《北斗治法武威經》

The ninth volume of The Martial Power Scripture of the Dipper Method records:

During the chaotic final years of the Sui dynasty, when warlords rose in rebellion across the land, a commoner named Yuan Qing traveled the Yi-Luo region in pursuit of learning. Like a towering pine in a mountain stream or an ancient cypress reaching for the heavens, he concealed his talents and ambitions.

In the early Tang dynasty, while serving in Luoyang, Yuan Qing was startled one midnight by a knock at his door. Holding a candle, he saw a divine maiden wearing a five-colored lotus crown and draped in a nine-hued cloud cloak, holding a scroll of sacred text. She introduced herself as the Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens (a high-ranking Daoist goddess) and said, "Knowing your sincere devotion to the Dao and lofty aspirations, I have come to bestow upon you the Martial Power Sacred Text. This is the divine method of the Celestial Stem. If you assist a virtuous ruler with this art, you may achieve great deeds in these troubled times and leave your name in history." With these words, she ascended on clouds, accompanied by celestial music. Yuan Qing bowed reverently, watching as she vanished into the sky.

After receiving the secret text, Yuan Qing devoted himself to its study day and night. Within a year, he mastered its profound mysteries. Later, he aided Emperor Gaozu of Tang in quelling the chaos and was enfeoffed as Left Vice Director of the Executive Bureau, attaining high nobility—all due to the efficacy of this practice.

The scripture outlines key principles of the Dipper method: The Northern Dipper actually consists of twelve stars, though nine are commonly recognized (Daoism holds that the Dipper has nine stars, differing from the astronomical seven-star theory). One must observe the Dipper’s movement with the solar terms, paying special attention to the seventh star, the hidden Assistant-Star (a uniquely Daoist concept). When the seven stars shine brightly, it foretells peace in the realm; if any dim, calamity will arise in the corresponding region, requiring careful observation. This method must be transmitted only to the worthy.

Functions of the specific Star Lords:

1. The first star, Celestial Pivot, is named "Kui" (Leader) or the Greedy Wolf Star. It governs celestial affairs and the human body, corresponding to the four lunar mansions of Shi, Bi, Kui, and Lou. Geographically, it aligns with the Qin region of Xuzhou and holds the celestial office of Grand Commandant. Those born in the Year of the Rat fall under its jurisdiction.

2. The second star, Celestial Responsibility, is named "Bi" (Guard) or the Giant Gate Star. It governs terrestrial affairs and the laws of the underworld, corresponding to the four lunar mansions of Wei, Mao, Bi, and Zi. Geographically, it aligns with the Chu region of Yizhou and serves as the celestial ruler.

This scripture explains the correspondence between the Nine Stars of the Dipper (the seven stars of the Big Dipper plus the two auxiliary stars) and human affairs, as well as how to discern auspicious and inauspicious signs through celestial observation:

[Stellar Lords and Life Affinities]

1. The Third Celestial Pillar Star Lord is named "Yan," styled "Lu Cun." It governs solar energy (Ri Yuan) and blessings, corresponding to the Shen and Gui lunar mansions. Those born in the Year of the Ox or Pig fall under its jurisdiction, geographically linked to Liang (modern Shaanxi) and Jizhou (North China). Its function is "Heaven's Void Overseer."

2. The Fourth Celestial Heart Star Lord is named "Xing," styled "Wen Qu." It governs lunar energy and official salaries, corresponding to the Zhang and Xing lunar mansions. Those born in the Year of the Tiger or Dog fall under its domain, geographically tied to Wu (Jiangsu/Zhejiang) and Jingzhou (Hunan/Hubei). Its function is "Heaven's Mobile Patrol."

3. The Fifth Celestial Fowl Star Lord is named "Bi," styled "Lian Zhen." It governs river Qi and official positions, corresponding to the Jiao, Kang, Di, and Fang lunar mansions. Those born in the Year of the Rabbit or Rooster fall under its rule, geographically linked to Zhao (Hebei) and Yanzhou (Shandong). Its function is "Heaven's Dipper Lord."

