《無上祕要》Vol. 10

Interpretation

A Plain Language Interpretation of the Jing of the Subtle, Hidden Great Dao

I. The Twelve Double Hours and the Working of Heaven and Earth

Zi hour: The Sun moves to a position opposite the Moon, and Yang Qi begins to emerge.

Chou hour: The Sun moves to a position opposite Venus, and Yin Qi begins to emerge.

Yin hour: The Sun moves to a position opposite Jupiter, and Yang Qi begins to emerge.

Mao hour: The Sun moves to a position opposite Mercury, and Yin Qi begins to emerge.

Chen hour: The Sun moves to a position opposite Mars, and Yang Qi begins to emerge.

Si hour: The Sun moves to a position opposite Saturn, and Yin Qi begins to emerge.

Wu hour: The Sun moves to a position opposite the Moon, and Yang Qi begins to emerge.

Wei hour: The Sun moves to a position opposite Venus, and Yin Qi begins to emerge.

Shen hour: The Sun moves to a position opposite Jupiter, and Yang Qi begins to emerge.

You hour: The Sun moves to a position opposite Mercury, and Yin Qi begins to emerge.

Xu hour: The Sun moves to a position opposite Mars, and Yang Qi begins to emerge.

Hai hour: The Sun moves to a position opposite Saturn, and Yin Qi begins to emerge.

II. The Sixty-Cycle and the Cycle of the Way of Heaven

The sixty-cycle, formed by pairing the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches and used to mark years and days, repeats endlessly. When the Way of Heaven completes one circuit, it has completed a full sixty-cycle.

On a Jiazi day, the Sun moves to a position opposite the Moon, and Yang Qi emerges.

On an Yichou day, the Sun moves to a position opposite Venus, and Yin Qi emerges.

On a Bingyin day, the Sun moves to a position opposite Jupiter, and Yang Qi emerges.

On a Dingmao day, the Sun moves to a position opposite Mercury, and Yin Qi emerges.

On a Wuchen day, the Sun moves to a position opposite Mars, and Yang Qi emerges.

On a Jisi day, the Sun moves to a position opposite Saturn, and Yin Qi emerges.

On a Gengwu day, the Sun moves to a position opposite the Moon, and Yang Qi emerges.

On a Xinwei day, the Sun moves to a position opposite Venus, and Yin Qi emerges.

On a Renshen day, the Sun moves to a position opposite Jupiter, and Yang Qi emerges.

On a Guiyou day, the Sun moves to a position opposite Mercury, and Yin Qi emerges.

On a Jiaxu day, the Sun moves to a position opposite Mars, and Yang Qi emerges.

On an Yihai day, the Sun moves to a position opposite Saturn, and Yin Qi emerges.

The cycle continues in this way. When it reaches Guihai, the sixty-cycle is complete. It begins again with Jiazi, repeating without end.

III. The Three Realms of the Daoist Canon and the Shangqing Heavens

The Daoist Canon, a general name for Daoist scriptures and cultivation realms, is divided into three realms: the Realm of Clear Fruition of Shangqing, the Shangqing Realm of Lingbao, and the Great Red Realm of Taiqing.

Within Shangqing, a high celestial realm and one of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), are three levels: Yuqing Heaven, Shangqing Heaven, and Taiqing Heaven. Yuqing Heaven contains the Sacred Realm of Yuqing; Shangqing Heaven contains the Sacred Realm of Shangqing; and Taiqing Heaven contains the Sacred Realm of Taiqing.

In the Sacred Realm of Yuqing, Yuqing Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, one of Daoism’s highest deities and a symbol of the source of the cosmos, resides on Mount Yujing and governs the Thirty-Six Heavens, a high division of the Daoist celestial realms.

In the Sacred Realm of Shangqing, Shangqing Celestial Worthy of Lingbao, one of the Three Pure Ones who presides over scriptures, ritual methods, and the salvation of people, resides at Xuandu Yujing and governs the Thirty-Two Heavens.

