《雲笈七籤》Vol. 24

The Classic of the Mysterious Gate’s Treasure Sea says that the essence of Yang Qi forms the sun, while the essence of Yin Qi forms the moon. The essences of the sun and moon further divide and transform into the stars. Among the stars, those joined together are called the “framework,” while those linked end to end are called the “cord.”

The celestial bodies should be complete spheres, shaped like pills. They should not resemble beads strung together, nor rings connected like those on a bell. Their arrangement should be like broken arrow shafts joined back together: each one complete in itself, yet fitting with the others to form a whole.

When Heaven and Earth first took shape, no birds flew into the sky. Later, the stars came to lie beneath the constellation Canopy. To the left was the Northern Pivot, and to the right the Northern Dipper. The stars gradually fell into place, and the directions east, west, south, and north were gradually established. Together, the stars nurture all things through the essentials of the true Dao. From the six domestic animals and dung in the lower world to plants and trees, all are nourished by the mysteries and De of this Way, and so they grow.

The Northern Pivot is the root of all the gods. Each star has its own duties, yet all are subordinate to the Northern Pivot. The Northern Pivot is the unmoving star near the North Pole. Its spirit sits enthroned in the Palace of Mysterious Elixir and is called the Lord Taiyi. “Pivot” means a boundary or center: the boundaries of the five directions all converge at the center, so the center is the most honored. The Northern Pivot is also called the “Central Pivot” and the “Supreme Pivot Star at Heaven’s Center,” because it lies at the center of the heavens. The lesser Yang of the east is called the Eastern Pivot Star, the lesser Yin of the west the Western Pivot Star, and the sun of the south the Southern Pivot Star. The center is called the Central and Supreme Pivot Star. It is the highest and most honored in position, and is ruler of all the stars.

The North Star is the Great Constable of Heaven, the revered spirit who oversees the order of the celestial realm. Its spirit governs promotion and advancement: above, it commands the Nine Heavens; in the middle, the Five Sacred Peaks; below, those who cultivate the Way. The North Star extends for seven hundred and seventy li around, with a Jade Tower on a Mysterious Terrace at its center. The perfected being who dwells in the tower is called Lord Flying Radiance. His surname is Yuling and his given name Changyuan. He wears a crown of flying, radiant essence, is clad in purple brocade, and holds a jade tablet.

Lord Taiji is also called the Northern Pivot. He carries out the commands of the Celestial Emperor and governs the myriad gods. The central star is the dwelling place of the divine being of the Northern Pole, who sits amid a radiance of green Qi.

The Northern Dipper is the purple canopy of the Supreme Ultimate, the numinous couch of Mysterious Truth, the divine seat of the Nine Sovereigns, and the resting place of the Celestial Worthies. The first star is called the Great Star; its essence is named Mysterious Pivot, and its spirit is named Bright Yang. The second star…

The first star, Yuanxing, is also called Beitai, and its deity is Yin Jing. The third star, Zhenxing, is named Jiujishangzhen Shen, and is also called the Perfected One. The fourth star, Niuxing, is named Xuangeng, and its deity is Xuanming. The fifth star, Gangxing, is named Taiping, and its deity is Danyuan. The sixth star, Jixing, is named Mingji, and its deity is Beiji. The seventh star, Guanxing, is named Xuanyang, and its deity is Tianguan. The eighth star, Dixing, is named Gaoshanghuang, and its deity is Bajing Xuyuanjun. The ninth star, Zunxing, is titled Taiwei Yudijun, and its deity is Taisu Qichen Yuanjun.

The Northern Dipper also has stars of souls and spirits. They circle outside the Dipper, winding around it, while the Dipper itself lies within. Between the stars Yangming and Yinjing is the foremost of the Dipper’s soul and spirit stars, called Tianshu Hunshen. The second is called Tianxuan Hunshen, the third Tianji Pojing, the fourth Tianquan Pojing, the fifth Yuheng Poling, the sixth Kaiyang Poling, and the seventh Yaoguang Daming.

These seven stars are four hundred thousand li above the earth and extend seven hundred and twenty li around. Their outer forms are made entirely of golden essence and crystal, through which shines the purple radiance of the Seven Luminaries—the sun, moon, and five planets. They are known as the “Imperial Chariot.” Moving through the center, they govern the four directions and harmonize Yin-Yang, the four seasons, and the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water). The Northern Dipper assigns and directs all of these.