4. The Sixth Celestial Auxiliary Star is named "Wu Qu," governing river Qi and lifespan, corresponding to the Xin, Wei, Dou, and Ji lunar mansions. Those born in the Year of the Dragon or Monkey fall under its jurisdiction, geographically tied to Yan (Beijing region) and Yangzhou (Jianghuai). Its function is "Heaven's Grand Constancy."

5. The Seventh Celestial Charge Star is named "Piao," styled "Po Jun." It governs oceanic Qi and marriage, corresponding to the Niu, Nü, Xu, and Wei lunar mansions. Those born in the Year of the Snake or Goat fall under its domain, geographically linked to Qi (Shandong) and Yuzhou (Henan). Its function is "Heaven's Supreme Sovereign."

[The Two Auxiliary Stars]

• The Eighth Auxiliary Star bears the surname "Jing Chang," with the taboo name "Shang Kai," styled "Zheng Yan." It oversees the merits, faults, and fortunes of ministers across kingdoms, corresponding to Yan and Bingzhou (Shanxi).
• The Ninth Auxiliary Star bears the surname "You Kong," with the taboo name "Ming Yang," styled "You Liao." It similarly oversees state officials, corresponding to Zhou (Guanzhong) and Yongzhou (Northwest).

[Celestial Divination]

In times of crisis, sincerely reciting the true names of the seven stars can transform misfortune into blessing. The seven stars of the Dipper resemble the celestial emperor's chariot in the sky, with four stars forming the Xuanji (observational instrument) and three stars forming the Yuheng (balancer). During virtuous rulers' reigns, the starlight shines brightly; under unworthy rulers, it dims. Special attention should be paid to the following celestial phenomena:

• Abnormal Venus: Predicts fluctuations in gold, silver, copper, and iron prices.
• Abnormal Jupiter: Indicates either abundant harvests or crop failures.
• Abnormal Mercury: Signals rising salt prices or floods.
• Abnormal Mars: Foretells fires or military conflicts.
• Abnormal Saturn: Warns of territorial division or ministers' misfortunes.
• Comet appearance: Portends widespread warfare.
• Five-colored clouds: Herald great calamities.
• Azure clouds: Bring national blessings.
• Crimson clouds: Predict city fires.
• Yellow clouds...

This scripture primarily explains methods for predicting human fortunes and misfortunes by observing celestial phenomena, particularly cloud formations and star constellations. Here's the simplified explanation:

Different colored clouds enveloping a nation foretell various disasters:

• White clouds: the country will face warfare
• Black clouds: nationwide floods will occur
• Multicolored clouds: great calamity will befall the land
• Blue-green clouds: war will erupt in the central plains
• Reddish vapors: military conflicts will arise
• White vapors: the people will suffer famine
• Black vapors: horrific cannibalism will emerge
• Yellow vapors: the nation will lose territory

The text then details how each of the twenty-eight lunar mansions governs specific human affairs (each constellation corresponds to different celestial administrative functions):

1. Jiao (Horn): governs rainfall (overseeing growth in the human realm)

2. Kang (Neck): governs strong winds (managing lifespan fluctuations)

3. Di (Root): governs gales (supervising vegetation)

4. Fang (Chamber): governs storms (administering transportation)

5. Xin (Heart): governs precipitation (regarding labor conscription)

6. Wei (Tail): governs auspicious clouds

7. Ji (Winnowing Basket): governs gentle winds and drizzle (managing weights and measures)

8. Dou (Dipper) and Niu (Ox): govern cloud formations (overseeing livestock)

9. Nü (Girl): governs Yin-Yang (regulating marriages)

10. Xu (Emptiness): governs powerful winds (managing material depletion)

11. Wei (Rooftop): governs sandstorms (supervising disasters)

12. Shi (Encampment): governs overcast skies (overseeing crops)

13. Bi (Wall) and Kui (Legs): govern wind and rain (managing land)

14. Lou (Bond): governs strong winds (administering temples and palaces)

15. Wei (Stomach): governs winds (regulating blessings and salaries)

16. Mao (Hairy Head): governs clear skies (overseeing hidden virtue and karmic rewards)

17. Bi (Net): governs cosmic openings (managing treasures)

18. Zi (Turtle Beak): governs wind and rain (supervising spirit affairs)

19. Shen (Triaster): governs wind and rain (handling grievances)

20. Jing (Well): governs murky skies (administering ponds and wells)

21. Gui (Ghost): governs darkened skies (overseeing curses and poisons)

The scripture concludes by stating all these correlations between celestial changes and earthly phenomena are thoroughly documented in the Wuwei Jing (Martial Authority Scripture), where discerning observers may perceive their significance.