In the Sacred Realm of Taiqing, Taiqing Celestial Worthy of the Dao and Its Virtue, the deified form of Laozi known as the Great Lord Taishang, resides at Xuandu Yujing and governs the Twenty-Eight Heavens.

IV. The Celestial Emperors and Deities Who Govern the Stars

In Yuqing Heaven, the Yuqing Celestial Emperor governs the Thirty-Six Heavens and oversees the Thirty-Six Departments, the administrative and religious divisions of the celestial realm.

In Shangqing Heaven, the Shangqing Celestial Emperor governs the Thirty-Two Heavens and oversees the Thirty-Two Departments.

In Taiqing Heaven, the Taiqing Celestial Emperor governs the Twenty-Eight Heavens and oversees the Twenty-Eight Departments.

There is also the Great Emperor Ziwei, a deity of the central pole of the northern sky who presides over emperors and the celestial pivot. He resides in Ziwei Palace and governs the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions, the divisions of the sky in ancient Chinese astronomy.

The Great Emperor Gouchen, the Lord of the Gouchen star, presides over the celestial gate, warfare, and related matters. He resides in Gouchen Palace and governs the Gouchen star.

The Great Emperor Tianhuang, the Lord of the Tianhuang star, resides in Tianhuang Palace and governs the Tianhuang star.

The Great Emperor Houtu, deity of the earth who presides over mountains, rivers, and the land, resides in Houtu Palace and governs the Houtu star.

V. The Northern Dipper Governs Longevity; the Southern Dipper Governs Death

The Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper, the seven stars of Ursa Major, preside in Daoism over lifespan and records. They govern a person’s year, month, day, and hour of birth—the four pillars of birth—and determine the length of that person’s life.

The Six Stars of the Southern Dipper govern a person’s year, month, day, and hour of death, determining the time of their passing.

The Five Stars of the Eastern Dipper govern good fortune and official income.

The Four Stars of the Western Dipper govern official rank and title.

The Three Stars of the Central Dipper govern achievement and reputation.

VI. Emperor Wu of Han Visits Daluo and the Sequence of Zhaijiao

Long ago, Emperor Wu of Han, a Western Han ruler drawn to immortals and occult arts, visited Daluo Heaven, one of Daoism’s highest celestial realms. He saw the Three Pure Realms—Yuqing, Shangqing, and Taiqing—heard the myriad gods paying homage, witnessed the gathering of thousands of perfected beings, and heard the music of a hundred instruments.

The emperor asked how a Zhaijiao, a Daoist purification and offering ritual for worship and prayer, should be carried out.

The Great Lord Taishang, an embodiment of the Celestial Worthy of the Dao and Its Virtue, replied that the Zhaijiao should be conducted in three altar stages:

First altar: Set up sacred images of the Three Pure Ones, offer three sticks of incense to the Three Pure Ones, recite their praise and invocations, and invite the Three Pure Ones to descend to the altar.

Second altar: Set up a sacred image of the Jade Emperor, the Jade Emperor of the Golden Palace of Hao-Tian and the highest administrative deity of Heaven; offer incense to the Jade Emperor, recite his praise and invocation, and invite him to descend.

Third altar: Set up a sacred image of the Great Emperor Ziwei; offer incense to Ziwei, recite his praise and invocation, and invite him to descend.

After completing the three altars, set up images of the deities of the Three Offices of Heaven, Earth, and Water. Offer incense to the Three Realms, recite their praise and invocations, and invite the deities of the Three Realms to descend.

Next, set up the true forms—images manifesting the deities—of the Five Sacred Peaks and Four Great Rivers, including Mount Tai in the east and the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers. Offer incense to the Five Peaks and Four Rivers, recite their praise and invocations, and invite them to descend.

Then set up the true forms of the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions and the Thirty-Six Departments. Offer incense, recite scriptures, and invite them to descend.

Then set up the true forms of the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper, the Six Stars of the Southern Dipper, the Five Stars of the Eastern Dipper, the Four Stars of the Western Dipper, and the Three Stars of the Central Dipper. Offer incense, recite scriptures, and invite them to descend.

