performing this method, form the hand mudra at the Xun position, draw in the Qi of black fire, then blow the fire Qi throughout heaven and earth. At the same time, form a hand mudra to subdue the eyes of the evil beings. Then summon the Lightning-Radiant Jade Maiden to burn them everywhere, scorching the demons of the eight directions from within and without. Swiftly carry out the command of the Most High True King of the Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean.

右法，掐巽上，取黑火炁，吹遍天地火。掐邪目，。电光玉女，普用焚烧。八方邪怪，入骨皆燋。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐巽上，取黑火炁，吹遍天地火。掐邪目，罩坛心。拾邪目，乃中指掐手心为诀。散云历黑使者，轰洞灵，一百二十人。咒曰：青帝保身，黑帝虎晶。阳水炁腾，号云逞雾。雷火交驰，霜天远速。左转天昏，右罩地闭。凝结一身，万神离位。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐辰文、邪目，巽上取黑火炁，以苍黑书，带、烧。想黑雾罩之，万邪不见形影。凶恶之神，尽皆灭绝。貌若直符，皂衣，黄真王律令。右法，掐辰文、邪目，巽上取黑火炁，以苍黑书，带、烧。想黑雾罩之，万邪不见形影。凶恶之神，尽皆灭绝。貌若直符，皂衣，黄巾，执斧。邀后扑杀将军，马升，一百二十人。召咒玉清仙律，神霄勑命。召者立至，不得延停。扑杀将军，扑邪碎形。倒提摧拉，杀邪推形。凶妖荡尽，大道安宁。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁。治凶邪恶鬼。存将金甲，大眼，如将军状。左手叉腰，右手索缚一祟。倒提摧拉使者，庄思文，掐辰文，取巽炁。治凶邪恶鬼。存将金甲，大眼，如将军状。左手叉腰，右手索缚一祟。倒提摧拉使者，庄思文，一百二十人。召咒

Interpretation

In this method, the practitioner first forms the Xun position hand seal, gathers “black fire Qi” (ritual Qi symbolized by black fire), and blows it toward the four directions, spreading the fire Qi throughout Heaven and Earth. Next, the practitioner forms the “Evil Eye” seal, one of the ritual hand signs, to cover the center of the altar. “Forming the Evil Eye” means pressing the middle finger against the palm to make the seal.

The “Cloud-Scattering Black-Reckoning Envoy” commands 120 “Thunderous Cavern Spirits” to descend.

The incantation says: The Azure Emperor protects the self; the Black Emperor displays his tiger’s might. The Qi of Yang Water rises, and clouds and mist surge in its wake. Thunder and fire race back and forth; the power of the frosty heavens travels swiftly into the distance. Turning left darkens the sky; covering on the right seals the earth. Gather power to protect the self, and make all the gods leave their places. By the command of the High God, the Perfected King of Jade Clarity in the Divine Empyrean, carry this out at once.

Next, the practitioner forms the Chen script and Evil Eye seals, gathers black fire Qi from the Xun position, and writes a talisman on blue-black material, to be worn or burned. The practitioner visualizes black mist surrounding the area, making all manner of malign spirits lose their forms and shadows and destroying every fierce god. Those summoned appear like “Straight Tally” (a divine official who conveys the gods’ commands), wear black robes, and obey the decree of the Yellow Perfected King.

Again, the practitioner forms the Chen script and Evil Eye seals, gathers black fire Qi from the Xun position, and writes a talisman in blue-black, to be worn or burned. The practitioner visualizes black mist enveloping the area, so that the myriad malign spirits disappear from sight and all fierce gods are destroyed. The summoned general wears black robes and a yellow headcloth, and carries an axe.

The “Rear-Ambushing Slaying General” summons Ma Sheng and 120 others to appear.

The summoning incantation says: By the immortal statutes of Jade Clarity and the edict of the Divine Empyrean, the summoned must arrive at once without delay. The Ambushing and Slaying General must strike the malign spirits and shatter their bodies. With the force of overturning, lifting, and dragging, seize and haul them away; kill the malign spirits and crush their forms. Sweep away every fierce demon and restore peace to the Great Dao. By the command of the High God, the Perfected King of Jade Clarity in the Divine Empyrean, carry this out at once.

The practitioner forms the Chen script seal and gathers Qi from the Xun direction to suppress and control fierce, malign ghosts. Visualize the general clad in golden armor, eyes wide open, displaying a general’s imposing might: his left hand rests on his hip, while his right hand binds a malign spirit.

The “Overturning, Lifting, and Dragging Envoy,” Zhuang Siwen, also uses the Chen script as his hand seal and gathers Qi from the Xun direction to suppress and control fierce, malign ghosts. Visualize him clad in golden armor, eyes wide open and appearing as a general, his left hand resting on his hip and his right hand binding a malign spirit.

The “Overturning, Lifting, and Dragging Envoy,” Zhuang Siwen, summons 120 people to appear.

洞渊神霄，号令四维。兵排百万，不祥须追。摧拉使者，不得延迟。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁。其符，可同致雨符烧之，祈梼雨泽，立降。亦能伏猛恶精怪。其将，貌若直符，青巾，黑衣，左手执刀，垂下右手握拳。追风布云虎吏，马天佐，一千人。召咒苍梧风神，太上勑去。九天云营，神霄勑送。大风猛起，疾如骤雨。催风令下，追风迅复。布云叆叆，乾坤黑黑。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐卯，辰文，取巽炁，书之。乃行司役神，布云追风。缚迅复。布云叆叆，乾坤黑黑。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐卯，辰文，取巽炁，书之。乃行司役神，布云追风。缚魂监送使者，丁谨，一千人。召咒紫府玉阙，金光神府。御苑真王，降威九天。搜精剪鬼，猛虎为先。玉科治罪，速入西田。缚魂使者，监鬼吾前。送沉海内，勿违命言。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁，书符。治邪精鬼祟。其将，黄巾，绯衣，索缚一鬼，左手把其鬼头，右手提索。龙队监催使者，谢大明，一千，书符。治邪精鬼祟。其将，黄巾，绯衣，索缚一鬼，左手把其鬼头，右手提索。龙队监催使者，谢大明，一千人。召咒

Interpretation

Dongyuan Shenxiao, a branch of Shenxiao Thunder Rites, commands the four directions. A million troops form ranks, and every inauspicious being is to be hunted down. Destroy the messengers of evil forces and seize them without delay. In solemn obedience to the decree of the Most High True King of Jade Purity of Shenxiao, execute it at once.

To perform this method, pinch the Chenwen hand sign and draw Qi from the Xun direction. This talisman may be burned together with a rain-prayer talisman to beseech rainfall; rain will soon descend. It can also subdue fierce and wicked spirits. The summoned divine general looks like Zhifu, the messenger general. He wears a blue headcloth and black clothes, holds a knife in his left hand, and lets his right hand hang at his side, clenched in a fist.

The Wind-Chasing, Cloud-Spreading Tiger Officer, Ma Tianzuo, commands one thousand men.

Invocation

Wind Spirit of Cangwu, go forth at the command of the Most High; Cloud Camp of the Nine Heavens, be dispatched at the command of Shenxiao. Let fierce winds rise, swift as a sudden downpour. At the order to drive the wind, the force that chases it shall arrive swiftly. Let dense clouds spread across the sky, darkening heaven and earth. In solemn obedience to the decree of the Most High True King of Jade Purity of Shenxiao, execute it at once.

To perform this method, pinch the Mao and Chen hand signs, draw Qi from the Xun direction, and write the talisman. This method is used to command divine generals, spread clouds, and chase the wind.

Soul-Binding, Guarding, and Escorting Messenger, Ding Jin, commands one thousand men.

Invocation

True King of the Imperial Garden in the Purple Palace, Jade Tower, and Golden Light Divine Palace, manifest your might in the Nine Heavens. Hunt down spirits and eradicate ghosts, with fierce tigers as your vanguard. Punish them according to the Jade Statutes, and swiftly send them to the Western Field. The soul-binding messenger, guard the ghost before me and sink it into the sea. Let it not disobey the command. In solemn obedience to the decree of the Most High True King of Jade Purity of Shenxiao, execute it at once.

To perform this method, pinch the Chenwen hand sign, draw Qi from the Xun direction, and write the talisman to subdue evil spirits and ghosts. The summoned divine general wears a yellow headcloth and crimson clothes, and has a ghost bound with a rope: his left hand grips the ghost’s head, while his right hand holds the rope.

The Dragon Troop’s Guarding and Urging Messenger, Xie Daming, commands one thousand men. Use the talisman to subdue evil spirits and ghosts. The summoned divine general wears a yellow headcloth and crimson clothes, and has a ghost bound with a rope: his left hand grips the ghost’s head, while his right hand holds the rope.