The Dipper Lord’s courtesy name is Junshi, and he also has the name Chong Beidou Shenjun. He was originally from Jiangxia, with the surname Bo and given name Dawan. The scripture says he was accompanied by “twelve thousand stones” and by spirit beings on his left and right. One of them, surnamed Lei and named Ji, with the courtesy name Taiyin, oversees all the immortals in the world. The Yaoyao and Yuheng stars also serve as the chariot’s wheels. The vital essence of the Northern Dipper illuminates the Nine Paths, its radiance reaching the Ten Heavens.

The Northern Dipper has nine stars in all: seven are visible, while the other two are hidden from sight. The eighth and ninth stars are the spiritual essence of the Imperial Sovereign, the Great Venerable. In the Han dynasty, a servant responsible for clothing in Chancellor Huo Guang’s household had a son named Huanche. He suddenly saw two stars in the Northern Dipper shining with extraordinary brilliance and bowed to them. The scripture says that, as a result, he gained six hundred years of life.

The Inner Assistant star is located at the Dipper’s third star and is usually invisible. Whoever can see it will attain long life and become divine and sacred. The Outer Assistant star lies beneath the Dipper’s sixth star, about one cun away. If you encounter terror or bewitchment—an evil art that causes fear and confusion—look up at this star to obtain good fortune.

The Yellow Emperor asked, “If I contemplate the seven stars of the Northern Dipper at cockcrow, will the heavenly gods descend?”

Taking an elixir of longevity can extend life and keep a person from growing old. One may also gaze upward and contemplate the seven stars of the Northern Dipper on a Dinghai day, so that they shine clearly in the north. After some time, silently recite this prayer: “I summon the gods of Shangqing (the celestial realm in Daoist belief) and command the myriad spirits. I ascend to the Jade Court, ride through the air on sunlight, and unite with Heaven.”

On the day of the Beginning of Spring, face east and contemplate the Northern Dipper descending. Its bowl is above your head, and its handle points forward. The Southern Dipper Lord’s name is Liushi, and his courtesy name is Junyuan. He is from Hedong, surnamed Zhao and named She; his original courtesy name was Junqian. The divine attendant beside him is surnamed Dai, named Dao, and styled Shusheng. He is the son of the Great Dao Lord. The Eastern Dipper governs campaigns and strikes; the Western Dipper governs punitive expeditions; and the Central Dipper governs the suppression of rebels and disorder.

The god within the Purple Tenuity Palace is surnamed Liu and styled Junming. The Purple Tenuity Lord is styled Luguang, and his consort is surnamed Wang and named Shuhua. The Lord of the Supreme Subtlety Star is styled Qingyuan. Within the Supreme Subtlety Palace are the Three Sovereigns: the Sovereign Lord, the Heavenly Sovereign, and the Sovereign Elder. They are true spirits formed from the blending and condensation of the Three Primordial Qi—the three fundamental vital energies between Heaven and Earth—and they oversee talismanic mandates in the Supreme Subtlety Palace.

The Lord of the Wenchang Star is styled Xianchang and governs the Emperor’s talisman of destiny. The spirit governed by the Earth Official Star can make fruit grow in the mountains. At dawn it appears as an ape, by day as a monkey, and at dusk it transforms into dead stone. The Lord of the Jade Pivot Star is styled Chuxing, and the Hooked Array Water Star governs it. Changchen is the Heavenly Guard. The Five Chariots are the Five Sacred Peaks in Heaven; they can bring sweet dew and qilin.

The Three Terraces are the heavenly ranks of office. At dawn they appear as dragons, by day as snakes, and at dusk as fish; these three forms are the numinous spirits of the Three Terraces. The Lord of the Upper Terrace is styled Xianzhen. The Upper Terrace is called Empty Essence and governs gold and jade. The Lord of the Middle Terrace is styled Zhangming. The Middle Terrace is called Six Purities and governs stipends and official rank. The space between the two stars of the Middle Terrace is somewhat wider. When Zhang Hua of the Jin dynasty held the office of Minister of Works and died, it is said that a gap appeared in that star. The Lord of the Lower Terrace is styled Jisheng. The Lower Terrace is called Curved Life and governs the fields.

