《法海遺珠》Vol. 16

Volume Sixteen, Part Five of Fahayizhu

Secrets of the Thunder Commanders

For summoning Deng Shuai; for dispatching Deng Shuai; for summoning Xin Shuai; for dispatching Xin Shuai; for summoning Zhang Shuai; for dispatching Zhang Shuai

(Used respectively to summon and dispatch the various Thunder Commanders Deng, Xin, and Zhang.)

For summoning Ma Shuai; for dispatching Ma Shuai; for summoning Zhao Shuai; for dispatching Zhao Shuai; for summoning Wen Shuai; for dispatching Wen Shuai; for commanding Wen Shuai; for summoning Guan Shuai; for dispatching Guan Shuai; for commanding all the commanders

(Used to summon, employ, and command the commanders Ma, Zhao, Wen, and Guan, including commanding Wen Shuai and directing all the commanders.)

General Command Titles

Thunderclap Title for Beheading and Punishing Malevolent Spirits

(A general command for overcoming and punishing malevolent spirits, of the thunderclap kind.)

Title for Gathering at the Altar and Assembling the Generals

(A command used when gathering at the altar and assembling the generals.)

Shi (Mao), (Zi), (Wu), (You)

These are the four daily markers used on yang days.

(Chou/Yin), (Chen/Si), Yang (Wei/Shen), (Xu/Hai)

These are the four daily markers used on yin days. The character is used each month on thunder inscriptions and taboos, such as those in Thunder Rites and at thunder altars.

General Title for Beheading and Punishing

Guo-yue-kuang

(The general title for beheading and punishing, together with its secret characters.)

Secret Titles of Wang Shichen

The founding master Wang Shichen (the Northern Song master of Thunder Rites, Wang Wenqing) transmitted eighteen secret characters. Their uses are as follows:

The eighteen characters above are the secret instructions of the founding master Wang Shichen. Among them are…

(The original scroll may explain this further below; the translation here follows the entries that are visible.)

A Plain Language Interpretation of the Fahai Yizhu

On the number and choice of characters

One character in the text is corrupted through copying errors, at the point marked “Zhi sun.” Therefore, only seventeen characters should actually be used. The final five characters must not be used arbitrarily.

How to write the messenger talisman when praying to the Three Sovereigns

• Praying to the Celestial Sovereign: write at the head of the talisman, at the top.
• Praying to the Terrestrial Sovereign: write at the foot of the talisman, at the bottom.
• Praying to the Human Sovereign: write on the body of the talisman, in the middle.

Use one form of writing on Yang days and another on Yin days; follow the talisman examples for the specific forms.

The Nine Provinces’ stellar titles

The characters used for the names of the stellar spirits corresponding to the Nine Provinces are: Fen (Liang), Hou (Xu), Yuan (Yu), Gui (Jing), Dui (Yan), Ling (Yang), Yan (Yong), Jing (Qing), and Hua (Ji).

Guidance on use (add these beside or as modifications to the characters):

• To pray for rain, add the “cloud” radical or a cloud-shaped head above the character.
• To pray for clear weather, add “fire” beside the character.
• To dispel harmful spirits, add “ghost” beside the character.

Titles used in prayer (combined with the Eight Trigrams’ directions, visualization, and breath practices)

These practices generally combine internal cultivation and visualization with talismanic characters and oral formulas. They should be carried out in the sequence prescribed by the talisman methods in the complete text.

The Nine Heavens’ numinous seal

The nine characters correspond respectively to titles such as the Jade Emperor, the Northern Emperor, rain, clear weather, Taiyi, the Celestial Dipper, baleful forces, and subjugation. They are used in the proclamation rite for wind and rain, a liturgy for summoning wind, thunder, rain, and clear weather.

Messenger titles (when beginning a stroke, “following the character as it emerges” means starting the character from its corresponding direction or trigram position)

Note: This chapter concerns the characters, directions, and visualization formulas used in Daoist talismanic proclamations, prayers for rain, clear weather, wind and thunder, and rites to dispel harmful spirits. Many of its character forms are specialized forms transmitted through copying. They must be checked against the original diagrams and a teacher’s transmission; do not attempt the practices on the basis of the written descriptions alone.

The Pearl Beads Left from the Sea of Dharma · Secret Words for Spirit Attachment to a Child and the Banner’s Fall at a Death-Ritual

Modern interpretation:

Secret Words for Spirit Attachment to a Child and the Banner’s Fall at a Death-Ritual

(The ritual master forms the sword fingers—bringing the index and middle fingers together like a sword—and silently recites the incantation over a water bowl, then sprinkles ritual water over the child.)

