《道法會元》Vol. 64

This scripture records the "Jade Pivot Thunder Execution Five Thunder Great Method" (a ritual for summoning thunder deities from five directions to exorcise evil) from Daoist thunder magic, specifically detailing the roster of thunder generals and the method for drawing the Thunder Ignition Talisman.

First, it lists ten thunder generals responsible for controlling natural phenomena: Wind-Dispelling General Zhu Chengzhen, Cloud-Dispelling General Quan Zhenyi, Lightning-Dispelling General Li Zheng, Thunder-Dispelling General Tong Kelie, and Rain-Dispelling General Chen Zongfu; followed by generals tasked with calming these phenomena: Wind-Quelling General Yan Yixin, Cloud-Quelling General Mei Zhongxin, Lightning-Quelling General Liu Shixiong, Thunder-Stilling General Zhu Zhizhong, and Rain-Quelling General Wan Jie.

The text then meticulously describes the procedure for drawing the Thunder Ignition Talisman: Before drawing, one must burn incense to calm the mind, focus the spirit, and perform the Wind-Fire Gang Steps (a Daoist walking ritual) to summon the generals. Holding a cinnabar brush in the right hand while forming the Dipper Mudra (a hand seal) with the left, begin drawing from the southeast to the northwest while chanting to summon the Eastern Barbarian Thunder Envoy. Repeat the process from southwest to northeast to summon the Southern Barbarian Thunder Envoy, continuing sequentially for all five directions. After completing the circle, write the names of the Big Dipper stars in the center, then overlay them with the characters "敕煞摄" (Command, Subdue, Seize). Around the perimeter, write the characters "雷火" (Thunder-Fire) in all eight directions, starting from the north and moving clockwise. Finally, cover the entire talisman with overlapping "雷火" characters to form an ink blot, reciting the Dutian Incantation to consecrate the talisman.

The ritual continues with the chant: "Winds and thunder arise, lightning fires ignite, divine might descends, evil spirits perish," accompanied by specific Sanskrit mantras (A na li pi she ti pi luo she na luo tuo pan tuo ni she na luo bang ni pan huo jie du lu yong pan suo po he), concluding with "Urgently, urgently, in accordance with the Thunder Emperor's decree."

This talisman is primarily used to escort important documents. When burning it, form the Sunlight Seal with the left hand above and the Moonlight Seal with the right hand below. After whispering the secret incantation, rub the two seals together to produce thunderous sounds. Beyond exorcism and healing, it can also be used for fumigation rituals—if the patient is in the east, burn the talisman facing east beneath the altar while assuming a wrathful, awe-inspiring expression.

This scripture describes the Daoist ritual procedures and incantations for summoning the Wind God and commanding wind forces. It details how to invoke the Wind Deity's presence through specific talismans (fulu), hand seals, and ritual movements.

The text first introduces the appearance of Wind-Commanding General Zhu Chengzhen (a Daoist divine general): dressed in blue garments with a white robe, barefoot with disheveled hair, his face pale with a bluish tint, wielding twin axes. He is accompanied by five ghostly attendants, all similarly dressed in blue with loose hair and bare feet, carrying tiger-striped wind bags.

The ritual procedure requires:

1. The ritual master must first place the Thunder Box (a ritual implement) at the ceremonial site, facing the direction from which the wind should come.

2. The master must loosen his hair, go barefoot, and wear black robes.

3. Holding the Wind Seal (a special hand gesture) in the left hand and a sword in the right, the master calls the divine general's name.

The incantations include:

1. A plea for cosmic harmony between heaven and earth, with sun and moon shining together, requesting the Wind God's assistance and swift descent.

2. A command for the Wind God to lead his retinue in changing wind directions according to the master's guidance.

3. A summoning of thunder-fire power through talismanic words to compel the Wind God's immediate manifestation.

Key ritual components:

1. Talisman drawing: Creating special talismans on crow-gold paper, which are then burned.

2. Gang steps (special ritual pacing): The master performs specific choreographed steps.

3. Verbal commands: Loudly ordering the Eastern Envoy (Wind God) to immediately lead his forces in raising fierce winds from specified directions.

This ceremony integrates multiple Daoist magical elements including talismans, hand seals, ritual pacing, and talisman burning. Its purpose is to enable the ritual master to command the Wind God, controlling wind direction and force. Such rituals were typically used for rainmaking, exorcisms, or assisting other magical operations.

This scripture describes a Daoist ritual for summoning wind, clouds, thunder, and lightning, primarily involving two types of talismanic charms (Fulu): the Cloud-Summoning Talisman and the Lightning-Summoning Talisman.

