《道門科範大全集》Vol. 48

This scripture describes the liturgical procedures for the Daoist "Yunxing Jiao" (Ritual of Moving Stars), a ceremony for averting calamitous astral influences. Compiled and revised by Master Guangcheng (Du Guangting), it primarily consists of two parts: the Night Vigil Altar Ascent and the Star Petition.

During the Night Vigil Altar Ascent, the ritual master follows established protocols to petition the Eleven Great Luminaries (Yao Xingjun), the Twelve Palatial Deities, the Destiny Star Official, the Dark Talisman Star True Lord, and other sacred beings. The text explains that the clear Qi (vital energy) ascends to form celestial phenomena (sun, moon, stars), while turbid Qi descends to shape the earth (humans, animals, and all living things). Solar and lunar eclipses disturb earthly harmony, and human fortunes are intrinsically linked to celestial movements. Due to the current afflictions caused by malevolent stars, the faithful must bow reverently, beseeching Heaven to dispel misfortune and transform calamity into blessing.

The Star Petition section details the rituals for venerating the Solar and Lunar Palaces. When honoring the Solar Palace, the master extols the Solar Sovereign Emperor (Taiyang Dijun) as the ruler of stars, sovereign of all life, and regulator of Yin-Yang cycles. Incense and lamps are prepared to invoke the sun’s radiance for dispelling disasters and prolonging life. The master then recites the "True Solar Lord Incantation," expressing homage to the Fusang Palace (the mythical eastern abode of the rising sun).

For the Lunar Palace, the master praises the Lunar Empress (Taiyin Huangjun) as the guardian of the North Pole’s Yin gate and the ruler of the human body’s rightward Po (one of the seven corporeal souls in Daoist cosmology). The ritual similarly involves incense offerings, though the lunar incantation is incompletely preserved in the text. Through burning incense, prayers, and incantations, the ceremony seeks stellar protection, disaster relief, and the resolution of misfortunes.

This scripture describes a Daoist zhaijiao (purification ritual) containing invocations addressed to the True Lord of the Great Yin (Moon Deity), the Jupiter Lord, and the Mars Lord. The text comprises three main sections:

The first section invokes the True Lord of the Great Yin. This lunar deity, embodying infinite radiance, illuminates human virtues and transgressions. The supplicant petitions to follow the talismanic decree of the Supreme Venerable Lord (Taishang Laojun) in absolving sentient beings' sins, that the ritual patron may receive blessings vast as the Eastern Sea, longevity rivaling ancient cedars (traditional symbols of endurance), and household peace. The accompanying "Incantation of the True Lord of Great Yin" depicts the moon deity riding an emerald chariot, casting divine light upon the Three Pure Realms (Sanqing jing, the highest Daoist heavens), where sincere cultivators may gain spiritual ascent through devoted prayer.

The second section addresses the Jupiter Lord (also called True Lord Chonghua). Governing the eastern direction, this stellar deity manifests divine power in springtime while overseeing human fortunes and misfortunes. The prayer seeks Jupiter's blessings for the patron's celestial-endowed longevity and domestic tranquility. The "Incantation of the Virtuous Jupiter Lord" describes the planet's eastward revolution nurturing all beings, affirming that pious devotion naturally yields benevolent rewards.

The third section petitions the Mars Lord (True Lord of Law Enforcement). This stern stellar sovereign, embodying unyielding yang energy, rules summer while inspecting the mortal realm. Though formidable in nature, sincere worship can transform the Mars Lord's calamities into blessings—granting the patron fortune flowing like rivers, pine-and-cypress longevity, and household security.

Each section concludes with the recitation of formal prayers and corresponding esoteric fulu (talismanic incantations) for divine communion. These invocations operate through the "Authentic Talismans of the Supreme" (Taishang zhenfu)—cosmic ordinances from the highest celestial bureaucracy that enact sin-cleansing and blessing-bestowing functions. The entire ritual embodies the Daoist cosmological principle of "heaven-human resonance" (tianren ganying), wherein sincere devotional practice establishes communication with stellar deities to secure their protection.

This passage describes the invocations and incantations used in Daoist Zhaijiao (purification rituals) when petitioning the Five Star Lords (Fire Virtue, Metal Virtue, and Water Virtue Star Lords). During the ritual, Daoist priests sequentially present memorials to each stellar deity while reciting corresponding divine mantras.

