《北帝七元紫庭延生祕訣》

The Secret Method of the Seven Primes of the Northern Emperor for Prolonging Life in the Purple Court records a Daoist ritual for dispelling misfortune and seeking blessings. The text recounts that in the second year of the Chiwu era (239 CE) during the Eastern Wu period of the Three Kingdoms, the immortal Ge Xuan received this esoteric method from the Supreme Lord Lao (Taishang Laojun). By the Northern Wei dynasty, it was transmitted to the mortal world by a Master Ye. This practice connects with the Purple Court (the celestial palace) through the Seven Star Lords of the Northern Dipper (Kui, Wei, etc.), each governing distinct aspects of human life: the body, prosperity, offspring, lifespan, official rank, longevity, and marriage.

The method involves lighting seven lamps in a quiet chamber of a Daoist temple. By observing the brightness or dimness of each flame, one can discern impending misfortunes in the corresponding life aspect. The ritual is ideally performed on the first or fifteenth day of the lunar month, when the Seven Perfected Lords of the Dipper descend to inspect human virtue and vice.

Key ritual elements include:

1. Selecting an auspicious day (preferably one’s benming fate day) and conducting the ceremony in a clean, open space (avoiding areas disturbed by cats, dogs, or rodents).

2. Offering sacrifices during the Chou (1–3 AM), Hai (9–11 PM), or Wei (1–3 PM) hours.

3. Simplicity is permitted—one may "sweep the ground and sacrifice," or place offerings on white cogongrass mats.

4. The altar must be purified; each star’s position is marked with a table, and offerings are cleansed with fragrant water.

5. Erect two poles hung with copper coins north of the altar—the chiming of coins signals the deities’ arrival.

The scripture emphasizes that merely knowing one’s presiding Star Lord’s name and carrying a sachet with a pinch of "star grain" (xingliang) ensures protection. In crisis, invoking the Star Lord’s name three times summons aid. Post-ritual, wind direction indicates the petition’s outcome.

Finally, the text lists the seven Star Lords’ names (e.g., Yangming Star, Yinjing Star), each associated with numerical codes—likely for determining one’s benming guardian. The ritual prioritizes sincerity and purity; offerings may be modest, but devotion is paramount.

This passage discusses the worship of stellar deities in the Big Dipper tradition and methods for conducting jiao (Daoist sacrificial rituals):

First, it lists the seven stellar lords: the Human Star, Dark Mystery Star, Cinnabar Origin Star, North Pole Star, Celestial Pass Star, Auxiliary Star, and Support Star. These stellar lords all wear jeweled crowns and celestial robes of multicolored clouds, holding jade tablets (official memorandum boards used in ancient courts) with solemn dignity. During jiao rituals, practitioners should visualize their forms and pray with sincere devotion.

It then introduces two higher-ranking stellar lords:

• The eighth Imperial Star "Jade Emperor of Lofty Radiance" — encountering him can extend one's lifespan by 300 years
• The ninth Exalted Star "Jade Thearch of Grand Tenuity" (also called "Primordial Lord of the Seven Luminaries") — encountering him can extend lifespan by 600 years

These two stellar lords wear imperial regalia, resembling the Big Dipper deities in appearance. The scripture states the Imperial Star resides within the fourth star and the Exalted Star within the second star—both are supreme divine beings. It recommends devout worship during the late nights of the 3rd and 27th days each lunar month, avoiding disturbances from idle visitors. With persistent practice, one will surely encounter them. These two stars shine brighter than the Big Dipper's seven stars, emitting awe-inspiring purple radiance. Upon encountering them, one should immediately kowtow to request longevity and ascension to immortality—the two imperial lords will then bestow celestial offices.