The Xuanyuan Star is the heavenly star of the empress and consorts, and it also belongs to the Earth Official. Its spirit appears as a sheep at dawn, a crab by day, and a softshell turtle at dusk. The Dongming Star is surnamed You and named Youyun. The Perfected One Star is surnamed Gui and named Heng; his taboo name is Miaoguang, and his courtesy name is Duyuan. He is Heaven’s Minister of Works and oversees the numinous immortals of the Five Sacred Peaks.

The Five Planets are the numinous roots of the sun and moon, and the five organs of the heavenly embryo. Heaven and Earth depend on them… (The original text ends here unfinished.)

By bringing together and relating the patterns of Qi in the movements of the sun and moon, one can explain the title of the True Sovereign of the Eastern Year Star: Chenglan, courtesy name Qingning; his wife was named Baorong, courtesy name Feiling.

The True Sovereign of the Southern Mars was surnamed Haokong and bore the taboo name Weichun Sanrong; his wife bore the taboo name Huanning, courtesy name Xuanluo. The True Sovereign of Venus was surnamed Haokong and named Debiao; his wife was named Biaoying, courtesy name Ling’en. The True Sovereign of Mercury was named Qixuan, courtesy name Jiyuan; his wife was named Xuanhua, courtesy name Long’e. The True Sovereign of Saturn was named Zangmu, courtesy name Danyan; his wife was named Kongyao, courtesy name Feixian.

The twenty-eight lunar mansions—the twenty-eight groups of stars encircling the celestial region—are arrayed around it like a fence. The Weaver Maiden Water Official Star can enable people to obtain divine mushrooms, a legendary immortal medicine; those who eat them live as long as Heaven and Earth. The Guest Lodge Water Official Star governs the celestial tally. The Southern Boundary and Northern Boundary Water Official Stars appear as horses in the morning, deer by day, and “zhang” shapes at dusk. The Celestial Market Star is the heavenly granary official spirit and can enable people to obtain luminous pearls. It appears as a tree in the morning, a rabbit by day, and a raccoon dog at dusk. The Level Gate Earth Official Star can enable people to obtain divine maidens and dancing and singing performers. It appears as a sprouting tree in the morning, a pig by day, and a slug or snail at dusk.

The Mysterious Darkness Star was surnamed Mingshu, bore the taboo name Dingxuanjue, had the courtesy name Fakaidu, and the true name Zhitian. It is a celestial spirit who roams as a guerrilla commander, charged with punishing rebels. Above, it commands the ghosts and spirits of the Nine Heavens; in the middle, it governs the Three Officials of the Northern Emperor; below, it watches over the people. The Valley Earth Star can summon flying birds. The Vermilion Bird Star appears as a chicken in the morning, a “wei” shape by day, and a kite at dusk. The Accumulated Water Star can bring anything from the four directions within reach, so that it arrives when one sits and vanishes when one stands. The Wolf Star can summon the Celestial Emperor and 120 spirits.

Whenever corresponding offices are established among humans, corresponding stars appear in Heaven. When human administrative offices are set up improperly, the stars in Heaven likewise fall into disorder. If people slight the sun, moon, and stars, denounce the Seven Luminaries—the sun, moon, and five planets: Jupiter, Venus, Mars, Mercury, and Saturn—curse the wind and rain, or deceive the spirits, calamities will follow, such as eclipses of the sun and moon and stars streaming across the sky.

On the fourth day of the twelfth month each year, one should observe the Water Mother Star in the northwest. It is nine zhang long and three wei in circumference, with its head and tail equally thick. Its appearance foretells floodwaters overflowing across the world; one should quickly flee to the mountains for shelter.

Jiran was a native of Kuiqiu and Pushang. His surname was Xin and his courtesy name Wenzi. He was skilled in calculating the movements of the stars and the calendar, and also understood how to build wealth and make profits.

The Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions

The Jia Attendant Officer is a Yang spirit governed by the spirit of the Horn mansion. There are nine Yang spirits in all. Their surname is Bin and their name is Yuansheng. They wear green dark robes and are governed by the Horn mansion. The Yi Attendant Officer is a Yin…

The stars Kang, Di, Fang, Xin, Wei, and Ji are each governed by their own star deity.

The deity of the Kang star is a yin deity, with four attendant deities. His surname is Fu and his name is Sima. He has a red head and a crimson body, wears a red robe, and carries a sword at his waist. Bing is the yang attendant official of the Kang star deity.

The deity of the Di star is a yang deity, with thirteen attendant deities. His surname is Wang and his name is Shizi. He wears a blue gauze robe. Ding is the yin attendant official of the Di star deity.