(Stop the right ear.) (Stop the left ear.)

(Press the fingers against the heart and head, then blow on them with rearward Sha Qi—the vital energy imbued with the power to suppress Sha.)

The Child Is Possessed; the Banner Falls

Om (borrow the soul). Zha (the Om-Hum incantation uses Thunder Steps—the ritual steps of thunder magic—to strike out toward the Chen direction).

True Talisman of the Four Sages of the Northern Pole

By command of the Northern Emperor: summon the Five-Four Zhi, Qiongkui, the Commanding Marshal, the Three-Six Generals, Mingyuan, Yaoxi, and the assembled divisions (hand seal). Let each division muster its elite troops. At the sound of my summons, descend swiftly. By the urgent command of the Supreme Emperor.

(The Supreme Emperor commands Qiongkui, the Commanding Marshal—form the Yin hand seal.)

(The Supreme Emperor commands Mingyuan, the Deputy Marshal—form the Si hand seal.)

(The Supreme Emperor commands the Great Deity Yaoyuan—form the Shen hand seal.)

(The Supreme Emperor commands the Great Deity Qijun—form the Hai hand seal.)

(Cui, the Thunder Heavenly Officer, to the left—form the Mao hand seal.)

(Lu, the Lightning Heavenly Officer, to the right—form the You hand seal.)

(Dengxiao, the Heavenly Officer, in front—form the Wu hand seal.)

(Doufeng, the Heavenly Officer, behind—form the Zi hand seal.)

The Northern Emperor commands the Sha spirits: Jupiter—Jiao, Kang, Di, Fang, Xin, Wei, Ji—form the Mao hand seal;

Mercury—Dou, Niu, Nü, Xu, Wei, Shi, Bi—form the Zi hand seal;

Venus—Kui, Lou, Wei, Mao, Bi, Zui, Shen—form the You hand seal;

Mars—Jing, Gui, Liu, Xing, Zhang, Yi, Zhen—form the Wu hand seal;

Saturn—the myriad spirits at the center—form the Jade hand seal.

Then recite this incantation:

Let the Heavenly Officers, strongmen, and troops of the Five Offices assemble. Rush at once into my talisman. Manifest your numinous power in full: drive out evil, slay ghosts, treat illness, and save the people. You have heard that a summons is made; respond at once. Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the law!

Incantation to Tianpeng (excerpt)

Tianpeng, Tianpeng, child of the ninefold dark Sha; commander of the Five Dings; towering northern lord with the high blade; the Seven Luminaries and Eight Spirits; the exalted and fearsome one above; the long-skulled, gigantic beast, holding the Emperor’s bell in its hand; the three plain-feathered owls; the solemnly harnessed Kui dragons; the divine king of the mighty sword, who cuts down evil and erases its traces. Purple Qi rides the heavens; red clouds blaze and surge. Swallowing demons and devouring ghosts, stretching wide its body to drink the wind; blue tongue, green teeth, ancient man with four eyes; Heavenly Officers and strongmen, whose might commands the south and wards off evil; the Heavenly steeds surge in fury, their might…

Note: This text belongs to the Northern Emperor (Zhenwu) tradition of Daoism and describes a ritual for summoning generals and gathering the souls of the dead. Through steps including “spirit attachment to a child” (using a child as a medium), sprinkling ritual water, forming hand seals, reciting incantations, and writing talismans, the ritual summons the Four Sages of the Northern Pole (including Tianpeng, Tianrui, Tianren, and Tianchong), the Heavenly Officers of the Five Directions, and the Sha spirits of the Five Planets to drive out evil, slay ghosts, treat illness, and gather departed souls. “Form the [specific] hand seal” refers to making the hand seal corresponding to a particular Earthly Branch or divine general. “Thunder Steps” are the ritual steps used in thunder magic. “The banner falls” refers to the moment in the ritual when the banner topples, signaling the descent of the spirits.

An Explanatory Reading in Plain Language

The Northern Emperor’s thirty thousand troops guard the ninefold Heavenly Palace. They can dispel corpse aura for a thousand li and drive away ill omens. Should a little ghost dare to come and cause trouble, they will strike down its five forms with the great Heaven-splitting axe. The Flame Emperor rends its blood, the Northern Dipper burns its bones, the Four Luminaries shatter its remains, and Tianyou destroys its kind. At the fall of the divine blade, ten thousand ghosts collapse of their own accord.