Next, it describes the powers of the Three Terraces stars:

• Upper Terrace Star "Void Essence": can receive revelations through imperial dreams and matters of gold/jade
• Middle Terrace Star "Sixfold Purity": can bring official promotions and prosperity
• Lower Terrace Star "Curved Life": can facilitate marriages and acquisition of servants

The Grand Tenuity Thearch declares: those seeking longevity, wealth, and high status must practice this method. Persistent practice of the ritual Pacing the Dipper (Daoist ceremonial steps) and jiao offerings can not only absolve ancestral sins for seven generations, but also eliminate personal misfortunes. An emperor who cultivates the Dao may attain longevity matching the sun and moon, gaining divine powers of infinite transformation with blessings as vast as mountains. The most devout practitioners may even achieve daylight ascension, while officials will naturally gain imperial favor and successful careers.

Finally, it recounts the miraculous story of Liu Jing from the Han Dynasty: when surrounded by a million enemy troops, he calmly performed the Seven Stars Dipper Pacing while silently reciting jiao prayers—suddenly a divine being appeared to disperse the enemy forces. This demonstrates the efficacy of ordinary Dipper Pacing rituals, let alone these secret transmission methods.

This scripture records the longevity secrets of the Daoist Northern Emperor tradition (devoted to the Great Emperor of the North Star). It explains how to avert disasters and prolong life through rituals honoring the Seven Star Lords of the Big Dipper. The content is divided into several sections:

First are the transmission protocols: These true formulas were orally transmitted by immortal sages. According to the liturgical rules (Keyi) of the Seven Primordial Stars, they can only be passed down once every century to a single individual with destined immortal bone structure. Reckless dissemination would bring misfortune upon nine generations of ancestors. Though ordinary people cannot fully master these methods, simply performing altar rituals twice monthly will yield responses—avoiding accidents in the first year, escaping warfare in the second, evading mortal calamities in the third, and beholding the true forms of the Star Lords by the fourth year, after which no disaster or evil can harm them.

Next are the corresponding zodiac signs and offerings for each Dipper Star Lord:

1. Yangming Star (for Rat signs, offering broomcorn millet)

2. Yinjing Star (for Ox and Pig signs, offering foxtail millet)

3. Zhenren Star (for Tiger and Dog signs, offering glutinous rice)

4. Xuanming Star (for Rabbit and Rooster signs, offering adzuki beans)

5. Danyuan Star (for Dragon and Monkey signs, offering hemp seeds)

6. Beiji Star (for Snake and Goat signs, offering soybeans)

7. Tianguan Star (for Horse signs, offering adzuki beans)

The text details required ritual items: twelve paper figurines, white rice, colored silks (blue/red/white/black/yellow representing the five directions), gold/silver/jade objects, salt/rice/coins, writing implements, seasonal fruits, etc. Most crucially, two purification beds must be prepared—the northern one facing south, above which hangs a nine-foot blue silk painting of the Seven Primordial Star Lords.

Finally, the ritual procedure: After presenting incense and wine, retreat calmly while focusing the spirit (Shen). Holding a jade tablet, perform bows at a distance of fifteen feet from the altar while softly reciting: "On this day of this month in this year, your disciple [state name and birth zodiac] reverently kneels to humbly invite the descent of the Seven Primordial True Lords. May your radiant and majestic divine presence condescend to partake of these meager offerings tonight."

Note: The term "Zhaijiao" refers to Daoist sacrificial rites; "Seven Primordials" denotes the Seven Dipper Star Lords; "Bugang" indicates the secret stepping patterns used in Daoist star-walking practices.

This passage is a prayer text from the Daoist scripture Beidi Qiyuan Ziting Yansheng Mijue (Northern Emperor's Secret Method of the Seven Primes of the Purple Court for Prolonging Life). It describes the process by which devotees, through the Zhaijiao (purification ritual) ceremony, beseech the Seven Star Lords of the Northern Dipper and other deities for longevity, the elimination of calamities, and liberation from misfortunes. Below is a modern interpretation:

First, the prayer addresses the celestial deities: May the divine bestow a fearless body, pacify the hun and po souls (spiritual aspects), erase the "Register of Death" (symbolizing the record of one's demise), and inscribe longevity. May all wishes be fulfilled and all endeavors succeed. May one resonate with the heavenly emperors above and move the genuine affections of the human world below, gaining reverence and love from all, ultimately ascending to the immortal realm of the Purple Court.