Then set up the true forms of the Five Elders of the Five Directions, deities of the east, south, west, north, and center. Offer incense, recite scriptures, and invite them to descend.

Then set up the true forms of the Star Lords of the Five Dippers, stellar deities associated with the five directions, the five organs, and other correspondences. Offer incense, recite scriptures, and invite them to descend.

Only after learning the proper sequence did Emperor Wu understand the scale of the Zhaijiao ritual.

VII. Celestial Music and the Music of the Divine Retinue

In Heaven, there is the music of the divine retinue associated with the Jade Emperor and Gouchen. The Five Tones—gong, shang, jue, zhi, and yu—blend in harmony, while the Eight Categories of Instruments, such as metal, stone, silk, and bamboo, sound together.

There are also musical systems associated with the stars Shaoyang and Dayang. The Shaoyang star has the Emperor Shaoyang, who presides over Shaoyang Qi, a form of Yang Qi in its early ascent. The Dayang star has the Emperor Dayang, who presides over Dayang Qi, a form of Yang Qi at its height.

VIII. The Five Planets of Hongtian and Calamity, Blessing, Life, and Death

In Hongtian, here referring to a vast celestial domain or a shortened name for a great cosmic cycle, each of the Five Planets—Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Venus, and Mercury—presides over one matter:

• Jupiter presides over life: growth, longevity, and nurture.
• Mars presides over calamity: misfortune, fires, warfare, and related events.
• Saturn presides over blessing: good fortune and stability.
• Venus presides over killing: punishment, execution, and decisive action.
• Mercury presides over concealment: hidden things, accumulation, and mystery.

The movements of the five planets correspond to fortune and misfortune among people and to changes in the seasons and weather.

IX. The Five Elders of the Five Directions

In the east is Lord Qingling Shilao, one of the Five Elders, who presides over the east and the Virtue of Wood. He governs the Qi of the east.

In the south is Lord Danling Zhenlao, who governs the Qi of the south.

In the west is Lord Haoling Huanglao, who governs the Qi of the west.

In the north is Lord Wuling Xuanlao, who governs the Qi of the north.

At the center is Lord Yuanling Yuanlao, who governs the Qi of the center.

The Five Elders guard the five directions. They correspond to the Five Phases—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—as well as the five organs and five seasons, and are important Daoist deities.

X. Dongfang Shuo on Medicines and the Symbolism of the Five Sacrificial Animals

Dongfang Shuo, a Han-dynasty writer who is also counted among the immortals in Daoist legend, once discussed the categories of medicine:

• Superior medicines nourish life and promote longevity.
• Middle medicines nourish nature, harmonizing temperament and strengthening one’s foundation.
• Inferior medicines treat illness, curing disease and dispelling harmful influences.

He also discussed the ritual meanings of the five sacrificial animals—the ox, sheep, pig, dog, and chicken—here with particular attention to the pig and the symbols associated with the animals:

• The pig symbolizes Water; the Pig branch, Hai, is associated with Water.
• The sheep symbolizes Fire.
• The ox symbolizes Earth.
• The dog symbolizes Metal.
• The chicken symbolizes Wood.

The five sacrificial animals are paired with the Five Phases to create correspondences between Heaven and Earth and to make offerings to the gods. References in the text to “the five animals, including the pig” describe the ritual pairing of five kinds of animals with the Five Phases in Zhaijiao or other Daoist ceremonies.

XI. The Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions and the Five Classics and Five Arts

The Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions are divided among the four directions:

• The Seven Mansions of the Azure Dragon in the east: Jiao, Kang, Di, Fang, Xin, Wei, and Ji.
• The Seven Mansions of the Vermilion Bird in the south: Jing, Gui, Liu, Xing, Zhang, Yi, and Zhen.
• The Seven Mansions of the White Tiger in the west: Kui, Lou, Wei, Mao, Bi, Zui, and Shen.
• The Seven Mansions of the Black Tortoise in the north: Dou, Niu, Nü, Xu, Wei, Shi, and Bi.

Each mansion has a Star Lord who presides over it. The mansions are connected to divisions of human affairs and to calendrical calculations.