Marshal Tianyou is peerlessly mighty. He serves as chief aide to the feudal lords and watches over the nine provinces from beneath the North Pole. Clad in golden armor and wielding spear and halberd, he rides the clouds and strides through the mist, making ghosts tremble and spirits grieve. His eyes flash like lightning; his claws are like golden hooks. He cuts demons down inch by inch and seizes ghosts wherever he meets them, drawing the wicked back to what is right and commanding the Heavenly Charioteers. Ghosts who submit are spared; those who resist lose their heads. When the talisman arrives, obey at once—do not linger.

The Northern Emperor’s manifested spirit, the essence of Black Sha: its rosy radiance sparks with lightning and shines bright upon the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing). Its streaming light reaches ten thousand li, leaving no ghost able to hide. By divine incantation and command seal, it subdues and destroys evil spirits. The generals, officers, and troops of the Three-Five Huo Luo ranks level Heaven and strike the Earth, slaying ghosts without pause. Talismans fly and seals race; with the Seven Stars above their heads, they hurl fire at the baleful forces before them. The ten thousand ghosts and myriad spirits, the Six Heavens and Nine Uglies, are delivered to Bing and Ding. The True Elder of the Five Spirits is their revered master; his powers meet no obstacle, and all spirits return to him. When evil ghosts are wiped out, stagnant qi naturally wanes. The Five Pestilences and Six Parasitic Afflictions—I can sweep them away. What ghost would dare resist? What spirit would dare look on? Fengdu, the Daoist capital for governing ghosts, mutilates their forms; the Northern Dipper Lords, who govern life, death, fortune, and calamity, sever their corpses. With a single sweep of the divine sword, ten thousand ghosts vanish.

Born of the Great Yin, the essence of the Water position, this power corresponds above to Xu and Wei and takes the combined form of the tortoise and serpent. It travels throughout the Six Directions and commands the awe of all spirits. Nothing hidden escapes its notice; no wish goes unfulfilled. At the end of a cosmic age and at its beginning, it cuts down and destroys demonic spirits, saving and protecting all beings so that households and states may live in peace. As the allotted cycle draws to its end and the final Jia day arrives, demonic qi spreads through the world. The High Emperor issues an order, and so I descend in spirit to proclaim the transformation of the Dao, sweep away evil and avert warfare, nurture the people, and support the revival. If any little ghost dares to appear, one glance from my eyes will bring the Five Sacred Peaks crashing down.

(Gathering the Form) After writing the four commands and reciting the incantation, blacken it with ink or cinnabar, following the prescribed ritual procedure.

Talisman for Commanding Demons and Slaying Ghosts at the Vanguard

When writing this talisman, first still the spirit and settle the thoughts. Then breathe the primal Qi of the Divine Empyrean (the primordial unity cultivated in the Divine Empyrean tradition) into the brush before beginning to write.

(The upper platform is yellow, driving away ill omens; the middle platform is white, protecting the body and securing the home; the lower platform is green, extinguishing calamity and purifying spirits. Hasten, in accordance with the statutes!)

Gems Left Behind in the Sea of Dharma: A Plain-Language Reading

(By decree of the Jade Emperor) (Om va-jra … svaha) (Om va-jra) (… svaha)

(By command of the Divine Empyrean: command the demons of Heaven; by command of the Divine Empyrean: command the demons of Earth; by command of the Divine Empyrean: command the ghost-demons)

(The Demon King of the Blue Heaven, Ba Yuanchoubo; the Demon King of the Red Heaven, Fu Tian Danshi; the Demon King of the White Heaven, Fanshan Liumu; the Demon King of the Black Heaven, Jian Chou Langfu; the Demon King of the Yellow Heaven, Heng Tian Danli)

(The Great Demons of the Five Emperors; the myriad spirits bow their heads) (The Great Demon Lords of the Six Caverns of Mount Fengdu, attendants of the Most High)

By decree of the True King of Jade Purity, mobilize the heavenly soldiers and celestial troops. When orders are given, they must be carried out. All demons must carry them out and lead the way; slay the ghosts, leaving no trace.

The emissaries, officials, and soldiers of the thirty-six divine talismans fly with spears and sweep with halberds. Whoever they encounter will be struck down. Dare the ghosts and demons of the Six Caverns refuse to charge forward? Wind, thunder, and blazing fire: slay the ghosts and shatter their bodies. Carry out the command and lead the way; when the talisman arrives, obey. Act with urgency, in accordance with the laws and commands.