Next, it respectfully invites the descent of the Seven Star Lords of the Northern Dipper:

1. The Seven Primes True Lords and the Mysterious Darkness Perfected Beings: May they descend to the purified chamber to partake of the humble offerings and witness the devotee's sincerity. May one ascend to the immortal capital, command the myriad spirits (such as the protective deities Liujia and Liuding), align with the will of Heaven above, and deliver sentient beings below.

2. The Seven Primes True Lord, Cinnabar Prime Star Lord of the Northern Pole: May he erase the Register of Death and bestow the power of the Dao. One prays for a lifespan as eternal as the sun, moon, and stars, with blessings that endure forever, guarded by divine beings and jade maidens.

3. The Seven Primes True Lord, Celestial Pass Great Deity: May he illuminate body and mind, preserving one's countenance eternally radiant like the sun and moon, forever youthful through the seasons. May one transcend the filth of the mundane world, accompanied by immortal attendants such as Yuyi and Jielin.

4. The Two Noble Emperor Stars (auxiliary stars of the Northern Dipper): Rarely seen by ordinary people, those who behold them gain longevity. One prays for the erasure of the Register of Death, boundless blessings, and swift transcendence of the mortal realm to wander the immortal domains.

5. The True Lords of Support (the Left and Right Auxiliaries of the Northern Dipper): Sometimes hidden, sometimes visible, they are supremely divine. One prays for their aid in cultivation, to receive the will of Heaven above and deliver sentient beings below.

6. The Three Terraces Star Lords (Upper Terrace of Empty Essence, Middle Terrace of Sixfold Purity, Lower Terrace of Twisting Life): With humble offerings and sincere devotion, one welcomes them, praying for the removal of the Register of Death and ascension to the ranks of immortals. May the heart-mind be bright and clear, the ears and eyes sharp, the three hun and seven po souls eternally steadfast, until one may finally behold the celestial court, riding clouds and dragons as an immortal official.

Through sevenfold prostrations and invocations, the text fully embodies the core of the Daoist "Worship of the Dipper" (Baidou) ritual, reflecting the Daoist ideals of pursuing longevity and eliminating calamities through spiritual practice.

Here is an explanation of a Daoist ritual and incantations for worshipping the Seven Luminaries of the Northern Dipper (the deified stars of the Big Dipper), presented in modern terms:

【Ritual Preparation】

During the Zhaijiao (Daoist sacrificial ceremony), one must bow reverently with full ceremonial propriety. After completing the obeisance, step aside quietly to allow the deities to partake of the offerings. If you have a wish to convey, speak softly so that bystanders cannot overhear. Set up tablets for the Three Officials (Heavenly Official, Earthly Official, and Water Official) and place them beneath the direction of the Dipper's handle. Prepare paper money offerings for the local Earth God (Tudi) and the Duty Deity of the day in advance—this purifies the space and ensures your petition reaches the celestial court unimpeded.

【Petition Format】

On [date] at [time], [your full name, birthplace, and official title if applicable] humbly submits this memorial to:

The Most High Celestial Deities and the Seven True Lords of the Purple Tenuity Palace at the North Pole (tailor the content to the specific request). Fully aware of the audacity in disturbing the Northern Dipper's divine majesty, I approach with utmost reverence and trepidation.

【Daily Practice Incantations】

1. When offering incense morning and evening, silently recite:

"I reverently invoke the Seven True Lords of the Northern Dipper—Yang Brilliance, Yin Essence, Perfected Being, Mysterious Darkness, Cinnabar Origin, North Pole, and Heavenly Pass—to erase my name from the registers of death and grant me longevity. May my aspirations be fulfilled, my endeavors succeed, my person be esteemed, and may I ultimately ascend to immortality."