洞渊神霄，号令四维。兵排十万，不祥须追。监催使者，不得延迟。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐巳文，取巽炁，吹。催神勾将，四维遣魂，烧祟勘录精邪。其将，青巾，黄衣，手把龙幢。典录考禁使者，龚固，一千人。咒曰：九垒土皇，洞神天尊。神霄大帝，旸谷神君。一摄千里，再勑九围。速召司禁，典录五雷。考禁使者，细勘精推。不遵元命，斩戮为泥。借人尸体，付来言非。若敢违命，收送天机。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐卯，辰文，取巽炁，吹之。斩邪迷魂，烧东方邪怪。用之吹体，勘录精邪。其将，绯抹额，绯衣，两手把簿籍。 □黑大将军，钱雄飞，一百二十人。咒。用之吹体，勘录精邪。其将，绯抹额，绯衣，两手把簿籍。 □黑大将军，钱雄飞，一百二十人。咒曰：神霄天庭，内外神狱。龙圈啖毒，斩妖鬼哭。散云历黑，遍彻幽府。号黑将军，使者疾送。一到吾坛，火令急速。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁，墨书青纸上，烧之。病人见，天昏地暗，不分神鬼昼夜。然后，勘鬼神用之。其将，如将军状，金甲，朱衣，手执火输。迷魂昏遁使者，庞安和，一百二十人。火车腥烟使者，向敌，一百二十人。

Interpretation

The divine realm of Dongyuan Shenxiao, within the Shenxiao ritual system, commands the four quarters. One hundred thousand soldiers and officers stand in formation; whenever an ominous event occurs, they must investigate it. The supervising and dispatching envoys must not delay. They must act swiftly in accordance with the decrees of the High Lord of Jade Purity of Shenxiao.

To perform this method, form the Si hand sign, take in the Qi of the Xun direction (the southeast), and blow outward. This rouses the divine generals and sends spirit soldiers to the four quarters to burn away evil influences and investigate and record spirits and malign entities. The summoned generals wear blue headcloths and yellow robes, and carry dragon banners.

The envoy in charge of records and investigations is named Gong Gu and commands one thousand men.

Incantation:

Earth Emperor of the Nine Layers, Lord of the Cavern Heavens, Great Emperor of Shenxiao, Divine Lord of Yang Valley: seize a thousand miles of land in a single stroke, then issue a second command over the nine regions. Summon at once the divine officers who oversee prohibitions and record the affairs of the Five Thunders. The investigating envoy must carefully examine and identify spirits and malign entities. Whoever disobeys the command of Primordial Beginning is to be cut down and reduced to mud. If they borrow a human corpse to convey false words, and dare to defy the command, seize them and send them to the Heavenly Pivot. Act with urgent speed, in accordance with the decrees of the High Lord of Jade Purity of Shenxiao.

To perform this method, form the Mao and Chen hand signs, take in the Qi of the Xun direction, and blow outward. Use it to cut down demons and spirits that confuse the soul, and burn away the evil beings of the East. You may also blow toward the body to examine and record spirits and malign entities. The summoned generals wear crimson forehead bands and crimson robes, and hold registers in both hands.

The □ Black General is named Qian Xiongfei and commands one hundred and twenty men.

Incantation. To perform this method, blow toward the body to examine and record spirits and malign entities. The summoned generals wear crimson forehead bands and crimson robes, and hold registers in both hands.

The □ Black General is named Qian Xiongfei and commands one hundred and twenty men.

Incantation:

Within the Shenxiao Heavenly Court, prisons for spirits are established both inside and out. The Dragon Enclosure devours poisonous things and slays demons and ghosts, making them howl. It disperses clouds and mist, passes through dark places, and searches the underworld thoroughly. Command the Black General and order the envoy to escort them swiftly. As soon as the divine general arrives at the ritual altar, let him act swiftly in accordance with the Fire Command. Act with urgent speed, in accordance with the decrees of the High Lord of Jade Purity of Shenxiao.

To perform this method, form the Chen hand sign, take in the Qi of the Xun direction, write the incantation in ink on blue paper, and burn it. When the patient sees this method, the sky will seem dark and dim; they will be unable to distinguish spirits from ghosts or day from night. Then use the method to investigate spirits and ghosts. The summoned general appears like a military commander, clad in golden armor and vermilion robes, and holding a fire wheel.

The envoy who bewilders the soul and induces stupor is named Pang Anhe and commands one hundred and twenty men.

The envoy of the Fire Chariot and Rank Smoke is named Xiang Di and commands one hundred and twenty men.

召咒韩司勑下，降付洞渊。雷公电母，迅风三天。霹雳邪恶，鬼迷魂在使者，庞安和，一百二十人。火车腥烟使者，向敌，一百二十人。召咒韩司勑下，降付洞渊。雷公电母，迅风三天。霹雳邪恶，鬼迷魂在。坛前凶妖，如失室潜。鬼遁重泉，火车衮天，车腥烟变。山川使者，须听命追，慎勿迟延。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁，吹。斩邪迷鬼，烧祟烈怪用之。迷昏使者，青包巾，皂衣，手执刀。火车使者，青包巾，黄衣，左手执火炬，右手握拳。杀伐大将军，混康，一百二十人。咒曰：玉清真令，神霄秘文。代天行化，助国救民。诛邪伐鬼，灭怪斩龙。煞伐将军，飞刃奔倾。捉邪刀斧，斫脑分形。吞精取髓，神霄秘文。代天行化，助国救民。诛邪伐鬼，灭怪斩龙。煞伐将军，飞刃奔倾。捉邪刀斧，斫脑分形。吞精取髓，骨化为尘。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁，吹之。存其将，金甲，身长百丈，大面，大眼，面青紫色，手执幢，乘黑云。凡用时，祝之曰：速急前往某家，收捉三界之内、四维上下邪精，押赴雷府，依律治罪。急急如上帝律令。奔云催风使者，霍泽，一千人。

Interpretation

Summoning Incantation

Han Si descends at the command, and the decree reaches the Cave Abyss. The Lord of Thunder, the Mother of Lightning, and the swift Wind Gods spread across the Three Heavens. Thunder and lightning strike down evil; the messenger Pang Anhe and his 120 followers carry out the destruction of ghosts and demons that confuse people’s minds.

The Messenger of the Fiery Chariot and Foul Smoke leads 120 men toward the enemy.

Summoning Incantation

Han Si descends at the command, and the decree reaches the Cave Abyss. The Lord of Thunder, the Mother of Lightning, and the swift Wind Gods spread across the Three Heavens. With thunder and lightning, punish evil and drive away ghosts and demons that confuse people’s minds. The wicked demons before the altar are like creatures that have lost their lair and gone into hiding. Ghosts and demons flee into the depths of the Yellow Springs, while the Fiery Chariot surges into the sky, its wheels raising foul smoke as the scene shifts and changes. The messengers of the mountains and rivers must obey the command and pursue their quarry; they must be vigilant and not delay. Act at once in accordance with the decree of the Most High True King of Jade Clarity in the Divine Empyrean.

For this rite: form the Chen seal with the fingers according to the prescribed method, draw in Xun Qi, the Qi symbolized by the southeast wind, then blow it out to cut down evil influences and ghosts and demons that confuse people, and to burn the demons that cause harm. The Messenger Who Bewilders and Incapacitates wears a blue headwrap and black clothes and carries a sword. The Messenger of the Fiery Chariot wears a blue headwrap and yellow clothes; he holds a torch in his left hand and clenches his right hand into a fist.

General of Punishment and Conquest Hun Kang leads 120 men.

Incantation:

The decree of Jade Clarity, the secret script of the Divine Empyrean. Enact Heaven’s teachings, support the state, and save the people. Destroy evil influences and subdue ghosts and demons; annihilate monsters and slay wicked dragons. General of Punishment and Conquest, send flying blades hurtling swiftly to strike. Seize evil beings with swords and axes, split their heads and sever their bodies; consume their vital essence and draw out their marrow. The secret script of the Divine Empyrean, enact Heaven’s teachings, support the state, and save the people. Destroy evil influences and subdue ghosts and demons; annihilate monsters and slay wicked dragons. General of Punishment and Conquest, send flying blades hurtling swiftly to strike. Seize evil beings with swords and axes, split their heads and sever their bodies; consume their vital essence and draw out their marrow, reducing their bones to dust. Act at once in accordance with the decree of the Most High True King of Jade Clarity in the Divine Empyrean.

For this rite: form the Chen seal with the fingers, draw in Xun Qi, then blow it out. Visualize the general wearing golden armor and standing a hundred zhang tall, with a large face and large eyes, a blue-violet complexion, and a ceremonial banner in his hand, riding on black clouds. During the rite, pray: “Go at once to a certain household and seize the evil spirits and monsters throughout the Three Realms, in all four directions and above and below. Escort them to the Thunder Court and punish them according to the law. Act at once in accordance with the command of the August Emperor.”

