《道法會元》Vol. 263

This scripture records the incantation content from the Daoist "Fengdu Interrogation and Summoning Great Ritual," primarily used to invoke deities for capturing malevolent spirits. Fengdu refers to the legendary underworld capital in Daoist lore, while "interrogation and summoning" denotes the ritual practice of calling forth spirits for judgment or subjugation.

The first deity invoked is the "Jade Maiden of Supreme Mystery and Nocturnal Radiance, Zha Shengzhen" — a goddess who governs luminous power capable of dispersing hordes of ghosts. The incantation repeatedly emphasizes her authority to command spirits and eradicate demonic entities, acting in concert with the Great Emperor of Northern Yin Fengdu (the Daoist deity presiding over the underworld). The text mandates spirit compliance under threat of annihilation.

Subsequently summoned are the "Eight Generals of the Inner Altar," warriors specialized in spirit capture, each assigned specific directional positions and functions:

• Southern (Li) direction: Ghost-Capturing General Wei Xi
• Southeastern (Xun) direction: Ghost-Binding General Liu Yi
• Eastern (Zhen) direction: Ghost-Shackling General Wang Jian
• Western (Dui) direction: Ghost-Torturing General Meng E
• Southwestern (Kun) direction: Ghost-Chaining General Che Zi
• Northern (Kan) direction: Fierce General Xia Kui
• Northeastern (Gen) direction: Fierce General Lie Xingzhi
• Northwestern (Qian) direction: Ghost-Slaying General Sang Tongguai

Each general is accompanied by distinctive mantras (such as "Om! Heavenly Demon-Slaying General Descend!") that serve to invoke divine power and terrify malignant spirits. The ritual culminates by combining all eight generals' incantations into a complete ghost-subduing formation.

This comprehensive incantation system exemplifies the Daoist tradition of exorcism through specialized mantras, directional correspondences, and divine coordination. Containing numerous technical terms and esoteric chants, it represents a classic example of Daoist ritual literature.

This scripture records the methods for drawing and the incantations for using the Fengdu (Daoist underworld) Marshal Meng's Ghost-Interrogation Talisman and the Manifest Retribution Talisman. The content is divided into two main sections:

The first section details the usage of Marshal Meng's Ghost-Interrogation Talisman from Fengdu:

Before drawing the talisman, one must calm the mind and focus the spirit (shen), visualizing black qi rising from the northern abyss. The talisman script includes the names of the Five Numinous Lords (deities of the five directions) and four celestial generals (heavenly protectors), summoning wind and earth deities to assist in capturing malevolent spirits. When using it, one must recite the Tianpeng Incantation (a Northern Dipper star chant) and invoke the name of the Northern Emperor (Purple Tenuity Emperor), concluding the stroke toward the northeast. The incantation emphasizes that General Meng E (a Fengdu deity) will swiftly interrogate the ghost without delay.

The second section explains the use of the Manifest Retribution Talisman:

This talisman is to be worn and used by the ritual master (Daoist priest) personally. It references the Primordial Heavenly Venerable (Yuanshi Tianzun) creating the heavens, with the sun, moon, and stars illuminating all, while summoning the Purple Tenuity Emperor, the Fengdu Emperor, and the eight generals of Fengdu (Wei, Liu, Wang, Meng, Che, Xia, Lie, and Sang). The incantation demands the subjugation of thirty-six malignant influences (celestial and earthly sha) and all demonic entities. Specific instructions include forming the sha-subduing hand seal (a specific mudra), drawing golden qi from the northwest, and ingesting the talisman with fragrant water on Jiazi, Gengshen days, or one's birthdate while wearing it. The final chant calls upon the fierce generals of Fengdu's Three Altars (upper, middle, and lower realms) and deities like Wen Zhongxin and Zhu Ri to descend with their true qi to assist.

Note: The term "qi" (炁) refers to primordial energy; "visualization" (存想) denotes Daoist meditative concentration; and "hand seals" (掐诀) are ritual mudras used by priests. These talismans belong to esoteric Daoist methods for exorcism and warding off malign forces, requiring formal liturgical training for proper use.

This scripture primarily describes Daoist exorcism rituals for dispelling evil spirits and capturing ghosts, containing multiple incantations and talismanic commands. Here is the section-by-section interpretation:

The text first addresses expelling the "Three Corpses and Nine Worms" (Daoist concepts of malevolent entities residing in the human body) from the nine orifices, five viscera, and six bowels, while safeguarding the genuine primordial Qi (Zhenyuan Zhengqi). The incantation summons divine beings to descend swiftly, assisting in discerning karmic retribution for good and evil.

