《太上五星七元空常訣》

This scripture explains the Daoist practice of "Stepping the Five Stars" (Bu Wuxing), a method of attuning to the energies of the five planets (Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, and Saturn) through visualization and ritual. Here's a plain interpretation:

The practice proceeds as follows: First, suspend breathing (biqi) and perform the Gang Steps (a special ritual footwork pattern) fifteen times back and forth. At each corresponding stellar position, place the left hand over the heart while silently reciting incantations like "The Five Stars shine in array." Before beginning the Gang Steps, visualize the essence (Jing) and Qi of the five stars residing within your five viscera. Repeat this ceremony after completing each cycle. Persist in this practice for fourteen years to achieve the state of ascending in broad daylight.

Key operational details: Before stepping the Gang pattern, one must first invoke the names of the Five Star Imperial Consorts (personified honorific titles for the planets), continuing the steps only after recitation. Reinforcing the practice by invoking each star lord's name at their respective positions yields better results, though the basic method suffices if the full procedure feels overly cumbersome.

The text cites examples like Master Yu Sha and Bei Lizi—predecessors who attained the Dao and ascended through this method. The author reflects: merchants endure hardships for profit—if seekers of the Dao showed similar determination, how could immortality remain unattainable? Yet many novices start diligently but grow lax, like carts nearing collapse or oxen straining under burdens.

Regarding planetary alignment: Face south during practice. Venus (Taibai) occupies the western position, Jupiter (Suixing) the east, with other stars similarly arranged. Unlike the fixed Big Dipper, the five planets' celestial positions constantly shift, hence the need for stable terrestrial correspondences.

The Perfected Lord Taisu (a Daoist immortal) adds: both initiating and concluding the Gang Steps require strict adherence to ceremonial protocols.

This scripture explains the specific practice method of "Pacing the Gang and Treading the Dipper" (Bugang Tadou), a Daoist ritual step pattern that imitates the movement of stars, with emphasis on visualizing and communicating with the deities of the Five Planets.

During cultivation, one must first visualize the energies of the Five Planets—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth—residing within the corresponding five viscera:

• Mercury (Water Star, corresponding to the kidneys) dispels calamities
• Jupiter (Wood Star, corresponding to the liver) brings prosperity
• Mars (Fire Star, corresponding to the heart) eliminates misfortunes
• Venus (Metal Star, corresponding to the lungs) wards off warfare
• Saturn (Earth Star, corresponding to the spleen) stabilizes all directions

Next, the practitioner should knock the teeth five times, swallow saliva five times, and silently recite incantations to invoke the protection of the Five Planets, praying for the ability to ascend into the heavens and roam the ten directions. While chanting, one must face the Gang stars (the Big Dipper) and synchronize visualization and prayer with the rhythm of inhalation and exhalation.

The text meticulously records the names and titles of the Five Planet Sovereigns and their consorts:

• Eastern Jupiter (Wood Star): Sovereign Cheng Lan (styled Qingning), Consort Bao Rong (styled Feiyun)
• Southern Mars (Fire Star): Sovereign Wei Ting (styled Sanrong), Consort Huaping (styled Xuanluo)
• Central Saturn (Earth Star): Sovereign Zang Lu (styled Danyan), Consort Kong Yao (styled Feixian)
• Western Venus (Metal Star): Sovereign Liao Ling (styled Zhenxun), Consort Biao Ying (styled Ling'en)
• Northern Mercury (Water Star): Sovereign Xian Xuan (styled Jingyuan), Consort Xuanhua (styled Long'e)

The specific method for pacing the Gang steps:

1. Hold the breath and silently recite the names of the Five Planet Sovereigns and their consorts.

2. Step in the sequence: Venus → Saturn → Mars → Jupiter → Mercury → Venus.

3. After completing three cycles, hold the breath again and resume pacing.

4. Repeat for a total of fifteen cycles, calling out the name of the corresponding Sovereign when stepping on each star's position.

