*The Jade Pivot Treasure Scripture Spoken by the Heavenly Venerable of Universal Transformation of Thunder and Lightning in the Nine Heavens 《九天应元雷声普化天尊说玉枢宝经》*
This spell that is recited in the movie Exhuma - 파묘 / 破墓 (Korean Horror Movie 2024). It is a very short excerpt that originates from the Taoist Thunder Scripture - "The Jade Pivot Treasure Scripture Spoken by the Heavenly Venerable of Universal Transformation of Thunder and Lightning in the Nine Heavens" 《九天应元雷声普化天尊说玉枢宝经》. It is used to exorcise evil spirits and summon spirits.
" 天尊言：身中九灵，何不召之？一曰天生，二曰无英，三曰玄珠，四曰正中，五曰子丹，六曰回回，七曰丹元，八曰太渊，九曰灵童，召之则吉。身中三精，何不呼之？一曰台光，二曰爽灵，三日幽精，呼之则庆。五心烦懑，六脉抢攘，四肢失宁，百节告急，宜诵此经。"
English Translation: "The Celestial Venerable said: Why not summon the nine spirits within your body? The first is 天生 (tiān shēng) , the second is 无英 (wú yīng) , the third is 玄珠 (xuán zhū) , the fourth is 正中 (zhèng zhòng), the fifth is 子丹 (zǐ dān), the sixth is 回回 (huí hui), the seventh is 丹元 (dān yuán), the eighth is 太渊 (tài yuān), and the ninth is 灵童 (líng tóng). Summoning them will bring good fortune. Why not call upon the three essences within your body? The first is 台光 (Tai Guang), the second is 爽灵 (Shuang Ling), and the third is 幽精 (You Jing). Calling them will bring joy. When the five hearts are restless, the six pulses are throbbing, the four limbs are uneasy, and the hundred joints are in distress, this scripture should be recited."
More Detailed Information: The Nine Spirits within the Body (身中九灵 - Shen Zhong Jiu Ling) originates from Taoist classics (道教经典) and refers to nine important deities residing within the human body: Tiansheng (天生), Wuying (无英), Xuanzhu (玄珠), Zhengzhong (正中), Zidan (子丹), Huihui (回回), Danyuan (丹元), Taiyuan (太渊), and Lingtong (灵童). Practitioners of the Way (修道者 - Xiūdàozhě) often "summon them" (召之 - Zhào zhī) to pray for auspiciousness and health.
Broadly, the term can also refer to the human body’s Essence, Qi, and Spirit (精气神 - Jīng Qì Shén) and the core of cultivation, which relates to Taoist medical principles found in texts like the "Ling Shu" (《灵枢》)
Jiu Ling (九灵 - Nine Spirits): Derived from Taoist classics such as the "Jade Pivot Sutra" (《玉枢宝经》 - Yùshū Bǎojīng). They are the nine "original spirits" (本神 - Běnshén) within the human body, representing the vital components of Essence, Qi, and Spirit.
Function: If a practitioner can call upon or "summon" (召之) these spirits, they will obtain good fortune (吉利 - Jílì), implying the strengthening of the body and the prolongation of life (延年益寿 - Yánnián yìshòu).
1. The Specific Names and Symbolism of the Nine Spirits (九灵)
In Taoist theory of "Inner Observation" (内观 - Nèiguān), these nine deities correspond to different physiological or energetic parts of the body. Summoning and guarding them is believed to dispel illness, prolong life, and turn misfortune into good luck (祛病延年、逢凶化吉).