Messenger Huo Ze, Who Races Through the Clouds and Urges the Wind, leads a thousand men.

咒曰：苍梧风神，太上勑去。九天云营，神霄劲送。大风猛起，疾如骤雨。催风令下，追风迅复。布云叆叆，乾坤黑黑。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁。此将主行司，役神布云追风用之。其将，皂衣，金甲，青结巾，面赤色，左手持刀於跨下，右手指前行之。迸火焚炎使者人。此将主行司，役神布云追风用之。其将，皂衣，金甲，青结巾，面赤色，左手持刀於跨下，右手指前行之。迸火焚炎使者人。耿中庸，一百二十人。火猪黑犬使者，贾公谨，一百二十人。召咒霹雳伐凶恶，斩鬼煞怪神。迸火焚妖邪，炎炎达上清。使者飞真火，烧鬼化成尘。火猪啖山鬼，黑犬吞魔精。分骨成血汁，微藏不留停。食尽六洞鬼，又餐八方神。邪闻为营血，鬼见光灭形。一召奔来至，与吾却邪神。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右洞鬼，又餐八方神。邪闻为营血，鬼见光灭形。一召奔来至，与吾却邪神。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁，书之。能啖鬼吞神烧邪，减六天妖魔。迸火使者，黄结巾，黄衣，左手提刀，右手握拳於胸前，回顾。长十丈，乘火云，四边皆迸出火光。火猪使者红包巾，绯衣，两手各牵黑犬。并褚捉祟搜龙。勿妄用之。

Interpretation

The incantation says: “Wind spirit of Cangwu, by command of the Great High One, withdraw! Spirits in the cloud encampments of the Nine Heavens, move swiftly under the power of the Divine Empyrean! A fierce gale rises, swift as a sudden downpour; at the command to summon the wind, the wind-chasing deity rushes to us. Clouds gather thick and dark, and heaven and earth lie in pitch blackness. Hasten and obey the ordinances of the High Supreme Jade Purity True King of the Divine Empyrean.”

When performing this art, form the hand-seal at the Chen position and draw in Qi from the Xun direction (one of the Eight Trigrams, commonly associated with the southeast). This marshal deity oversees official duties and can command spirits to gather clouds and pursue the wind. The deity wears black clothing and golden armor, ties a blue headscarf, and has a crimson face. The left hand holds a sword beside the hip, while the right points forward.

The Splitting Fire and Burning Flame Marshal is named Geng Zhongyong and commands 120 followers. This marshal deity oversees official duties and can command spirits to gather clouds and pursue the wind. The deity is depicted wearing black clothing and golden armor, with a blue headscarf and a crimson face; the left hand holds a sword beside the hip, while the right points forward.

The Fire Pig and Black Dog Marshal is named Jia Gongjin and commands 120 followers.

The invocation says: “Thunder strikes down and punishes evil things, slaying ghosts, baleful spirits, and monstrous deities. Blazing fire bursts forth and burns the demons, its flames reaching straight to Shangqing. The marshal sends forth true fire, burning ghosts to dust. The fire pig devours mountain ghosts, and the black dog swallows demons and spirits. It shatters their bones and turns them into blood, leaving not a trace. It eats all the ghosts of the Six Caverns, then devours the spirits of the eight directions. When evil beings hear the command, they turn to camp blood; when ghosts and monsters see the light, their forms vanish. Once summoned, they come rushing at once to help me drive out the evil spirits. Hasten and obey the ordinances of the High Supreme Jade Purity True King of the Divine Empyrean.”

When performing this art, form the hand-seal at the Chen position, draw in Qi from the Xun direction, and write the talisman. This method is said to devour ghosts and spirits, burn away baleful forces, and eliminate demons from the Six Heavens.

The Splitting Fire Marshal wears a yellow headscarf and yellow clothing, holds a sword in the left hand, and keeps the right hand clenched in a fist against the chest while looking back. The marshal is ten zhang tall, rides a cloud of fire, and has flames bursting from all four sides of the body. The Fire Pig Marshal wears a red headscarf and crimson clothing, holding a black dog by a leash in each hand. The marshal may also command Chu to seize baleful spirits and search for dragons. This method must not be used recklessly.

四望使者，乔松，一千人。听察使者，纪宗彝，一千人。召咒高上玉帝，神霄密文。四望使者，听察天丁。号令布天，搜龙将军。潜伏小鬼，搜龙，一千人。召咒高上玉帝，神霄密文。四望使者，听察天丁。号令布天，搜龙将军。潜伏小鬼，搜龙现形。奸害魍魉，听察邪凶。如有此者，搜付人身。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁，书。察邪搜鬼用之。四望使者，青包巾，黄衣，左手握拳，右手把旗，卷之。听察使者，黄包巾，绯衣，双手持捧。发听察使者符咒高上神霄，听察使者。闻今呼召，火急降临。察人善恶，审听邪精。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。搜龙使者，沃发，一云陈宁。一千人。召咒扶桑大帝君，真炁急降临。书符下九天，霹雳兴雷电，天丁降缚龙。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁，书之。可祈雨用之。当同致雨符一处烧之，其效不缚龙。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁，书之。可祈雨用之。当同致雨符一处烧之，其效不可述也。其将，青包巾，绯衣，乘龙。典籍功曹，胥儒，一百二十人。覆勘功曹，柴仙，一百二十人。记名书过功曹，管中立，一百二十人。召咒

Interpretation

The Four Directions Messenger is named Qiao Song and commands one thousand subordinates.

The Messenger Who Hears and Observes is named Ji Zongyi and commands one thousand Celestial Soldiers.

Invocation Spell

Lofty Jade Emperor (a revered Daoist deity), secret script of the Divine Empyrean (a talismanic text transmitted secretly within the Divine Empyrean school). Four Directions Messengers, Celestial Attendants Who Hear and Observe (Celestial Soldiers charged with listening and watching), obey the command and spread throughout the heavens. General Dragon-Searcher and the lurking little demons, one thousand in all, come forth to seek out evil spirits.

Invocation Spell

Lofty Jade Emperor, secret script of the Divine Empyrean. Four Directions Messengers, Celestial Attendants Who Hear and Observe, obey the command and spread throughout the heavens. General Dragon-Searcher and the lurking little demons, come forth to seek out and reveal their forms. Any harmful and malicious demons or monsters, and any evil, violent, and stubborn beings: once discovered, search them out and bind them to a person. Act at once in accordance with the statutes of the Lofty Divine Empyrean Jade Purity True King.

For this rite, pinch the Chen pattern (forming a specific hand seal), draw in Xun Qi (the energy associated with the Xun direction), and then write the talisman. It is used to discern evil spirits and search out and capture demons. The Four Directions Messenger wears a blue headscarf and yellow robes, holds his left hand in a fist, and carries a rolled-up flag in his right. The Messenger Who Hears and Observes wears a yellow headscarf and crimson robes, and holds an object in both hands.

Talisman for Dispatching the Messenger Who Hears and Observes

Lofty Divine Empyrean, Messenger Who Hears and Observes! Hear the summons issued today and descend at once with all speed. Examine people’s good and evil, and listen closely for the movements of evil spirits. Act at once in accordance with the statutes of the Lofty Divine Empyrean Jade Purity True King.

The Dragon-Searcher Messenger is named Wo Fa; another account gives his name as Chen Ning. He commands one thousand subordinates.

Invocation Spell

Great Emperor of Fusang (a revered Daoist deity), please bring down true Qi swiftly. Write the Fulu and send it down from the Nine Heavens; thunder and lightning roar, Celestial Soldiers descend, and dragons are bound. Act at once in accordance with the statutes of the Lofty Divine Empyrean Jade Purity True King.

For this rite, pinch the Chen pattern, draw in Xun Qi, and then write the talisman. It may be used to pray for rain. It should be burned together with a rain-bringing talisman; its efficacy is extraordinary and beyond words. The Dragon-Searcher General wears crimson robes and a blue headscarf, and arrives riding a dragon.

The Registrar of Canonical Texts, a divine official in charge of books and documents, is named Xu Ru and commands one hundred and twenty subordinates.

The Registrar of Reexaminations, a divine official in charge of reviewing and verifying, is named Chai Xian and commands one hundred and twenty subordinates.

The Registrar of Names and Misdeeds, a divine official in charge of recording names and registering transgressions, is named Guan Zhongli and commands one hundred and twenty subordinates.

