《雲笈七籤》Vol. 25

The Secret Essentials of the Purple Court of the Northern Pole’s Seven Origins (also known as The Northern Emperor’s Seven Origins), also called The True Scripture for Prolonging Life.

It is said that in the second year of Haochi, Ge Xiangong received this scripture from the Most High. During the Wei dynasty, Master Ye brought it into the world. The essential teachings of the Most High, the Void Northern Emperor, can reach up to the Purple Court, the heavenly realm.

Kui governs the body; Gui governs rank and emoluments; Yu governs blessings, virtue, and children; Xing governs lifespan; Bi governs official position; Zhi governs longevity; and Piao governs wives, concubines, and servants.

Each of these seven star deities is honored with a lamp, making seven lamps in all. They are placed and lit in a Daoist ritual hall, a site used for Zhaijiao purification rituals. By observing whether the flames burn brightly or dimly, one can tell whether misfortune threatens the star position associated with each deity. The Zhaijiao rite is usually held on the last or first day of the lunar month.

The Scripture of the Seven Origins says that on this day, the seven perfected ones of the Northern Emperor descend among humankind to inspect people’s offenses and blessings. By praying during the rite to dispel calamities and avert misfortune, people can turn ill fortune into good and bring their affairs to a favorable outcome.

The scripture also says that the rite may be held on one’s birth-star day, or on a day when one’s emolument and destiny align and the Five Phases generate one another. Choose a place dogs and mice cannot reach. Remove weeds and filth and clean the area, then make offerings during the Ox, Pig, or Goat hour. This rite is called “sweeping the ground and making offerings”; white mao grass may also be spread as a mat. Those who know the star deities’ names, what they eat, and where they go can often obtain good fortune.

For any of these Zhaijiao rites, bathe and observe purification, keeping everything clean, and arrange the lamps according to the stars’ positions. Place a table beneath each star, with offerings on it. Wash the offerings with water scented with mao grass, and sweep the courtyard and rooms clean before making the offerings. Set up a marker made of paper money facing north. When the money on the marker moves, it is taken as a sign that the perfected ones have arrived and can remove calamities and bestow blessings. At that moment, do not stare at the divine positions.

Ordinary people need only know the name of the star lodge they belong to in order to pray for protection from calamity, all the more so if they perform the rite and make offerings regularly. After the rite, observe the direction from which the wind blows; that is the direction in which to seek renown. Take a little of the grain offering from each star, put it into a small pouch about one inch square, and wear it on your head when going out. In an emergency, call the name of your birth star repeatedly and ask for help. When praying for other things, call the name of your birth star as well.

Offerings used in the Zhaijiao rite include clear wine, fine tea, clean fruit, oil cakes, and money…

The cost is for the practitioner to decide. On a sheet of paper, list the names of the deities you wish to invoke and state what you are seeking.

First, the Star of Yang Brightness, corresponding to the fifth and seventh stars.

Second, the Star of Yin Essence, corresponding to the fourth and sixth stars—the two positions on a straight line.

Third, the Star of the Perfected One, whose position differs from the others and lies below them.

Fourth, the Star of Dark Mystery.

Fifth, the Star of Cinnabar Origin.

Sixth, the North Pole Star.

Seventh, the Star of the Celestial Pass.

The Auxiliary Star and the Supporting Star.

All these deities wear jeweled crowns, robes of rosy cloud, and carry jade tablets. They appear in the form of Perfected Ones. During the Zhaijiao ritual, you should visualize them appearing in your mind and invoke them.

The eighth is the Imperial Star, named Lord Radiance of the High Jade Emperor. Seeing him is said to add three hundred years to one’s life.

The ninth is the Venerable Star, named Divine Lord Jade Emperor of the Grand Tenuity, also called the Primordial Lord of the Seven Stars of the Great Emperor. Seeing him is said to add six hundred years to one’s life.

These two Imperial Lords are dressed like emperors and dwell near the Northern Dipper. Another account says that the Imperial Star is within the fourth star and the Venerable Star within the second. They are spiritual manifestations of emperors and Heavenly Worthies. During the Zhaijiao ritual, you should visualize them appearing in your mind. On the nights of the third and twenty-seventh days of each month, you may observe them discreetly, ensuring that no one else sees. With sincere and sustained devotion, it is said that you cannot fail to see them. Both Imperial Stars are larger than the seven stars of the Northern Dipper, and their light is purple, exceptionally bright, and awe-inspiring. After seeing them, bow and pray for long life and ascension to immortality, and silently state your wishes in your mind. Once you have seen them, the two Imperial Lords will confer on you the rank of a Perfected One.

The Upper Terrace Star is named Empty Essence. If your prayer is answered, it is said that you will dream of an emperor. Reciting its name and praying for gold and jade will also bring a response.

The Middle Terrace Star is named Six Purities. To seek an official stipend and advancement in one’s career, recite its name and pray; it is said that your request will surely be granted.

The Lower Terrace Star is named Bent Life. To seek wives, concubines, or servants, recite its name and pray; it is said that your wish will surely be fulfilled.

The Lord of Grand Tenuity says: “If you wish to prolong your life, attain longevity and wealth, or rise to prominence, you should practice this method. It is said that practicing it over a long period and performing the Zhaijiao ritual can dispel the sins of seven generations of ancestors and your own calamities. When disaster or illness strikes, it will vanish after you pray. If an emperor practices the Dao, he can live as long as the sun, moon, and stars, possess spiritual powers of a thousand transformations, and die either seated or standing, while enjoying blessings as enduring as mountains. Those who are deeply respected by the people and have succeeded in cultivating the Dao are said to be able to ascend to Heaven in broad daylight. The Three Dukes and ministers will also thereby win the emperor’s favor and dream of signs that their official fortunes are flourishing.”

This method must be practiced in a thoroughly pure household. It is said that a household that possesses this method can avoid all kinds of illness and every sort of misfortune…

In the past, Liu Jing of the Han dynasty was surrounded by an army of a million rebels, and arrows fell like rain. The soldiers were so terrified that their faces changed color. Only Liu Jing remained calm and unafraid. Wearing a loose undershirt, he walked the Seven-Star Pattern, stepping according to the positions of the seven stars of the Northern Dipper. He prayed silently and performed a purification ritual, setting up an altar to make offerings and appeal to the gods. A divine being then came to break the siege, and the rebel army scattered in every direction.

This was only the usual method of walking the star pattern and performing the ritual. How much more so for the secret formulas that follow, which have always been transmitted orally by true immortals. According to the Regulations of the Seven Primordial Lords (Qiyuan ke), these teachings are passed on to only one person every hundred years. The recipient must possess a Bone Register—that is, be considered to have the innate capacity for the Dao and to qualify for entry in the registers of immortals. They must not be transmitted indiscriminately, or disaster will befall nine generations of ancestors.

Even if people in the world cannot yet walk the star pattern, they need only perform the purification ritual twice each month to receive a response naturally. In the first year, they can avoid unexpected calamities; in the second, misfortune and distress; in the third, the calamity of death. By the fourth year, they will be able to see their true form. After that, a thousand kinds of disaster and ten thousand kinds of evil spirit will be unable to harm them, and they will remain free from misfortune forever.

The first, Yangming Star: for those born in the year of the Rat; offer millet as food.

The second, Yin Essence Star: for those born in the years of the Ox or Pig; offer foxtail millet as food.

The third, Perfected Person Star: for those born in the years of the Tiger or Dog; offer glutinous rice as food.

The fourth, Dark Mystery Star: for those born in the years of the Rabbit or Rooster; offer small beans as food.

The fifth, Cinnabar Origin Star: for those born in the years of the Dragon or Monkey; offer hemp seeds as food.

The sixth, North Pole Star: for those born in the years of the Snake or Goat; offer “great minister” as food.

The seventh, Heavenly Gate Star: for those born in the year of the Horse; offer small beans as food.

Items Needed for the Purification Ritual

Twelve substitute figures in human form; white rice for making a drink; one length of silk representing one’s allotted life; a pair of undergarments; one length of life-cloth, twelve feet long; a pair of gold rings; a pair of jade rings; one dou and two sheng of salt; one shi and two dou of rice representing one’s allotted fortune; 1,200 copper coins; one dou and two sheng of fermented black beans; 120 sheets of paper for ritual memorials; one writing brush; one stick of ink; an incense burner; pure water; one altar table; and colored silk for stabilizing the altar and serving as a token of sincerity.

