《魏伯陽七返丹砂訣》

This scripture elucidates the alchemical principles of "sevenfold reverted cinnabar" in Daoist Neidan (internal alchemy), primarily explaining the Yin-Yang transformative relationship between mercury (the Mysterious Maiden) and sulfur (the Yellow Youth):

Nature produces two fundamental substances: mercury (the Mysterious Maiden) embodies Yin, while sulfur (the Yellow Youth) embodies Yang. Both contain the most refined Qi (vital energy) of heaven and earth. Mercury is originally extracted from cinnabar (which is Yang in nature but transforms into Yin when refined into mercury). Through alchemical processing, mercury can be reverted back to its cinnabar state (Yin returning to Yang).

During the alchemical process, the substances undergo transformation between northern and southern orientations (the southern constellations Zhang and Yi correspond to cinnabar, while the northern constellations Xu and Wei correspond to mercury) - marking the first transformation. After seven such cyclical conversions (sevenfold reversion), an spiritually potent elixir is produced.

Mercury (the solar white quicksilver) inherently contains the red component of cinnabar (the crimson water). Through refinement, it reverts to its elixir state, completing the union of Yin and Yang. This transformation originates from the primordial Qi (the Great Unity Qi), condensing formless energy into the tangible form of cinnabar. Though cinnabar belongs to Yang, it transforms into Yin mercury - this mutual restraint and conversion between Yin and Yang demonstrates the infinite variations of the Dao.

When the Yin-Yang properties are properly balanced, the refined elixir ascends to return to the southern palace (the upper chamber, referring either to the heart or the upper part of the alchemical cauldron). This shows that while the elixir originates from formless Qi, it follows the patterns governing all transformations - just as cinnabar transforms into mercury before reverting to its original state, revealing the fundamental principle of how the Dao governs all metamorphoses.

(Note: The "sevenfold reversion" refers to the seven cyclical transformations between Yin and Yang states in alchemical processing. The "upper chamber" in alchemy may denote either the upper part of the crucible or the heart region in the human body.)

This scripture elucidates the methods and principles of elixir refinement. The core philosophy emphasizes the essential interplay between Yin and Yang Qi (the two fundamental material properties), which must harmonize like husband and wife or ruler and minister—neither can function without the other.

Practical alchemical procedures:

The process requires a hermetically sealed porcelain vessel (kiln jar or ceramic vat) with a capacity of approximately half a liter (24 taels) of medicinal ingredients. The lid must fit perfectly without gaps. Ingredients should be measured in one-third proportions, aligning with the natural patterns of heaven and earth. Seal the vessel's seams with pure clay (chunyuan)—there's no need to rigidly adhere to the ancient practice of using seven materials. Blend the ingredients thoroughly using rattan paper to ensure complete integration. The sealing process should be performed twice, allowing the inner layer of clay to dry completely each time. Fire regulation follows five distinct phases (wujie): begin with gentle heat (wenhuo) to stabilize the medicinal properties, then apply intense heat (wuhuo) for six double-hour periods (liushi) to complete the refinement.

Observable phenomena during refinement:

• The melting ingredients exhibit chromatic transformations through purple, yellow, white, and black hues
• Yin and Yang substances rapidly merge into a state of primordial chaos
• Constant adjustment (xiaoxi zaiyi) is required based on actual conditions, with careful observation of transformations

The text concludes by emphasizing this method's alignment with the natural laws of heaven and earth (shengxian zhi ze). Mastery hinges on precise fire regulation (wei huo) and the auxiliary use of finely powdered oyster shells (lifen). The entire process resembles military strategy: first fortifying the foundation (ding cheng guo), then completing the principal form (cheng qi benti).

(Note: The terms "five phases" [wujie] and "six spirits" [liushen] are specialized Daoist alchemical terminology referring respectively to the five stages of fire regulation and six critical time periods; "gentle fire" [wenhuo] and "martial fire" [wuhuo] denote low and high heat intensities.)

This scripture reveals the ancient secret method for refining the "Sevenfold Reverted Cinnabar Elixir," containing several essential points:

Refinement Process:

When cinnabar is refined over gentle heat (wenhuo, "civil fire"), it undergoes a dynamic transformation—bubbling and churning as its form gradually changes until finally transmuting into numinous cinnabar. The crucial factors are precise fire regulation (jiehou xiaoxi, "timely adjustment of thermal phases") and the proper addition of ingredients (choutian, "supplementation and reduction"). Any mishandling will lead to failure.

Authentic Sevenfold Reverted Numinous Cinnabar possesses distinctive characteristics: its crimson hue surpasses the deepest vermilion (se duo yanhong, "color outshining scarlet"), reflects sunlight with radiant brilliance (hui lian rizhao, "luster connecting to the sun's rays"), displays sharply defined crystalline edges (lengjiao tingsheng, "angular protrusions standing erect"), and shimmers with golden radiance throughout its form (cheti jinyao, "entire body gleaming gold").

Post-refinement processing requires special treatment: first soaking in cold springs for seven days to purge fire toxins, followed by three days of steaming to eliminate yin toxins—only then is it ready for ingestion.

Ingestion Method:

Beginning on a jiazi day (first of the sixty-day cycle), take three pellets (each the size of mung beans) at dawn daily while facing south in meditative posture, washed down with wine. During ingestion, visualize crimson auroral light descending from heaven, flowing through your five viscera and four limbs, while holding the breath for thirty-six cycles and tapping the teeth thirty-six times. Consistent practice for one thousand days (approximately three years) will yield the marvelous effect of tongling cheshi ("penetrating numinous vision and complete perception").

Important Notes:

This text emphasizes its status as an "ancient immortal technique of highest antiquity" (shanggui shenxian zhi shu) that demands careful transmission—never to be recklessly shared with unworthy individuals. It observes how countless seekers "crowd like hemp fibers" (xuezhe ru ma) yet fail to grasp its essence, with the true key lying in mastering the "threefold fire regulation" (sanhua huohou)—the precise control of civil fire (wenhuo), martial fire (wuhuo), and temperate fire (wenhuo).

(Note: The term "sevenfold reversion" refers to cinnabar refined through seven cyclical processes; "supplementation and reduction" denotes the alchemical operations of adding or removing ingredients; "threefold fires" represent the three techniques of thermal regulation—all specialized terminology in Daoist alchemy.)

This scripture describes the miraculous effects achieved through cultivating the "Sevenfold Reverted Cinnabar" (qifan dansha), an important Daoist alchemical practice:

When practitioners reach a certain stage of cultivation, their eyes become extraordinarily clear, capable of seeing clearly both day and night, with no place for ghosts and spirits to hide. They can recite tens of thousands of words from scriptures daily, their skin turns rosy and fair, and their countenance becomes as youthful as a child's. At higher levels of attainment, their appearance undergoes a complete rejuvenation, becoming as pure and beautiful as a maiden's – this is the visage of an immortal.

By stabilizing the spirit (shen) and regulating the breath, practitioners can extend their lifespan to a thousand years without death. If one can truly calm the mind and concentrate the spirit, entering the "Nine Chambers" (jiushi, referring to nine crucial cultivation areas or states within the body), and attain the state of immortality, then the path of cultivation is considered complete.

(Note: Wei Boyang was a renowned alchemist of the Eastern Han dynasty. The Sevenfold Reverted Cinnabar refers to an important method in Daoist alchemy involving the repeated refinement of cinnabar and other minerals to produce elixirs of immortality.)