Invocation Spell

南宫丈人，救护生魂。神霄天帝，太一慈尊。书名记过，覆勘奸凶。典籍定历，上奏三清。有功言来，有过急呈。若命有违，覆勘书名。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁，书之。校覆功曹，定纪文章，能知生死，皆为天地水、九江、四海、四渎、沟洫、陂河龙神。若有祈求，只用雷火印印之，投水，立有感应，圣力最大。典籍功曹，覆功曹，定纪文章，能知生死，皆为天地水、九江、四海、四渎、沟洫、陂河龙神。若有祈求，只用雷火印印之，投水，立有感应，圣力最大。典籍功曹，捧簿书。覆勘功曹，左手握拳於胸前，右手指后，回顾。记名功曹，右手把笔，左手执籍。回车使者，苏中孚，一千人。召咒九天勑命，洞渊玉文。到即回车，使者审听。大风即止，大雨不行。更车归洞，更不前往。於上有回，一云过。飞奏上清。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁，书之。存神红包巾，绯衣，双手捧一符。回车用之。往。於上有回，一云过。飞奏上清。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁，书之。存神红包巾，绯衣，双手捧一符。回车用之。雷阵劫符咒

Interpretation

Nangong Zhangren, an immortal deity of the southern heavens, rescues and protects living souls. The Divine Empyrean Heavenly Emperor and the Compassionate Venerable Taiyi record offenses in their registers and review acts of treachery, wickedness, and violence. The archivist officials determine the calendar and make the records, then submit them to the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), the three highest deities revered in Daoism. Merits are reported; transgressions are presented at once. If anyone defies Heaven’s mandate, the name in the register is checked again. This order must be carried out immediately, in accordance with the decree of the Most High True King of the Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean.

To perform this method, make the Chenwen hand gesture, draw in Qi from the Xun direction (one of the Eight Trigrams, associated with the southeast), and then write the talisman. The Merit Officer for Inspection and the Record Officer for Setting the Annals can know life and death. They are dragon deities who govern the waters of Heaven and Earth, the Nine Rivers, the Four Seas, the Four Great Rivers, canals, ponds, and streams. When someone makes a petition, simply stamp the talisman with the Thunderfire Seal and cast it into water. It will respond immediately, with great divine power.

The Merit Officer of Records holds the register. The Merit Officer of Inspection clenches his left hand before his chest, points his right hand behind him, and turns to look back. The Merit Officer of Names holds a brush in his right hand and a register in his left.

The Messenger Who Turns Back the Chariot, Su Zhongfu, commands a thousand men.

Summoning Incantation

By command of the Nine Heavens, the Jade Writ of the Cavern Abyss. Messenger, obey the order and turn your chariot back at once. The violent wind will cease immediately, and the heavy rain will stop. Turn your chariot around and return to the cavern; do not proceed any farther. Report this matter upward—some versions say “submit it”—and swiftly present it to the Highest Clarity. This order must be carried out immediately, in accordance with the decree of the Most High True King of the Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean.

To perform this method, make the Chenwen hand gesture, draw in Qi from the Xun direction, and then write the talisman. Visualize the divine general wearing a red headcloth and crimson robes, holding a talisman in both hands. This method is used to command the messenger to turn his chariot back.

Thunder Formation Calamity Talisman Incantation

吾禀真王，勑令玉帝，金符告天。立坛法象，驱神遣鬼。左契龙文豁落，右佩神霄玉律，口诵玉清羽章，朝谒大帝。下统山川河渊水陆神祇，上列神霄真卿，诵咏大洞玄机。一，劫召九天司命；二，勑召九天真仙。吾为仙王太上丈人，五岳主者，受事在吾心。呼风吸雨，步电兴雷。大怒雷部前往，威震霹雳崩摧。元天有令，风火四维。天下万神，并令知委。箓中金甲将吏，雷霆猛烈天丁。一召遍下坛前，不得於令有违。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令委。箓中金甲将吏，雷霆猛烈天丁。一召遍下坛前，不得於令有违。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。法曰：念讫放诀，取神霄炁，吹之。次念法，仗剑，噀水。遣之如式。流金火铃杀伐将符咒曰：晶炁灵灵，迅雷烈风。炎火猛烈，烧鬼灭形。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右符，念炎帝火铃咒，存雷火、火车二神，各着烈火绯衣，乘火。同后符於患人家烧，杀不正鬼神。神霄雷火符散形天火神君急地火神君急神火神君急烧邪魔糜灰神霄真王勑雷火掷万里雷火布四维病者急安康邪魔炼成汁聚形符咒曰：炎帝火铃，雷火将军。炎火速降，烧透鬼心。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。

Interpretation

By the command of the True King (the True King of the Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean), and in obedience to the Jade Emperor’s edict, I report to Heaven with a golden talisman. I establish the altar according to the prescribed rites, commanding spirits and driving out ghosts and demons. In my left hand I hold the Dragon Script Hèluò Contract, a talismanic warrant for summoning and commanding divine generals; on my right side I wear the Jade Laws of the Divine Empyrean, the precepts and ordinances of the Divine Empyrean registers. I recite the Jade Clarity Feathered Chapters, scriptures of the Jade Clarity lineage, and pay homage to the Great Emperor. Below, I command the deities of mountains, rivers, deep waters, and the lands and waters; above, I array the perfected lords of the Divine Empyrean and chant the profound mysteries of the Great Cavern.

First, summon the Director of Fate of the Nine Heavens. Second, command the summoning of the perfected immortals of the Nine Heavens. I am the Supreme Elder, the Immortal King and Venerable Elder, master of the Five Sacred Peaks; all matters entrusted to me are governed by my heart. I can summon wind and rain, stride forth and draw lightning, and raise thunder. The Thunder Department advances in wrathful power, its might shaking Heaven and Earth as thunderclaps shatter all things. The Primordial Heaven issues its command; wind and fire fill the four quarters. Let all the gods beneath Heaven know this decree. The golden-armored officers of the registers, the Thunder Department’s subordinates, and the valiant troops of Heaven must come before the altar when summoned, and may not disobey. Swiftly obey the laws of the High True King of the Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean.

The instructions say: After reciting the incantation, form the hand seal and draw in the Qi of the Divine Empyrean, the primordial energy used in its ritual methods, then blow it forward. Next, recite the ritual spell, hold the ritual sword, and spray water outward; then, following the ceremony, dispatch the divine generals.

Talisman for the Golden-Flowing Fire-Bell Slaying General

Incantation:

“Bright and potent Qi, transform into swift thunder and fierce wind. The blazing fire rages, burning ghosts and demons and destroying their forms. Swiftly obey the laws of the High True King of the Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean.”

This talisman is to be used together with the recitation of the Flame Emperor’s Fire-Bell Incantation. Visualize the two divine generals, Thunder Fire and Fire Chariot, each dressed in crimson robes like blazing flames and riding in on fire. Then burn this talisman together with the one that follows in the patient’s home, to destroy the evil spirits and gods causing harm.

Divine Empyrean Thunder-Fire Talisman for Dispersing Form

The meaning of the talisman text is: “Heavenly Fire Lord, Earthly Fire Lord, Divine Fire Lord, immediately obey the command. Burn the evil demons until they turn to ashes. The True King of the Divine Empyrean commands the thunder and fire to be hurled ten thousand li and spread through the four quarters. Let the patient swiftly recover, and let the evil demons be refined into liquid.”

Talisman for Gathering Form

Incantation:

“Flame Emperor’s Fire Bell, Thunder-Fire General: let the blazing flames descend swiftly and burn through the hearts of ghosts and demons. Swiftly obey the laws of the High True King of the Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean.”

右符，掐午文，取南炁，朱书黄纸上。烧邪、治病、下鬼胎、鬼食，止小儿夜啼及治梦遗。律令。右符，掐午文，取南炁，朱书黄纸上。烧邪、治病、下鬼胎、鬼食，止小儿夜啼及治梦遗。用乳香汤下，更加前火轮符一处烧之。、当存前将服色。大治山魈、恶鬼、下邪等祟，其功不可尽述也。护身戴符散形九天伏邪护身将神霄金甲紫府将玉清仙兵围甲乙上清仙兵左庚辛太清仙兵遵陵光四圣三合卫鬼门咒曰：玉帝通灵，统摄万神。邪魔拱手，八极具名。敢冲真节，碎影减形。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右符，如法师神弱，当朱书黄纸上，盛以绛纱袋，戴之，佩以凤罗，慎勿秽触。掐辰文具名。敢冲真节，碎影减形。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右符，如法师神弱，当朱书黄纸上，盛以绛纱袋，戴之，佩以凤罗，慎勿秽触。掐辰文，取巽炁，吹之。或丹书青上，绛袋盛之，或吞亦得。又符散形神霄玉清大帝勑神霄三十六天大帝勑急差天丁八百万鬼邪山魈五酉噢尸精送上天狱永不回急急如高上神霄王勑聚形咒曰：癸宿真晶，金炁焕明。摄伏邪恶，永向天真。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。

Interpretation

This talisman should be made using the hand seals prescribed for the hour of the Horse, facing south and gathering Qi from the south. It is then written in cinnabar on yellow paper. The scripture says it can be used to burn away evil spirits, treat illness, deal with what it calls “ghost pregnancy” and “ghost eating,” stop children from crying at night, and treat nocturnal emissions. It ends with the words “By command.”