The Cloud-Summoning Talisman section explains:

Wind emerges from the Earth Gate (Di Hu) in the northeast (Gen position), with spirit soldiers arrayed in formation at the southeast (Xun position) to summon fierce gales. All things follow this natural order. In the northern (Kan) and eastern (Zhen) celestial palaces, the Heavenly Emperor has decreed the eternal guardianship of thunder. Here, the scripture introduces General Jin Zhenyi, the Cloud-Dispelling Commander, who wears purple robes, white shoes, and an iron crown, with a dark complexion. He is accompanied by two ghostly attendants clad in black garments, their faces and bodies crimson, with yellow hair and bare feet, each holding small flags. These attendants exhale mist and wield golden halberds bearing black banners. During prolonged droughts requiring rain, the practitioner must hold the Cloud Seal in the left hand and a sword in the right, face south, inhale deeply, and exhale onto the seal to summon the Cloud-Dispelling General.

The incantation commands the Four Seas and Five Sacred Mountains, causing rocks to split and clouds to gather. The method for drawing the talisman involves facing south, inhaling, exhaling onto paper while chanting to summon wind and clouds. After completing the talisman, one must burn a sheet of gold paper and a black paper horse while reciting the cloud-gathering incantation.

The Lightning-Summoning Talisman section introduces General Li Zheng, the Lightning-Dispelling Commander, dressed in red robes with a golden crown and red shoes, his hair dark blue, holding two luminous objects resembling round mirrors. He is assisted by two ghostly attendants in red garments with black hair, each carrying crimson banners. This talisman is primarily used for dispelling darkness during nighttime travel or boating, bringing illumination.

The entire ritual requires specific pacing (the Cloud-Rising Sheng Gang steps). After burning the talisman, the practitioner commands messengers to swiftly gather thick clouds under the Cloud-Dispelling General's leadership. A final incantation summons clouds from the western (Dui position) direction to assemble rapidly.

These talismans and incantations exemplify the Daoist practice of invoking natural forces through precise rituals, demanding strict adherence to prescribed steps and chants.

This scripture documents the thunder ritual methods (Leifa) in Daoist practice, including hand seals, incantations, and the use of talismans (Fulu). It primarily explains how to summon thunder deities to exorcise malevolent forces.

The ritual begins by pointing the sword hand gesture toward the Celestial Gate (Tianmen, the entrance to the heavenly court) to summon the electric fire general Li Zheng for assistance. The incantation roughly translates: "Heavenly fires shine brilliantly, earthly flames burn fiercely. At the divine summons, radiance illuminates all directions. Let the five directional constellations align, connecting with the Tiangang stars (the three stars of the Big Dipper's handle). May the lightning messengers, General Lightning Mother, Youthful Radiance, and Thunder Lords manifest swiftly—revealing all evil spirits without allowing them to linger, eradicating every form of wickedness, and swiftly restoring peace to the world."

After drawing the talisman, it should be burned with red paper and "fire horse" (a type of ritual paper). Lightning will soon appear. Then recite: "Electric light divides into eight colors, illuminating the four directions. The Southern Fire Lord and the Great Gods of Wood and Metal (Wu Xing deities) make the flames appear, as the Three Qi (Jing, Qi, Shen) transform into divine radiance. With one flash of light, all darkness between heaven and earth is dispelled. By the decree of the Great Emperor of Eternal Life (a Daoist deity), the divine sword gleams, launching fiery assaults southward. Thunder trembles and shines, scattering countless evil forces. Today we summon you all to gather at Tiangang—swiftly execute the divine command."

Next comes the Pacing the Dipper (Bugang, a Daoist ritual step pattern) accompanied by an incantation: "The Celestial God of the Southern Mound reigns supreme in the azure heavens, commanding thunder and rain, transforming lightning across the void. The Thunder God, with phoenix beak and dragon scales, swiftly shifts electric radiance to awe the wicked. Search every mountain and destroy unholy shrines, eternally upholding the might of the thunder."

Then comes the summoning of the Thunder-Dispelling General Tong Kelie: clad in red and green robes with a black iron crown, his face and hair dark as night, wielding twin iron hammers while carrying an iron flask that constantly emits flames. Five ghost generals assist him—tiger-headed with yellow faces and black stripes, barefoot and each holding vessels. Face east, forming seals with the left hand while holding a sword in the right, calling the Thunder-Dispelling General to arrive swiftly. The incantation states: "Heaven and earth tremble with thunderous echoes through the eight directions, toppling mountains and piercing the celestial granary (Tiancang). The Thunder Duke mobilizes his troops as the Jade Maidens (female thunder deities) arrive with the Dipper. Today we summon you all to the heavenly palace—strictly obey the Jade Pure (Yuqing, referring to the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning) statutes."