For the east: nine zhang and nine chi of blue-green silk. For the south: three zhang and three chi of crimson silk. For the west: seven zhang and seven chi of white silk. For the north: five zhang and five chi of dark silk. For the center: twelve zhang and two chi of yellow silk. Also provide fruit for the offerings.

Note: The wording “eat great minister” in the original is suspect. It has been retained as written, since the specific food intended cannot be determined.

Plums, chestnuts, peaches, apricots, dates, pears, walnuts, and dried persimmons.

Set out two clean beds, placing one against the north wall. Place the Seven Primordial Ones diagram, an image of the divine beings of the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper, in the southwest. Paint it on two pieces of blue-green silk, each nine feet long.

When performing the Zhaijiao rite, after burning incense and setting out the food offerings, step aside and quiet the mind and focus the spirit. Hold the prayer tablet and stand with a slight bow, one and a half zhang away. Recite the incantation softly:

“Respectfully I report: In the year, month, and hour of [year, month, and hour], the disciple [name and title] is assigned to [star]. The disciple bows twice and respectfully submits this petition for transmission above.

Seven Primordial Lords, the Yang Brightness, Yin Essence, and Radiant Brightness—your divine light shines brilliantly. May you descend to this courtyard tonight and partake of these humble gifts. Descend for a time to this clean ritual court. Grant the disciple freedom from fear and peace of body and mind; remove the disciple’s name from the register of the dead and enter it in the register of long life. May all that is sought be granted and all that is undertaken succeed. May the disciple move the sovereign above and the hearts of the people below, and be respected and cherished by all. May I ascend to the Purple Court of the immortals. Please descend to this ritual seat. The disciple bows twice and respectfully submits this petition for transmission above.

Seven Primordial Lords and Perfected Ones, Mysterious Darkness: please descend to the disciple’s clean ritual court and partake of the disciple’s humble offerings. Know the disciple’s sincere heart. The disciple wishes to ascend to the immortal capital and wishes to be nameless to Taiyin, and to command the myriad spirits, the Six Jia, and the Six Ding. May I move Heaven’s heart above and save the people below. Please descend to this ritual seat. The disciple bows twice and respectfully submits this petition for transmission above.

Seven Primordial Lords, Cinnabar Origin, and the North Pole: please descend to the disciple’s clean ritual precinct. Erase the disciple’s name from the register of the dead and grant the disciple the power of the Dao, so that the lifespan may match the sun, moon, and stars, and blessings may continue without end. May divine beings protect the body, and Jade Maidens attend at the disciple’s side. Please descend to this ritual seat. The disciple bows twice and respectfully submits this petition for transmission above.

Seven Primordial Lords, Great Spirit of the Heavenly Pass: please shine upon the disciple. May the disciple live long, become a guest of the August Emperor, keep a countenance like the sun and moon, and remain ever youthful through the four seasons. May I leave behind the world’s defilements and swiftly ascend to the rank of the Highest Perfected. Let me glance to the left toward Yuyi, the sun deity, and carry Jie Lin, the moon deity, at my right; let Jade Youths serve as my attendants and Jade Maidens be my companions. Please descend to this ritual seat. The disciple bows twice, faces the mouth of the Dipper, and respectfully submits this petition for transmission above.

The two Venerable Emperor Stars are divine beings of the North Pole. Any mortal who sees them may attain long life. Please enter the disciple’s name in the register of flying immortals and erase it from the register of the dead, granting blessings without end and a life as enduring as Heaven. May the disciple swiftly rise beyond to the immortal capital and roam through Shangqing, the Highest Clarity heaven. Please descend to this ritual seat. The disciple bows twice and respectfully submits this petition for transmission above.”

The True Lords Who Assist and Support—the divine lords who aid the Northern Pole—appear and vanish from time to time. They are supremely true and divine, assisting the Northern Pole and encircling Purple Dawn. I pray that the divine lords will display the power of the Dao and enable me to attain the Dao; that they will support Heaven’s will above and deliver those lost in delusion below. I respectfully invite them to descend to the ritual altar, and bow my head twice in reverence. Then I sit facing west and respectfully invite my petition to be heard above.

To the True Lords of the Upper Terrace, Empty Essence; the Middle Terrace, Six Purities; and the Lower Terrace, Crooked Life: I, your humble petitioner, sincerely present my plea and bow twice to welcome you. Though the gifts I have prepared are modest, my intent is not disrespectful; I will serve you with all my heart and strength. May you recognize my sincere devotion, remove my name from the register of the dead, and enter it among those who enjoy long life. May my rank rise and my name be listed among the offices of the celestial court; may my mind grow clear, my ears and eyes keen, my Three Hun souls endure, and my Seven Po souls be at peace. May I attend court at the Golden Palace and pay my respects at Jade Capital, riding a cloud dragon and taking my place among the ranks of the immortals.

I respectfully invite you all to descend to the ritual altar, and bow my head twice in reverence. When the rites are complete, I withdraw and leave the offerings for the True Ones to enjoy. If I have any wishes, I may present them at that time. When reading the document aloud, I must not raise my voice, nor allow unrelated people to see or hear it. When making offerings to the Three Officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water, set out three places at the base of the Dipper’s handle. The offerings for the Earth God and the God on Duty should each occupy two portions; burn paper money beforehand to make offerings, so that they may report the matter and drive away impurity.

Ritual Petition

On this day, in this month, year, and hour, [name], of [village], [prefecture], respectfully makes this declaration to the Divine Sovereign of Heaven above and to the Seven Primordial True Lords of the Northern Pole’s numinous palace. The petition should be composed according to the matter being requested. I respectfully submit this memorial, knowing that this act may offend the Northern Pole and slight the divine spirits. Though deeply apprehensive, I nevertheless make this petition.

In addition, during morning and evening worship, one may silently recite the following incantation:

I respectfully ask that my petition be heard above. Seven Primordial True Lords, Bright Yang, Yin Essence, the Perfected Ones, Dark Mystery, Cinnabar Origin, and all the numinous beings of the Northern Pole’s Celestial Gate: remove my name from the register of the dead and enter it among those who enjoy long life. May every wish I make be granted and everything I undertake succeed; may all people respect and cherish me, and may I ascend to the Purple Court.

Then silently recite: I respectfully ask that my petition be heard above. Revered Sovereign, the Two Stars, and all the numinous beings of the Northern Pole: may I soon behold you. Once I have seen you, may I attain long life, enjoy boundless blessings and good fortune, and live as long as Heaven.

Then silently recite: I respectfully ask that my petition be heard above. True Lords of the Three Terraces—Empty Essence, Six Purities, and Crooked Life—may my rank rise and my name be listed among the offices of the celestial court; may my mind grow clear, my ears and eyes keen, my Three Hun souls endure, and my Seven Po souls be at peace.

Afterward, recite the Divine Incantation of the Northern Dipper for Extending Life, to calm the spirit and soul and lengthen one’s lifespan.

The honored titles of the Seven Primordial Stars and Seven Spirits are: Greedy Wolf, Giant Gate, Minister Protector, Long Life, Prosperity Keeper, Literary Melody, Minister Guardian, Life Soul, Upright Chastity, Martial Melody, Guarding Minister, Gate of Life, Army Breaker, Assistant and Aide, Minister Protector, and Long Life. Pray that they remove calamities, cut off evil spirits, erase one’s name from the register of the dead, and enter one’s name among the living, so that people may escape disasters and avoid the nine kinds of untimely misfortune. Ask them also, through the power of the Utmost Truth, to command the hosts of ghosts and demons, subdue evil beings, and protect Dao practitioners so they may quickly attain completion. The Seven Primordial Stars guard the body and enable people to ascend to the Purple Court, the heavenly realm in Daoist belief.