5. Place the left hand over the heart while reciting the incantation.

The scripture clarifies that beginners should practice while facing north and holding the scripture text, as they are not yet familiar with the celestial positions. Once the pattern is mastered, the practitioner may adjust the pacing direction flexibly according to the orientation of the Big Dipper, rather than strictly facing north. This initial requirement is merely a foundational guideline for novices.

This scripture explains the Daoist cultivation methods of "visualizing the twenty-four deities" and the "Kongchang Formula" (空常诀):

Regarding the visualization of twenty-four deities:

Practitioners can divide these twenty-four guardian deities (believed to reside within the human body) into upper, middle, and lower groups (called the "Three Eight Scenes"). Three approaches are suggested: 1) Visualize all deities simultaneously; 2) Visualize in segments—upper group at dawn, middle group at noon, lower group at midnight; 3) If circumstances permit, visualize all at dawn while focusing on specific groups at other times. The text acknowledges that ordinary people with busy lives may find it difficult to sustain such complex practices long-term.

Important note:

Classics like the Precious Jade Register of Profound Mysteries (Baoxuan Yulu) and Blue Scripture of White Slips (Bai Jian Qingjing) emphasize that without practicing the visualization of twenty-four deities and knowing the names of the Three Eight Scenes, one cannot become a citizen of the Great Peace nor serve as an official to future sages.

The Perfected of Great Simplicity (Taishu Zhenren) states:

To attain abilities like shape-shifting, disappearing in eight directions, commanding objects, and subduing evil forces, one must diligently cultivate the essence of the Kongchang Formula. Special emphasis should be placed on practicing during the Eight Solar Terms (important seasonal nodes) and Liuding Days (auspicious Daoist dates), with intensified practice when these auspicious days coincide.

Regarding the Kongchang Array (a ritual formation):

The formation contains twenty-five black dots, each representing different supernatural powers:

Dots 1-10 grant abilities respectively: invisibility, transformation into plants, becoming mountains, dissolving into Qi (炁), fire immunity, flying through heaven and earth, fire avoidance, water avoidance, weapon immunity, and death evasion.

Dot 11 contains the core of the Kongchang Formula.

Dots 12-18 enable: water-fire transformation, plant metamorphosis, voluntary bird transformation, shape-shifting into animals, evil avoidance, spirit immunity, and turning water into land.

In essence, this scripture teaches Daoist priests how to acquire various supernatural transformations and protective abilities through specific visualization practices and ritual steps.

This scripture records the esoteric teachings from the Daoist "Supreme Five Stars and Seven Luminaries' Empty Permanence Formula" concerning astral deity transformations and cultivation methods:

Points nineteen to twenty-five describe seven manifestations of "Permanence" (astral deity incarnations):

• The Jade Permanence (Yu Chang) can transform into a tiger
• The Dharma Permanence (Fa Chang) can multiply into a thousand forms
• The Yin Permanence (Yin Chang) can shapeshift into a dragon
• The Yellow Permanence (Huang Chang) can become a maiden and divide into a hundred bodies
• The Stabilizing Permanence (Ding Chang) can freely metamorphose into all things
• The Flying Permanence (Fei Chang) can turn invisible or assume forms of six domestic animals
• The Sixth Permanence (Liu Chang) can command ghosts and slay humans

To practice the "Path of Treading Empty Permanence" (a stellar cultivation method), one must begin with the Nine Permanences. Upon reaching the eleventh central star, silently recite the incantation:

"The solar-lunar essence from the Four Radiances Upper Realm (celestial domain) shines brilliantly, as twenty-five stellar lights bathe and purify the soul. Divine waters cleanse the physical form and remove impurities, enabling practitioners to penetrate the underworld realms. Names engraved on jade tablets and azure registers (Daoist ritual implements), stone mirrors and jade horses reveal spectral forms. Concealed within the celestial weft (star constellations), the adept ultimately ascends to the Shangqing (Upper Clarity) heaven."