Dispatching Incantation

Demon King of the Blue Heaven, Ba Yuanchoubo; Demon King of the Red Heaven, Fu Tian Danshi; Demon King of the White Heaven, Fanshan Liumu; Demon King of the Black Heaven, Jian Xilangfu; Demon King of the Yellow Heaven, Heng Tian Danli—the Great Demons of the Five Emperors, ancestors of the myriad spirits, fly forth with drums in attendance, command the ghost troops, and wield pennants, banners, drums, and signal staffs. They roam the vastness of space and call themselves radiant and resplendent.

The heavens unite their power; the Upper Heaven delivers people. The officials of Northern Feng, the northern underworld of Fengdu, receive their solemn commission: sweep away all inauspicious forces. The Eight Mighty Spirits spew venom; the fierce steeds spread out in four directions. The celestial troops lead the way. The Great Marshal brandishes his banner and hurls fire; the bells of command ring across ten thousand miles. If any of the Eight Directions dares to offend or obstruct the Supreme Perfected, the golden axe strikes first, and the Great Heaven punishes afterward. Slaughter and cut down the ghosts and demons; let wind and fire never cease. Behead thousands upon thousands; cut apart tens of thousands of forms. May no demon trespass, and may no ghost conjure evil spirits.

The Three Officials and Northern Feng shall inspect the ghost camps clearly and allow no one to hide. By the routes of the Golden Horse courier, let the proclamation spread without limit. May all spirits hear it; may the Five Emperors of the Three Realms submit their report to the Supreme Clarity Heaven.

Instructions for Using the Talisman Above

If a fierce, stubborn spirit or powerful haunting refuses to submit, write this talisman in vermilion on yellow silk, burn it to ash, and blow the ashes away. Then make the Chen seal with the left hand, form the sword mudra with the right hand, and recite the preceding incantation.

Note: This text is an exorcistic and ghost-dispatching rite of the Divine Empyrean (Shenxiao) school of Daoism, known for its thunder rites and talismans. It calls upon the Great Demons of the Five Emperors and the Great Demon Lords of the Six Caverns of Fengdu, among other underworld generals, to subdue unruly ghosts and spirits. Here, “Demon Kings” refers to underworld commanders who are governed by the heavenly realm and act under its orders; it is not a general term for evil beings.

The Northern Emperor’s Talisman for Searching Out Evil and Opening the Heart

First gather the Qi of the Five Directions—the true Qi of the east, south, west, north, and center—and command the officers and generals to take their places. Before the chief general arrives, first capture the evil spirits.

This is the Northern Emperor’s Talisman for Searching Out Evil and Opening the Heart, used by the Great Emperor Zhenwu of the Northern Pole to seek out evil and open the apertures of the heart.

The accompanying finger mudras and visualizations include the Jade Emperor’s command; the Flame Emperor’s mudra for entering the heart and subduing baleful forces; the Pure Luminary’s mudra for piercing Kun and entering the abdomen; the Dipper’s Celestial Star’s mudra for descending in spiritual power and marking the celestial time; and the mudras for the Zi-Wu Dipper and Wu-Zi Dipper, among others.

The heart incantation means, in essence: “Evil beings from the Five Directions, perish at once!”

Commanding incantation (abridged): “By the Jade Emperor’s command, this true talisman opens the heart. The true method of Yanming searches out evil spirits and captures them… Hear my summons and descend at once. Hasten and obey the statutes!”

Spirit general on the talisman: His surname is Yi, and his ritual name is Yanqing. He is about three inches tall, barefoot and disheveled, dressed in crimson, and holding a vajra hammer. He can enter a person’s abdomen to treat illness and capture evil spirits; he may also make the person vomit or purge greenish-yellow fluid, bringing immediate results. This talisman may be used for illnesses caused by evil spirits, abdominal pain, running about in a frenzy, or a locked jaw and inability to speak, as well as afflictions attributed to headless, deaf, mute, and similar ghosts. Call the spirit general by name and command him to enter the abdomen and capture them; the evil spirits will leave at once.

Talisman for Treating Fox Spirits in the Bones

Incantation

Om, ji-li-ta, ji-li-che (recite seven times in a single breath).

Outline of the method

First prepare fragrant oil. Heat a needle until it glows red, then let it cool. Sift fine chaff ash onto a table and have the child sit while being held, then reach out over the ash: a boy uses his left hand, a girl her right, and presses it into the ash to leave an imprint.

Before making the imprint, examine the child’s cun-kou pulse, the pulse point at the wrist. Use the cloth-wrapped needle heated red earlier to prick about two fen into the middle section of the child’s middle finger. Withdraw it and check whether the needle tip bears poisonous fluid or sticky threads. Reddish fluid usually indicates a female spirit; whitish fluid, a male spirit.