The deity of the Fang star is a yin deity, with eight attendant deities. His surname is Hong and his name is Jisheng. He wears a deep-red robe. Wu is the yang attendant official of the Fang star deity.

The deity of the Xin star governs the Xin star. The Xin star belongs to Fire and presides over craftsmanship, so it is located in the east. The deity of the Xin star is a yang deity, with five attendant deities. Her surname is Nü and her name is Tuzhu. She has the head of an ox and the body of a human, wears a yellow robe, and carries a sword at her waist. Ji is the yin attendant official of the Xin star deity.

The deity of the Wei star is a yin deity, with eleven attendant deities. His surname is Tu and his name is Xuze. He has the head of a rabbit and the body of a human, and wears a blue robe. Geng is the yang attendant official of the Wei star deity.

The deity of the Ji star governs the Ji star. The mulberry tree is the spirit of the Ji star. The deity of the Ji star is a yang deity, with eleven attendant deities. His surname is Yuan and his name is Zhong. He wears flowing, jade-colored gauze robes. Xin is the yin attendant official of the Ji star deity.

The deity of the Southern Dipper is a yin deity, with four attendant deities. His surname is Yang and his name is Duo. He wears a blue robe and carries a spear. Ren is the yang attendant official of the Southern Dipper deity.

The deity of the Ox star is a yang deity, with twelve attendant deities. His surname is Liu and his name is Jiangsheng. He wears a deep-red robe. Gui is the yin attendant official of the Ox star deity.

The deity of the Maiden star is a yin deity. His attendant deity’s surname is Diao, his name is Xu, and his courtesy name is Yuzi. He has the head of a dog and the body of a human. The attendant official in the yin position of the Tiger is the deity Meng.

The deity of the Emptiness star governs the Emptiness star. The locust tree is the spirit of the Emptiness star. The deity of the Emptiness star belongs to the category of Meng, with four attendant deities. His surname is Mu and his name is Xuta. He has the head of a mouse and the body of a human, wears a silver-black robe, and carries a sword at his waist. Mao is the attendant official in the Zhong position of the Emptiness star deity.

The deity of the Danger star belongs to the category of Zhong, with eleven attendant deities. His surname is Liu and his name is Guisheng. He wears a robe patterned with jade designs and carries a sword at his waist. Chen is the attendant official in the Ji position of the Danger star deity.

The deity of the Encampment star governs the Encampment star. Within the Encampment are miscellaneous deities of five colors. The Encampment is also the official star where the Son of Heaven receives his mandate and oversees matters concerning water. The deity of the Encampment star belongs to the category of Ji, with eight attendant deities. His surname is Lü and his name is Sheng. He wears yellow brocade robes. Si is the attendant official in the Meng position of the Encampment star deity. At this point, the original text turns to its account of the deity of the Eastern Wall star.

Here, “yin deity” and “yang deity” refer to categories of divine beings, while “attendant official” refers to an accompanying deity. “Meng,” “Zhong,” and “Ji” indicate sequence. Some phrases and deity names in the original are abbreviated; the translation above follows the wording as it appears.

The Meng Shen (deities of the first rank who oversee the star lodges) number seven; their surname is Shi and their given name is Suhe. They have boar heads and human bodies, wear black unlined robes, and carry swords at their waists. The divine officials of the Eastern Wall constellation are under the Meng Shen; the attendant deity for the hour of wu (noon) is the Zhong Shen.

The divine officials of the Kui constellation are under the Zhong Shen. The Zhong Shen number six; their surname is Hei and their given name is Shisheng. They wear cinnabar-red gauze unlined robes and carry swords at their waists. Kui is overseen by the Zhong Shen; the attendant deity for the hour of wei is the Ji Shen.

The divine officials of the Lou constellation are under the Ji Shen. The Ji Shen number thirteen; their surname is Zhu and their given name is Yuanlai, and they wear robes in a flowing phosphorescent hue. Lou is overseen by the Ji Shen; the attendant deity for the hour of shen is the Meng Shen.

The divine officials of the Stomach (Wei) constellation are under the Meng Shen. The Meng Shen number eight; their surname is Feng and their given name is Xiejun. They wear unlined robes in flowing yellow (a bright yellow tint) and carry swords at their waists. The Stomach constellation is overseen by the Meng Shen; the attendant deity for the hour of you is the Zhong Shen.