Before getting out of bed and before going to sleep, silently recite the Incantation for Calming the Spirit and Averting Calamity once, then get up or lie down. The incantation is as follows:

“The honored title of Greedy Wolf is the Star of Yang Brightness. The Jade Emperor is noble and bestows blessings; countless troops come to support my body. The honored title of Giant Gate is the Star of Yin Essence. The Perfected One of Prosperity Keeper, the Dark Nether of Literary Melody, the Cinnabar Origin of Upright Chastity, and the name of Martial Melody all belong to the stars of the Northern Pole. The honored title of Army Breaker is the Star of the Heavenly Gate. The revered spirits of the Seven Stars, tens of thousands upon tens of thousands, are all at my side.

“To my left is the Azure Dragon, named Mengzhang; to my right is the White Tiger, named Jianbing; before me is the Vermilion Bird, named Lingguang; behind me is the Black Tortoise, named Zhiming. They raise ceremonial standards and carry flags and banners, bearing bells and drums on their backs. They surround me on every side, guarding me in layer upon layer. May this be carried out swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and commands.”

It is said that when rulers and nobles put this method into practice, people from both the Yi and Xia peoples submit, and the populace grows prosperous and thriving. Those who cultivate it can live long and see far, shining in splendor alongside Heaven. Daoists who cultivate this method can ascend to Heaven; ordinary people who practice it can extend their lives and enjoy longevity. This is a secret method and should be cherished and kept safe, not passed on casually.

Carrying the True Form Diagram of the Northern Emperor’s Seven Primordial Stars can bring many blessings and auspicious events.

First star of the Northern Dipper: Lord of Yang Brightness.

Second star of the Northern Dipper: Lord of Yin Essence.

Third star of the Northern Dipper: Lord of the Perfected One.

Fourth star of the Northern Dipper: Lord of the Dark Nether.

Fifth star of the Northern Dipper: Lord of the Cinnabar Origin.

Sixth star of the Northern Dipper: Lord of the Northern Pole.

Seventh star of the Northern Dipper: Lord of the Heavenly Gate.

The Method of the Seven Youths Lying within the Dipper

Those who are new to the Dao and wish to cultivate the Way of the Sun and Moon should practice the wondrous method of the Seven Luminaries. Each night, once all is quiet and late, burn incense in another room, lie with your head facing north, settle your body and spirit, clear away distracting thoughts, and focus your attention on visualizing the spirit body. Then click your teeth twenty-four times. Next, envision the Seven Stars shining brightly in the north, while you lie within the Northern Dipper… The original text breaks off here.

Beneath the Huagai (Flower Canopy), the radiance of the Seven Luminaries flows and turns, shining beyond the Purple Scene and covering it like a canopy.

The practitioner visualizes being above the Purple Scene, among the Seven Luminaries. Inside and out, all is dark; nothing can be seen. After a long while, the darkness suddenly clears, and the light of the Seven Luminaries becomes seven young attendants, each seeming to stand upon a star. The first is named Pivot Radiance, the second Radiant Spirit, the third Northern Origin, the fourth Precious Essence, the fifth Cinnabar Babe, the sixth Numinal Clarity, and the seventh Purple Reflection.

The seven attendants breathe out the light of the Seven Treasures to nourish the practitioner’s body. The Attendant Pivot Radiance breathes out the light of the Purple Scene; the Attendant Radiant Spirit, the light of colored glass; the Attendant Precious Essence, the light of silver; the Attendant Cinnabar Babe, the light of jade essence; the Attendant Numinal Clarity, the light of a precious pearl; and the Attendant Purple Reflection, the light of coral. Once all seven precious lights have entered the practitioner’s body, draw in Qi and swallow forty-nine times, then silently recite the incantation:

“Golden essence gathers and transforms, forming the Seven Numina of the Primordial Beginning. Purple radiance gleams; vermilion light shines through with clarity. The Flower Canopy circles and turns, surrounding the Cold Court. Precious light blazes, and the Seven Luminaries entwine the babe. Mysterious radiance breathes out the fragrance of orchids; the Qi of sacred fungus fills the night dwelling. At dawn, ascend to the realm of Jade Clarity. The Jade Pivot turns; the road leads to the Purple Scene, and wings protect the body. Sit at ease in the cloud carriage, command the flying chariot, and roam to the farthest reaches of the eight directions. The three channels converge. Swallow saliva seven times, then stop.”

Afterward, coat the whole body with millet flour and lie down to rest. After practicing in this way for seven years, the light of the Seven Treasures will emerge from the body, and the Flower Canopy of the Purple Scene will always cover the head. The practitioner will be able to command seven numinous jade maidens. They will arrive in a spirit cloud carriage to welcome the practitioner and carry them up to the Northern Pole.

This is a secret and wondrous Dao practiced by the Highest Perfected, and it is not to be passed on among ordinary people. Anyone inscribed with a mysterious name before birth and entered into the registers of azure records and jade writings should receive this Dao. After attaining it, one is certain to become a Highest Immortal, a teacher and patriarch of the assembled immortals. Anyone who carelessly divulges this method will go blind and suffer bodily harm, bringing punishment upon seven generations of ancestors. They will also endure the torments of the blade mountain and consuming fire, and undergo ten thousand kalpas in the Three Paths, with no pardon. Those who study the Dao should understand and carefully uphold the teaching transmitted from the farthest reaches of the four quarters, keeping this method deeply concealed.

These seven attendants are the Highest Perfected of the Seven Luminaries, formed from the vital essence of the Seven Treasures. Knowing their names brings long life and freedom from death; cultivating their methods makes one an immortal; revealing their names brings blindness. If you visualize them morning and evening, they will protect you continually.

If disaster or an urgent crisis arises, knock the teeth together seven times and call out the names of the “Seven Youths” (seven divine beings). The disaster will then disappear on its own. This method should be known to you alone. How could precious pearls and jade be left amid dirt and filth? A wise person should keep them secret.

The Supreme One’s Secret Way of Summoning the Five Celestial Bodies into the Cavernous Chamber to Become an Immortal

At midnight, sit or lie down in a quiet place. Settle your body, calm your mind, and regulate your breathing slowly until your spirit is at peace. Then close your eyes and turn your gaze inward. You may practice this method every night: when sitting, face the corresponding direction; when lying down, point your head toward it. Visualize the stars shining brightly as they suddenly fly toward you and enter the corresponding places in your head.

First, visualize the western Star of Great White (Venus), white in color and radiating seven rays. Imagine it appearing in the sky, gradually moving before your eyes, then shrinking into a circle seven fen in diameter. It then enters the “Purple Gate of the Jade Pendant” (a visualization point above the eyebrows: one cun directly inward from above the brows, within a square one cun on each side, beside the Hall of Light). On yang days, visualize it above the left eyebrow; on yin days, above the right.

Next, visualize the northern Star of the Morning (Mercury), dark blue in color and radiating five rays. It is located in the “Mysterious Palace of the Celestial Center and Imperial Domain” (one cun directly inward from the bridge of the nose, at a point five fen below the hairline, within a square one cun on each side, corresponding to the Celestial Court Palace; it lies two cun above the eyebrows, and the star is five fen in diameter).

Then visualize the eastern Star of the Year (Jupiter), green in color and radiating nine rays. It is located in the “Red Terrace of the Cavernous Gate” (one cun behind the eyebrows, one cun directly inward, within a square one cun on each side, joined to the lower corner of the Office of the Six Directions). On yang days, visualize it on the left; on yin days, on the right. The star is nine fen in diameter.

Next, visualize the southern Star of Blazing Confusion (Mars), red in color and radiating three rays. It is located in the “Flowery Chamber of the Jade Gate” (five fen above the point between the eyebrows, five fen directly inward, within a square five fen on each side). On yang days, visualize it on the left; on yin days, on the right. The star is three fen in diameter.

Finally, visualize the central Star of Restraint (Saturn), yellow in color and radiating four rays, angled slightly toward the southwest. First tilt your head back and imagine seeing this star; then bring your head level and visualize it. It is located in the “Long Valley of the Yellow Chamber in the Golden Coffer” (at the center of the philtrum beneath the nose, two fen directly inward; half the star appears outside, as if suspended above). It is four fen in diameter.

When the visualization is complete, let the five stars seem to settle into their respective positions. Afterward, you should feel…

Let the starlight shine in five colors and send out vapor, passing through my whole body so that I am clear and open inside and out. If I feel a faint fragrance-like breath descend, that is the essence of the stars entering my body. Then click my teeth five times and swallow my saliva twenty-five times—five times for each star. As I do so, visualize the saliva in the color of each of the Five Stars, entering its corresponding organ. Proceed through the organs in the order of the visualization.