2. Continue with:

"I reverently invoke the Two Imperial Auxiliary Stars (of the Dipper). May I soon behold the true deities, and in that vision obtain eternal life, with blessings as enduring as heaven."

3. Then recite:

"I reverently invoke the Three Platforms Star Lords (Upper Platform: Ethereal Essence; Middle Platform: Sixfold Purity; Lower Platform: Twisting Life). May my career flourish, my mind stay lucid, my ears and eyes remain keen, my Three Hun souls steadfast, and my Seven Po spirits tranquil."

【Northern Dipper Life-Extending Divine Incantation】

This chant ensures protection and longevity:

"The Seven Jade True Lords of the Northern Dipper—Greedy Wolf and Giant Gate preserve my existence; Wealth Store and Literary Curve guard my soul; Pure and Upright and Martial Song shield my life-gate; Army Breaker and Hidden Support secure my longevity. Dispel calamities, expel malign forces, strike my name from death's ledger, inscribe it among the living, and spare me the Three Disasters and Nine Misfortunes. May the ultimate Daoist dharma subdue all demons. Grant that my cultivation soon bears fruit, with the Seven Luminaries' protection, until I soar to the Purple Tenuity Immortal Palace."

【Bedtime Incantation】

Each morning upon waking and each night before sleep, silently recite this soul-calming, life-preserving chant:

"Greedy Wolf Star Lord (Yang Brilliance Star), by the Jade Emperor's decree, ten thousand troops shield my body; Giant Gate Star Lord (Yin Essence Star), Wealth Store True Lord, Literary Curve..." (The original text is incomplete here, but it continues invoking each star lord's protection.)

Note: "Seven Luminaries" refers to the seven stars of the Northern Dipper. "Three Hun and Seven Po" are the Daoist conception of the soul's composite parts. "Three Disasters and Nine Misfortunes" denote life's potential tribulations. These incantations exemplify Daoist cultivation methods for dispelling misfortune and prolonging life through visualization of star deities and mantra recitation.

This scripture expounds the "Purple Court Life-Prolonging Secret Method of the Seven Primes of the Northern Emperor" in Daoist practice, detailing the divine power of the Big Dipper (known as the "Seven Primes" in Daoism) and its cultivation techniques.

The seven stars of the Big Dipper are deified here as seven venerable deities:

1. Yang Brilliance Star (First Star)

2. Yin Essence Star (Second Star)

3. True Human Star (Third Star)

4. Mysterious Darkness Star (Fourth Star)

5. Cinnabar Origin Star (Fifth Star)

6. North Pole Star (Sixth Star)

7. Celestial Pivot Star (Seventh Star)

The scripture describes these deities in their myriad forms, surrounding and protecting practitioners: the Azure Dragon (Qinglong) guards the left, the White Tiger (Baihu) the right, the Vermilion Bird (Zhuque) leads in front, and the Dark Warrior (Xuanwu) protects from behind (representing Daoism's four directional guardian beasts). They stand in layered defense holding banners and talismanic scepters. When reciting this incantation, one must do so swiftly and devoutly (the phrase "urgently, urgently, in accordance with the statutes" being a common Daoist mantra conclusion).

This secret method possesses tremendous efficacy—rulers who cultivate it can pacify their domains and enrich their people; Daoist priests (Daoshi) practicing it may attain celestial ascension; while ordinary practitioners can prolong their lifespan. However, it emphasizes this as an esoteric transmission not to be lightly disclosed.

Finally, the scripture mentions the "True Form Charts of the Seven Primes of the Northern Emperor"—sacred diagrams depicting the celestial forms of the Big Dipper deities. Wearing these confers auspicious blessings. The text enumerates each star's "true form" (the deities' authentic divine appearances), all of which require secret cultivation practices to access.