The human Five Classics—the Classic of Changes, Classic of Documents, Classic of Poetry, Classic of Rites, and Spring and Autumn Annals—are paired with the Five Arts, categories of esoteric or divinatory practices such as mountain arts, medicine, divination, physiognomy, and destiny calculation. Together they connect the Way of Heaven and the Way of Humanity: the classics clarify principle, while the arts enable one to respond to change. Zhaijiao and cultivation also draw on the stars, double hours, and sixty-cycle to choose dates and establish ritual methods.

XII. The Robes and Headwear of the Sages (Summary of Chapter Eighteen)

This volume also records the robes and headwear of the Solar Emperor, the Moon Ladies, the Nine Star Lords, and other figures, showing celestial rank and status. For example:

• Each of the Five Emperors within the Sun—azure, red, white, black, and yellow, corresponding to the five directions and five days—has a jade brocade cape, a feathered flower-patterned skirt, and a crown with names such as “Supporting the Dawn” and “Supporting the Dew.”
• Each of the Five Empresses within the Moon has a flower-patterned brocade cape and a flying-feather skirt decorated with dragons and phoenixes.
• The Nine Star Lords include the Star of Yangming, who oversees transgressions, merits and faults, and the Perfected Ones of the Nine Heavens; the Star of Yinjing, who oversees official rank and destiny; and the Star of the Perfected, who oversees immortals and those who study the Dao. Each wears a jade crown, dark crown, or crown of the Flying Dawn, and carries a dark chart, feathered tablet, or azure register. They sit in jade towers, symbolizing their oversight of Heaven and Earth and of the fate of those who study the way of immortality and of the people.

Their robes and headwear are more than decoration: they display each deity’s rank and duties. This study of the ranks of the sages belongs to the same system as the ritual arrangements for Zhaijiao and the praise and invocations used to invite deities to descend.

Note: The original text weaves together material from chapter eighteen, “The Robes and Headwear of the Sages,” of the Wushang Miyao (Supreme Secret Essentials), along with sequences for Zhaijiao and stellar rites.

Collapse ▲

Interpretation

[Modern Interpretation]

Xuanming Star: The principal deity in the celestial realm who oversees patrols and punitive campaigns and disciplines rebels. Above, he commands the ghosts and spirits of the Nine Heavens; in the middle, he governs the Three Offices of the Northern Emperor, the emperor of the north; below, he watches over the people. All rebels and disobedient subjects are struck with awe. He is titled Lord of the Dawn, Flying Canopy Above the Mysterious. He wears a three-flower jeweled dawn crown and a cinnabar-colored brocade flying robe, holds a command token of life and spirit, which grants authority over life and destiny, and sits within a jade tower.

Danyuan Star: The sovereign of the celestial realm’s Dipper Ministry, who oversees registers of destiny. Above, he supervises the genealogical registers of the Nine Heavens; in the middle, he governs the rolls of ghosts and spirits; below, he administers the registers of those who study the Dao and of all the people. All the heavens and earths fall under his authority. He is titled Diamond Lord of the Seven Dawns. He wears a seven-treasure flying-heaven crown and a white brocade flying skirt, holds a register of Qingyuan, the register of destinies, and sits within a golden tower.

North Pole Star: The sovereign of the celestial realm’s Grand Steward, who oversees promotion and advancement. Above, he supervises the perfected beings of the Nine Heavens; in the middle, he governs the flying immortals of the Five Sacred Peaks; below, he directs the bodies of those who study the Dao. All who diligently cultivate merit and practice, advance in the stages of the Dao, or move through the ranks fall under his authority. He is titled Lord of the Northern Dawn, Flying Radiance. He wears an essence crown and a purple brocade flying robe, holds a jade tablet of the Nine Dipper stars, a Northern Dipper destiny tablet, and sits within a jade tower.