Offer this prayer in a quiet voice:

“Within the lofty purple palace of Gaoyuan, five divine beings shine like precious jewels, casting light straight through the gates. The vital essences of the stars gather and take form, transforming into the likeness of an old man: he wears a white cap, a green robe, and a deep red skirt; a flowing bell hangs at his right side, and a tiger tally at his left. He holds the Celestial Measure in his hand, gives off red light, and flies among the stars. He treads upon a flowered canopy, breathes out radiance, and cultivates himself. May the Three Radiances—the refined energies of the sun, moon, and stars—protect me, so that I may attain the Dao and become perfected, nourish my hun and subdue my po, and ride the wind upward to become an immortal.”

If you have another wish in mind, speak it after the prayer, while gathering your attention and visualizing it intently. Remain in this state for a short while. To finish, swallow saliva three times, click your teeth three times, and recite the Five Penetrations. Practice in this way regularly for fifteen years, and the five divine elders will come to welcome you and carry you up with them into the Purple Void, the distant heights of the Daoist heavens. Do not practice intermittently, and do not let your visualization become unfocused. Keep away from unclean places and disorderly surroundings, and burn incense and bathe regularly. If you violate these requirements, you will decline; if you follow them, you will ascend to become an immortal.

The Dipper-Rising Method

On each of the Eight Seasonal Nodes—the Beginning of Spring, Spring Equinox, Beginning of Summer, Summer Solstice, Beginning of Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Beginning of Winter, and Winter Solstice—enter a room at midnight and sit upright. Join your hands, steady your breathing, close your eyes, and turn your attention inward. You may also face north. Visualize yourself slowly rising and flying above the Dipper’s Ladle, the region formed by the bowl-shaped part of the Big Dipper. First visualize the nine stars of the Northern Dipper in the heavens and their positions for that season. Then visualize yourself suddenly entering the Dipper’s Ladle and sitting with your back to the actual stars. Sit quietly and visualize for a short while, as if your body were already inside the Dipper. Practice with your whole attention until you feel warmth within your body. This is what the scripture calls the true Qi joining with the Great Dao. Then visualize the Dipper stars radiating purple light, bathing your whole body and illuminating it inside and out.

Next, visualize the names and clothing of the Nine Essences and the three great deities; silently recite their names in your mind. The Great Deity of the Upper Origin is named Qixi, with the courtesy name Linggang. He wears a purple Dawn Crown and a purple phoenix-feather cloak, and a red robe patterned with tigers. Jade ornaments hang at his left side, and a golden pendant is fastened at his right waist. He holds a flowing golden fire bell in both hands. There is no need to summon him. The Great Deity of the Middle Origin is named Xuandu, with the courtesy name Sukang. A round halo shines behind his neck; he wears a Dawn-Supporting Crown, a red feather robe, a dragon sash, and a tiger-patterned robe. The Great Deity of the Lower Origin is named Kangmeng, with the courtesy name Liuyu. He wears a green Flower-Supporting Crown and a yellow phoenix-feather robe, with a dragon sash…

(Imagine the divine figures wearing tiger-patterned robes and ornaments at their waists, holding flowing golden fire bells and supporting sunlike radiant energy in their palms. The gods of the Heavenly Dipper also appear. The figures should be tall, each about two feet high; I am as tall as they are. They appear indistinctly, until I no longer sense my own form.) Later, I feel that my body is still lying on the bed, and this is as it should be. The three deities sit facing me.

(Imagine myself sitting with my back to the Primordial Star. The Lord of the Upper Origin sits on my left, and the other two are arranged in order on my right.) I bow to them, twice to each. I focus my mind until the figures appear faintly, while forgetting my own form and letting my awareness enter a hazy state.

Imagine the three great deities asking me together, “Why have you not come sooner?” I bow my head and answer, “I fear the Six Heavens, the Three Offices, and the many demons.” The three deities grow angry together, sounding their fire bells and breathing out Qi, as light surges in all directions.

Next, I visualize this: suddenly, the Jade Consort in the Dipper exhales purple smoke, which enters my heart. After a long while, I suddenly see a woman, childlike in appearance, seated before the three deities and facing me. Her clothing is as described in the prayer text, and the purple smoke she exhales enters my heart directly. In my mind, I address her: “Jade Consort of the Upper Heaven, Yin Spirit of the Nine Essences in the Dipper, named Mihua, courtesy name Lin Qian.”

Then I swallow saliva eighty times, click my teeth nine times, raise my left hand to touch my heart, and softly recite this prayer:

“Great Highest One, Cinnabar Spirit, Mysterious Light: your radiance rises, brilliant and resplendent. The Nine Celestial Divisions open the light of the Jade Pivot; clear Qi spreads through the Purple Dawn. Hidden light illuminates the Seven Luminaries, while the two lights of sun and moon shine forth. Yin and Yang are thereby distinguished, and the four seasons flourish in their courses. Cloudy fluids circle and pour through me; the Qi of the Eight Seasonal Nodes opens. I rise to the Nine Origins, ascend to the Dipper lodges, and climb the Celestial Net.

“By command, I come to pay my respects to the three deities. They ask why I have delayed my ascent to immortality. I bow my head and answer: before, I feared the ghosts and spirits. Then the sovereign’s authority shines forth. He holds the sun’s root in his mouth, smashes the Six Heavens on his left, and tramples Mount Fengdu on his right. The flowing fire bell shines upward, striking down and scattering the host of demons. The sovereign then guides my Seven Po and supports my Three Hun, hiding them within the Dipper, where they shine upon the Nine Essences. Purple clouds illuminate my body and mind; flying light stretches ten thousand feet. He harmonizes my Hun and Po, subdues the Qi of the Po, cultivates the Six Embryos, and brings Jing and Qi into responsive transformation.

“Suddenly, the Jade Consort appears before my heart, looking down and around. Her name is Mihua, her courtesy name Lin Qian. She exhales and inhales vermilion Qi, bringing harmony to every joint in my body. She wears a brocade cape with phoenix light upon it and a skirt patterned with luan birds. At her waist are tiger-patterned Fulu and dragon-shaped insignia; she holds moonlight in her hand and wears a purple crown. She soars above the Great Empyrean, riding the sun’s light and borne by a canopy of clouds. She has left her name in the Great Simplicity.

“I am able to ascend and become an immortal, rising to float above Kongtong and descending to the jade-like realm of Great Origin. In the upper realm, I build a vermilion chamber, command the myriad spirits, and record the appointed divisions of time. I return…” The original text ends here.

This passage describes a practice of visualization and prayer: in meditation, the practitioner envisions deities, divine light, and Qi entering the body, while accompanying the prayer text with actions such as swallowing saliva, clicking the teeth, and touching the heart. The Six Heavens, the Three Offices, Mount Fengdu, the Seven Po, and the Three Hun are specialist terms from Daoist ideas about deities, the underworld, and the body and mind.

Return to youth and reveal a childlike face. The Northern Emperor, a deity of the north, sends forth lightning, while the Southern Emperor, a deity of the south, kindles flames. The Granary Deity of the east lights a candle, its radiance blazing. Thunder shakes the heavens and rolls westward. Clap both hands together to make them ring. Chant the music of “Juntian,” then leap up four times, offering me to Yuzhen, a divine being. Thus I travel freely amid the Eight Auspicious Lights of the immortal realms and feast among the Nine Mists of the immortal clouds. When this is done, return both hands to their original position, swallow the saliva thirty times, and click the teeth nine times. Then pray as before. After praying, gather body and mind once more and pray again. Then rise, face northwest, and bow twice. When the rites are complete, open your eyes. Practice in this way for forty years, and the Most High, a revered Daoist deity, will come in a jade carriage to welcome you. You will transcend the void and walk on air, ascend to Shangqing, the Daoist immortal realm, and be ranked among the Perfected. You will return to a childlike form, with the gods attending your carriage.