The text further details the nine stellar deities corresponding to the Big Dipper's stars (from the First to Ninth Venerable Stars), including their titles and attire:

1. Taiqing Star: Named Empty Permanence Dharma Wall, wears yellow brocade mantles and vermillion-blue flying skirts

2. Primal Star: Named Empty Permanence Triple Urn, wears azure brocade mantles and green-feathered flying skirts

3. True Star: Named Empty Permanence Numinous Yi, wears azure brocade mantles and embroidered feathered splendor skirts

4. Pivot Star: Named Empty Permanence Seven Ranks, wears purple brocade mantles and yellow-feathered skirts

5. Guiding Star: Named Empty Permanence Verdant Script, wears crimson brocade mantles and purple-azure flying skirts

6. Record Star: Named Empty Permanence Qi Essence, wears crimson brocade mantles and blue-embroidered flying skirts

7. Barrier Star: Named Empty Permanence Verdant Ink, wears vermillion brocade mantles and azure-feathered skirts

8. Imperial Star: Named Empty Permanence Stone-Revealing Pearl, wears purple brocade mantles and embroidered feathered flying skirts

9. Venerable Star: Named Empty Permanence Beloved Upper Branch, wears green brocade mantles and jade-feathered splendor skirts

These stellar deities possess the power to transform all things, governing the metamorphosis of natural elements including sun-moon, water-fire, metal-stone, and mountains-rivers.

The Supreme Secret Formula of the Five Stars and Seven Luminaries scripture primarily elucidates methods for practitioners to connect with the celestial energies of Venus (Taibai Jinxing, the Metal Star of the West) and other stars through cunxiang (visualization meditation) and huming (invoking stellar deities' names).

Regarding the visualization of Venus:

Practitioners must envision Venus radiating seven beams of light—three originating from the west and two from the south. When these golden rays illuminate the entire body, one attunes to the stellar deity, gaining access to the celestial palaces within Venus: the Zengyu Palace and Liuyang Palace. These sacred halls contain an inner sanctum called the Xuan Chamber, a space for cultivation. Mastery of this practice leads to the attainment of the zhenren (Perfected Person) state.

On cultivation directions:

Beginners should face north while holding the Book of Concealed Mysteries (Yinshu) during practice, as novices are not yet familiar with stellar orientations or the directional indications of the Big Dipper. However, as cultivation deepens, one may adjust directions flexibly according to the Dipper's guidance rather than rigidly facing north. All north-facing requirements are designed solely for initial practitioners.

Key points of name-invocation practice:

When practicing the Stepping the Five Stars (Bu Wuxing) method, one must suspend breath (bixi) while ascending the gang positions (ritual directions). First, invoke the names of the Five Star Lords and their consorts before proceeding with bugang budou (walking the stellar patterns). At each stellar position, it is optimal to reinvoke that specific Star Lord's name. Though meticulous, ancient transcendents like Yusha Gong and Beili Zi achieved ascension precisely through such unwavering adherence.

The scripture concludes with a merchant analogy: Just as merchants endure hardships for profit, if seekers of the Dao (qiudao zhe) applied similar dedication, how could immortality remain elusive? Yet many beginners start fervently only to slacken later, like a cart on the verge of collapse.

This scripture primarily discusses methods and precautions for cultivating the "Five Stars and Seven Luminaries" (the Daoist stellar worship system) and visualizing the "Twenty-Four Shen" (deities corresponding to aspects of the human body).

The opening passage uses the metaphor of an overburdened ox to describe the difficulties faced by beginners, suggesting that clumsy cultivation methods may draw laughter from the accomplished. However, through dedicated inner observation (heart-mind refining the inner mirror), one can receive divine inspiration, akin to riding a celestial chariot through the heavens.

Regarding the positioning of the Five Stars:

• The Great White Star (Venus) should be placed in the west
• The Year Star (Jupiter) should be positioned in the east

This arrangement is necessary because the five planets follow erratic paths, unlike the fixed positions of the Big Dipper's seven stars, thus requiring deliberate orientation.

There are three methods for cultivating the Twenty-Four Shen:

1. Sequential visualization (the three sets of eight scenes combining into twenty-four shen contemplated in order)

2. Simultaneous visualization of all at once

3. Timed practice: visualizing the upper eight scenes at dawn, the middle eight at noon, and the lower eight at midnight

The ideal cultivation environment is secluded mountains far from worldly distractions, though ordinary people burdened with mundane affairs may struggle to maintain this practice. Both the Perfected Lord of Western City and the Upper Perfected of Tongbai (two Daoist adepts) employed these methods.