Following this is a ghost-banishing chant invoking the sacred names of Daoist deities such as "Zhoujue Biaodichen," depicting celestial realms with imagery like layered mists and radiant jeweled cities. It specifically summons deities including the "Jade Firmament Poison King," "Six Heavens Demon Kings," as well as underworld deities like the "Northern Emperor Demon King" and "Fengdu Ghost Ministers," commanding them to lead divine troops in capturing malevolent spirits. The command concludes with the "Decree of the Great Emperor of the North Pole."

Next comes a talismanic incantation summoning the nine prison officials of Fengdu (the Daoist underworld), listing deities such as "Heaven and Earth," "Zhou Tian," and "Great Yin Imperial Lord," along with divine generals like "Marshal Tianyou," leading nine hundred million celestial soldiers to subdue evil ghosts. Special invocation is made to "General Xuanming, Chief Official of Fengdu"—a formidable deity clad in golden armor with yellow headscarf, possessing four arms and three heads—commanding his immediate descent.

The subsequent Fengdu Water Prison True Talisman chant describes a stone city in the dark sea, guarded by malevolent forces and venomous dragons that consume essence. It orders water officials to swiftly deliver ghosts and spirits, with violators of celestial law facing punishment.

The Fengdu Fire Prison True Talisman depicts copper walls and iron fortresses amidst crimson Qi and black smoke, used to imprison sinful souls for relentless interrogation. It summons the Southern Dipper Star Lord and Fire Emperor to incinerate evil forms, bringing peace to the people. Fire soldiers will search and burn ghostly encampments, with resisters recorded for judgment.

Finally, the Fengdu Great Emperor's Heart Seal incantation "Om Hong Hong" compels all deities to bow and myriad evils to submit. Those who resist will be instantly subdued, with even celestial soldiers obeying reverently. This chant particularly emphasizes its power to naturally subdue ghosts and spirits.

This is a specialized system of talismans (fulu) and rituals designed to suppress and capture various mountain spirits and demonic entities. It primarily targets the "Five Penetrations" (five types of spirit-possessed ghosts) and "Wood Guests" (forest spirits) among other malevolent beings.

Five primary talismans correspond to spirits from different directions:

1. The Mountain Demon Subjugation Talisman: Summons Meng Zhang, the fierce general from Fengdu (the Daoist underworld), using the Tiger Hand Seal (a specific mudra formation) to channel Qi from the East.

2. The Ghost Demon Subjugation Talisman: Summons fierce general Yao Heng with the Rooster Hand Seal, drawing Western Qi.

3. The Flying Demon Subjugation Talisman: Summons fierce general Zhang Dechang with the Horse Hand Seal, channeling Southern Qi.

4. The Water Demon Subjugation Talisman: Summons fierce general Hei Yanqing with the Rat Hand Seal, drawing Northern Qi.

5. The Essence Demon Subjugation Talisman: Summons the Duty God of the Day with the Boar Hand Seal, channeling Central Qi.

When inscribing these talismans, one must use an iron plate and cinnabar ink. After completion, they are to be nailed to designated locations with iron nails. Simultaneously, silently recite the incantation: "Om Hong Hong, all deities pay homage, wicked spirits return to righteousness, those who dare disobey shall turn to dust, urgently as the law commands!"

There is also the Fengdu General Wei Ghost-Capturing Talisman, involving a complex series of sigil forms and hand gestures:

• Draw the talisman in the air using the Sword Mudra (a specific hand gesture)
• Coordinate with directional seals: Close the Heavenly Gate (Boar position), detain at the Earthly Door (Snake position), block the Human Gate (central position), sever the Ghost Path (Tiger position)
• Perform symbolic actions like "piercing the ghost's heart" and "rupturing the ghost's belly"

Finally, recite the Northern Black Emperor's secret incantation to summon General Wei Xi for ghost-catching assistance.

The Fengdu Ten Generals' Iron-Fire Method comprises ten talismans, each paired with iron-fire related incantations:

1. First incantation transforms into an iron-fire staff

2. Second incantation transforms into an iron-fire wheel

3. Third incantation transforms into an iron-fire lasso

(Subsequent incantations follow this pattern)

These rituals emphasize swift subjugation of malevolent entities, all concluding with the phrase "urgently as the law commands" to indicate immediate effect. The complete system demonstrates the Daoist exorcism tradition's intricate coordination of directional correspondences, hand seals, talismanic forms, and incantations.