Take a length of five-colored thread about three feet long and pass it through the smoke of an incense burner. Visualize General Fire Bell, a guardian spirit, in a cloud of fire above the child’s head, with a bell in his left hand and a fire-rope in his right. The general casts them down, and the five-colored thread becomes an iron chain. After a short while, pass the chain above the child’s crown and around the neck, and bind it according to the method. The knot must be tied downward from the crown.

Next, burn one copy of the preceding talisman. Press an aconite pellet onto the child’s handprint in the ash, using the mark of the middle section of the middle finger. Apply fragrant oil and moxa-cauterize the spot for seven cones. With each cone, recite once: “Kui, Gui, Yu, Xing, Bi, Liu, Piao—may all fox-spirit afflictions and illnesses be extinguished.”

With the right hand, lift the cord around the child’s neck and pinch it at the Dipper’s baleful point—the Dipper’s lodgment and the direction of baleful force—then point to the ash and recite the incantation again (the full text is the same as above).

A Plain-Language Interpretation of The Precious Beads Left by the Dharma Ocean

1. Treating Malaria (Acupuncture and Talismanic Methods)

Draw on the fire Qi governed by divine names such as Kui Xing (some of the protective deities’ names commonly written on talismans; the original text has damaged characters), and take fire Qi from General Fire Bell’s hands. Blow it into the moxibustion points while saying the word “She” once aloud. Repeat this seven times, saying “She” seven times in all. Press the moxa ash into the acupuncture point on the child’s middle finger, and the illness will be cured.

Malaria-Treating Talisman

(The talisman reads: “The ghosts of cold malaria from the Five Directions; the essence of the Five Qi from every direction; Heaven’s surname is Zhang, Earth’s surname is Huang; all things contain essence and revolve with the sun; the malaria ghost has no…”)

Face straight ahead and recite: “Come facing forward at dawn, depart at dusk; seize and capture it, and bring it swift death. Urgently, in accordance with the statutes and commands.”

(It also reads: “In the south there is a pond; in the pond there is water; in the water there is a fish, with three heads and nine tails. It eats none of the grains of the human world, but feeds only on malaria ghosts.”)

(The exorcistic text, used to subdue harmful forces, is applied within the talisman with the light Qi of the Three Luminaries—the sun, moon, and stars.)

(The Six Jia and Six Ding, protective divine generals, drive the mountains swiftly down to suppress them.)

Incantation:

Om ha… (The incantation is rendered phonetically and omitted here.)

Once the talisman is complete, take a nine-inch length of thread and tie it onto the body—on the left for men, on the right for women. Use Golden Light Qi to cover the talisman on the Zi-Wu ritual board, arranged according to the hours and directions.

2. Fever-Reducing Talisman

(Form the ritual hand-seal associated with Kui Xing and other divine names; the original characters for the names are damaged.)

“When Water and Fire are already joined, spiritual power is immediately attained; rub the needle, blacken the ink, and let the Lord of the Lingbao Palace command.”

(Use red apricots, sock wax, and other items; draw in the Yin-Yang Qi of the ritual board and put it into the talisman. “Flying fire travels ten thousand miles; swiftly reveal your true form.”)

“Having heard the summons, come now. Descend with utmost haste; urgently fly across the sea and swiftly seize the soul.”

Incantation:

“The Northern Emperor issues his command; Heaven is Yin and Earth is Yang. We also summon the Nine Qi and the Dragon Lords of the Four Seas…” (The text summons the deities of the river and water offices—the Jiang, He, Huai, and Ji, among others—to seize and treat the illness; parts of the original are damaged.)

Ritual visualization: Imagine the waters of rivers surging until Heaven and Earth have turned entirely to water and become a vast sea. Then visualize the patient’s body and spirit sinking beneath the water, and use the talisman to dispel and suppress the illness.

3. Talisman for Reducing Fever from Epidemic Illness

Write six lines on yellow paper with a vermilion brush, and visualize a wheel of fire entering the abdomen. Then hold in mind the Qi of the Great Yin, baleful Qi, and Golden Light Qi. Use the Jade Seal and Jade Qi to cover the talisman, and recite the Tianpeng Incantation to command and dispatch the spirits.

4. Childbirth-Prompting Talisman

Incantation:

“The Nine Qi of the East transform and give life; the Three Qi of the South transform and give life; the Seven Qi of the West transform and give life; the Five Qi of the North transform and give life; the One Qi of the Center transforms and gives life. Deliver swiftly, deliver swiftly; let the afterbirth come forth together with the child. Urgently, in accordance with the statutes and commands.”