Lying Beneath the Dipper

Each night, when preparing to lie down, first visualize the nine stars of the Northern Dipper above your bed. The original commentary says: While your body is on the bed, first stand facing north with both hands pressed to your chest. Hold your breath and close your eyes. Visualize the Northern Dipper in the sky and the nine stars of the Imperial Venerable Ones slowly descending in their current celestial positions, then arranging themselves above the bed according to the diagram. Set the Gate of Heaven star according to the position of that month’s monthly lodgment. Visualize the Dipper as nine feet long and six feet wide, and burn incense outside the true stars. If the night falls on the new moon, also visualize the stars of the Morning Canopy descending together and arranging themselves according to the diagram. Next, move downward from the Kui star to the mouth of the Dipper. Enter the Kui star from beyond the Venerable Stars. Then lie on your back, close your eyes, and visualize these stars transforming into circular lights: the stars are purple, the star-connecting lines are red, and they form a linked ring. Visualize these stars as though moving along the route shown in the diagram.

Visualize the crown of your head connecting with the Nine Poles, allowing true Qi to enter the Muddy Pellet Palace, a site of cultivation in the head. Let the true stars sit directly above your crown. Visualize true Qi transforming into purple light, passing through your whole body and entering the Muddy Pellet Palace, then filling your entire head with clear, penetrating radiance. Place your foot on the Venerable Star and silently think of flying as an immortal. Bend your left foot slightly and press it down on the star. Ask the Great Emperor of Jade Tenuity among the Venerable Stars to subdue my three Hun souls. Silently think of yourself becoming an immortal who can fly, with your souls settled in the three palaces. Then place your right foot on the Imperial Star and silently think of flying as an immortal. Stretch out your right foot and press it down on the star. Ask the August Jade Emperor among the Imperial Stars to restrain my seven Po souls. Silently think of yourself becoming an immortal who can fly, with your seven Po souls confined within the navel and the Gate of Life, a site of cultivation below the navel. With your left hand, grasp the Northern Platform Star. Bend your left arm and turn the palm upward, raising it slightly to hold the primordial… (The text is damaged here.)

(Let the constellation of the Northern Dipper’s nine stars appear at the tiger’s mouth.) Grip the star Xuangeng (a name of a Northern Dipper star) in your right hand, holding it firmly in your palm.

(Then turn the right hand over and grip the star Niuxing, so that the Northern Dipper’s framework appears at the tiger’s mouth.) Silently recite the invocation naming the stars.

After settling the body in this way, close your eyes and hold your breath. Then visualize inwardly and silently recite the names of the Northern Dipper’s nine stars.

The first is the Great Star, whose star essence is named “Vow of the Mysterious Pivot.” If the person for whom you are praying has a two-character name, recite both characters in full; do the same for each of the other stars. Pray that this person become an immortal who flies, riding the void and floating aloft. (Visualize the star a little way in front of the left and right feet.)

The second is the Origin Star, whose star essence is named “Supreme Perfected One of the Northern Terrace.” Pray that this person become an immortal who flies and roams the Caverns of Heaven. (Visualize and draw this star toward you, gripping it in your right hand.)

The third is the Perfected Star, whose star essence is named “Supreme Perfected One of the Nine Extremes.” Pray that this person become an immortal who flies and attain governance through the Three Mysteries. (Visualize this star above the crown of the head.)

The fourth is the Pivot Star, whose star essence is named “Root of the Jade Pivot.” Pray that this person become an immortal who flies and have their name entered among the Jade Names. (Visualize this star and grip it in your right hand, arranging the stars in the shape of the Dipper’s bowl.)

The fifth is the Framework Star, whose star essence is named “Heaven’s Balance.” Pray that this person become an immortal who flies and ascend to Highest Clarity. (Then visualize the Pivot Star on the right.)

The sixth is the Guiding Star, whose star essence is named “Fate’s Mechanism.” Pray that this person become an immortal who flies and have their name recorded in the Grand Tenuity. (Then visualize the Framework Star on the right.)

The seventh is the Gate Star, whose star essence is named “Mysterious Yang.” Pray that this person become an immortal who flies and gain the power to command Jade Youths. (Then visualize the Guiding Star on the right, arranging all nine stars in the shape of the Northern Dipper and making them appear on the sleeping mat.)

The eighth is the Emperor Star, whose star essence is named “Lofty Jade Emperor.” Pray that this person become an immortal who flies and be able to ascend to the Hall of the Later Sage. (Visualize this star between the stars of the Dipper’s bowl, with the Framework Star joined to the Pivot Star, and orient the whole formation toward the sole of the right foot.)

The ninth is the Venerable Star, whose star essence is named “Emperor Lord of the Grand Tenuity.” Pray that this person become an immortal who flies and enter the Jade Chambers of the Elixir Gate. (Then visualize all nine stars of the Northern Dipper appearing together.)

Next, click the teeth twenty-one times and swallow the saliva twenty-one times, then silently recite the invocation:

“Nine Stars, Great Essences; Perfected Lord of the Northern Pole, please increase my embryonic essence and strengthen my Three Hun Souls. Let the radiance of the sun be drawn in on my left, and the moon’s fluid gathered on my right. Yellow Radiance of the Celestial Stem, Yellow Perfected One of Primordial Emptiness, please make me an immortal who flies and ascends to Purple Dawn. May the Divine Tiger’s Jade Talisman guard the Gate of Life and subdue all evil. After receiving this form, may the Dipper Lord behold the inner chamber.”

Once the visualization and prayer are complete, wait quietly for a moment. Then visualize the vital essence of the Dipper stars suddenly entering the inner chamber. (At the same time, visualize the nine star lords appearing in a row on the sleeping mat.)

(During visualization, gather the Jing and Qi of the seven stars of the Big Dipper, make them contract into form, and enter the Dongfang (Cave Chamber) from the Qihu (Qi Door). Here “Qihu” and “Dongfang” are both cultivation locations within the body.)

When lying face-up, let the bowl of the Big Dipper face upward and the Dipper’s handle point forward; both are on the mat, that is, at the corresponding positions above the body. When visualizing the Kui star in the Dongfang, on the left is Huanglao Jun (Yellow Lord Lao), whose hun-soul appears in a yellow, jade-like form and wears yellow embroidered robes; on the right is “Sipo.” The second hun-soul is named Taiguang, and its appearance and clothing are the same as one’s own. Opposite Huanglao Jun sits the Red Child Emperor Lord (Chizi Dijun) in the Niwan (Muddy Pellet), also wearing embroidered robes and facing outward.

Visualize the light of the Big Dipper illuminating the whole body, making the five viscera and six bowels, the Three Passes and hundred joints all translucent and glowing with a crimson radiance. Then silently recite the invocation:

“Primal Essence of the Dongfang, Great Venerable Red Child, may the flowered canopy of the Dipper’s radiance shine upon the Niwan, treasure-refine my bones and blood, bind the po-souls and subdue the hun-souls, and enable me, [name], to become a flying immortal, ride the clouds and ascend to the stars, and pay court above to the Jade Emperor and the Taiyi Lord (Taiyi Jun).”

After reciting the invocation, close the eyes, gather in distracting thoughts, forget the physical form, and fall peacefully asleep.

Lord Qingtong (Green Youth) said: “When lying down, visualizing the yin essence of the Big Dipper can lead one to immortality; when the numinous Qi enters the Dongfang, it can cause the yang essence of the Big Dipper to make the five viscera grow naturally, and ultimately one may ride the radiance of the sun and moon and roam in Shangqing (Highest Clarity).”

On the first day of every month, one should visualize the Huachen Zigai (Florid Asterism Purple Canopy) once. Only on the first day should one visualize the Huachen Zigai. The canopy visualized that night is performed only on the mat; there is no need to further visualize the star essences entering the Dongfang. First finish visualizing the Nine Stars, then visualize the canopy, and then silently recite the names of the Nine Stars in order until finished.

When preparing to get up in the early morning, one usually secretly clicks the teeth fourteen times and swallows saliva fourteen times. If after turning over in the night one again prepares to get up, one should settle the hands and feet anew, visualize the Nine Stars according to the preceding method, then click the teeth, swallow saliva, and silently recite the invocation:

“In the upper Dipper of the Heavenly Origin there are seven youths; the purple essence of Shangqing is within your body. May the Huachen Zigai and the numinous Qi of the Later Sage of the Taishu Xuangong (Great Plain Mysterious Palace) descend into the Dongfang, enabling me to become a flying immortal and enter the Taiji Jintang (Golden Hall of the Supreme Ultimate).”