This passage describes a Daoist Thunder Method ritual for summoning the four fierce generals of Fengdu's Interrogation Bureau (the underworld institution responsible for judging spirits in Daoist cosmology). The four generals—Pan Yanshen, Liu Chen, Luo Shen, and Geng Yuan—each possess specific ritual implements and summoning incantations.

General Pan Yanshen wears an iron helmet and wields an iron staff. The practitioner forms the "Noon Mudra" (a Daoist hand seal) to channel the fiery Qi of the southern direction, creating a flaming sword gesture. The summoning incantation states: "Flying talismans command sand and stone, thunderclaps shake heaven and earth, divine flames blaze across Mount Kunlun." The spell emphasizes swiftly banishing malevolent spirits through the Ghost Gate.

General Liu Chen also wears an iron helmet and carries an iron staff. His incantation declares: "Flying talismans capture ten thousand specters, their fiery light never extinguishes." When summoned, he is commanded to immediately interrogate evil spirits, using the power of wind and fire to strike them into the underworld.

General Luo Shen dons an iron helmet and wields a spiked mace. His spell describes him as "swift as black lightning—all who hear his summons shall perish." The practitioner directs him to employ mysterious Qi (energy) so that no malevolent spirit may hide.

General Geng Yuan wears an iron helmet and bears an iron hammer. His incantation proclaims he is "unfathomable in spiritual transformation, mighty as chariots in the clouds." He is summoned to swiftly interrogate evil spirits with wind-fire power, specifically targeting formidable ghosts like the "Ancient Matriarch of Limitless Extremity."

Each general's summoning concludes with "Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes!"—a standard Daoist incantation ending indicating immediate enforcement. The complete ritual employs mudras, incantations, and talismanic writing to mobilize the powers of thunder, wind, and fire for subduing malevolent spirits.

This scripture describes the appearances and summoning incantations of several guardian deities from the Fengdu (the Daoist underworld) Examination and Summons Bureau. Each divine general possesses distinctive attire, ritual implements, and corresponding secret summoning mantras.

The fifth general, Zhou Xuandao, wears an iron helmet and black robes while wielding a sacred sword. Manifested from primordial chaotic Qi, this fierce deity subdues all evil forces, his body radiating golden flames that reveal the true forms of ghosts. To summon him, one must recite the esoteric mantra "Fengdu xiu bo zha she" to invoke his thunderous wind-fire power for capturing malevolent spirits.

General Wei Lang, the sixth, also dons an iron helmet and black attire with armored breastplate and black boots, brandishing an iron staff. His divine light reaches the celestial court, enabling instantaneous execution of ghostly interrogations. His summoning chant contains phrases like "the Supreme Mystery beyond mystery," emphasizing his transcendent power.

The seventh general, Xue Guang, wields a long halberd with power spanning heaven and earth, his gaze flashing like lightning while radiating awe-inspiring brilliance. His invocation declares the command of Lord Lao (one of Daoism's highest deities), using the "single water's transformative power" to terrify demonic hordes.

General Feng Bao, the eighth, holds a radiant halberd illuminating the purple void (celestial realm) above and resonating with the earth below. He can halt the sun and moon's movement, treading upon thunder's power (leigang) with lightning crowning his head—demonstrating authority over celestial phenomena.

The ninth general, Ke Mao, armed with an iron axe and halberd, commands the essence of the Ox and Maiden constellations (among the twenty-eight lunar mansions), riding clouds and mist. His swirling vapors shake the heavenly court as he specializes in capturing demons, severing ghostly paths, leaving no escape for evil entities.

All incantations conclude with the standard Daoist imperative "Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with statutes and ordinances," signifying immediate enforcement of divine authority. Each general's summoning resonates with "unceasing thunder, lightning, wind and fire," embodying the Daoist ritual characteristic of harnessing natural forces to subdue demons.

This scripture passage describes the process of summoning divine generals and subduing demonic entities in Daoist exorcism rituals, featuring several key deities and related incantations:

The text first introduces the Tenth Great General Shi Zhu, who wears an iron crown and armor while wielding an iron staff. Commanding legions of celestial troops, he subdues evil forces with divine radiance. The incantation "rip open ghost bellies" signifies dispelling demonic miasmas, summoning this fierce general from the Fengdu (the Daoist underworld) Examination Bureau to swiftly capture malevolent spirits possessing humans.