Another method is to burn this talisman together with the “Fire Wheel Talisman” described earlier. While burning them, visualize the clothing colors of the spirit general as described above. The scripture says this method can treat disturbances caused by mountain sprites, malevolent ghosts, and harmful influences sent by sorcery, among other things, and that its efficacy is too extensive to describe. It may also be taken with frankincense broth.

Protective Talisman to Wear: Dispersing the Forms

“Dispersing the forms” means causing spirit generals to appear or carry out exorcistic rites. This passage names the protective spirit generals: the Nine Heavens Subduers of Evil and Protectors of the Body, the Divine Empyrean Golden-Armored Purple Palace Generals, the Jade Clarity Celestial Soldiers, the Highest Clarity Celestial Soldiers, and the Great Clarity Celestial Soldiers. It commands them to obey the Four Sacred Ones of Lingguang and join forces to guard the Gate of Ghosts. Jia and Yi, and Geng and Xin, are names of the Heavenly Stems used here to indicate directions or corresponding assignments. “Surround Jia and Yi” and “to the left, Geng and Xin” specify the positions and deployment of the celestial soldiers.

The incantation says: The Jade Emperor communicates with the spirits and commands all the gods. All evil demons must bow and withdraw; their names are recorded throughout the eight directions. If evil spirits offend the sacred rites, their forms and shadows are to be shattered and their power diminished. It ends with “By the urgent command of the True King of Highest Clarity of the Divine Empyrean,” ordering the command to be carried out at once.

The scripture says that if the ritual master feels their spirit and Qi weakening, they may write the talisman in cinnabar on yellow paper, place it in a deep-red gauze pouch, and wear it together with phoenix gauze, a kind of silk fabric. It must be kept from contact with anything impure. For the rite, form the hand seal of Chen and recite the relevant names; then gather Qi from the Xun direction and blow it onto the talisman. Alternatively, the talisman may be written in cinnabar on blue paper and worn in a red pouch, or swallowed.

Another Talisman for Dispersing the Forms

By decree of the Great Emperor of Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean, this talisman commands the emperors of the thirty-six heavens of the Divine Empyrean to dispatch celestial soldiers without delay. They are to escort ghosts, evil spirits, mountain sprites, the Five You, and the Ao Corpse Spirits to the Celestial Prison and never release them. “The Five You” and “Ao Corpse Spirits” are names for evil beings listed in the scripture.

Gathering the Forms

“Gathering the forms” means summoning the forms of spirit generals. The incantation says: The true essence of the Kui lunar mansion shines forth as bright golden light, subduing evil and causing it to return forever to the realm of heavenly truth. It ends, once again, with the command of the True King of Highest Clarity of the Divine Empyrean, ordering the rite to be carried out swiftly.

右法，掐辰文，取巽炁，面东南，朱书。镇伏尸、古怪、井灶、坛物、自动釜呜、井溢、引弄鸡犬。用栢木板，八寸方，长七寸，背书总监二将军。於本家八方钉之，更用砖一片，上书符，埋在中庭。又用黄纸书追捉功曹符，、引弄鸡犬。用栢木板，八寸方，长七寸，背书总监二将军。於本家八方钉之，更用砖一片，上书符，埋在中庭。又用黄纸书追捉功曹符，於土坑中烧之。下符时，坑令深七寸。常黄缯挂堂中，则镇一切凶魔也。保胎宜男符凡妇人诸产厄，及胎炁不稳，保之，吞宜男符也。入月吞之，去邪，使子母皆全，保胎。童子佩，去惊吊之疾，长大异养。咒曰：六甲六符，从卿将吏。保胎童命，尸邪亡坠。旎檀使者，收魔护卫。男算天禄，女寿青简。符到奉母皆全，保胎。童子佩，去惊吊之疾，长大异养。咒曰：六甲六符，从卿将吏。保胎童命，尸邪亡坠。旎檀使者，收魔护卫。男算天禄，女寿青简。符到奉行，百鬼潜避。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。保胎吞符咒曰：大罗灵官，真炁合形。复化生炁，永保长生。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。断儿注咒

Interpretation

For this kind of ritual technique, first form the “Chen Pattern” with the fingers, a Daoist hand gesture, and draw in the Qi from the Xun direction, the southeast. Face southeast and write the Fulu (talismans and registers) in cinnabar ink. They are used to subdue corpse demons, strange beings, and disturbances in wells, stoves, and ritual grounds—for example, pots ringing on their own, water overflowing from a well, or chickens and dogs becoming agitated.

To make the talisman, shape a cypress board into a wooden tablet eight inches square and seven inches long. Write “General Supervisors, the Two Generals” on the back, then nail it at each of the eight directions around the house. Next, take a brick, write a talisman on it, and bury it in the center of the courtyard. On yellow paper, write the “Talisman for Pursuing and Seizing the Merit Officer,” place it in a pit, and burn it. When burying the talisman, dig the pit seven inches deep. A piece of yellow silk hung in the main hall is said to subdue all kinds of fierce demons.

Talisman for Protecting Pregnancy and Ensuring a Son

When a woman faces danger in childbirth or her pregnancy is unstable, she may swallow the “Talisman for Ensuring a Son.” It is said that taking it during pregnancy drives away evil influences and protects both mother and child. A young boy who wears this talisman is said to be protected from illnesses such as fright-induced convulsions and to grow up safely.

The incantation says: “May the divine generals of the Six Jia and the talisman officers heed their summons and protect the lives of fetuses and children, driving away corpse demons and preventing miscarriage. May the Nidan Envoy subdue demons and protect mother and child. May boys receive the blessings and prosperity granted by Heaven, and girls enjoy long life. When the talisman’s command arrives, those who carry it out will escape the reach of the hundred ghosts. Hasten to carry this out in accordance with the divine law of the Most High, the True King of the Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean.”

Pregnancy-Protecting Talisman for Swallowing

The incantation says: “May the Divine Officer of the Great Luo gather true Qi into form, then bring forth the Qi of life. May people be blessed with eternal life. Hasten to carry this out in accordance with the divine law of the Most High, the True King of the Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean.”

Incantation for Ending a Child’s Infusion

赫居燕卢，混漠灵真。太素云芽，三景披分。九天太一，守护胎门？胎神八史，二十四真。炁户开彻，神烟兴云。邪害小鬼，速诣北尊。东极送名，大居捕形。太一把斧，斩伐万精。敢有干者，北斗驿程。保真长生，保命无倾。急急如九天太一真君律令。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁，吹之。其符，当入月服之，并申奏神霄九天降生司，必解此厄也。救产难符咒日：南昌黄华，玉眸炼身。十月满足，骨文，取巽炁，吹之。其符，当入月服之，并申奏神霄九天降生司，必解此厄也。救产难符咒日：南昌黄华，玉眸炼身。十月满足，骨格已成。好生使者，韩君丈人。司马司箓，卫房圣母。九天持符，监真度生。符下五脏，急离母身。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。卫房玉女，监生大神。保守生籍，子母分形，急急如律令。右符，掐辰文，取巽炁，书之。用顺流水送下，大治产难。度厄消灾符咒曰：南极长生，解厄化生。一云太一化生。三台伏笔，万善咸臻。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。

Interpretation

Yanlu (an ancient name for a constellation) dwells in a remote place, where primordial chaos lies deep and hidden, containing within it numinous reality. The Qi of the Great Beginning—the original state before Heaven and Earth were divided—sprouts like cloud-shoots. From it, the three celestial lights of the sun, moon, and stars emerge in distinct form. Great One of the Nine Heavens, exalted deity of Daoism, please guard the fetal gate. The Eight Officials of the Fetal Spirit and the Twenty-Four Perfected Ones open and connect the Qi portals, causing divine smoke to rise and cloud-Qi to flourish. Evil little spirits that harm people, quickly go pay your respects to the exalted deity of the north. The divine spirits of the Eastern Pole present the registers, while the spirit of the Great Dwelling seizes those who leave traces. Great One wields the axe and battle-axe, cutting down every kind of demon. Whoever dares to cause trouble shall be conveyed for punishment along the route indicated by the Northern Dipper. May people preserve their true nature and live forever, safeguard their lives, and remain free from danger. Carry this out at once in accordance with the commands of the True Lord Great One of the Nine Heavens.