A crucial warning: without mastering the Twenty-Four Shen practice, one isn't even qualified to be an ordinary citizen in times of peace, let alone serve as a sage's minister or study the Great Cavern True Scripture. Personal items like clothing, utensils, and bedding must be dedicated solely to practice to block impure energies (cutting off the pathways of defilement) and prevent evil qi intrusion.

The text concludes with a secret incantation (the Supreme Hidden Invocation) for cultivating the "Cavern Chamber" (upper Dantian), to be silently recited before sleep, upon waking, and after meals. The chant essentially petitions the Five Directional Divine Lords to protect the hun and po souls, enabling the "Mysterious Father and Mother" (Yin-Yang energies) to generate the physical form, with the White Origin Lord (an internal deity) safeguarding the essence, ultimately achieving the goal of ascension. Special emphasis is placed on silent recitation (not allowing the ears to hear), as this secret method for dispelling evil was transmitted by Lord Lao (Laozi) himself.

This scripture expounds the essential techniques for cultivating the "Kongchang Gang" (a Daoist method of ritual pacing known as Step of the Void and Constancy). Practitioners must perform this practice in a quiet chamber during specific times (such as midnight, noon, or dawn), particularly on the Eight Festival Days (key solar terms from the 24 seasonal nodes) and the Liuding Days (auspicious dates in Daoist tradition).

The text meticulously describes twenty-five black dots on the Kongchang Gang diagram, each representing crucial directional points or energy centers with distinct names and functions:

1. The first point, named "Nine Constancy" (Jiuchang), enables invisibility (alternate name: Infant Nurture/Youthful Flourish; symbolic character: Penetrating Vigor)

2. The second point "Nurturing Constancy" (Yuchang) allows transformation into plants (alternate name: Luminous Passage; character: Hidden Origin)

3. The third point "Morning Constancy" (Maochang) facilitates metamorphosis into mountains (alternate name: Golden Summit; character: Vast Stillness)

4. The fourth point "Flowing Constancy" (Liuchang) grants vapor-form concealment (alternate name: Valley Clarity; character: Vanishing Traces)

5. The fifth point "Moving Constancy" (Xingchang) provides fire immunity (alternate name: Great Omen; character: Mystic Ascent)

6. The sixth point "Upper Constancy" (Shangchang) reveals cosmic visions (alternate name: Yellow Radiance; character: Primal Clarity)

Points seven through eighteen bestow various supernatural abilities including water avoidance, weapon immunity, death evasion, elemental transformation (water-fire interchange), shapeshifting into flora/fauna (birds, beasts), and protection from malignant forces, ghosts, and floods (converting water to land).

The eleventh point constitutes the core position of Kongchang Gang (alternate name: Solar Constancy; character: Primordial Origin), requiring special attention. By practicing according to these principles, adepts master esoteric methods of concealment, metamorphosis, and auspicious alignment. This represents a vital tradition within Daoist mystical cultivation and hermetic arts.

This scripture primarily elucidates the Daoist practice of "Pacing the Celestial Strides and Treading the Dipper" (Bugang Tadou) along with visualization methods for the Five Planets. Here's an accessible interpretation:

Sections nineteen through twenty-five describe seven mystical entities (Yu Chang, Fa Chang, Yin Chang, etc.) manifesting in various forms—tigers, dragons, maidens, or domestic animals. These names likely represent different deities or stages of spiritual cultivation.

Before commencing the "Pacing the Five Planets Stance" (a movement ritual mimicking stellar orbits), practitioners must first visualize the quintessential energies of the Five Planets distributed among their five viscera. The procedure involves:

1. Tapping the teeth five times

2. Swallowing saliva five times

3. Silently reciting an incantation: "May the Five Directional Stars align—Mercury dispels calamities, Jupiter brings prosperity, Mars eliminates misfortunes, Venus wards off warfare, Saturn stabilizes the four quarters. Grant me auspicious fortune, inscribe my name in the immortal registers..."