| Spirit Name (Chinese/Pinyin) | Correspondence / Symbolism |
| 天生 (Tiānshēng) | The Mysterious Female (玄牝 - Xuánpìn): The root of breath or original energy; also referred to as the "Sea of Qi" (气海) below the navel. |
| 无英 (Wúyīng) | The Infant (婴儿 - Yīng'ér): The essence of pure Yang (纯阳之精) within the human body. |
| 玄珠 (Xuánzhū) | The Valley Spirit (谷神 - Gǔshén): Represents the residence of the divine/spirit. |
| 正中 (Zhèngzhōng) | Lady Niwan (泥丸夫人 - Níwán Fūrén): The guardian deity of the brain/upper dantian. |
| 子丹 (Zǐdān) | Spirit of the Spirit Terrace (灵台神 - Língtái Shén): A manifestation of the Heart-Spirit. |
| 回回 (Huíhuí) | The Spirit of the Noble Bond (贵券神 - Guìquàn Shén). |
| 丹元 (Dānyuán) | The Heart-Spirit (心神 - Xīnshén): Governs the blood vessels, consciousness, and mind. |
| 太渊 (Tàiyuān) | The Kidney Palace (肾宫 - Shèngōng): Governs the "Water Office" and essential essence/Qi. |
| 灵童 (Língtóng) | The Spiritual Youth: Controls the Spirits of the Five Viscera (五脏神 - Wǔzàng Shén). |
Associations: Together with the body's "Three Spirits" (三精 - Sānjīng)—specifically Taiguang (台光), Shuangling (爽灵), and Youjing (幽精)—they constitute essential concepts in Taoist cultivation.
In Taoist internal alchemy, the body is often viewed as a "landscape" inhabited by gods that govern different organs and functions.
Internal Alchemy (内丹 - Nèidān): The practice of "summoning" these spirits is part of meditative visualization used to harmonize the body's internal energy.
The Three Souls (三魂 - Sānhún): The "Three Spirits" mentioned at the end are more commonly known as the Three Souls, which govern the vital life force and intellectual clarity.
The Three Spirits (三精 - Sānjīng) / Three Souls (三魂 - Sānhún)
| Name (Chinese) | Pinyin | Translation | Function & Role |
| Taiguang (台光) | Táiguāng | Vital Light | The Life Soul. It is the "spark" of life. If this spirit stays in the body, you stay alive and healthy. If it leaves, the body becomes a "walking corpse." |
| Shuangling (爽灵) | Shuǎnglíng | Bright Spirit | The Intellectual Soul. It governs intelligence, quick-wittedness, and your ability to react to the world. In Taoist medicine, a "weak" Shuangling is linked to mental confusion. |
| Youjing (幽精) | Yōujīng | Ethereal Essence | The Desire Soul. It governs your hidden instincts, including sexual attraction and emotional attachments. It is the most "Yin" (shadowy) of the three. |
The Connection: How They Work Together
In the context of the text you provided, the Nine Spirits and the Three Spirits form a hierarchy of "Inner Gods":
The Nine Spirits (九灵): Act like the officers or "inner ministers." They reside in specific "rooms" (organs and head palaces) and manage the daily flow of energy (Qi).
The Three Spirits (三精): Act like the emperors or "sovereigns." They are the higher consciousness that oversees the Nine Spirits.
The Practice of "Summoning" (召之): When a practitioner "summons" them through meditation, they are essentially performing an "inner roll call." The goal is to ensure all 12 spirits (9 + 3) are present and accounted for.
If the spirits stay: You achieve longevity (延年益寿).
If the spirits scatter: You experience illness, mental decline, or death.
Together, they protect the Essence, Qi, and Spirit (精气神). This is why Taoist charts (like the Neijing Tu) often show the body as a busy city or landscape—everyone has a job to do to keep the person healthy.
When a person dies, the Hun (Three Souls) are said to ascend to the heavens, while the Po (Seven Souls) return to the earth with the body.
Here are the names and meanings of the Seven Po:
| Name (Chinese) | Pinyin | Translation | Function / Association |
| Shìgǒu (尸狗) | Shīgǒu | Corpse Dog | Alertness. It governs the body's ability to remain alert even while sleeping (like a watchdog). |
| Fúshǐ (伏矢) | Fúshǐ | Hidden Arrow | Digestion. It governs the processing of food and the elimination of waste. |
| Quèyīn (雀阴) | Quèyīn | Sparrow Yin | Reproduction. It governs the reproductive organs and sexual energy. |
| Túnzé (吞贼) | Tūnzéi | Swallowing Thief | Immunity. It "swallows" external pathogens and protects the body from disease. |
| Fēidú (非毒) | Fēidú | Non-Poison | Detoxification. It governs the dispersal of heat and the cooling of the body/blood. |
| Chúhuì (除秽) | Chúhuì | Removing Filth | Cleansing. It is responsible for cleaning the internal organs of metabolic "trash." |
| Chòufèi (臭肺) | Chòufèi | Stinking Lung | Respiration. It governs the intake of fresh air and the expulsion of "stale" air. |
How they relate to your previous text:
The 9 Spirits (九灵): The "Officers" (The consciousness of the organs).