This scripture primarily explains the divine administrative functions of the Big Dipper stars (known in Daoism as the Nine Stars of the Northern Dipper) in governing human affairs, along with the specific methods for performing rituals using the "Tiangang Method" (Celestial Pivot Technique):

The text first details the earthly matters governed by each of the Dipper's stellar deities:

• The Third Star (Liu) oversees dim celestial phenomena and human warfare
• The Fourth Star (Xing) controls clear weather and bloodshed involving blades
• The Fifth Star (Zhang) regulates extreme heat and domestic discord
• The Sixth Star (Yi) governs fair weather and all winged and four-legged creatures
• The Seventh Star (Zhen) presides over sunny conditions and human sorrows of parting and death

The Mysterious Maiden (Jiutian Xuannü, an important Daoist goddess) reveals that these nine stars collectively administer human destiny - life and death, fortune and misfortune. Particularly, the "Pojun Star" (Seventh Star of the Dipper) wields martial power capable of repelling ghosts and spirits. All military strategies and divination arts (including Qimen Dunjia) originate from the Northern Dipper's sacred energy.

The Tiangang Method ritual procedure requires:

• First performing "Yu Steps" (a sacred Daoist footwork pattern)
• Visualizing one's transformation into a celestial crane
• Reciting the Tiangang incantation (a lengthy mantra in the scripture)

The chant essentially petitions the Dipper Deities and the Jade Emperor for protection, disaster relief, and blessings.

Timing is crucial for effective practice:

• Beginning from the current month's "Yuejian" (a calendrical term indicating the corresponding earthly branch)
• Locating the spatial orientation corresponding to the Xu (戌) hour
• This direction marks the Tiangang position - all actions must align with it
• Moving against this celestial pivot invites calamity, whether in city-building, military campaigns, or other ventures

The text concludes by warning that during critical occasions (such as imperial audiences or sea voyages), practitioners must always heed the Tiangang orientation to avoid misfortune.

This scripture describes a Daoist exorcism technique called the "Method of Tiangang" (Celestial Stem). It serves as a protective ritual against malevolent forces and misfortunes, with the following key elements:

When facing human malice, wild beasts, or embarking on journeys for wealth or travel, one may perform this ritual by:

1. First offering prayers to the Northern Dipper deities while reciting incantations

2. After chanting, sequentially invoking the names of the seven stars of the Northern Dipper

3. Drawing a four-vertical, five-horizontal grid (resembling the Nine Palaces diagram) on the ground with a wooden staff

4. Practicing "Yu Steps" (Yubu) - a sacred walking pattern traditionally attributed to Emperor Yu the Great

5. Following the guidance of Tiangang (the Celestial Stem star, one of the seven stars in the Northern Dipper)

The scripture further explains that:

• When entering households afflicted by plague or gu poison, this method can summon "medicine ghosts" (specialized spirits that counteract toxins) through incantations, commanding them to descend three feet underground
• When encountering dangerous walls or collapsing structures, walking backward while facing upward can avert disaster

The incantation essentially invokes:

The power of Yu the Great for protection against armed conflict, compelling tigers, wolves, bandits and all malicious entities to submit to Tiangang's authority and refrain from harmful actions.

Essential precautions include:

• Performing specific hand seals (Yu Step Seal Patterns) during the ritual
• Making all preparations beforehand
• Taking immediate action after chanting without looking back
• Strict adherence to the "Dipper-Stem" (Dougang) principle - the celestial movements of the Northern Dipper stars

"Kuigang" refers to the combined power of Tiangang and Tiankui (two principal stars in the Northern Dipper constellation), regarded in Daoism as possessing formidable exorcistic capabilities. The method integrates astral alignment with terrestrial ritual practice, embodying the Daoist cosmological principle of harmonizing celestial patterns with human affairs.