Celestial Gate Star: The sovereign of the celestial realm’s Highest Emperor, who oversees the workings of Heaven and Earth. The changing lengths of the four seasons, the fortunes and misfortunes of Heaven and Earth, and the cycles of calamity and cosmic turns all fall within his office. He is titled Lord of the Northern Dawn, Nine Canopies of All Spirits. He wears a jeweled crown of the Nine Origins and a nine-colored brocade robe, holds a sacred radiant seal, and sits within a jade tower.

Assistant Star: The star of the Jade Emperor, also called Changyang, who presides over flying immortals. Above, he supervises the Nine Heavens; below, he governs the immortal officials of the Nine Earths, Five Sacred Peaks, and Four Great Rivers—the Yangtze, Yellow, Huai, and Ji. They all issue from his authority. He is titled Lord of the Nine Dawns, Honored by the Emperor. He wears a jade crown of flying essence and a nine-colored phoenix robe, holds a fire bell, and sits within a jade tower.

Aide Star: The true star of the Great Emperor, also called Hengkong, who presides over transformations without fixed form. He is titled Primordial Lord of the Emperor’s Truth. He wears a jade flying-heaven crown and a robe of the Nine Heavens’ dragon, holds the Emperor’s seal, and sits within a purple palace.

---

Crowns and Robes of the Nine Stars’ Inner Consorts

The first star of the Dipper is called Supreme Palace. Within the palace is an emperor, and the inner consort who can conceal and transform the Inch-Primordial. She wears a yellow brocade shawl and a cinnabar-and-blue flying skirt, with her hair arranged in a high cloudlike coiffure.

The second star is called Central Origin Palace. Within the palace is an emperor, and the inner consort who protects the fetus and transforms its form. She wears a blue brocade shawl and a green-feathered flying skirt, with her hair arranged in a high cloudlike coiffure.

Collapse ▲

Interpretation

The Plain-Language Commentary on The Supreme Secret Essentials

The palace corresponding to the third star is called the Palace of True Origin. Its presiding deity is the True Origin Sovereign Lord, who can employ the Six Methods of Escape and Seven Arts of Concealment: six ways of evading and seven ways of becoming invisible, referring to supernatural powers of transformation and disappearance. The Primordial Holy Mother wears a blue brocade cape and an embroidered, feather-patterned gown. Her hair is arranged in a Drooping Cloud coiffure, a high immortal’s hairstyle patterned like clouds.

The palace of the fourth star is called the Palace of Hidden Profundity. Its Sovereign Lord can conceal his shadow and hide his radiance. The Inner Consort of the Middle Origin wears a purple brocade cape and a yellow, flower-patterned feather gown, and wears a Drooping Cloud coiffure.

The palace of the fifth star is called the Palace of the Strong Spirit. Its Sovereign Lord can transform his body and alter appearances. The Great Daughter within the Dipper wears a vermilion brocade cape and a flowing purple-and-blue skirt, and wears a Drooping Cloud coiffure.

The palace of the sixth star is called the Palace of the Guiding Light. Its Sovereign Lord can hide his tracks and disperse his form. The Middle Daughter within the Dipper wears a vermilion brocade cape and a blue embroidered flowing skirt, and wears a Drooping Cloud coiffure.

The palace of the seventh star is called the Palace of the Converging Pass. Its Sovereign Lord can divide light and manifest ten thousand forms. The Youngest Daughter within the Dipper wears a cinnabar brocade cape and a blue, flower-patterned feather gown, and wears a Drooping Cloud coiffure.

The palace of the eighth star is called the Palace of the Imperial Seat. Its Sovereign Lord can transform into the sun, moon, water, and fire. The Left Lady of the High Sovereign within the Dipper wears a purple brocade cape and an embroidered feather gown with a flowing cinnabar skirt, and wears a Drooping Cloud coiffure.

The palace of the ninth star is called the Palace of the Supreme Venerable. Its Sovereign Lord can transform into metals and stones, mountains and rivers. The Right Lady of the High Sovereign within the Dipper wears a green brocade cape and an elegant feather gown, and wears a Drooping Cloud coiffure.

The above is from the Scripture of the Nine Real Ones of the Cavern of Truth.