Note: Many parts of the original are talismanic cores, divine names, or phonetic incantations, and the characters have often been damaged in transmission—for example, a sequence of names beginning “Kui…” and ending “…Piao.” This plain-language version preserves the structure and marks the damaged passages. Actual performance of these rituals requires the complete text and a transmitted lineage; this account is provided only to help readers understand their meaning.

Vernacular Commentary on The Precious Pearl of the Dharma Ocean

Shangqing Commands of the Nine Elders of the Immortal City (for childbirth)

Procedure: Face the direction associated with the Mao hour, send green Qi into the talisman, and recite the incantation.

Meaning of the incantation:

The heavens are clear; the earth is dark. Beneath the August Heaven, a woman of the [X] family has been pregnant for six months. With sincere devotion, she humbly asks the Generals and Youths of the Six Jia to descend and help the child be born swiftly. May the full term be reached, the birth proceed smoothly, and the afterbirth descend promptly. The Great Sage, Lord of the Seven Primordial Stars of the Northern Dipper, can dispel the dangers of childbirth. Swiftly, in accordance with the law and command!

Commanding incantation (a separate passage):

At sunrise, numinous radiance shines in all ten directions. Like an imperial robe and tassels beneath Heaven, it joins with the sun. May a girl turn into a boy; may the sides be strong and healthy; may the hundred spirits be at peace and life be prolonged. The Guardian of Birth stands in front, the Controller of Destiny behind. Take the talisman in hand and emerge; be born quickly, be born quickly! Swiftly, in accordance with the law and command!

Then recite: Om nie ▲ om ▲▲ (twenty-four times).

Talisman to hasten birth and open the “locked bones”

Incantation:

Bones locked shut, open; bones locked shut, open. Whether boy or girl, come down and be born! Swiftly, in accordance with the law and command!

Dark Lady’s Talisman to Hasten Birth

Incantation:

Heaven has four seasons, Earth has the Five Phases, and the Six Jia have Yin and Yang. Whether boy or girl, a boy shall emerge holding the talisman in his left hand; a girl shall walk forth holding it in her right. Above, the Bright Star presides; the sun and moon are complete, and hair and body are fully formed. Neither harm to the mother nor injury to the father can justify staying longer. The August Heaven has issued its command: take up the talisman and emerge quickly. (During the rite, shout the command once, form the Dipper mudra and the Wu sign, then immediately bring forth the talisman.)

Talisman form: Write it on yellow paper. Recite, “The Great Sage, Lord of the Seven Primordial Stars of the Northern Dipper, can dispel the dangers of childbirth,” and take it with a decoction of soot from burned herbs and angelica root. Alternatively, a decoction of sunflower seeds, vegetable seeds, or radish seeds may be used.

Recite again afterward: Om nie ▲ om ▲▲ She

Talisman to expel the “waste fetus” (to help the placenta and any retained matter pass)

Incantation:

Spirit Generals of the Six Ding, Spirit Generals of the Six Jia, Youths Who Hasten Birth, Youths Who Bring Down Talismans, officers and soldiers of the Dark Lady of the Ninth Heaven—swiftly, in accordance with the law and command!

Divine Youth of the Dark Lady of the Ninth Heaven, descend quickly! The dragon banner and its emblems lead the way in front; the body is accompanied by a million troops of the Azure Dragon. The Thunder Duke and Lightning Mother advance and unleash their power; the Dark Lady of the Ninth Heaven departs from Heaven and Earth. Ten thousand troops hear the command throughout the land; with a single shout, they pierce the Gate of Heaven. The sixty cycles of the sexagenary calendar advance together; the Six Ding and Six Jia rush forward! Swiftly, in accordance with the law and command!

Background:

This text belongs to the talismans, incantations, and ritual procedures used in Daoist rites for childbirth. “Six Jia” refers to the Six Jia spirit generals within the sixty-cycle sexagenary calendar; in popular belief, they protect the fetus and assist with delivery. The “Lords of the Seven Primordial Stars of the Northern Dipper” are deities identified with the seven stars of the Northern Dipper, often charged in Daoist scriptures with dispelling misfortune and prolonging life. The Dark Lady of the Ninth Heaven is a goddess associated in legend with childbirth and military arts. The Six Ding and Six Jia are spirit generals and officials commonly summoned during ritual practice. Talismans are used alongside hand signs, such as the Dipper mudra and the Wu sign, and Qi, such as green Qi sent into the talisman; they may also be taken with medicinal decoctions. Such practical instructions are common in ritual manuals from the Ming dynasty onward. They were used alongside medicine, with the emphasis on ritual procedure and reassurance, and should not be treated as a substitute for modern obstetric care. The ▲ symbols in the original often stand for orally transmitted or concealed words. Since these are now commonly supplied according to a teacher’s transmission, the symbols are retained here to indicate that the wording is preserved but unclear.