The divine officials of the Mao (Pleiades) constellation are under the Zhong Shen. The Zhong Shen number four; their surname is Zhang and their given name is Nuxiao. They wear green-cyan unlined robes. Mao is overseen by the Zhong Shen; the attendant deity for the hour of xu is the Ji Shen.

The divine officials of the Bi constellation are under the Ji Shen. The Ji Shen bear the surname Sang and the given name Gongsun; they wear long swords and white fur unlined robes. Bi is overseen by the Ji Shen; the attendant deity for the hour of hai is the Meng Shen.

The divine officials of the Zi (Turtle Beak) constellation are under the Meng Shen. The Meng Shen number eleven; their surname is Wang and their given name is Ping. They wear dragon-green unlined robes. Zi is overseen by the Meng Shen; the attendant deity for the hour of zi (midnight) is the Zhong Shen.

The divine officials of the Shen constellation are under the Zhong Shen. The Zhong Shen number eight; their surname is Tong and their given name is Xushu. They wear yellow-red unlined robes and carry swords at their waists. Shen is overseen by the Zhong Shen; the attendant deity for the hour of chou is the Ji Shen.

The divine officials of the Jing (Well) constellation are under the Ji Shen. The Ji Shen number nine; their given name is Boyang. They wear yellow-water-colored unlined robes, carry swords at their waists, and can manifest the phoenix and the Black Warrior (Xuanwu). The divine officials of the Eastern Well belong to the Changnan Shen (eldest male deity) associated with the trigrams Zhen and Qian.

The divine officials of the Gui (Ghost) constellation are under the Changnan Shen. The Changnan Shen number five; their surname is Zuo and their given name is Tuyu. They have serpent heads and black bodies, carry swords at their waists, and wear robes in wild cinnabar red.

The divine officials of the Liu (Willow) constellation belong to the Zhongzi Shen (middle male deity) associated with the trigrams Kan and Qian. Liu is overseen by the Zhongnan Shen; the Zhongnan Shen number four; their surname is Jiao and their given name is Shixiang. They have ram heads and human bodies and wear yellow leather unlined robes.

The divine officials of the Seven Stars (Qixing) constellation belong to the Shaozi Shen (youngest male deity) associated with the trigrams Gen and Qian. The Seven Stars are overseen by the Shaozi Shen; the Shaozi Shen number five; their given name is Shengzi, and they wear robes in flying-cloud rose color.

The divine officials of the Zhang constellation belong to the Changnü Shen (eldest female deity) associated with the trigrams Xun and Kun. Zhang is overseen by the Changnü Shen; the Changnü Shen number five; their surname is Li and their given name is Shenzi. They wear cinnabar-blood-colored unlined robes.

The divine officials of the Yi (Wings) constellation belong to the Zhongnü Shen (middle female deity) associated with the trigrams Li and Kun. Yi is overseen by the Zhongnü Shen; the Zhongnü Shen number ten; their surname is Zhang and their given name is Nuzi. They wear ochre-black unlined robes and carry swords at their waists.

The Star Deity of the Sword Wing oversees the affairs of young women in the Dui and Kun directions. The Star Deity Zhen also oversees these affairs. There are five young women in all, surnamed Fuli and named Suzi. They wear pale yellow single-layer robes.

Each of the nine stars of the Northern Dipper has its own office, and together they administer the affairs of Heaven and Earth.

The Huang-Lao Jing says: The first star of the Northern Dipper, Tianshu, is the soul-spirit of the Yangming Star; the second, Tianxuan, is the soul-spirit of the Yin Essence Star; the third, Tianji, is the po-essence of the Perfected Person Star; the fourth, Tianquan, is the po-essence of the Dark Mystery Star; the fifth, Yuheng, is the po-spirit of the Cinnabar Origin Star; the sixth, Kaiyang, is the po-spirit of the North Pole Star; the seventh, Yaoguang, is the soul of the Celestial Gate Star, the Great Brightness; the eighth, Dongming, is the soul-essence of the Assistant Star, the Yang Brightness; and the ninth, Yinyuan, is the soul of the Support Star, bright and numinous.

The Yangming Star is the Grand Commandant in Heaven, responsible for administering affairs of state and distinguishing right from wrong. It governs the Perfected Ones of the Nine Heavens, supervises the flying immortals of the Five Sacred Peaks, and commands those in later generations who study the Dao and cultivate perfection. It has jurisdiction over the merits and faults, great and small, of the spirits throughout Heaven and Earth.