For this ritual method, form the Chen sign with the fingers, performing the rite at the position corresponding to the Chen branch of the Twelve Earthly Branches. Draw in Qi from the Xun direction (one of the Bagua directions, associated with the southeast), then blow it out. Place the talisman in the expectant mother’s mouth for her to swallow, and submit a petition to the Department of Birth in the Nine Heavens of the Divine Empyrean. This will dispel the calamity.

Talisman for Delivering a Difficult Birth

The incantation says:

Yellow Splendor of Nanchang (a deity or divine realm), with jade-bright eyes, refine and nurture this body. The ten months of pregnancy have come to an end, and the child’s bones and form have taken shape. Han, the Elder Lord and Emissary of Good Birth; Sima, Registrar of Names; the Holy Mother who guards the birthing chamber; and the talisman-bearing deity of the Nine Heavens: please watch over the truth of this matter and protect the lives involved. Once the talisman’s command enters the five viscera, make the child leave the mother’s body swiftly. Carry this out at once in accordance with the commands of the High and Exalted True King of the Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean.

Jade Maidens who guard the birthing chamber and the Great Deity who oversees births, please protect the birth register and ensure the mother and child are safely separated. Carry this out at once in accordance with the command.

For this talisman method, form the Chen sign, draw in Qi from the Xun direction, then write the talisman. Send it downstream with the flowing water. It is said to greatly relieve a difficult birth.

Talisman for Delivering from Calamity and Dispelling Disaster

The incantation says:

Longevity of the Southern Pole, please dispel calamity and protect the birth. Another version reads, “Great One transforms and brings forth life.” The Three Terraces (a name for a group of stellar officials) lie in concealment as the rite is performed. May every kind of good undertaking come to fruition smoothly. Carry this out at once in accordance with the commands of the High and Exalted True King of the Jade Clarity of the Divine Empyrean.

右法，先念咒三遍，取炁三口，吹笔，书之。再咒三遍，三口吹符上。令烧灰，倒流水下。掐辰诀，取巽炁，先念咒三遍，取炁三口，吹笔，书之。再咒三遍，三口吹符上。令烧灰，倒流水下。掐辰诀，取巽炁。若遇官灾、口舌、刀兵、虎狼、恶人咒诅、大灾、水火劫运，悉皆朱书，祈祷吞带，其厄立退。服了，念消灾解厄天尊三百声，立解也。度厄咒吾奉天勑，玉京赐力。天丁乘卫，八史佐力。日月五星，神光赫奕。二十八宿，五岳四渎，看吾喘息。上有华盖，下有天乙。左导风伯，右从雨师。凶妖小鬼，口舌水火。恶人盗贼，斩口截舌。面赤目黑，死亡之时，到汝之刻。急急如玉清消魔王律息。上有华盖，下有天乙。左导风伯，右从雨师。凶妖小鬼，口舌水火。恶人盗贼，斩口截舌。面赤目黑，死亡之时，到汝之刻。急急如玉清消魔王律令。右法，如水火、刀兵、刑狱之厄，命值灾星，面东念太一长生保命消灾天尊、神霄玉清真王圣号，各一百声，佩符念咒，存四直在身，一切厄难，皆不得近。去官灾口舌法凡有此灾，上下不和，并有灾厄，当入靖治，焚香启白所事之因。先念存斗咒：

Interpretation

When performing the above method, first recite the incantation three times, draw in three breaths, and blow onto the brush before writing the Fulu (talismans and registers). Then recite the incantation three more times, draw in three breaths, and blow toward the Fulu. Afterward, burn the Fulu to ash and pour the ash into flowing water, while making the Chen hand seal, a Daoist mudra, and drawing in Qi from the Xun direction, the southeast. Next, repeat the same procedure: recite the incantation, draw in Qi, blow onto the brush and write the Fulu, blow toward it, burn it to ash, pour the ash into flowing water, make the Chen hand seal, and draw in Qi from the Xun direction.

In cases of lawsuits and calamities, quarrels and disputes, violence involving weapons, attacks by tigers or wolves, curses from evil people, major disasters, or perils involving water or fire, write the Fulu in cinnabar. After praying, swallow the ashes or carry the Fulu on your person; it is said that the calamity will then recede. After taking it, recite “Heavenly Worthy Who Dispels Calamities and Relieves Misfortune” three hundred times to avert disaster.

Incantation for Overcoming Calamity

I obey the command of the Celestial Emperor and receive the power of the Jade Capital, the palace of the heavenly realm. The Celestial Soldiers stand guard, and the Eight Divine Officials assist me. The sun, moon, and Five Planets shine with radiance; the spirits of the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions, the Five Sacred Mountains, and the Four Great Rivers all await my command. Above, the Canopy Star protects me; below, the Heavenly Yi Star supports me. To my left, the Wind Master leads the way; to my right, the Rain Master accompanies me.

Evil demons and spirits, minor ghosts, quarrels and disputes, disasters of water and fire, evil people, and thieves—all shall have their words severed and their tongues stopped. Your faces turn red, your eyes grow dark; when the hour of death comes, your end has arrived. Act swiftly in accordance with the decree of the Demon-Subduing King of Jade Purity!

The passages in the incantation concerning the Canopy Star, the Heavenly Yi Star, the Wind Master, and the Rain Master, as well as evil demons, minor ghosts, disputes, disasters of water and fire, evil people, and thieves, are recited once more. It ends again with the words, “Act swiftly in accordance with the decree of the Demon-Subduing King of Jade Purity!”

This method may be used for disasters involving water or fire, violence involving weapons, calamities of imprisonment or punishment, or when one’s fate encounters an inauspicious star. Face east and recite each of the sacred titles “Heavenly Worthy of Great Unity, Long Life, Protection of Life, and Dispelling Calamities” and “True King of the Jade Purity of the Divine Empyrean” one hundred times. Carry the Fulu and recite the incantation while visualizing the Four Duty Generals—the divine generals who preside over the year, month, day, and hour—guarding you at your side. In this way, the various calamities will be unable to approach.

Method for Averting Official Calamities and Disputes

Whenever lawsuits and calamities, verbal disputes, disharmony between superiors and subordinates, or other misfortunes arise, enter the Jingzhi, the quiet chamber where Daoist priests establish an altar and perform rites. Burn incense and report the matter to the deities, explaining what you seek and why. Then first recite the incantation for visualizing the Dipper, which calls to mind the spirits of the Northern Dipper:

吾奉真王勑，与五斗俱行，千万凶殃，莫敢当吾前后。前开后闭，万鬼不敌。急急如律事之因。先念存斗咒：吾奉真王勑，与五斗俱行，千万凶殃，莫敢当吾前后。前开后闭，万鬼不敌。急急如律令。伏斗咒我生斗罡，起斗行罡。三台在前，辟除不祥。天一在后，辟除邪兵。日在吾左，阳明耀耀。月在吾右，变景阴精。华盖覆头，足履七星。二十八宿四张，为吾城郭，方圆三十里，周匝下营排阵。境界千邪万害、恶鬼凶神，伏吾魁罡之下，无动无作。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。伏灾斗变灾咒吾是天尊真王三天师君弟子，昔受太上神方杀鬼之文。夜行游尸，七恶妖魂。九丑玉清真王律令。伏灾斗变灾咒吾是天尊真王三天师君弟子，昔受太上神方杀鬼之文。夜行游尸，七恶妖魂。九丑鬼贼，万魔成群。赫奕图兵，巨兽罗千。挥割万妖，当我即残。龙降七烛，逐邪无奸。玉帝神师，挥剑斩凶。灭摧万魔，恶人盗贼。官事口舌，游师禁戒。厌倒咒诅，三天正法。斩杀恶人，柳锁白刃。凶灾摧落离身，破散消灭。欲起恶意，向吾之者，流铃拔舌，北斗截头。书不成字，语不成章。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。

Interpretation

I act under the command of the True King and travel with the Five Dippers. Every kind of calamity and disaster dares not invade me. The way is opened before me and sealed behind me; not even ten thousand ghosts can match me. May all be carried out swiftly in accordance with the statutes. First recite the “Dipper Invocation of Presence,” the spell for visualizing the stars of the Northern Dipper:

Spell for Subduing the Dipper (a spell for suppressing evil forces and seeking protection through the Dipper stars)

I was born beneath the Dipper’s handle and foot the stars’ pattern as I set out. The Three Terraces stars are before me, driving away ill omens on my behalf; the Celestial One star is behind me, driving off evil troops. The sun is to my left, shining with radiance; the moon is to my right, changing its light and revealing the Yin essence. The Canopy star covers my head, and my feet tread upon the Seven Stars. The Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions are arrayed in the four directions, forming my walls. They encircle me for thirty li in every direction, laying out camps and battle lines. All the evil spirits, calamities, demons, and fierce deities in the surrounding domain lie subdued beneath my Dipper stars and may not stir recklessly. May all be carried out swiftly in accordance with the statutes of the Most High True King of Jade Purity in the Divine Empyrean.