The text then details the pacing method:

1. First, suspend breath (Bigu) while stepping onto the Gang positions

2. Invoke the names of the Five Planets and their corresponding immortal lords and consorts

3. Follow the specific stellar sequence: begin with Venus (Taibai), proceed through Saturn (Zhenxing), Mars, Jupiter, and Mercury (Chenxing), then return to Venus, repeating this cycle three times

4. The entire sequence should be performed fifteen repetitions

5. At each planetary position, silently recite the corresponding immortal lord and consort's name while placing the left hand over the heart and mentally chanting the invocation

Finally, the scripture enumerates the celestial attire associated with each planet:

1. Venus (Taibai Star): Yellow brocade cape, cinnabar-blue flying skirt

2. Mercury (Yuanxing): Azure brocade cape, green feathered flying skirt

3. Jupiter (Zhenxing): Blue-green brocade cape, embroidered feathered skirt

4. Saturn (Niuxing): Purple brocade cape, yellow feathered skirt

5. Mars (Gangxing): Crimson brocade cape, purple-blue flying skirt

This passage reflects Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition's early Daoist cultivation methods, demonstrating how specific movements, visualizations, and incantations were used to commune with stellar deities.

This scripture describes the Daoist practice of "Treading the Void Constancy" (步空常), a method for cultivating flight and earth-traversing abilities, along with the imagery of associated stellar deities:

Descriptions of the Nine Stellar Lords:

The Sixth Ji Stellar Lord wears a crimson brocade cape and blue embroidered flying skirt.

The Seventh Guan Stellar Lord dons a vermilion brocade cape and blue feathered ceremonial skirt.

The Eighth Di Stellar Lord is clad in purple brocade cape and embroidered feathered flying skirt.

The Ninth Zun Stellar Lord wears emerald brocade cape with jade-green feathered ceremonial skirt, her hair arranged in cloud-like coils.

Method for cultivating the "Way of Void Constancy":

Begin practice from the Nine Constants. When reaching the eleventh central star (referring to a specific star in the Big Dipper), silently recite the incantation:

"The solar and lunar essence of the Four Luminaries shines brightly, the quintessence of twenty-five constellations (referring to select stars from the twenty-eight lunar mansions) fills my body, cleansing the ethereal and corporeal souls. Divine waters purify my form, dispelling impurities and illuminating the netherworld. My name is engraved in the jade tablets of immortality stored in celestial towers. The stone mirror and jade horse (demon-revealing mirrors) expose spectral forms. I conceal myself within stellar trajectories, ascending to pay homage to the Shangqing (上清) celestial realm."

The Five Directional Stellar Lords and their consorts:

East - Year Star (Jupiter) Lord: Cheng Lan Qing Ning, Consort: Bao Rong Fei Yun

South - Sparkling Deluder (Mars) Lord: Wei Ting San Rong, Consort: Hua Ping Xuan Luo

Center - Earth Star Lord: Zang Lu Dan Yan, Consort: Kong Yao Fei Xian

West - Great White (Venus) Lord: Liao Ling Zhen Xun, Consort: Biao Ying Ling En

North - Chronograph (Mercury) Lord: Xian Xuan Jing Yuan, Consort: Xuan Hua Long E

Specific practice method for "Treading Void Constancy":

To cultivate flight and form-transcending techniques, practice seven times monthly, including during the eight solar terms (major seasonal nodes) and six Ding days (auspicious Daoist dates). The procedure:

1. Enter the meditation chamber and burn incense on practice days

2. Arrange diagram mats on both sides, facing south

3. Knock teeth twenty-four times

4. With closed eyes, visualize the five directional stars shining brightly, their light descending into corresponding organs:

• Venus enters lungs
• Earth Star enters spleen
• Mars enters heart
• Jupiter enters liver
• Mercury enters kidneys

5. Upon feeling bodily warmth, visualize the stellar consorts and twenty-five Void Constancy emperors appearing with their respective names, forms, and attire in proper directions

6. Finally recite silently:

"Metal, wood, water, fire, earth - harmonizing the four primordial energies. Mysterious essence flows and reflects, radiance illuminates the five directions. Herein dwell the five stellar consorts, numinous lords, and twenty-five Void Constancy celestial venerables. In myriad transformations they descend into my viscera, forging my jade immortal form. Refining my seven corporeal souls, nurturing my three ethereal souls, enabling my ascension through the celestial gate (Doumen), roaming freely in the Shangqing paradise."