After reciting the invocation, visualize the Nine Stars suddenly vanishing without form; the same applies to visualizing the canopy on the night of the first day. What the text calls getting up in the early morning refers to people who devote themselves specifically to this method and have no other affairs at night. If at night one needs to get up to attend to something, one should also recite the invocation first and then rise; afterward, if one lies down again, it is best to visualize once more. It is not that every time one lies down or gets up, only one recitation of the invocation is required.

Practicing in this way for eighteen years, one will certainly have one’s appearance return to youth. One day...

This scripture records two Daoist cultivation methods: the Visualization of Twenty-Four Stars technique and the Method of Ascending to the Five Planets.

The first method is to be performed on the first night of each lunar month when yang energy begins to rise. The practitioner lies flat with eyes closed, visualizing twenty-four stars aligned in a straight line, each containing a small infant-like figure. These stars descend from the heavens, circle the body three times, and are then swallowed one by one. With each star ingested, the practitioner feels its light penetrate down to the navel (known in Daoism as the "Palace of Received Destiny"), illuminating the five viscera and six bowels. Next, the starlight is imagined transforming into twenty-four perfected beings (zhenren), exhaling yellow qi that fills the abdomen. Finally, an incantation is recited, beseeching these perfected beings to guard the Gate of Life (Dantian), dispel all ailments, and grant longevity and immortality.

The second method concerns the ascension to Jupiter (the Year Star). Jupiter is envisioned as a blue circular mirror with nine gates, each guarded by the Green Emperor (Qingdi). At its center reside the True Lord of the Green Sovereign (Qinghuang Zhenjun) and the Supreme Perfected of Primordial Yang, the Dao Lord of the Green Sovereign (Shiyang Shangzhen Qinghuang Daojun). To ascend to Jupiter, the practitioner must focus intently on visualizing this planet, forming a mudra (a ritual hand gesture) with the right hand while placing the left hand over the heart, then bowing reverently toward the east. Practicing this method is said to extend one’s lifespan and ultimately lead to the immortal rank of "Imperial Lord of the Golden Palace of Shangqing."

Note: "Taiwei Heavenly Emperor" (Taiwei Tiandi) is a venerated Daoist deity, the "Scripture of the Eight Pure Ones" (Basu Zhenjing) is an important Daoist text, and "Imperial Lord of the Golden Palace of Shangqing" (Shangqing Jinqui Dijun) is a high-ranking immortal position. These cultivation methods require professional guidance and should not be attempted by untrained individuals.

Place your hand over your heart and pay homage to Jupiter. Then cover your eyes with your left hand. This is the practice called “Ninefold Concealment of Qi.” Next, click your teeth twenty-seven times and swallow your saliva nine times, keeping your eyes closed beneath your palm. Silently recite three times the personal name and honorific title of the True Sovereign within Jupiter, together with those of his consort. When you have finished, say: “May I ride with the True Lord of the Azure Sovereign of Primordial Yang and his consort in the Emerald Carriage of the Eight Radiances, and ascend to the Supreme Palace.”

When you have spoken, close your eyes and remain still, keeping them hidden beneath your hand as you face the stars and softly recite:

“Heavenly light mingles and harmonizes; essence and Qi spread throughout the east. Gazing upward at the Nine Gates, flying rosy clouds unfold their radiance. Within the Emerald Terrace of Primordial Yang dwells the divine lord, the Azure Sovereign, whose azure radiance shines across the nine directions. His consort is named Flying Cloud. She wears a robe of spirit brocade, a tiger-skin cape and skirt, a phoenix talisman at her waist, and an ornate headdress. She enters and leaves the void and roams through the Great Origin. The Azure Emperor leads the way before her, and a thousand spirits follow behind. May she come to welcome me, so that I may become a Flying Perfected and ascend to the lofty palace of Jade Clarity.”

After reciting, remove your hand, open your eyes, and face the stars. Draw in their radiance twenty-seven times, visualizing all nine rays of starlight entering your throat. When you have completed the practice, click your teeth three times.

Persist in this practice for fourteen years, and the Great Lord, the Azure Sovereign within Jupiter, will submit a petition on your behalf to the Palace of Supreme Jade Clarity. Your name and rank will be inscribed in the “Petal Register of Great Tenuity” and confirmed in the Jade Book, and you will become a High-Flying Perfected of Highest Clarity.

Jupiter has nine gates, and within each gate are nine Azure Emperors. One Azure Emperor guards each gate and serves the Central Supreme True Great Lord, the Azure Sovereign. The Azure Sovereign is the honored deity among the True Ones of the East who governs the original essence and Qi. He enters and leaves the Palace of Jade Clarity and is on close terms with the gods of the Highest Heights. The Azure Emperors within the gates are variously called “Lords of Azure Numen,” “Azure Perfected,” “Azure Essence,” or “Lord Azure Emperor.” All serve under the command of the central Azure Sovereign.

Those who practice the “Secret Way of the Eight Essentials,” a Daoist method of cultivation, can bring the Azure Sovereign to descend. Those who have already practiced the “Outer Method of the Five Numinous Powers,” a method of cultivation associated with the Five Numinous Powers, can bring an Azure spirit to impart a text. Thus Daoist methods differ in depth, and the spirits they can summon differ in rank.

When there are no stars, or on a cloudy night, you may practice visualization and recite the incantation while facing east in your sleeping quarters. The Way of Heaven is hidden and wondrous, subtle and difficult to fathom, so it is not necessary to practice facing the stars. When stars are visible, you may sit or stand in a courtyard and practice in whichever way feels suitable. The “Way of the High Perfected and method of ascending to the Eastern Constellation” is not transmitted to people of the kind known as earthly immortals.

The Way of Flying Up to Mars: Mars is also called “the Southern Star, the Mysterious Mirror of the Elixir’s Essence.”

Mars has three gates, and from each gate emerge three sharp beams of light, whose radiance shines down for three million zhang. Within each gate, a Red Emperor stands guard, serving and protecting the True Lord, the Supreme Sovereign of the South at the center. At the heart of Mars dwells the Supreme True Dao Lord, the Red Emperor of Vermilion Yang and Elixir Fire, named Weichun, courtesy name Sanrong. His consort is named Huaping, courtesy name Xuanluo. They dwell within Mars and guard its three gates, setting the crimson radiance and flying clouds in motion to protect the perfected beings of the world.

To practice the method of flying up to Mars, visualize the planet Yinghuo (Mars), steady your mind and gaze intently at the star. Place your left hand over your heart and bow toward the star. Cover your mouth with your right hand, then hold your breath three times, click your teeth twenty-seven times, and swallow your saliva nine times. Close your eyes and silently call upon the True Sovereign of Yinghuo and the Lady of Yinghuo, speaking their names three times. Then say: “May I ride together with the Lord of the Red Emperor of Elixir Fire and his Lady in the Eightfold Radiance Elixir Chariot, and fly up to the Jade Clarity Palace.”

Next, face the star and softly recite the incantation:

“The mysterious starry image turns and shines with radiance; the elixir-colored light illuminates the distant, hidden realm of the South. I look up to the three gates and the vermilion clouds and crimson city. There dwells the Elixir Emperor, named Weichun; the Lady, inwardly radiant, is named Huaping. May I put my robes and cap in order, wear the phoenix splendor of cloud and frost, carry dragon bells, gird myself with tiger writings, and wear a headscarf. May I fly up to the blue heavens, enter and leave the mysterious realm, and wander through the Five Cities. May the Red Emperor lead the way, with the Six Ding (six Daoist guardian generals) following behind. Come and summon me, so that I may receive the title of a perfected being, fly up to the realm of the Mysterious Void, and be entered in the golden register of the Jade Clarity Palace.”

When you have finished the incantation, lower your hand and stop covering your mouth. Open your eyes and gaze at the star, receiving its light. Then perform the visualization of swallowing saliva twenty-seven times, imagining all three beams of the star entering your throat. When you have completed the practice, click your teeth three times.

Practice in this way for fourteen years, and the Supreme True Dao Lord, the Red Emperor within Yinghuo, will report your name to the Emperor, the Supreme Sovereign of the Three Origins. The Emperor will have your name inscribed on a jade tablet in the Mysterious Garden and grant you a rank in the golden register, making you a Flying Perfected of the Highest Clarity.