Subduing Calamities with the Dipper (using Dipper rites to suppress disasters)

Spell for Transforming Calamities (a spell praying that disasters be dispelled and misfortune turned aside)

Subduing Calamities with the Dipper

Spell for Transforming Calamities

I am a disciple of the Heavenly Worthy, the True King, and the Lords of the Three Heavens. In the past, I received the ghost-slaying talismanic text from the Supreme One’s divine prescriptions. Wandering corpses and ghosts of the night, seven kinds of vicious demon souls, nine kinds of hideous ghost bandits, and the gathered hosts of ten thousand demons must all obey the command. Divine might shines forth, troops form ranks, and giant beasts fill the four directions. I swing my blade against the gathered demons, and they meet me only to fall at once. Divine dragons descend, and seven candles shine, driving away evil spirits and leaving no treachery behind. The Jade Emperor’s divine master wields a sword to cut down the wicked and destroy ten thousand demons. There are also methods by which the divine master forbids and subdues evildoers, thieves, legal disputes, and quarrels of words. Curses, apotropaic rites, and other evil arts are all stopped by the orthodox methods of the Three Heavens. With willow wood I bind the naked blade and cut down evildoers, making fierce calamities collapse away from me, break apart, and vanish. Whoever intends me harm will suffer the punishment of the flowing bells and tongue-pulling, and of the Northern Dipper severing their head; they will be unable to write a word or speak a coherent sentence. May all be carried out swiftly in accordance with the statutes of the Most High True King of Jade Purity in the Divine Empyrean.

右法，有凶灾恶人谋害，被人厌倒种种灾事，家门不和。先掐辰文，取斗，炁吹两肩，念斗咒三次，三吹，藏身斗中。师立中央，存五斗，皆有光芒射人。次念伏斗咒了，谋害，被人厌倒种种灾事，家门不和。先掐辰文，取斗，炁吹两肩，念斗咒三次，三吹，藏身斗中。师立中央，存五斗，皆有光芒射人。次念伏斗咒了，默祷所事，念变灾咒。直出，不得反顾，大验。出斗时，闭炁而出，其灾自灭也。去伏连符咒曰：雷公电母，掷火流金。霹雳尸怪，断鬼除凶。投水自镒，尸冤炁传。神霄一勑，令汝生天。不听吾命，斩汝罪愆。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁，吹之。如有投水伏连，冤枉相替。神霄一勑，令汝生天。不听吾命，斩汝罪愆。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁，吹之。如有投水伏连，冤枉相替，朱书板上，埋之。人有病，吞服可解。断注符咒日：勑咤咤咤，吽吽啼吼。注射迁鬼，传尸劳魂。八万天丁，九百正申，吏兵三千。收邪断注，送往北天。剪断鬼踪，后截尸冤。人民安乐，上升九天。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。

No English interpretation of this passage is available yet. The Chinese source text is shown above; a translation will be added later.

右法，掐辰文，取巽炁。凡世人被尸劳鬼注，伏连世代，以致灭族者，朱书黄上，背书鬼名，左裂丁钉之。三时同黑纸，鬼辟人去，梦中报知，可断后根。吞之三道。又咒曰：天狱灵官，司命促生。真炁到处，破狱生天。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律道。又咒曰：天狱灵官，司命促生。真炁到处，破狱生天。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。凡治家亲为祟，不得受生，念咒书之，并功德牒同烧三道。又三道，於本命上供养。念咒盖形，於本命上卧，其虫自出。三更后服，少顷，再服前符一道。二符并烧服，其虫立出。厌游尸破射符咒曰：天有五星，地有九梁。五行运动，出阴入阳。飞尸鬼注，邪注灭亡。山坛游尸，破射伏梁。先斩尸祖，后断鬼王。汝若不去，送向魁罡。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁，朱书黄纸上。如人卒中飞尸，不省人事，或厌南川霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁，朱书黄纸上。如人卒中飞尸，不省人事，或厌南川射猎之人，以桃枝汤吞下，立安。仍以前汤一斗，洒之为妙。除怪符咒曰：

Interpretation

This method is for driving away harmful spirits called “Corpse-Labor and Ghost Infestation.” The term refers to the spirits described in the scripture as afflicting people and bringing calamity upon their descendants. To perform the rite, form the “Chen pattern” with the fingers, a Daoist hand gesture, and draw in “Xun Qi,” gathered by a ritual method from the Xun direction. Write the talisman in cinnabar on yellow paper, write the ghost’s name on the back, then tear it from the left side and pin it in place with a metal nail. At the third watch, carry out the rite with black paper. The text says the spirits will avoid the place and depart, then reveal news in a dream, thereby ending future harm. The talisman is to be swallowed in three portions.

The incantation says that the Celestial Prison’s Divine Officer, acting on the command of the Lord of Destiny, hastens life back to life. Wherever the true Qi—the source Qi in Daoist teaching—reaches, it can break open the prison and restore a person to life. The rite ends with a command issued in the name of the Most High Divine King of the Jade Clarity of the Empyrean Heaven. The scripture gives two similar endings to the incantation: one reads “command of the Dao,” the other “by command.”

If a family member is afflicted by harmful spirits and cannot be reborn, recite the incantation and write talismans, then burn them together with a merit register, a document recording virtuous deeds. Perform the rite in three portions, and set aside three more talismans to offer above the person’s natal deity, the deity corresponding to their birth date. While reciting the incantation, cover the body with a talisman, then lie on the natal talisman; the text says the insect spirits will come out on their own. Take the remedy after the third watch, then, after a while, swallow one talisman of the earlier kind. Burn the two talismans together and swallow them; the text says the insect spirits will then come out at once.

The “Talisman for Suppressing Wandering Corpses and Breaking Projectile Spirits” is used to subdue harmful spirits such as wandering corpses and flying corpses. The incantation says that the Five Phases move through Heaven and Earth, and Yin and Yang cycle back and forth; flying corpses, ghost infestations, and all harmful spirits should perish. It then orders the wandering corpses of the mountain altar, the projectile spirits, and the Fuliang spirits to retreat: first behead the ancestor of corpses, then sever the ghost king. If they still refuse to leave, send them to Kuigang, a Daoist stellar deity.

To perform the rite, form the Chen pattern with the fingers and gather Xun Qi. Write the talisman in cinnabar on yellow paper. If someone is suddenly attacked by a flying corpse and loses consciousness, or if people hunting with bows in the southern riverlands encounter harmful spirits, administer the talisman with a decoction made from peach branches. The scripture says this will bring immediate relief. Sprinkling a dou of peach-branch decoction over the body is said to work even better.

At the end, the text gives the heading “Talisman for Removing Strange Afflictions” and the words “The incantation says,” but the following content is not included.

玉清天皇，斩杀天精。上清地皇，斩却地妖。太清人皇，辟除不祥。七代酉角，送去天丁。元皇稽首，鬼帝减形。千妖万怪，不得留停。急急如神霄玉清灭魔王律令。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁。凡引弄鸡犬、敲门打户、失财虚耗、六畜自食，一切怪异。中庭，以方砖埋之八方，其灾怪自除矣辰文，取巽炁。凡引弄鸡犬、敲门打户、失财虚耗、六畜自食，一切怪异。中庭，以方砖埋之八方，其灾怪自除矣。断咒诅口舌符咒曰：青帝灵灵，应化随方。横断灾厄，以逐狂风。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。又咒曰：天喉北斗，气舌南辰。能斩人冤，能断人憎。非非是是，说我姓名。青龙孟章，饮汝身血。白虎监兵，咬汝喉咙。赤齿大刀，臼舌天人。今日上告，收汝奸身。急急如高上神霄消魔王律令。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁，於正旦端午，书桐木上，钉门堂中。若口舌咒诅，朱书黄纸上，吞带，念消灾解厄天尊圣号三百声。通目符散形

No English interpretation of this passage is available yet. The Chinese source text is shown above; a translation will be added later.