Next comes the "Fengdu Heavy Cangue Talisman" (Fulu), depicting the Fengdu's Ghost-Cangue General using thousand-pound iron shackles to apprehend wandering spirits by the Mandate of the Celestial Emperor. The "Fengdu Mountain Deity Gang Steps" employ specific ritual footwork (Gangbu - sacred steps used in Daoist ceremonies) to interrogate and flog demonic entities.

The "Black Wind Black Shroud Talisman" references three paramount generals: Upper Prime General Tang Hong (slayer of deities), Middle Prime General Ge Yong (slayer of ghosts), and Lower Prime General General Zhou Wu (slayer of essence-monsters). Accompanying them are the Nine Ugly Great Demon Kings and Eight Great Generals, tasked with sealing Fengdu's mountain paths before apprehending troublemaking specters afflicting the sick.

Recurring incantatory phrases like "celestial winds earthly winds water-fire winds" and "celestial blackness earthly blackness water-fire blackness" invoke cosmic forces to create an inescapable dark mist trapping evil entities. The concluding section mentions the "Polaris Deity" commanding the retrieval of living souls while expelling possessing ghosts - compelling them to disclose their names and origins, as these spirits often represent wronged souls whose unresolved grievances manifest as harmful resentments.

Collectively, this passage demonstrates the Daoist ritual framework for exorcism through divine summons, talismanic commands (Fulu), and sacred choreography (Gangbu), showcasing Daoism's systematic approach to supernatural intervention.

Here is a description of a Daoist ritual for summoning divine spirits, primarily divided into several sections:

First, the Wind Deities and Gang Spirits (protective divine generals) are invoked to assist in capturing wandering souls, ensuring none escape regardless of distance. Using the winds of heaven and earth, the winds of water and fire, along with the darkness of heaven and earth, the darkness of water and fire, the ritual envelops the spirits and commands the divine generals to apprehend them without fail. This is carried out in accordance with the decrees of Lord Fengdu (the Daoist deity governing the underworld).

Next, the Great Summoning Incantation is recited while forming the Great Execution Hand Seal (a specific mudra). The practitioner declares they act under the Celestial Emperor’s mandate to patrol the Three Realms and capture demons. The ritual calls upon the officials of the underworld under the jurisdiction of the Three Officials (Heavenly Official, Earthly Official, and Water Official), including judges, enforcers, prison wardens, as well as the Eight Great Generals of the inner and outer altars, the Seventy-Two True Officials, and the Nine Prison Rulers, all summoned to the ritual platform to receive orders. This is done under the command of the Great Emperor of the Purple Subtlety (the deity of the North Star), demanding that the officials of Fengdu act without delay.

During the ritual, the practitioner visualizes the Earthly Gate in the northeast (the entrance to the underworld) splitting open, revealing fierce divine generals emerging from dark mist. The Lesser Summoning Incantation is then recited, invoking the Five-Colored Numinous Lords and the Eight Divine Generals to swiftly manifest and capture spirits. The Eight Generals Incantation emphasizes that all ghosts, spirits, and supernatural beings must immediately reveal themselves.

The final sections contain esoteric incantations specifically summoning the True Lords Jiao and Zeng (deities guarding the nine layers of hell), describing their command over spirits and their ability to subdue demons with wind, thunder, and fire, all under the decree of the Great Emperor of the Purple Subtlety, demanding their immediate manifestation. There are also silent incantations for summoning the Eight Generals.

These incantations are primarily used in Daoist exorcism rituals, where the priest employs specific chants, hand seals, and visualizations to summon various divine beings to assist in subduing demons and malevolent forces.

This scripture primarily documents Daoist incantations and ritual practices related to Fengdu (the Daoist underworld), comprising several functional spells:

The first is an invocation chant to summon the divine generals of Fengdu. By reciting specific syllables like "Jinzha Jinzha," the practitioner calls upon the eight principal underworld generals to descend upon the ritual altar. Among them, "Great Perfected Lord of the Primordial Dipper's Mouth" is an honorific title for one of the Northern Dipper deities.

Next comes the "Eight Generals' Swift Capture Spell," which describes the generals' awe-inspiring forms—wielding divine swords and clad in armor—emphasizing their mighty power to subdue demons and malevolent spirits. "Kuigang" refers to the demon-quelling stars Kuixing and Gangxing within the Northern Dipper constellation. The phrase "Swiftly, swiftly, in accordance with the statutes and ordinances" is a common concluding formula in Daoist spells, signifying immediate execution.