Finally, the methods of visualization (Cunxiang) and talisman drawing: first concentrate the spirit and calm the Qi, then position the sword and stabilize the seal. Assume the Thunder Mudra (hand gesture for thunder rituals), face southeast, inhale, and exhale onto the paper while drawing the talisman. The incantation says: "The Heavenly Sovereign (Tianhuang) responds to the celestial granary, resonating with all things in cosmic harmony. Sincerity penetrates the eight directions, reverberating through the vast firmament. The Earthly Spirit (Kunzi) on the left activates Gang Qi, while the Thunder Duke manifests might across ten thousand miles. All acts strictly follow the Primordial Lord's (the chief thunder deity) divine statutes."

This scripture records the specific procedures of Daoist Thunder Rituals (Leifa) and rain-invocation ceremonies. The process begins with the method of writing talismans (Fulu): after inscribing the charms on red paper, they are burned together with paper effigies of fire horses, whereupon the rumble of thunder can soon be heard.

Next are several incantations for summoning thunder deities. The first calls upon the "Commander of Thunder Generals" and the "Direct Thunder General," depicting a scene of myriad thunderbolts and pervasive lethal Qi (energy), demanding the thunder gods descend swiftly to assist in slaying demons, eliminating evil, and purifying heaven and earth. The second invokes "Axiang," a thunder department deity, instructing him to open spring channels, drive the thunder chariot, unleash mighty thunderclaps, and send widespread rain to relieve drought.

Following this is the incantation for the "Pacing the Dipper" ritual (a Daoist ceremonial footwork known as Bugang), here called the "Swift Thunder Pacing Method." This chant summons the thunder department deities to emerge from the Kan position (north) and shake the four directions, specifically mentioning the thunder god "Woodland Great Unity" (Mu Lang Taiyi), demanding the swift activation of thunderfire to awe heaven and earth.

The rain-invocation section details the appearance of the "Rain-Driving General Chen Zongfu": clad in black lower garments and azure upper robes, wearing an iron crown with crimson hair and bare feet, holding a blue-green banner with a cyan countenance, flanked by two black dragons. During severe droughts, one should face north, holding a seal in the left hand and a sword in the right, while summoning the Rain-Driving General to descend swiftly.

The complete rain-invocation ceremony involves: first visualizing (Cunxiang) the realm of utmost truth, forming hand-seals (Jue) while reciting incantations, then using northern Qi to blow upon the paper and brush before inscribing the talisman. The charm's text includes petitions for sunlight and moonlight, widespread wind and rain, and nourishment for living beings. After completion, the department seal is stamped on the talisman, which is then burned with paper armor-horse charms (Jiama), whereupon rain will soon arrive.

These incantations consistently conclude with "urgently urgent as by statute and ordinance" (Ji Ji Ru Lü Ling) or "precisely as by statute and ordinance" (Yi Ru Lü Ling) — standard Daoist formulaic endings indicating immediate execution akin to legal decrees. The entire ritual integrates multiple Daoist magical elements including talismans, incantations, visualization, and Dipper Pacing, demonstrating the complete liturgy of Daoist Thunder Rituals for rain invocation.

This scripture records Daoist talismanic rituals (fulu) for controlling natural phenomena such as wind, clouds, thunder, and lightning. When violent storms threaten crops, a Daoist priest may perform these rituals to pacify the calamity.

The method for stopping wind begins with the priest visualizing a transformation of form, imagining himself as a Celestial Master (Tianshi) - the round mirror before him representing heaven, the square mirror behind representing earth. Facing the wind's direction, he holds the Wind Seal in his left hand and a sword in his right, summoning General Yan Yixin, the divine commander specifically governing wind control. This deity appears in black robes with disheveled hair, a red face and black armor, accompanied by yellow wasps and a yellow dragon beneath his feet. After reciting the incantation, the priest inhales facing the wind's source, exhales onto the talismanic paper while drawing the sigil, then burns both the talisman and the "armored horse" (a paper effigy of a divine steed), commanding the general to immediately halt the wind.

The cloud-gathering ritual involves summoning General Mei Zhongxin, who wears purple robes with a red face and golden armor, standing on purple clouds while holding a white horsetail whisk, assisted by two yellow-clad ghost runners. The priest similarly transforms his form, recites the spell, draws and burns the talisman, ordering the general to swiftly gather the clouds.