Related Passages on Birth-Prompting Talismans in Fahai Yizhu (Plain-Language Interpretation)

Preparation for Writing the Talisman

Before writing this kind of talisman, one should first focus the spirit and settle the mind, click the teeth together, and silently recite a prayer. Its general meaning is as follows:

Respectfully summon the Mysterious Lady of the Nine Heavens, who governs the office of birth-prompting; the Great God Who Oversees Births in the Nine Heavens, who watches over childbirth; the Holy Mother Who Protects the Body; the divine officers who hasten birth; the Six Jia and Six Ding, Daoist guardian generals; the Talisman-Delivering Youth; the Birth-Prompting Youth; and the others. After stating one’s purpose, one may begin writing the talisman. It is then said to be efficacious in many cases.

Talisman for the Great God Who Oversees Births to Transform and Bring Forth Life

Incantation:

Great God Who Oversees Births, numinous master of life: entrust this body to me, transform it into a physical form. Youth Who Oversees Births, Physician of the Seven Po, Jade Maiden Who Hastens Birth, and Spirit Who Brings Down the Po—by the command of the Supreme Emperor, rescue and protect all living beings; cut off evil essences and hasten the birth without delay. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Use: Write this talisman on yellow paper with a vermilion brush. Draw in the Qi of the south and form the hand seal at the “Chen” position while reciting the incantation above. Once the talisman is complete, when birth needs to be hastened, first burn four or five copies and use them together with the “Talisman for Resolving Grievances.” In the birthing room, burn each one in turn with paper money and feed for horses. When the talisman’s power is set in motion, birth is said to follow immediately.

Talisman for Hastening Birth and Resolving Grievances

A general’s name may be inserted wherever desired in the talisman. The names of Tanlang, Jumen, Lucun, Wenqu, Lianzhen, Wuqu, and Pojun—the names of the seven stars of the Northern Dipper—as well as Kui, Ba, and other deities may also be written in it.

Its general meaning is: “I command [name of general] to hasten the birth for [name of person], resolve the difficulty caused by debts of grievance, and ensure unobstructed communication, so that coming or going proceeds as desired. Release—or ‘release along with’—all grievances and debts from past and present lives that may afflict the pregnant woman [name of person], as well as every obstruction caused by evil forces and calamity spirits clinging to the mother, and by the liver and heart refusing to descend smoothly. These forces are feared to intend harm to life itself. I now urgently summon [name of general] to go forth, release the fetal entanglement, quickly loosen the feet and hands, and bring about a swift delivery. Hasten, hasten, by the command of the Supreme Emperor’s statutes.”

Incantation:

Wind and thunder descend; thunderbolts crash together. The spirits’ powers are vast; the sun and moon shine brightly. Seize and capture the evil ghosts; let them never again intrude. Hasten, hasten, in accordance with the statutes and commands.

Use: Once the talisman is complete and the incantation finished, fold nine times a piece of clothing or cloth torn off by hand, then scatter it. Keep only the portion that falls to the ground. “Retaining what falls” is a ritual expression; the precise procedure depends on the transmission received from one’s teacher.

Talisman for Marshal Guan to Hasten Birth

While writing the talisman, recite: “I serve the Lord of the Immortal Capital of the Nine Elders; the radiance of the sun and moon shines everywhere.” At the moment of birth, form the “Jade Script” hand seal and draw in the Qi of the east.

Guan—Great God Who Decapitates Demons, rescue and protect all living beings.

Yu—by the Jade Emperor’s command, cut down evil and preserve life.

Ma—Great Sage, Lord of the Seven Primordial Stars of the Northern Dipper, able to resolve the ordeals of childbirth. Insert the names of Kui, Ba, and other deities in the appropriate places according to the talisman’s prescribed form.

“Marshal Guan” refers to Lord Guan the Sage, Guan Sheng Dijun (Guan Yu), who in Daoism is also charged with cutting down evil and protecting childbirth.