元始天尊太上道君太上老君束西南北上下悬照上合炁为天下合浊炁为地太离天尊追摄鬼魂日月通灵尽见鬼神布金桥引鬼魂天帝勑天神妖邪尽现形地祇勑地神精邪尽皆通炁为地太离天尊追摄鬼魂日月通灵尽见鬼神布金桥引鬼魂天帝勑天神妖邪尽现形地祇勑地神精邪尽皆通天轰地摄天勑鬼地勑鬼人煞鬼天罡太一胜光小吉传送从魁河魁登明神后大吉功曹太克聚形咒曰：玉清上帝，洞视天尊。真光徘徊，混合目睛。急急如玉帝勑。再咒：清玲元君，神通万里。彻见鬼神，洞晓邪源。符水拭目，众神齐临。急急如玉帝勑。次念通目咒天目大神，地目神君。百眼魔王，洞观天尊。照彻八极，上见三清。八十一垒，深见微尘。鬼神吏兵，见在吾形。急急如神霄玉清真王勑。右法，三九夜，人三清。八十一垒，深见微尘。鬼神吏兵，见在吾形。急急如神霄玉清真王勑。右法，三九夜，人静，以束井水调，念咒，掐辰文，取炁七口入水中，浄耳、目、面，余水饮之。百日彻视鬼神也。变狱符咒曰：东方风雷，南方火狱。西方裂形，北方冥水。中央普掠，囚勘鬼神。牛头掾吏，罪鬼天丁。神府一勑，万变天神。八方大狱，炁到成形。急急如高上神霄天狱天王律令。再咒：

Interpretation

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, the Lord of the Dao, and the Most High Lord Lao shine down from the east, west, south, north, above, and below. Above, they unite as the clear Qi of Heaven; below, they unite as the turbid Qi of Earth. The Celestial Worthy of Great Separation pursues and captures ghosts, enabling the sun and moon to commune with the spirit realm and revealing ghosts and spirits. He lays a golden bridge to guide ghosts across. The Celestial Emperor commands the heavenly spirits, making demons and malign forces reveal their forms; the Earth Deities command the earth spirits, making all spirits and malign forces appear. Heaven thunders and shakes; Earth gathers and captures. The Celestial Emperor commands ghosts and spirits; the Earth Deities command ghosts and spirits. Heavenly Dipper, Taiyi, Shengguang, Xiaoji, Chuansong, Congkui, Hekui, Dengming, Shenhou, Daji, Gongcao, Taike.

Gathering Forms

Incantation:

Jade Pure Emperor, Celestial Worthy who sees all. True light turns and circles, joining with the two eyes. Act swiftly in accordance with the Jade Emperor’s command.

Then recite:

Pure and Luminous Primordial Lady, whose spiritual powers reach ten thousand miles. See ghosts and spirits completely; discern the roots of evil and malign influences. Wipe the eyes with talisman water, and let all the spirits descend together. Act swiftly in accordance with the Jade Emperor’s command.

Next recite the incantation for opening the eyes:

Great Spirit of the Heavenly Eye, Divine Lord of the Earthly Eye, Demon King of a Hundred Eyes, Celestial Worthy who sees through all. Light shines in the eight directions; above, it can see the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing, the highest deities revered in Daoism). It penetrates the eighty-one encampments, discerning even things as minute as dust. Ghosts, spirits, clerks, and soldiers all appear before my eyes. Act swiftly in accordance with the command of the True King of Jade Purity in the Divine Empyrean.

This method must be practiced in a quiet place on a Three-Nine night, a night selected according to Daoist numerological calculations. It penetrates the eighty-one encampments, discerning even things as minute as dust. Ghosts, spirits, clerks, and soldiers all appear before my eyes. Act swiftly in accordance with the command of the True King of Jade Purity in the Divine Empyrean.

To perform this method, take well water from the east and mix it. Recite the incantation, form the Chen hand seal, draw in breath seven times, and blow it into the water. Then use the water to cleanse the ears, eyes, and face, and drink what remains. Practice this way for one hundred days, and you will be able to see ghosts and spirits.

Prison-Transformation Talisman

Incantation:

In the east, wind and thunder arise; in the south, a fiery prison is established; in the west, the punishment of bodily dismemberment is imposed; in the north, the waters of the netherworld are set. In the center, universal torture is inflicted, to imprison and interrogate ghosts and spirits. Ox-Head clerks, the underworld functionaries with ox-like heads, and the heavenly soldiers of guilty ghosts, obey the command. With a single order from the Divine Bureau, the heavenly spirits can transform accordingly. When the prison Qi of the eight directions arrives, its form appears. Act swiftly in accordance with the laws of the High and Supreme King of the Heavenly Prison in the Divine Empyrean.

Then recite the incantation:

六首山翕，生存幽谷。朝泛庚申，暮还甲乙。晚积丙丁，大海四目。三十六将，速建水火狱。急急如高上神霄玉清幽谷。朝泛庚申，暮还甲乙。晚积丙丁，大海四目。三十六将，速建水火狱。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，临坛遣邪囚鬼，书画四方，圈放符中。念法，任意作用。牢头印符，烧灰吹。变狱用之也。召天丁符咒曰：神霄勑命，径往九天。所召天丁，速至坛前。符命一下，无辄稽延。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁，书召之。召六丁玉女符咒曰：神霄勑命，径往九天。所召玉女，速至坛前。符命一下，无辄稽延。急急如神霄玉清真王律令。召真致神符咒曰：神霄勑命，径往九天。所统兵马，万万千千。符命到处，急发令行。急急如神霄玉清真王伶。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁，书召之。召泰山兵马符咒曰：五方主宰，来到泰山。甲吏一万，速降玉司。承受命令，火急遵清真王伶。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁，书召之。召泰山兵马符咒曰：五方主宰，来到泰山。甲吏一万，速降玉司。承受命令，火急遵行。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。勑符咒

Interpretation

The divine spirits of Mount Liushou gather, dwelling in deep mountain valleys. At dawn they patrol toward the Geng-Shen direction; at dusk they return toward the Jia-Yi direction. At night they gather the Qi of Bing-Ding, while divine eyes watch over the four quarters of the great sea. The thirty-six generals swiftly establish a prison of water and fire. Carry this out at once, in accordance with the command of the Most High True King of Jade Purity of the Divine Empyrean.

This method is used when setting up an altar to drive away evil influences and confine ghosts. The practitioner writes and draws talismans in the four directions, enclosing them in a circle. Then the practitioner enters the circle of talismans and recites the incantation, performing the rite as required. The talisman bearing the prison warden’s seal may be burned to ash and scattered on the wind to transform and establish the prison realm.

Talisman for Summoning the Celestial Troops

The incantation says:

By command of the Divine Empyrean, the order reaches the Nine Heavens. The celestial troops summoned are to come swiftly before the altar. At the issuing of the talismanic command, there must be no delay. Carry this out at once, in accordance with the command of the Most High True King of Jade Purity of the Divine Empyrean.

During the rite, form the Chen hand sign, draw in the Qi of Xun, and write the talisman to summon them.

Talisman for Summoning the Six Ding Jade Maidens

The incantation says:

By command of the Divine Empyrean, the order reaches the Nine Heavens. The Jade Maidens summoned are to come swiftly before the altar. At the issuing of the talismanic command, there must be no delay. Carry this out at once, in accordance with the command of the True King of Jade Purity of the Divine Empyrean.

Talisman for Summoning the True and Bringing Forth the Spirits

The incantation says:

By command of the Divine Empyrean, the order reaches the Nine Heavens. The troops under its command number in the tens of thousands. Wherever the talismanic command arrives, orders are to be issued and carried out at once. Carry this out at once, in accordance with the command of the True King of Jade Purity of the Divine Empyrean.

During the rite, form the Chen hand sign, draw in the Qi of Xun, and write the talisman to summon them.

Talisman for Summoning the Troops of Mount Tai

The incantation says:

Rulers of the Five Directions, come to Mount Tai. Ten thousand armored officers are to descend swiftly to the Jade Bureau. Upon receiving the command, carry out the True King’s order at once.

During the rite, form the Chen hand sign, draw in the Qi of Xun, and write the talisman to summon them.

Talisman for Summoning the Troops of Mount Tai

The incantation says:

Rulers of the Five Directions, come to Mount Tai. Ten thousand armored officers are to descend swiftly to the Jade Bureau. Upon receiving the command, carry it out at once. Carry this out at once, in accordance with the command of the Most High True King of Jade Purity of the Divine Empyrean.

Incantation for Empowering a Talisman

青华帝勑，径赴东峰。蒿里老卒，符到交兵。急急如高上神霄玉清真王律令。右法，掐辰文，取巽炁，符以朱书，用板长一尺二寸，阔三寸四分。凡关借泰山兵马，牒其所司

Interpretation

The Azure Radiance Emperor, a revered Daoist deity, issues an edict commanding an immediate departure for the Eastern Peak. The old soldier of Haoli, a divine official in the underworld, receives the talismanic order and sends out the troops. This matter must be carried out swiftly, in accordance with the decree of the Most High, the True King of the Jade Clarity Heaven of Divine Empyrean.

To perform this rite, form the Chen hand sign with the fingers, draw in Qi from the Xun direction (one of the Eight Trigrams, associated with the southeast), and write the talisman in cinnabar. The talisman board is one chi and two cun long, and three cun and four fen wide. Whenever troops from Mount Tai are to be requisitioned, submit a document to the bureau overseeing the matter, commanding…

，令

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