The incantation for the Fire Virtue Star Lord (Southern Fire Deity) depicts his majestic presence: his stellar rays sharp as dragon horns, crimson light shaking the ten directions, cinnabar radiance illuminating midnight, vermilion flames illuminating the three realms. Wielding sword and halberd to command military authority, he eliminates ominous signs of calamitous stars and comets.

The memorial for the Metal Star (Venus) states: "With reverence we report to Celestial Lord Haozhen of the Metal Star and his immortal retinue. The Metal Star governs the west and autumn season, presiding over metal's transformative power, known as the 'Ancient White One.' Autumn corresponds to the Dui trigram's direction, its supreme Dao being ineffable. Devout veneration can increase wealth and official rank, prolong lifespan, and dissolve disasters. Now with sincere hearts we petition, may the Metal Star witness our plea. According to the talismanic decree of the Most High Lord Lao, may sins be pardoned, granting the chief celebrant blessings vast as rivers and seas, longevity rivaling ancient pines, with whole-family peace."

The Metal Virtue Star Lord's mantra describes: "The Great White Star traversing the Milky Way, luminous as frost and snow, shining with white radiance. Its sharp edge repels foreign threats, while its gentle aspect subdues military conflicts. Calculating celestial patterns and calendars, it aligns with the Dao of longevity."

The memorial for the Water Star (Mercury) states: "With reverence we report to True Lord Sichen of the Water Star. Water Virtue holds supreme importance among the Five Phases, governing winter and commanding rivers and seas, its gentle nature nourishing all beings. When Mercury conjoins with the moon, official fortunes prosper; when directly illuminating, blessings and longevity stabilize. Often deluded by ignorance that obscures our true nature, now with sincere prayer may the Water Star witness our plea. According to the Most High's talismanic decree, may sins be pardoned, granting the chief celebrant blessings vast as rivers, longevity matching heaven and earth, with whole-family peace."

The Water Virtue Star Lord's incantation depicts: "Within the mysterious Qi of the Five Phases the true Dao manifests, majestically dwelling in the northern direction (Chou position), where the Water Deities Ren and Gui reveal their numinous power. Clear luminosity condenses, responding to devout visualization."

This scripture describes a Daoist zhaijiao (purification ritual) where blessings are sought from three stellar deities: the Lord of Saturn (Tu Xing), Rahu (Luo Hou Xing), and Ketu (Ji Du Xing). Through chanting, ritual dance, and incantations, the Daoist priests invoke the protection of these celestial beings.

The ritual begins with supplications to the Lord of Saturn, revered as the "True Lord of Earth Radiance" (Di Hun Zhenjun). Among the Five Planets (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), Saturn holds supreme authority over seasonal transitions and the growth of all things. The text emphasizes Saturn's awe-inspiring majesty—offending it invites calamity, while sincere devotion brings peace. The priests solemnly petition the Star Lord, seeking absolution for human transgressions. They pray for the ritual sponsor to receive blessings as vast as rivers and seas, longevity rivaling ancient pines, and wellbeing for the entire household. This is followed by recitation of the "Incantation of the Virtuous Saturn Lord," extolling the planet's celestial position and its nurturing power over creation.

Next comes the invocation of Rahu (Luo Hou Xing), considered an inauspicious star in Daoist cosmology. The scripture portrays Rahu as a fearsome deity governing worldly fortunes and ancestral legacies. When this star transits certain celestial positions, it often brings hardship and misfortune. The priests similarly present petitions, beseeching Rahu to dissolve misfortunes and grant the sponsor prosperity and longevity. The "Rahu Star Lord Incantation" describes its mysterious, unpredictable trajectory, emphasizing that only reverent worship can secure its beneficence.

The final supplication addresses Ketu (Ji Du Xing), another malefic star. Though its radiance illuminates the cosmos, the text warns that mortals touched by its light may encounter disasters. The ritual seeks intervention through the primordial power of Yuanshi Tianzun (Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning) to neutralize Ketu's baleful influences.

Following strict liturgical procedures (assumption of ritual positions, presentation of petitions, recitation of mantras), this ceremony exemplifies the Daoist practice of "stellar pacification for calamity resolution." It reflects the ancient belief in the profound connection between celestial movements and human affairs.