For lightning control, the priest invokes General Liu Shixiong, clad in black robes with red face and golden armor, carrying a fiery gourd on his back. Black clouds accompany his movements, with flames and light emanating from his mouth and nose. The ritual procedure resembles the previous methods.

These rituals strictly adhere to Daoist liturgical law (lüling). The incantations reference "Kuigang" - two significant stars in the Big Dipper constellation that hold special status in Daoism - and "Huoluo," denoting thunder department generals. The complete ceremony embodies the Daoist philosophy of harmonizing natural forces through specific rituals and talismanic commands, demonstrating the tradition's approach to regulating natural phenomena.

This scripture records several Daoist talismanic incantations (fulu) and deity-summoning techniques, primarily used for controlling natural phenomena. Here are the specific contents:

First is the "Summoning Incantation," which describes an omnipotent deity (Shixiong) capable of commanding the powers of all directions. When performing the ritual, one must inscribe the talisman, invoke the Gang Qi (a potent energy in Daoist cultivation), burn spirit money (qianma), and command the deity to swiftly arrive and assist.

The "Thunder-Quelling Talisman" introduces a specialized thunder-controlling general (Mo Zhizhong). This divine general wears black lower garments, red upper robes, and an iron crown, with a dark complexion and fearsome appearance. When continuous thunder terrifies the people, he can be summoned. The incantation calls for winds to cease and thunder to stop, petitioning the Thunder God (a deity from the Thunder Ministry) to withdraw the lightning.

The "Rain-Stopping Talisman" documents another general (Wan Jie) specifically responsible for halting rain. He wears blue lower garments and black robes, with disheveled hair, a dark blue face, and stands barefoot. During the ritual, one must hold the Emperor's Bell (a Daoist ritual instrument) and an axe-wheel while reciting the incantation to cease the rain.

The scripture further explains that after chanting these five incantations, one must face a specific direction (Liuyi) to burn the talismanic paper, inhale the vital essence (Jing Qi) into a purified chamber for practice, and visualize the deity's form. Repeating this three times will produce results.

The "General Gathering Incantation" is a soul-summoning chant that calls the celestial and earthly spirits to gather in the body's vital regions (the Crimson Palace refers to the heart area), seeking assistance from the Supreme Thunder Ancestor Emperor (highest deity of the Thunder Ministry).

Finally, the "Rainbow-Severing Talisman" describes a technique to cut rainbows. The practitioner must perform specific star-stepping footwork (Step of the Dipper), hold talismanic ashes, form mudras with the left hand while pointing a sword at the rainbow with the right hand to recite the incantation. The chant mentions harnessing the power of the Celestial Gang (Big Dipper constellation) to dispel demonic mists, invoking the assistance of Lord Lao (the deified Laozi). During the ritual, one must visualize transforming into the Celestial Gang Star Lord and directing Gang Qi through the sword.

This passage documents the Daoist exorcism ritual known as "Pacing the Gang and Treading the Dipper" (a mystical practice combining incantations, hand seals, and specialized footwork). The practitioner must recite the phrase "Swiftly as the decree of the Great Sage of Heavenly Gang" three times in succession while forming the Dipper Seal (a specific mudra) with the left hand.

The incantation summons the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper (Tanlang, Jumen, Lucun, Wenqu, Lianzhen, Wuqu, and Pojun) along with the Great Emperor of Purple Tenuity (a major Daoist deity) to assist in regulating cosmic order. After chanting, the practitioner gazes at a rainbow while performing the Northern Dipper Gang Steps (a sacred gait following astral configurations), beginning from the position of Pojun (the seventh star of the Dipper).

Next, one prepares a bundle of cogongrass concealed in the sleeve: forming the Sword Mudra (a gesture mimicking sword-holding) with the left hand while grasping the grass with the right and continuing the chant. This incantation declares the intent to sever demonic influences with the sacred blade, threatening transgressors with confinement in celestial prisons. Then comes the "Three Platforms Gang Steps" (footwork corresponding to the Three Terraces stars): the Upper Platform dispels evil, the Middle Platform protects the body, and the Lower Platform heals ailments. A loud shout accompanies the symbolic severing of the grass with the sword, representing the cleansing of malign energies to restore cosmic clarity.

Finally, a jade broom (ritual implement) sweeps away residual impurities while visualizing the appearance of the Celestial Dog Star (an exorcism-associated constellation), using its tail to completely purge all defilements. This ritual exemplifies characteristic Daoist exorcism techniques, integrating astral veneration, ritual implements, and inner visualization.