The Yin Essence Star is the Chief Minister in Heaven, overseeing stipends and rank. It governs the stars in the sky and commands the myriad spirits and those who study to become immortals. The fate, stipends, and rank of all Dao practitioners and ordinary people fall under its jurisdiction.

The Perfected Person Star is the Minister of Works in Heaven, responsible for the affairs of the immortals. It governs the exalted Perfected Ones of the Nine Heavens, supervises the numinous immortals of the Five Sacred Peaks, and commands those who study the Dao. The officials among the true immortals all fall under its jurisdiction.

The Dark Mystery Star is the Mobile General in Heaven, responsible for campaigns against rebels. It governs the ghosts and spirits of the Nine Heavens, commands the Three Offices of the Northern Emperor, and keeps watch over all living beings. All who are violent or rebellious and fail to observe the duties of a subject fall under its jurisdiction.

The Cinnabar Origin Star is the Dipper Lord in Heaven, responsible for registers of fate and names. It governs the genealogical records of the Nine Heavens, oversees the ledgers of ghosts and spirits, and also keeps the registers of fate for cultivators of perfection and ordinary people. It has overall charge of the relevant registers both in Heaven and below.

The North Pole Star is the Grand Director of Ceremonies in Heaven, responsible for promotions and advancement. It governs the Perfected Ones of the Nine Heavens, oversees the flying immortals of the Five Sacred Peaks, and directs the stages of cultivation attained by those who study the Dao. It has overall charge of all who earn promotion and enter higher ranks through accumulated merit and diligent practice.

The Celestial Gate Star is the Supreme Sovereign in Heaven, responsible for the pivot of Heaven and Earth’s movements. The length of the seasons, the rise and decline of Heaven and Earth, and the cycles of catastrophe and change of eras all fall under its jurisdiction.

The Auxiliary Star is the star of the Heavenly Worthy Jade Emperor. “Auxiliary” conveys the sense of being ever-present and enduring. It belongs to Yang and governs the affairs of flying immortals. Above, it commands the Nine Heavens; below, it commands the Nine Earths. The spirits of the Five Sacred Peaks and the Four Great Rivers, along with the officials of the spirit and immortal realms, all fall under its authority.

The Supporting Star is the star of the True Star, Great Constancy. “Supporting” conveys the sense of emptiness, stillness, and concealment. It governs transformations without end.

The Precious Register of the River Chart says:

The first star is the Bright Yang Star. It serves as Grand Commandant in Heaven and oversees inspection and judgment. Above, it commands the perfected beings of the Nine Heavens; in the middle, it inspects the flying immortals of the Five Sacred Peaks; below, it commands the perfected beings who cultivate the Dao in later generations. It also perceives the merits and faults of the spirits of Heaven and Earth, and weighs their significance. Its celestial domain has a circumference of 920 li and contains a jade tower in the Green City. The perfected being who dwells there is titled Lord of the Nine Mornings, with the surname Shangling and the secret name Yaotian. He wears a jade crown of the Nine Mornings, a green feather robe, and holds the Diagram of the Mysterious Dipper as he sits within the jade tower. If one knows his hidden name—the sacred name of a revered deity, kept secret from the public—Jade Mornings will appear and shine forth, enabling one to fly through the vastness of space.

The second star is the Yin Essence Star. It serves as Chief Minister in Heaven and governs stipends and official rank. Above, it commands the stars of Heaven; below, it commands the myriad spirits and those who cultivate immortality. Its celestial domain has a circumference of 555 li and contains a five-colored jade tower. The perfected being who dwells there is titled Lord of the Northern Upper Morning, with the surname Yuying and the secret name Jimingguang. He wears a jade crown of Mysterious Essence, a black feather robe, and holds a five-colored feather baton, an emblem of divine office.

The third star is the Perfected Being Star. It serves as Minister of Works in Heaven and governs the affairs of immortals and spirits. Above, it commands the lofty perfected beings of the Nine Heavens; in the middle, it inspects the numinous immortals of the Five Sacred Peaks; below, it commands those who study the Dao. Its celestial domain has a circumference of 770 li and contains a jade tower on a yellow terrace. The perfected being who dwells there is titled Lord of the Immortals, the Divine Lord Hua, with the surname Guibing and the secret name Duzhong. He wears a precious crown of Flying Mornings, a green feather robe, and holds the Azure Register of the Dipper.