This scripture records the incantations and invocations used in Daoist Zhaijiao (purification rituals), primarily employed for blessing and disaster prevention. The content divides into three distinct sections:

The opening section describes how the "Supreme True Talisman" (Taishang Zhenfu) possesses divine power to absolve human transgressions. It promises the presiding priest blessings as vast as rivers and seas, longevity rivaling ancient pines and cedars, while safeguarding their entire household from calamity with peace and health. This transitions into chanting the spell of Ketu Star Lord (one of the malefic stars governing disasters), portraying this celestial being as dwelling in darkness yet possessing hidden virtue (Yin De) capable of suppressing calamitous stars and crushing mountain-like misfortunes. Devout reverence is said to bring the celebrant the joy of extended life.

Next comes the invocation of "Heavenly One Purple Qi Dao Star True Lord" (a beneficent star governing fortune and rank), identified as the noblest celestial embodiment of Dao-Qi (the Way's vital energy). This star lord bestows prosperity, official promotions, and worldly honors. The incantation depicts his jade chariot traversing the Milky Way, golden bells whose chimes set constellations in motion, with the four great asterisms moving in perfect order under his authority that commands respect across all nine heavenly realms.

The final section summons the "Great Moon Comet Star True Lord" (a star governing fortune and misfortune). Though classified among the dark luminaries, this supremely enlightened being controls the measure of human blessings and calamities. The spell describes how his lunar radiance nourishes all things, yet may manifest as ominous cometary signs - requiring sincere prayer to avert disaster. Each ritual concludes with incense offerings, beseeching the star lords to witness the practitioner's sincerity, to pardon transgressions according to Laozi's talismanic decrees, and to grant the gifts of fortune, longevity, and well-being.

This scripture records the liturgical content (Keyi) of Daoist rituals for averting disasters and seeking blessings, primarily consisting of invocations addressed to the Black Talisman Star Lord (Heifu Xingjun) and the Destiny Star Lord (Benming Xingjun).

First, the prayer to the Black Talisman Star Lord (a stellar deity governing calamities): This celestial being, who oversees disaster-bringing stars in the heavens and manifests awe-inspiring power in the human realm, unfurls black banners to patrol the skies without leaving traces, while foreseeing misfortunes when watching over the people. Now in this time of adversity, we beseech the deity to witness our sincere supplications and, in accordance with the true talismans of the Supreme Venerable Lord (Taishang Laojun), grant absolution for the transgressions of all beings. May the ritual master (jiaozhu) receive blessings as vast as the ocean, longevity matching heaven and earth, freedom from disasters, and wellbeing for the entire household.

Next, the prayer to the Destiny Star Official (a stellar god governing personal fate): This deity who determines the destiny at one's birth commands the lifespan of all living beings. Human bodies are under its governance, and all calamities are subject to its judgment. With utmost devotion, we plead for the remission of sins. May the ritual master enjoy blessings like rivers and seas, longevity rivaling ancient pines and cedars (symbols of endurance), freedom from misfortune, and peace for the whole family.

This is followed by chanting the Destiny Mantra, extolling the majesty of the Destiny Star Lord: Residing in the Leopard Palace (a stellar mansion), this deity governs the three realms of heaven, earth, and humanity, with the sixty-year cycle (Jiazi) revolving around it. Whether celestial officials or mortal beings, all life and death depend upon its grace.

Finally, the dedication of merit: The merits from this stellar ritual are dedicated to the Eleven Great Luminaries (principal stellar deities), the Black Talisman Star Lord, the Destiny Star Lord, and others. May auspicious stars shine perpetually while baleful stars recede, transforming misfortune into blessing. May the Twelve Palaces (astrological divisions) and Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions (celestial constellations) all bestow auspiciousness, safeguarding purity of body and mind, safety in all endeavors, and eternal divine protection throughout this life. The ritual concludes by invoking the sacred name "Great Compassion Longevity Celestial Worthy" (Daci Yanshou Tianzun), praising its immeasurable virtue.

This scripture demonstrates Daoist religious practices of disaster prevention through stellar worship, embodying the cosmological principle of "heaven-human resonance" (tianren ganying). The ritual employs talismans (Fulu), invocations, and other forms to beseech stellar deities to mediate human fortunes and misfortunes.