The Nine-Star Ladies’ Crowns and Robes

The first star, Tian Shu: Its star name is Essence of the Dipper, and its honorific title is Lady of the Mysterious Supreme True Sovereign. She wears a flying-cloud floral Drooping coiffure and a skirt in purple, yellow, and blue.

The second star, Tian Xuan: Its star name is Numinous Essence, and its honorific title is Lady of the Supreme Mysterious Sovereign. She wears a flying-cloud floral Drooping coiffure, a flowing brocade gauze skirt, and a cape patterned with phoenixes.

The third star, Tian Ji: Its star name is Numinous Consort, and its honorific title is Lady of the Primordial Sovereign. She wears the Precious Crown of Morning Youth—a crown evoking the Daoist image of youthful purity—and a skirt of bright, flying-cloud brocade.

The fourth star, Tian Quan: Its star name is Supreme Numinous Spirit Consort, and her honorific title is Lady of the Flowering Sovereign. She wears a jade crown of seven measures and a crimson gauze skirt patterned with phoenixes.

The fifth star, Yu Heng: Its star name is Northern Supreme Golden Canopy, and its honorific title is Lady of the Central Sovereign. She wears a purple Dawn Flight Floral Crown and a nine-colored skirt.

The sixth star, Kai Yang: Its star name is Peace Above, and its honorific title is Lady of the Dawn Flowers, Primordial Sovereign. She wears a jade Dawn Worthy Crown and a flowing blue feather skirt.

This text concerns the worship of the stars and the nine stars of the Northern Dipper, as well as the divine system of female immortals and ladies. The Sovereign Lords of the star palaces oversee transformation, concealment and revelation, and the manifestation of all things. The ladies each preside over crowns, robes, and adornment, and are associated with liturgies such as Zhaijiao purification rituals and contemplation of the Northern Dipper. In the original, “disperse, disperse” may also be written as “disperse the form”; the meaning “disperse the form” is adopted here based on the context.

Collapse ▲

Interpretation

The Secret Essentials of the Supreme

The Three Stars Beyond the Big Dipper and the Ladies’ Attire

The Seventh Star, Yaoguang: Its divine title is the Lady of the Jade Radiance and numinous Sovereignty. She wears her hair in a soaring, cloudlike coiffure called the “Flying Radiance Cloud Coiffure,” a seven-colored, night-glowing brocade skirt, and an outer mantle of nine-colored brocade.

The Eighth Star, Dongming: Its divine title is the Lady of Constant Yang, Great Illumination, and Everlasting Sovereignty. Her hair is arranged in the “Flying Cloud Radiance Coiffure,” and beneath she wears a patterned gauze skirt.

The Ninth Star, Yinyuan: Its divine title is the Lady of the Empty Mystery, Transformative Numen, and Supreme Sovereignty. She wears a flying-heaven jade crown with seven ornaments and a blue-patterned brocade skirt.

---

The Crowns and Robes of the Five Star Emperors

The Eastern Year Star (Jupiter), the True Sovereign Lord in the Palace of Yang Origin: He wears a blue jade crown and a flying robe of blue feathers.

The Southern Fire Spark Star (Mars), the True Sovereign Lord in the Palace of Cavernous Yang: He wears a vermilion jade crown of refined essence and a crimson flying robe of feathers.

The Western Great White Star (Venus), the True Sovereign Lord in the Palace of Pure Illumination: He wears a gold jade crown of refined essence and a white flying robe of feathers.

The Northern Water Star (Mercury), the True Sovereign Lord in the Palace of the Mysterious Dipper: He wears a dark jade crown of refined essence and a dark flying robe of feathers.

The Central Stabilizing Star (Saturn), the True Sovereign Lord in the Palace of the Upper Pivot: He wears a yellow jade crown of refined essence and a yellow flying robe of feathers.

---

The Crowns and Robes of the Five Star Ladies

The imperial consort of the True Sovereign Emperor of the Eastern Palace of Yang Origin wears a blue brocade mantle, a green feathered flying skirt, and her hair in a cloud coiffure.