The fourth star is the Mysterious Darkness Star. It serves as a mobile commander in Heaven and oversees the suppression of rebels. Above, it commands the ghosts and spirits of the Nine Heavens; in the middle, it commands the Three Offices of the Northern Emperor; below, it watches over all living beings. Its celestial domain has a circumference of 800 li and contains a jade tower on a vermilion terrace. The perfected being who dwells there is titled Lord of the Mysterious Upper Flying Canopy and Morning, with the surname Ming Shu and the secret name Yaotianzhu. He wears a precious crown of the Two Blossoms and Morning, a flying robe of crimson brocade, and holds a baton of the Nine Spirits.

The fifth star is the Cinnabar Origin Star. It serves as Lord of the Northern Dipper in Heaven and governs the registers of fate and official allotments. Above, it administers the various registers of names in the Nine Heavens; in the middle, it oversees the rosters of ghosts and spirits; below, it governs the registers of fate for those who study the Dao and for all living beings. All such registers throughout the heavens and earth fall under its authority. Its celestial domain has a circumference of 720 li and contains a golden tower on a white terrace. The perfected being who dwells there is titled Lord of the Seven Golden Chiefs and Mornings, with the surname Shang Kai and the secret name Bian…

The fifth Daoist crown is adorned with seven kinds of precious jewels. The wearer is dressed in a flying robe made of white brocade and holds the Register of Azure Origin.

The sixth star, the North Pole, corresponds to the Heaven of Great Constancy. Great Constancy oversees promotion and advancement. Above, it governs the Perfected Ones of the Nine Heavens; below, it commands the flying immortals of the Five Sacred Peaks and oversees the ranks of Daoist practitioners. Its domain extends 770 li in every direction and contains the Jade Tower of the Hai Terrace. There dwells a Perfected One who treads the astral pattern, titled Lord of Flying Radiance of the Northern Dawn. His surname is Mingling, and his personal name is Chang Shangyuan. He wears the Crown of Flying Essence and Radiance, is dressed in a flying robe of purple brocade, and holds a jade tablet of the Nine Dippers.

The seventh star, the Celestial Gate, corresponds to the Heaven of the Supreme Emperor. It oversees the movement of Heaven and Earth, the length of the four seasons, cycles of flourishing and decline, and the appointed times of cosmic calamities. Its domain extends 900 li in every direction and contains a nine-tiered Jade Tower. There dwells a Perfected One who rides a dragon, titled Lord of the Northern Canopy of the Nine Origins, Total Spirit. His surname is Xuanshu, and his personal name is Kaitian Tu. He wears the Precious Crown of the Nine Origins, is dressed in a nine-colored brocade robe, and holds the Seal of Radiant Spirit.

The eighth star, the Assistant, is the star of the Jade Emperor. It is called Constant Yang and oversees the flying immortals. Above, it commands the Nine Heavens; below, it governs the Nine Earths, the Five Sacred Peaks, the Four Rivers, and the offices of the spirits and immortals. Its domain extends 990 li in every direction and contains a Jade Tower wreathed in purple Qi (vital energy). There dwells a Perfected One who roams the Three Realms, titled Lord of the Nine Dawns, Imperial Venerable. His surname is Jingchang, and his personal name is Kong Shang Kai Zhengyan. He wears the Jade Crown of Flying Essence, is dressed in a nine-colored phoenix robe, and holds a fire bell.

The ninth star, the Supporter, corresponds to the star of the Great Emperor Perfected One. It is called Hidden Void and oversees transformations without limit. Its domain extends 990 li in every direction and contains a Jade Tower and a Purple Lodge. There dwells a Perfected One who wanders among the Three Yangs, titled Lord of the Primordial Star, Imperial Perfected. His surname is Youkong, and his personal name is Mingyang Hui Youliao. He wears the Jade Crown of Flying Heaven, is dressed in a dragon robe of the Nine Heavens, and holds the Imperial Insignia, the symbolic seal of imperial authority.

If you wish to speak of another person’s faults, prove yourself right, expose another’s wrongdoing, or proclaim your own goodness, you should first reproach yourself and refrain from blaming others. You should also understand the principles involved and separately petition the celestial spirits to grant blessings, remove sins, and extend good fortune and longevity. Then report your request to the Grand Marshal of Heaven and the First Jade Emperor Lord.

If you are an official of Yin-Yang studies and seek a stipend and a position, report your request to the Chief Minister of Heaven and the Second Jade Emperor Lord.