Note

The source text belongs to the practical Daoist talismans and incantations of the Ming and Qing periods. It combines the names of deities, stars, and generals with blank spaces for names such as “[name of general]” and “[name of person].” In actual practice, the names, ritual steps, and method of drawing in Qi would depend on the transmission received from one’s teacher. This plain-language version explains the general meaning and outline of the ritual only. It should not be copied and burned as a substitute for medical care. Difficult or rapid labor requires medical attention; in historical documents, talismans and incantations are materials for the study of culture and religious history.

Beads Left Behind in the Sea of Dharma, Volume Sixteen: A Plain-Language Reading

Recite the Jade Proclamation Again

Commanding Spell (a spell to be recited)

Heaven has four seasons; Earth has the Five Phases: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. The Six Jia protect life; the Six Ding safeguard life. Hair has grown, the body has formed, and mother and child are now distinguished; the Way of Heaven proceeds in its proper course. The Supreme Emperor cherishes life. Obey at once—swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the command of the Great Emperor Who Oversees Birth.

Explanation:

“Six Jia” and “Six Ding” are the names of divine generals often invoked in Daoist talismans and spells to protect pregnancy and childbirth. The “Great Emperor Who Oversees Birth” is a divine being who governs childbirth and protects mother and child. In essence, the spell calls for Heaven’s and Earth’s proper order to be followed, asks the divine generals to keep mother and child safe, and appeals to the Supreme Emperor’s compassion for immediate action.

Instructions for Writing the Talisman

When drawing this talisman, focus your mind on the “Marshal” entering it. Here, as in the reference below to the character ma, “horse,” this means the Marshal Who Protects Childbirth. Write the character ma neatly and correctly, with sincerity and a steady mind; do not write it in hurried cursive. A horse has four legs and moves nimbly, so the talisman will be efficacious. Be sure not to bring misfortune upon the woman in labor. The person drawing the talisman should be mature and composed. When the talisman is complete, dissolve it in flowing water and swallow it. If instead one carries the talisman and proceeds with the rite, a boy will be to the left and a girl to the right. One may also look at the final stroke: a single stroke indicates a boy, while a double stroke indicates a girl. This is a folk belief from the past about distinguishing the sex of a fetus; the text records it, but modern readers need not treat it as a reliable way to determine fetal sex.

Talisman for Lifting the Taboo of Female Pollution and Purifying the Body

To lift the taboo called “female pollution”—a prohibition arising from the belief that menstrual blood, blood from childbirth, and similar things were Yin defilements—and to purify the body, write this talisman. Burn it to ash, face southeast, draw in a breath, and blow it onto the ashes before taking them. This is said to be highly effective.

Explanation:

“Female pollution” refers to taboos concerning menstrual blood and the defilement of childbirth in old ritual practice, often connected with entering an altar space or observing a purification retreat. This talisman is a purification method from popular Daoism. Modern readers may understand it as a practice in which ideas about hygiene and psychological taboos coexisted.

A Swift Method for Choosing Auspicious Times for Practice

Choose a suitable day and hour for practice or ritual work. The following are the hours of “ritual defeat” and “ghost defeat”; avoid them or use them in reverse to hasten results:

“Ritual defeat” generally refers to an hour when ritual work is less effective. “Ghost defeat” generally refers to an hour when the power of ghosts and spirits is weak, or one that may instead be suitable for subduing them. The specific method must be matched to the instructions elsewhere in the volume; this passage records only the table of days and hours.

Days of Separation from Heaven (Monthly Days on Which Prayers for Protection Are Avoided)

In the first month, Yin; in the second, Zi; in the third, Xu; in the fourth, Shen; in the fifth, Wu; in the sixth, Chen; in the seventh, Yin; in the eighth, Zi; in the ninth, Xu; in the tenth, Shen; in the eleventh, Wu; and in the twelfth, Chen. On these days, avoid performing prayers for protection and rites to avert misfortune.

Explanation:

“Days of Separation from Heaven” are inauspicious days in date selection that correspond to an “interval” in relation to the month’s governing branch. The formulas differ somewhat among schools. Here, Beads Left Behind in the Sea of Dharma uses this method alongside other practices in the volume. Practitioners should consult the whole text rather than use this calendar by itself.

The passages above come from Volume Sixteen of the Ming dynasty Daoist text Beads Left Behind in the Sea of Dharma. They focus on talismans and spells for pregnancy and childbirth, purification from taboos concerning female pollution, and choosing times for ritual work. The language includes many colloquial formulas. This plain-language reading clarifies their meaning, but any decision to perform these practices should take historical context and medicine into account; they should not be treated as a basis for medical care or determining fetal sex.