The imperial consort of the True Sovereign Emperor of the Southern Palace of Cavernous Yang wears a red brocade mantle, a red feathered flying skirt, and her hair in a cloud coiffure.

The imperial consort of the True Sovereign Emperor of the Western Palace of Pure Illumination wears a white brocade mantle, a purple feathered flying skirt, and her hair in a cloud coiffure.

The imperial consort of the True Sovereign Emperor of the Northern Palace of the Mysterious Dipper wears a dark brocade mantle, a green feathered flying skirt, and her hair in a cloud coiffure.

The imperial consort of the True Sovereign Emperor of the Central Palace of the Upper Pivot wears a yellow brocade mantle, a yellow feathered flying skirt, and her hair in a cloud coiffure.

The material above is from the Scripture of Feathered Flight through the Nine Paths of Returning to the Origin (Dongzhen Huiyuan Jiudao Feixing Yu Jing).

---

The Crowns and Robes of the Five Emperors

The Eastern Azure Emperor: He wears a crown that connects the Nine Origins to Heaven, a blue brocade mantle, and a jade-green brocade flying skirt. He bears the Insignia of the Supreme One’s Nine Qi and Life-Giving Numen (an ornament of the Fulu, or talisman and register, type) and wears a sash of green-feathered, patterned numen.

The Southern Red Emperor: He wears a precious crown with a dark crossbar of the Three Qi, a robe of crimson-cloud brocade, and a skirt patterned with cinnabar designs. He bears the Talisman of the Southern Pole for Controlling Yang and carries the eight-rayed sword of the Vermilion Palace.

Collapse ▲

Interpretation

Western White Emperor Lord

He wears a jeweled crown of seven Qi, radiant with light, a robe of white brocade glowing like clouds, and a flying skirt of plain brocade. He wears a sash of plain spiritual silk and carries at his waist a sword whose Dragon Abyss pattern unfurls and spreads.

Northern Black Emperor Lord

He wears a crown of the five Qi of the Black Dawn, a robe of black brocade, and a flying skirt of five colors. He wears the Seven Primordial Chimes and carries a sword marked with inscriptions that communicate with the spirits.

Central Yellow Emperor Lord

He wears a jade crown of the Yellow Dawn that reaches to Heaven, a robe of yellow brocade, and a flying skirt of dark-and-yellow brocade patterned with clouds. He wears the Yellow Spirit’s tally for crossing the Primordial, and a purple sash of numinous flight.

---

Crowns and Robes of the Lords of the Five Sacred Peaks

Lord of Mount Tai, Eastern Peak: He wears a night crown of the Three Treasures and Nine Lights, a robe adorned with blue-green feathers, and a fur mantle mottled in nine colors. He wears the transmission of the August Sovereign’s command to the spirits.

Lord of Mount Heng, Southern Peak: He wears a jade crown of eight radiant lights and precious brilliance, a flying skirt of red brocade, and a fur mantle embroidered in crimson with divine radiance. He wears the charter for sealing spirits and restraining demons.

Lord of Mount Hua, Western Peak: He wears a flying crown of the Six Ding that communicates with the spirits, a flying skirt of white brocade, and a mantle of plain brocade. He wears the sash of plain silk received from the spirits.

Lord of Mount Heng, Northern Peak: He wears a jade crown of the five Qi of the Precious Dawn, a flying skirt of black brocade, and a mantle patterned with dark designs and radiant light. He wears a purple sash of inscribed spiritual silk.

Lord of Mount Song, Central Peak: He wears a jade crown of the Yellow Dawn of the Central Origin, a flying skirt of yellow brocade, and a mantle of dark-and-yellow patterned fur. He wears the charter of the Yellow Spirit, Sovereign of the Center.

---

Crowns and Robes of the Divine Kings of the Four Seas

Divine King, Water Emperor of the Eastern Sea: He wears a crown of the Great Dawn and Precious Brilliance, a flying skirt of blue-green, patterned feathers, and a pouch adorned in seven colors, shaped with a lion’s head and tiger’s head.