This scripture records Daoist cultivation methods involving visualization of the Five Planets (Venus, Saturn, Mars, Jupiter) with specific postures, breathing techniques, and incantations:

1. Venus (太白星) Method:

Stand with feet together at the position symbolizing Venus. Hold the breath seven times while facing west and silently reciting the mantra: "I beseech the white immortal Qi from the seven celestial gates of the west, where the Bright Emperor Shao Yang Ming Huang (title of the Western Star Lord) resides. Clad in cloud garments, capable of transforming water and fire, may you assist my ascension to the clouds and grant me longevity." Conclude by tilting the head back to swallow the starlight Qi seven times.

2. Saturn (镇星) Method:

Stand with feet together at Saturn's position. Hold the breath twelve times while facing southwest and silently reciting heavenward: "I beseech the four Qi of the Central Emperor to guard my Yellow Court (Dantian). May you aid my ascension, conceal my form, and together with the Imperial Lord preserve the realm of Supreme Brightness." Finally draw down and swallow the starlight twelve times.

3. Mars (荧惑星) Method:

Stand with feet together at Mars' position. Hold the breath three times while facing south and silently reciting: "I beseech the crimson radiance from the three southern gates, where the Red Emperor Wu Chang Ming Ling (Southern Star Lord) resides. Protect my nature and life, assist in transforming my physical form." Conclude by drawing down and swallowing the starlight three times.

4. Jupiter (岁星) Method:

Stand with feet together at Jupiter's position. Hold the breath nine times while facing east and silently reciting: "I beseech the azure Qi from the nine eastern heavens, where the Green Dawn Mysterious Lord resides. Clad in phoenix robes, capable of transforming appearances." Finally draw down and swallow the starlight nine times.

These cultivation methods emphasize achieving ascension, transformation, and longevity through planetary visualization combined with breath control and mantras. Each Star Lord possesses specific titles, ceremonial attire, and directional attributes. The practices reflect the Daoist cosmological system where celestial bodies embody divine energies that practitioners can internalize through ritualized communion.

This scripture outlines a complete Daoist cultivation method divided into three main sections:

The first section is the "Method of Drawing Starlight Qi":

The practitioner faces north, holds their breath five times, and silently recites incantations to summon the Five Mysterious Emperors of the Northern Heavens (five revered Daoist deities of the north). These emperors wear dark blue robes adorned with jade crowns, golden seals, and flowing bells. The starlight energy enters the kidneys, revitalizing all internal organs, ultimately achieving the state of "bones taking flight and ascending" (indicating successful cultivation with physical lightness). After each incantation, the practitioner swallows saliva five to nine times.

The second section is the "Method of Treading the Five Stars and Ascending the Five Constants":

The practitioner performs ritual star-stepping (Daoist ceremonial footsteps), reciting specific incantations at each celestial level:

1. Lord of the Ninth Earthly Constant: grants invisibility

2. Lord of Nurturing Constant: enables transformation into plants

3. Venerable God of the Mao Constant: allows shapeshifting into mountains

4. Imperial Lord of Flowing Constant: permits breathing clouds and mist

5. Great Lord of Moving Constant: confers mastery over flames

The third section is the "Five Phases Concealment Method":

1. Metal Star Formula: After holding breath seven times, recite incantations to invoke the Great White Metal Star (Western Metal Virtue Star Lord) to protect the lungs

2. Earth Star Formula: Divided into four ascending steps, each granting transformative powers:

• Upper Constant: concealment in the nine heavens
• Celestial Constant: transformation into fire
• Mysterious Constant: disappearance into rivers and seas
• Triple Constant: The complete method employs visualization of star deities, breath retention, saliva swallowing, ritual stepping, and incantation recitation to achieve physical transformation and concealment. References to "Jade Purity" (the highest realm of the Three Pure Ones) and "Upper Capital" (the celestial court) represent the supreme spiritual realms Daoist practitioners aspire to reach.