The "Sinew-Pulling and Bone-Extracting Spell" petitions Iron-Spine General of Fengdu (a specialized underworld enforcer of punishments) to inflict severe torments upon evil ghosts. The "Transformation Spell" declares the practitioner's possession of divine vision capable of perceiving all malevolent entities.

During soul salvation rites, the "Fengdu Path-Opening Six Jia Spell" requires the practitioner to visualize black qi bursting forth from the northeast to cleave open Mount Fengdu (the underworld's entrance), enabling underworld officers to escort souls to the altar. Here, "Six Jia" refers to the six Jia spirit generals.

The final spells amplify the authority to command Fengdu's officers, mentioning key Daoist concepts like the "Purple Tenuity's Imperial Decree" (commands from the Great Emperor of Purple Tenuity) and the "Nine Luminaries' Divine Blades" (weapons of the Nine Luminaries deities). The ritual involves performing the "Thunder-Scattering Mudra" (a Daoist hand seal) while visualizing the dispersal of Fengdu's dark mists.

These incantations exemplify the characteristics of Daoist ritual magic, where specific sound patterns, visualization techniques, and hand gestures combine to mobilize divine forces and suppress evil. They belong to the exorcistic and demon-subduing liturgy (Zhaijiao Keyi) within Daoist ceremonial practice.

This scripture records several Daoist exorcism techniques and talismanic spells, primarily consisting of three parts:

The first is the "Black Wind Shroud Incantation," a method for summoning the northern black demon-subduing generals. When performing this ritual, one must draw a talisman with ink and place it in water, accompanied by bugang (a Daoist ritual stepping pattern) and incantations. The chant describes invoking Marshal Black Fiend and his armored spirit troops under the banner of Xuanwu (the Daoist northern guardian deity). Riding black dragons and tigers, wielding black banners and drums, they shroud malevolent spirits in black winds and clouds. These divine generals indiscriminately capture all haunting ghosts, including those causing disturbances like throwing bricks and tiles in households.

The second technique is the "Summoning Fengdu Generals' Black Banner Talisman," used to invoke underworld generals. When drawing this talisman, one must inscribe the names of eight principal commanders within the talismanic circle and stamp it with the four characters "Fengdu Emperor's Decree" (Fengdu being the Daoist netherworld). The ritual requires writing with cinnabar on steamed buns as offerings.

The final method is the "Green Tower Envoy's Talisman for Capturing Birth-Difficulty Spirits," specifically designed to expel ghosts causing difficult childbirths. It must be written with powdered pigment on blue paper, first drawing eastern qi (vital energy) into the brush through breath. The incantation summons the Green Tower General (specialized in childbirth protection) with his assisting deities, performing ritual steps like "opening heaven's gate and closing earth's door" to eliminate spirits causing labor complications. The ritual requires specific mudras (Daoist hand seals) and bugang steps to ensure safe delivery.

This passage describes the talismanic rituals and operational procedures for exorcism in Daoist practice, primarily involving several incantations and ritual actions:

The first method involves using talismans (Fulu) to expel evil: The ritual master forms the Dou Hand Seal (a specific mudra) with the left hand, infusing the talisman paper with Gang Qi (cultivated energy). A woman dressed in blue is instructed to hold and burn the talisman. The incantation summons deities to cleanse impurities, capture malevolent entities causing calamities, and command their immediate submission.

Next is the specialized incantation for dispatching talismans: It requests the toilet deity (a guardian spirit believed to reside in household latrines) to maintain peace and protect the home. It warns disobedient spirits that they will be shattered if they defy the talismanic command.

The Ghost-Capturing Paper Incantation enumerates the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions and Sixty Jiazi Deities: Including deities like the Doukou Spirit, Jia Junzi, and General Wei, it commands them to bind and seize ghosts. The ritual requires specific four-finger hand gestures synchronized with the chant.

The operational method involves: Facing north while blowing Qi onto the talisman paper, stomping the ground when the weather turns cold, and spraying a mouthful of water. After completing the incantation, the master shouts "Generals Wu and Tu" to render evil spirits unconscious.

The Unconsciousness Method references the Fengdu (Daoist underworld) pantheon: The master declares his origin from Mount Fengdu, using cinnabar to draw talismans in the name of the Supreme Deity to subdue demons. The chant describes blazing light that reduces disobedient spirits to ashes.