Mars has three gates, each guarded by a Red Emperor. Each Red Emperor guards one gate and serves the Red Emperor Lord at the center. The Red Emperor is the True One of the South, a revered spirit of the Elixir Court who enters and leaves the Jade Clarity realm and is a friend of the Supreme Sovereign of the Three Origins. The Red Emperor within the star is also called the Lord of Red Light, the Red Spirit, the Red Essence, or the Red Emperor. All serve the Supreme Great Lord, the Red Emperor and True One at the center, and practice the hidden teachings of the Eight Su…

Writing the talismanic script can bring the Red Emperor down. Having carried out the “method beyond the Five Spirits,” one can summon the Red God to come and bestow a text. Thus, the Dao has its hidden and manifest aspects, and writings are likewise divided into secret transmissions and public teachings. Inviting true gods follows a hierarchy of rank; seeking an audience with the spirits also follows an order of precedence.

On a cloudy night without stars, one may sit in one’s bedroom facing south and visualize inwardly. When stars are visible, one may sit or stand in the courtyard, in any posture. This is called the “Method of Hastening to the Southern Stars”—a practice of facing the southern stars, visualizing them, and making invocations. This method is not transmitted to the terrestrial immortals; to disclose it is to commit the offense of revealing a secret.

The terrestrial immortals have other texts: the Jing of the Eight Purities, which discusses ingesting the Five Qi and the arts of breathing in and out; and the Jing of the Nine Purities, which discusses summoning ghosts, commanding spirits, preparing food through ritual, and examining souls, among other rites. These practices seek only long life and freedom from death in the famous mountains of the earthly realm. Appended to the Jing of the Eight Purities are nine chapters of the “Song of the Celestial Hook and Upper Curved Yang”; appended to the Jing of the Nine Purities are eight chapters of the “Yin Song of Phoenix Breath and Dragon Roar.” These are all secret scriptures of the terrestrial immortals. The “Supreme Hastening to the Stars of the Eight Purities” spoken of today belongs to the Shangqing tradition of Daoist practice; it is not the terrestrial immortals’ Jing of the Eight Purities. The terrestrial immortals’ songs and chants are sung while awaiting the Shangqing immortals as they travel abroad.

The method for ascending in flight to Venus: Venus, also called the Great White Star, is round and bright as a mirror, its golden radiance shining brilliantly among the stars of the west. Seven gates stand upon Venus, and from each gate issue seven sharp beams of light, which stream down for seven million zhang. Within each gate is a White Emperor, seven in all. They guard the gates and serve the True Lord of the West, the August Lord of the Dao.

At the center of Venus is the Supreme True Lord of the Great Purity and Lesser Yang, the White Emperor of the Upper Realm. His personal name is Liaoling and his courtesy name is Zhenxun. His consort’s personal name is Biaoying and her courtesy name is Ling’en. They dwell within Venus, guard its seven gates, set the white light in motion, and radiate vital essence, illuminating the Perfected Ones of the Upper Origin.

To practice the method of ascending in flight to Venus, one should gaze steadily at the Great White Star, press the right hand against the chest, and bow toward the star. Cover both nostrils with the left hand and hold the breath seven times; then click the teeth twenty-seven times and swallow saliva nine times. Next, close the eyes and visualize inwardly the names and titles of the True Sovereign of Venus and his consort, silently repeating three times: “May I join the Lord of Great Purity and Lesser Yang and his consort in riding the Eightfold Radiant Plain Chariot and ascending to the Jade Clarity Palace.”

Afterward, face the star and softly recite the incantation: “The seven Qi blaze and soar; their light shines upon the west. I look up to the numinous towers of the seven gates, their sharp beams surging, their white light shining forth, revealing the signs of manifest virtue, their radiance illuminating the Golden Lineage. Within is Lesser Yang, titled the White Emperor’s Consort…” The original text breaks off here.

In the morning, fasten the golden pendant at your waist, enter and leave the realm of emptiness, and walk along the Jade Ridge. The White Emperor leads the way before you, while the Six Geng follow behind. When the practitioner descends to the human world, people will come out to welcome them. Climb northward to the Palace of the Ramparts, and your name will be entered in the registers of Shangqing (Highest Clarity); you will become a Perfected One.

After reciting the incantation, remove your hand and do not cover your nose. Then close your eyes, visualize the stars, and absorb their radiance. Repeat the swallowing exercise twenty-seven times, visualizing all seven rays of starlight entering your throat. When finished, click your teeth together three times.

If you practice this method for a long time, after fourteen years the Supreme True Lord of the Lesser Yang White Emperor within Venus will report your achievement to the Jade Emperor’s Palace of the Great Emperor. The practitioner’s name will be engraved on a jade tablet in Shangqing’s Golden Tower and listed among the Left True Lords of Shangqing, who govern Taiji (the Supreme Ultimate).

Venus has seven gates, and inside each gate are seven White Emperors. One White Emperor governs each gate and belongs to the Central White Sovereign Lord. The White Sovereign is the Supreme True One of the West and the Venerable One of Great Simplicity. He enters and leaves the realm of Mysterious Clarity and is a friend of the Lord of Primordial Beginning. The White Emperor Lords within the gates are known by names such as Lord of White Radiance, White Spirit, White Essence, or Lord White Emperor. They all obey the Central Supreme True Great Lord, the White Sovereign.

Practicing the secret method of the Eight Simplicities can summon the White Sovereign’s descent; practicing the Dao methods beyond the Five Spirits can summon the White Spirit to come and transmit texts. Dao methods differ in rank, and their hidden, subtle dimensions also vary.

When there are no stars, on overcast days, or at night, you may lie indoors facing west and visualize. When stars are visible, you may practice sitting or standing in a courtyard. Daoists observing purification and stillness may also visualize the true spirits of the Five Stars indoors and cultivate them together. These are all methods of the Supreme True Ones: ways of journeying toward the stars of the West, not methods handed down by terrestrial immortals.

In a single night, absorb the radiance of all Five Stars, letting it circulate throughout your body again and again. In spring, begin by visualizing and absorbing the light of the stars in the east; in summer, begin in the south. In each month, begin with the stars in the direction associated with that month. This is an oral instruction. During practice, you need not adhere rigidly to the stars’ usual directions. Instead, face toward wherever the stars actually appear. This too is an oral instruction.

Do not let others see you practicing. Keep away from people and perform the method in a secluded place. This is the Supreme One’s secret practice, also known as the “Hidden Text.” The method must be concealed layer upon layer, guarding even against ghosts and spirits sneaking a look at its title. How, then, could you let ordinary people of the world see it?

Those who teach this method too readily should understand by now: it must not be passed on to the blindly ignorant, who know nothing at all, allowing them to glimpse its Daoist arts. Ordinary people also have seven spirits within their bodies. If those seven spirits see this material, that too counts as a disclosure, so the utmost care is required. When practicing the Way of the Hidden Book, revealing its titles will bring scrutiny by the Three Officials—the Officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water, as they are known in Daoism—and may also invite misfortune. Whenever you wish to examine or review this material, first have the people around you and living creatures such as chickens and dogs leave. Then burn incense and bow twice before looking at it.

The Way of Flying Up to the Water Star

The Water Star, or Mercury, is like a round mirror, clear as the essence of water, reflecting the dark and hidden realm of the north. Within the Water Star are five gates, and five sharp rays appear in each gate, their light extending downward for five million zhang. Each gate is guarded by a Black Emperor; together, the five Black Emperors defend the five gates and serve the Supreme Sovereign of the Northern Pole.

At the center of the star is the Dao Lord, the Great Dark Yin-Origin Black Emperor of the Great Mystery. His name is Qiheng, and his courtesy name is Jingyuan. His consort is named Xuanhua, with the courtesy name Long’e. She dwells within the Water Star, guards the five gates, and circulates the wondrous, luminous Qi of the Mystery, illuminating the court of the northern heavens.