This scripture outlines a Daoist ritual practice involving incantations, breath regulation, and visualization of stellar deities to achieve spiritual transcendence. Here's the plain interpretation:

First recite the incantation to Chenchang (a stellar deity): "Chenchang, divine star who manifests myriad forms, assist my immortal ascension, deliver me from death to rebirth."

Then visualize Saturn, hold your breath twelve times, lightly tap teeth twelve times, and chant: "Five Directional Celestial Emperors and Zhonghuang the Great Divinity, bless me with sevenfold golden Qi (vital energy). Grant me the power of bilocation and invisibility, to ascend through clouds. May the five directional spirits protect my spleen, transforming my internal organs swiftly, aiding my celestial flight to roam freely between heaven, earth, water and fire." (Follow with twelve deep breaths)

Move three steps from Saturn's position to Mars', stand with feet together and recite: "Kongchang the stellar deity of profound efficacy, assist the highest immortals entering my Crimson Palace (heart center), commanding ten thousand perfected beings."

Proceed with invocations to other stellar deities:

• Hechang: "Help me vanish into the underworld, achieving transcendence through water-fire metamorphosis"
• Yuanchang: "Use plants to conceal my form, merging me with the Great Dao"
• Guchang: "Grant me wings to traverse heaven and earth freely"
• Sichang: "At the southern Li position, transform my form with ninefold clouds"

Return to Mars' position, hold breath three times, tap teeth three times and chant: "Crimson clouds and lightning gates, five constant deities aid my myriad transformations. The Earth Sovereign (Saturn deity) shakes the northern realm, the Upper Origin blesses my longevity. Today I walk the void to enter Mars, may the Blazing Star (Mars) illuminate my mind, instantly fulfilling my wishes. Cultivating my ethereal and corporeal souls, when the time comes I'll roam the Jade Pure realm with the Five Directional Emperors." (Follow with three deep breaths)

Finally walk nine steps to Jupiter's position, stand feet together and recite sequentially:

• Jiuchang: "Green Emperor (eastern deity), foundation of heaven-earth, aid my metamorphosis to vanish in mountain forests"
• Shichang: "Celestial spirit governing ten thousand immortals, help me walk the void, merging with light"
• Mingchang: "Radiant illumination in eight directions, assist my shape-shifting to evade water and penetrate earth"
• Yuchang: "Majestic Yuchang, command the five directional lands, help me transform into a tiger"

This scripture presents a complete stellar deity cultivation method combining breath control, ritual pacing, incantations, and deity visualization to achieve shape-shifting abilities and celestial ascension.

This scripture documents a Daoist ritual practice known as "Pacing the Gang and Treading the Dipper" (Bugang Tadou), describing how practitioners commune with celestial energies through specific footsteps, incantations, and movements. Here's a detailed explanation:

First, the practitioner faces the direction of Jupiter (Wood Star), holds the breath nine times, taps teeth nine times, and recites: "The Nine Gates of Lesser Yang (referring to the eastern heavenly gates) revolve within the azure heavens, containing the Five Constant Ways (Wufang Changdao) that generate all things. Through harmonizing Yin-Yang, I harness the Metal Spirit. The rhythm of the Eastern Florescence Emperor (Donghua Dijun, the eastern deity) resonates with nature. Treading the void, I ride rising blue mists as jade-green Qi (Biling Zhiqi) descends to stabilize the liver region (Wood Star's corresponding organ). Awakening to the great Dao, I ascend to immortality, returning to primordial truth with the Green Sovereign (Qinghuang, Jupiter's deity)." Then perform nine breath-swallowing exercises.