Finally, the Soul-Chasing Technique: The master forms the Si Hand Seal with both hands, visualizing black wind blowing from the northeast. Through focused meditation (Cunxiang) on this dark energy, ghosts are left with no escape and must possess designated targets. The incantation mentions the Fengdu Emperor dispatching disheveled warriors to trap the three Hun souls, with envoys swiftly pursuing them.

These incantations and rituals exemplify the Daoist exorcistic principle of "using divine power to subdue ghosts," employing higher spiritual authorities to suppress malevolent forces. The practice integrates multiple elements including hand seals, visualization, incantations, and talismanic arts.

This scripture records the Daoist ritual procedures for exorcising evil spirits and capturing ghosts, containing several complete sets of incantations and operational steps:

The first is the "Soul-Summoning Incantation." The ritual master forms the Ziwén hand seal (a Daoist mudra), draws in Qi from the northern direction and exhales it, visualizing General Xia lifting a person's soul. The incantation commands the great deities to swiftly expel the confused soul from the human body, emphasizing this is done by decree of the Celestial Emperor. During the ritual, one must visualize the three Hun-souls emerging from the crown of the head, guarded by divine generals who protect the living soul.

Next comes the "Soul-Concealing Incantation," which invokes the Slumbering Demon Deity to trap ghostly spirits within the Water Palace, making the sun and moon rapidly descend to reveal the spirits. After reciting, the practitioner sprays water as an auxiliary measure, then chants the Taiyi incantation to summon the Pojun Star Lord of the Northern Dipper to suppress evil entities.

The "Spiritual Light Incantation" section summons auspicious light from five directions, invoking the Soul-Chasing Envoys, Dragon-Tiger Lords and other deities to assist in capturing spirits. It specifically mentions two great soul-seizing generals, Wang Jing and Meng E, commanding evil entities to quickly return to their original forms.

The "Ghost-Freezing Incantation" employs extreme cold energy to immobilize spirits, calling upon Wind, Thunder and Snow Deities for assistance. The "Ghost-Binding Method" then invokes the Demon Kings of Northern Dipper and Nine Ugly Great Sages to bind ghosts with ropes, with Mount Tai soldiers helping to shackle them.

The "Ghost-Interrogation Method" uses iron rods to examine spirit entities—releasing those who submit and executing those who resist, all by command of the Fengdu Great Emperor (supreme deity of the Daoist underworld). The "Binding Technique" combines thunder mudras with footwork movements, while the "Hanging Method" invokes the Tian Gang Star Lord to suspend and bind spirits.

Finally, the "Inquisition Method" describes using billowing black Qi to suppress ghostly hearts, putting fetters on demons for interrogation—again by decree of the Fengdu Great Emperor. This complete set of interconnected techniques demonstrates the comprehensive procedures of Daoist exorcism rituals.

This scripture records several Daoist exorcism techniques and talismanic spells. The first is the "River-Cutting Sword Method," which involves tracing talismanic symbols in the air to summon the frigid power of the northern Yin forces. It employs iron pellets and molten copper to punish malevolent spirits, commanding prison guards to devour their essence and blood before binding them to pillars and pouring molten metal upon them.

The "Venomous Snake Bite Method" is an incantation that compels snake spirits to bite and subdue evil entities. The mantra "Om Hong Hou Fen" carries the power of command. Next is the "Fengdu Prison Curse," where the ritual master proclaims himself an official under the Northern Emperor (the Great Emperor of the North Star), donning ritual implements and fire-bells to capture ghosts by divine decree, meting out punishment to those who resist.

"Fengdu's Azure Moon Shines on the Frigid Pool" is a visualization technique (meditative practice): the adept imagines an azure moon casting its light upon an icy pool while visualizing the forms of Generals Che and Xia (guardian deities)—one resembling an ox, the other a horse-headed figure—standing atop the practitioner's shoulders. Further, the adept envisions a fire general igniting flames with an ox-tail, driving the two oxen into the water as eight divine generals blanket the surface. When the two oxen emerge and exhale rainbow-colored Qi, this energy is blown onto a possessed child to revive them.

Lastly, the "Fengdu Soul-Summoning Banner Talisman" and its command incantation invoke the authority of the Three Officials (the Great Emperors of Heaven, Earth, and Water) and the power of Northern Fengdu to scour the ghostly realms, compelling lost souls to hasten forth. The "Golden Horse Courier Route" symbolizes the swift passage of divine will, while myriad spirits heed the summons, and the Five Emperors of the Three Realms unite to execute the decrees of Shangqing (the highest Daoist celestial realm).