If you cultivate the Dao and seek immortality, hoping to commune with the spirits and attain the sacred realm, report your request to the Minister of Works of Heaven and the Third Jade Emperor Lord.

If you wish to subdue ghosts and spirits, punish rebels, and attack malevolent forces in the underworld and among the living, report your request to the Mobile General of Heaven and the Fourth Jade Emperor Lord.

If you wish to establish merit, increase your allotted years, and prolong your life, report your request to the Lord of the Dipper and the Fifth Jade Emperor Lord.

If you encounter hardship, illness, or calamity and wish to appeal for relief, you may pray to the Heavenly Taichang, a celestial deity, the Sixth Jade Emperor.

If you encounter a blockage in the flow of Qi between Heaven and Earth, or an imbalance in Yin-Yang Qi, you may pray to the Lord on High, the Seventh Jade Emperor.

If you wish to avert many calamities and bring stability to those above and below, you may pray to the Celestial Venerable Jade Emperor, the Eighth Jade Emperor.

If you hope to cope with ever-changing circumstances and save all beings, you may pray to the Great Emperor, the Ninth Jade Emperor.

The inner surnames and secret names of the nine Emperors and their nine consorts, once known, can extend one’s life by a thousand years. Each night, visualize them as though seeing the forms and radiant presence of the Emperors and their consorts. Keep their surnames and secret names firmly in mind, and concentrate on the visualization. If you can see the eighth and ninth stars, you may attain endless longevity.

The Taishang Record of Empty Constancy and Flying Steps

The Great Lord of the Dao Above says: “Empty Constancy” is the soul of Heaven and Earth and the working of Yin and Yang. The names and surnames of the Dipper Lords are recorded elsewhere, in the formulas that follow. There is only one formula: step along the positions of the Northern Dipper stars and recite the incantation. The practitioner should frame the words of the petition according to what is sought and present them aloud. The names and star charts of the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions, which encircle the celestial regions, are detailed in the Correct Scripture of Flowing Pearls and should be consulted carefully.

Next come the methods for the Lords of the Southern Dipper and its seven stars. The Old Lord says: The Lord of the Southern Dipper has the surname Tang, the given name Cu, and the courtesy name Xuandao; he is from Taiyuan.

Next come the methods for the Lords of the Western Dipper and its seven stars. The Old Lord says: The Lord of the Western Dipper has the surname Liu, the given name Qi, and the courtesy name Shiying; he is from Chang’an.

Next come the methods for the Lords of the Northern Dipper and its seven stars. The Old Lord says: The Lord of the Northern Dipper has the surname Chen, the given name Feng, and the courtesy name Baiwan; he is from Jiangxia. For details, see Flowing Pearls.

These four Dipper Lords and the twenty-eight officials under their command all receive people’s petitions and carry out their orders. Petitions should be made sincerely, so that intention and action accord. Never perform these rites without proper cause; otherwise, calamity may follow and bring harm upon you.

Next comes the method of the Director of Destiny.

The Old Lord says: There is one Left Director of Destiny. His surname is Han, his given name Si, and his courtesy name Yuanxin; he is from Changle. The divine officials in charge of Records, Punishments, and other duties all serve under him. The Left Director of Destiny has thirty-six senior officials.

The Right Director of Destiny has the surname Zhang, the given name Huoyi, and the courtesy name Ziliang; he is from Guangyang. The divine officials in charge of Records, Wrongdoing, and other duties all serve under him. The Right Director of Destiny also has thirty-six senior officials.

The Celestial Master says: The two Directors of Destiny, Han and Zhang, were both ministers of Emperor Gaozu of Han.

The Old Lord said: If one knows the names of the two司命, the left and right Lords of Destiny—deities in Daoism who govern people’s lifespans and registers of fate—then on the six Jia days, the six days marked by Jia in the sixty-day cycle, one may tread the astral steps and follow the prescribed method.

The incantation recited while walking is the same as the method for the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions described earlier. The difference is that the oral formula must be matched to each person’s allotted destiny. Form the hand seal of the Lords of Destiny and practice it regularly according to the formula. Persist for two years, and one can attain long life; one may also summon deities to carry out secret methods for dispelling calamities and averting misfortune. It is said that with long, devoted practice, one can ascend to Heaven in broad daylight.

Seven Slips from a Cloudy Satchel, scroll 24