Next, turn toward Mercury (Water Star) direction and chant: "The Mysterious Yin of the north is the origin of all things, granting me attainment of the dragon-god form." Then face the Central Yellow Constant position: "The Central Yellow Constant transforms Yin into Yang, enabling my hundredfold manifestations." Proceed to the Stabilizing Constant position: "The Stabilizing Constant governs primordial Qi (Yuanqi), granting me power to generate all beings." At the Flying Constant position: "The Flying Constant commands the void, allowing concealment and transformation." At the Sixfold Constant position: "The Sixfold Constant controls spirits and deities, capable of altering cosmic laws."

Returning to Mercury's direction, hold breath five times, tap teeth five times: "Northern Mysterious Water's five Qi open the gates. The Black Sovereign (Heihuang, Mercury's deity) rules the dark depths, subduing the Earth Palace (restraining Earth Phase). Let me stride through celestial space, manifesting myriad forms, ascending to the Ursa Major (Gouchen Star), reaching the Jade Capital's immortal realm (highest Daoist heaven). My kidney palace (Water Star's corresponding organ) brims with numinous energy—today's practice shall achieve the immortal path." Conclude with five breath-swallows.

After completing the entire Gang-treading sequence, tap teeth thirty-six times while facing the Tian Gang star (Celestial Ridgepole) and intone: "The Supreme Elder Lord's (Taishang Laojun) palace conceals transformation mysteries. The Great Unity Deity (Taiyi Zunshen, supreme divinity) oversees immortal registers, aiding my ethereal ascent." Finally, turn northeast toward the Yin Essence Star: "The Middle Origin Palace (corresponding bodily region) preserves embryonic transformation. The Most True Goddess (Taizhen Nüshen) assists my shedding of mortal form, consolidating Jing (essence) and refining Qi to attain longevity."

This scripture records a Daoist ritual for worshiping the Five Stars and Seven Luminaries (celestial deities venerated in Daoism). Practitioners must offer prayers to the stellar deities in specific directions, with prescribed numbers of teeth-tapping and distinct incantations for each step.

First, prayers are directed to the Bi Star (one of the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper): "In the Palace of True Origin (abode of stellar deities), through cultivation of the Six Concealments and Seven Dissolutions (Daoist invisibility arts), I beseech the Primordial Mother of the Upper Origin (Daoist goddess) to protect me in achieving bodily transformation. May I ride a cyan chariot to ascend the heavens and attain longevity."

Next, turning north to the Dark Mystery Star: "I pray the deities of the Twisting Nether Palace to conceal my form. May the Inner Consort Immortals (female deities of the stars) guide me to traverse the eight directions and soar to the celestial abode of the Heavenly Emperor."

Then facing west to the Cinnabar Origin Star: "I entreat the Great Dipper Maiden (goddess of the Northern Dipper) in the Palace of Celestial Order to transform my body. May my name be recorded in the Heavenly Emperor's register, granting me the power to fly through clouds and skies."

Proceeding northeast to the North Polar Star: "I implore the Middle Dipper Maiden (another Northern Dipper goddess) in the Palace of Recorded Illumination to enroll me in the immortal registry. Bestow upon me the divine abilities of bodily multiplication and rejuvenation."

Then northwest to the Heavenly Pivot Star: "I request the Young Dipper Maiden (youngest Northern Dipper goddess) in the Palace of Pivotal Convergence to follow the Dipper's celestial rotation. Grant me the power of aerial transformation and flight."

Finally, teeth-tapping prayers are offered toward the Celestial Gate and Earthly Door:

• Nine teeth-taps toward the Celestial Gate: "I beseech the Left Imperial Consort (high-ranking goddess) of the Emperor's Banquet Palace to unite me with the sun and moon's radiance, harmonize water and fire, and elevate me to perfected immortality."
• Nine teeth-taps toward the Earthly Door: "I pray the Right Imperial Sovereign (high-ranking god) of the Supreme Venerable Palace to bestow transformative powers—commanding wind and rain, vanishing at will, and attaining the longevity of heaven and earth."

After each prayer, saliva-swallowing practices (yielding vital fluids) are performed 24 and 36 times respectively. The complete ritual aims to harness stellar deities' power to obtain longevity, metamorphic abilities, and celestial ascension.