Those who wish to become perfected beings and practice the method of flying up to the Water Star should visualize seeing the star, settle their thoughts, and gaze toward it. Then place both hands against the chest. Afterward, raise them to cover the ears, hold the breath five times, click the teeth twenty-seven times, and swallow the saliva in the mouth nine times. Close the eyes and silently call the names of the True Emperor Dao Lord of the Water Star and his consort three times. Then make this prayer: “May I be able to ride with the Black Emperor Dao Lord of Yin-Origin and his consort in the Azure Chariot of the Eight Luminaries, and ascend to the Upper Primordial Palace of Shangqing.”

Next, face the star and recite softly:

“The five Qi take flight in wondrous ascent, their radiance spreading across the north. I gaze up at the five gates, where azure palaces rise in splendid profusion. Their light surges forth, enabling one to behold from afar the wondrous sights of the numinous realm. In the clouds is the Black Emperor, whose courtesy name is Jingyuan; Long’e winds about him, and together they govern the Mysterious Pass. They wear azure robes and flying skirts of purple brocade, tiger tallies at their waists and lotus crowns upon their heads. When they emerge, they soar beyond the nine heavens; when they enter, their voices answer in the Jade Ford. The Black Emperor leads the way, followed by the Six Ren, Daoist deities or divine generals. They descend to welcome me and help me ascend to the Purple Chamber; may my name be entered in the registers of the Most High, and may I attain the rank of Jade Perfected.”

When you have finished reciting, lower your hands and uncover your ears. Keep your eyes closed and continue visualizing the star. Draw in its radiance twenty-seven times, imagining all five rays entering your throat. When you have completed the practice, click your teeth three more times. Practice this regularly for fourteen years, and you will be able to… the Great Mystery within the Water Star… [the original text ends here unfinished]

The True Lord of the August Sovereign reported to the High Palace (the divine palace in the upper realm) and inscribed a jade tablet in the Carved-Lin Hall (the document hall in the immortal palace), fixing the ranks of the Jade Clarity.

The Purple Script ranks among the True Lords of Highest Clarity. The Star of Chen (Mercury) has five gates, and each gate is guarded by a Black Emperor, making five Black Emperors in all. Each guards one gate and serves the Central Mysterious Emperor. The Mysterious Emperor is the northern High True One and the revered lord of Great Mystery. He comes and goes in the heavenly realm of Upper Emptiness and is a friend of the Dao Lord of Purple Essence. The Black Emperors who guard the gates are sometimes called Lords of Black Efficacy, Black Spirits, Black Essences, or Lords Black Emperor. All are governed by the Central Great Mystery Black True August Sovereign. Practitioners who follow the Hidden Way of the Eight Purities can summon the Northern Emperor; those who practice the outer methods of the Five Spirits can summon the Lord Black Emperor to come and transmit texts. Among the divine and perfected beings there is a hierarchy of rank, and Daoist methods likewise differ in what is concealed and what is revealed.

On cloudy nights, or when the stars cannot be seen, one may continue practicing indoors in one’s sleeping quarters. This is a secret High Way for ascending to the Northern Dipper’s celestial region, where the North Star lies. It is not something that earthbound immortals, who travel on the ground, can know.

Jade Clarity, Highest Clarity, Supreme Ultimate, Great Clarity, and the Nine Palaces each have offices staffed by officials, ministers, senior officers, marquises, and lords, arranged in much the same way. They govern one another in successive layers and are in turn subordinate to the palaces of the August Sovereign. Their ranks and categories are similar, but the grades of the Dao differ in nobility, and their Virtue and accomplishments differ in degree.

The Way of Ascending to Saturn

Saturn has a rounded, mirror-like form. It is a star condensed from the vital essence of Earth and guards and shelters the Yellow Way. Saturn has four gates, each projecting four rays whose light reaches downward for four million zhang. Each gate has a Yellow Emperor, four in all, who guard the star and protect the Yellow True Lord of Saturn. At the star’s center dwells the Central Yellow True Lord Daoist Sovereign, whose personal name is Zangmu and courtesy name is Kuangyan. His consort’s personal name is Kongyao and courtesy name Feixian. Together they govern within Saturn, guard and inspect its four gates, set the Qi of the Yellow Robe in motion, and make its light shine throughout the Central Origin.

Those who wish to practice the method of ascending to Saturn should focus their minds on the star: steady the spirit and gaze at it, with both hands pressed against the heart. After pressing the heart, raise the left hand to shield the Grotto Chamber (the inner divine chamber of the body). Then hold the breath four times, click the teeth twenty-seven times, swallow the saliva nine times, and close the eyes to meditate silently. Inwardly recite the personal names and courtesy names of the True Sovereign of Saturn and his consort three times. When finished, say: “May I be able to ride together with the Central Great August Daoist Sovereign and his consort in the Eight Radiances of Yellow…”

After ascending to the Shangqing Palace, face the stars and recite this invocation:

“The Qi of the four directions comes and goes, meeting and converging in the Central Origin. Look up to the utmost reaches of the Nine Heavens, and gaze toward the gateways of the four directions: within the Yellow Terrace and Purple Chambers, light streams down, its rays shining in every direction. The numinous light grows dense and spreads; heavenly flowers fall into the basin. Within the basin is the Yellow Emperor, who bestows blessings and prolongs life. The Lady secretly cultivates De, and so becomes a sage. Harmonize life and original Qi, and guide the mysterious Qi to fill the source of your being. Clad in yellow, in dragon-patterned brocade and a tiger-patterned skirt, with a golden tally at your waist and a purple crown on your head, you ascend through the air. A guide waits before the Golden Gate. The Yellow Emperor and the Six Si spirits, his divine guards, escort the carriage and come; descending to the human realm, they welcome the cultivator and lead them up to the Celestial Pass. When your name is inscribed on the Golden Books and jade tablets of the Most High, you can fly through the heavens and become a Jade Minister, an immortal official of the celestial realm.”

When the invocation is finished, lower your hands and cease concealing the inner chamber—that is, the inner divine chamber formed in visualization. Open your eyes and look upward, drawing in the radiance of the stars twenty-seven times. Visualize the star rays from the four directions entering your throat. When you have completed this, click your teeth three times.

Practice in this way regularly for fourteen years, and the Central Yellow High Perfected One within Saturn will report you to the Palace of the Most High. Your name will be inscribed on a jade register at the Azure Terrace in the Firmament, and your place in the Nine Mysteries’ Elixir Writ will be determined. You will become a True Lord of Shangqing and take your place among the High Perfected Ones of the Four Poles.

Within Saturn are four gateways. In each stands a Yellow Emperor, each guarding one gate and serving the Yellow August Lord of the Center. The Central Yellow August High Sovereign is the supreme ruler of the Central Pole. He enters and leaves the Celestial Palace of Taiwei and is a friend of the Lord of the Primordial Beginning. He is also called the Lord of Yellow Numinous Power, the Yellow Spirit, the Yellow Essence, or the Lord Yellow Emperor. All the divine beings referred to by these titles serve the Central Yellow High Perfected Lord. Practicing the secret Way of the Eight Su can summon the Yellow Perfected Lord to come and welcome you; practicing the outer method of the Five Ling can summon the Yellow Emperor to transmit writings to you.

When the sky is dark and the stars cannot be seen, you may practice in your bedroom, visualizing the five directions as usual. The Perfected One said that visualizing the stars indoors is no different from seeing them in the sky. Do not stop practicing just because the stars are hidden from view. This is the secret method of the Most High, and a hidden art for ascending among the stars.

When drawing in the starlight, focus your visualization on the August Sovereigns and August Ladies within the stars, riding down on beams of light. See them enter your mouth, then swallow them. Close your eyes; in a hazy, indistinct moment, you may seem to glimpse their forms.

These are the instructions transmitted by Lord Li. Practice the hidden methods of the Most High over a long period, summoning and visualizing the August Sovereigns within the Five Stars. Within five years, their forms will appear indistinctly; after seven years, you will see them clearly and interact with them…

After fourteen years of cultivation, the Five Planets converged and descended together. The practitioner rode in a carriage of dark radiance, led by the Three Pure Ones and purple clouds, with the Five Emperors following behind. The myriad perfected beings and the Five Planets supported him as he mounted the carriage, enabling him to ascend in broad daylight, reach the heavenly realm, pay court to Jade Clarity—one of the highest heavens revered in Daoism—and receive a celestial text. He became a high-ranking perfected immortal of the Highest Clarity realm.

Yunji Qiqian, juan 25