Divine King, Water Emperor of the Southern Sea: He wears a crown of the Great Dawn and Precious Brilliance, a skirt of red brocade with patterned designs, a purple sash interwoven with spirits, and a pouch in nine colors.

Divine King, Water Emperor of the Western Sea: He wears a crown of the Great Dawn and Precious Brilliance, a flying skirt of plain brocade, and the charter of the Plain Spirit who commands the gods. He also carries a nine-colored pouch shaped with a lion’s head and tiger’s head, and rides a flying carriage of plain clouds.

Divine King, Water Emperor of the Northern Sea: He wears a crown of the Great Dawn and Precious Brilliance, a flying skirt of black brocade, and a pouch marked with the Seven Primordial Chimes, in five colors, shaped with a tiger’s head.

---

Crowns and Robes of the Demon Kings

Great Demon King: He wears a mantle of dark patterned fur, a crown that spans the sky, and a sword with a dragon’s head at his waist.

---

The descriptions of these crowns and robes are incomplete. Their source is the Scripture of the Inner Truth of the Five Emperors of the Cavern of Truth.

Collapse ▲

Interpretation

Wushang Biyao, Scroll 18 (Excerpt)

Great Demon King of the East, the Azure Emperor: He wears a crown stretching across the sky, a cloak of azure feathers, an azure sash at his waist, and a tiger-headed pouch. He may instead wear a single robe patterned in crimson, or transform into rays of azure and red light.

Great Demon King of the West, the White Emperor: He wears a plain crown stretching across the sky, a cloak of white feathers, a sash of plain spirit silk, and a five-colored tiger-headed pouch. He may instead wear a single black gauze robe, transform into an old woman with a white headcloth holding a tablet, or become rays of purple and dark blue light.

Great Demon King of the South, the Red Emperor: He wears a vermilion crown stretching across the sky, a cloak of red feathers, a sash of cinnabar spirit silk, and a tiger-headed pouch. He may instead wear a robe of gauzy yellow cloth, take the form of a phoenix with a human head and bird’s body, or become rays of black and yellow light.

Great Demon King of the North, the Black Emperor: He wears a black crown stretching across the sky, a cloak of black feathers, a sash of black spirit silk, and a tiger-headed pouch. He may instead wear a single robe of azure gauze, take the form of a human body with a serpent’s head, or become rays of azure and white light.

Great Demon King of the Northwest, the Bright Emperor: He wears a purple crown stretching across the sky, a cloak of purple feathers, a purple sash, and a tiger-headed pouch. He may instead wear a single robe of white gauze, take the form of a woman with her hair in a flying-cloud coiffure and a golden staff in her hand, or become rays of purple and white light.

Great Demon King of the Southeast, the Vast Emperor: He wears a yellow crown stretching across the sky, a cloak of yellow feathers, a yellow sash, and a tiger-headed pouch. He may instead wear a single robe of purple gauze, take the form of a human head on a serpent’s body with a plain sash in its mouth, or become rays of dark blue and green light.

Great Demon King of the Northeast, the Azure Emperor: He wears an azure crown stretching across the sky, a cloak of azure feathers, an azure sash, and a tiger-headed pouch. He may instead wear a single robe of green gauze, take the form of a dragon’s head on a human body holding a ceremonial baton, or transform into a fire spirit.

Great Demon King of the Southwest, the Yellow Emperor: He wears a green crown stretching across the sky, a cloak of green feathers, a green sash, and a tiger-headed pouch. He may instead wear a single robe of yellow gauze, take the form of a single body with nine heads holding a golden halberd, or become rays of purple and crimson light.

(From Dongzhen Yuqing Yinshu.)

---

Note: The “Great Demon Kings” in this text are protective or direction-guarding divine figures within Daoism’s directional and Five Emperor framework; the term does not carry the everyday meaning of “demon.” The Azure, White, Red, and Black Emperors, together with the Vast, Bright, Azure, and Yellow Emperors, each preside over one of the eight directions. Their crowns, robes, sashes, transformations, and colored lights are part of the divine images contemplated in visualization rites found in Zhaijiao (purification ritual) and hidden-text traditions.

Collapse ▲