The 3 Souls (三魂/三精): The "Kings" (The higher spirit and intellect).
The 7 Po (七魄): The "Laborers" (The physical maintenance crew).
The Taoist Concept of Health
Taoists believe that for a human to be "whole," these 19 entities (9 Spirits + 3 Souls + 7 Po) must be in harmony. When you read about "Summoning the spirits" (召之) in your original text, the practitioner is essentially trying to keep the 7 Po from becoming too unruly (emotional/animalistic) and the 3 Souls from drifting away (daydreaming/spirit-loss).
Video Of Recitation Of the Full Version Taoist Thunder Scripture - "The Jade Pivot Treasure Scripture Spoken by the Heavenly Venerable of Universal Transformation of Thunder and Lightning in the Nine Heavens" 《九天应元雷声普化天尊说玉枢宝经》in Chinese Mandarin.
"The Jade Pivot Treasure Scripture Spoken by the Heavenly Venerable of Universal Transformation of Thunder and Lightning in the Nine Heavens" 《九天应元雷声普化天尊说玉枢宝经》 , abbreviated as the Jade Pivot Treasure Scripture 《玉枢宝经》 or the Jade Pivot Scripture 《玉枢经》. It was written around the end of the Northern Song Dynasty or the Southern Song Dynasty . It was closely related to Bai Yuchan (白玉蟾) and the Thunder Magic of the Shen Xiao School (神霄派雷法) and was included in the Dong Zhen Section (洞真部) of the Taoist Canon《正统道藏》 .
The book takes the " Heavenly Venerable of Universal Transformation of Thunder " as the center, the highest thunder god of Taoism , and expounds the principles of the "Supreme Way", the "fate" of man, and the methods of eliminating disasters and resolving difficulties.
Throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties, this scripture was highly regarded by the masses who practiced self- cultivation under the views of Taoism , Confucianism , and the unity of the three religions. To this day, the Jade Pivot Scripture 《玉枢经》 is still recited and performed, and exists in many Taoist Ritual Systems.
Note: The text is attributed to 九天應元雷聲普化天尊 （Jiu Tian Ying Yuan Lei Sheng Pu Hua Tian Zun) - The 'Heavenly Lord of Universal Transformation Whose Voice of Thunder Resonates from the Origin of the Nine Heavens'. This deity is one of the Nine Stars of the Heavenly Palace, in charge of the Five Thunders, universally transforming all living beings, and rewarding good and punishing evil.
Related Articles:
- The Thunder Patriarch (雷祖 - Lei Zu) & Ministy Of Thunder and Thunder Departments Of Taoist Religion
- 3 Hun and 7 Po (三魂七魄) In Taoist Sorcery
- Exorcism: Driving away evil spirits or negative energy.
- Personal Protection: Creating a spiritual shield before travel or important events.
- Mental Clarity: Realigning one's energy with the natural order of the Yin, Yang, and the Five Elements.
"太上曰： 皇天生我，皇地载我，日月照我，星辰荣我，诸仙举我，司命与我，太一任我，玉宸召我，三官保我，五帝卫我， 北辰相我，南极佑我，北斗辅我，金童侍我，玉女从我，六甲直我，六丁进我，天门开我，地户通我，山泽容我， 江河渡我，风雨送我，雷电随我，八卦尊我，九宫遁我，阴阳宗我，五行符我，四时成我，我命著我。太清玄籍， 三宫升降，上下往来，无穷无息，金饭玉浆，向求皆至，虚梵日月，与天为誓，魁𩲃𩵄䰢魓𩳐魒星。 所求皆得，所向者亨，所为者合，所欲者成，种种变化，与道合真，何神不使，何令不行。 我前有朱雀，后有玄武，左有青龙，右有白虎，上有华盖，下蹑魁罡，神道光严，威镇十方， 爱我者生，恶我者殃，谋我者死，憎我者亡，灵童神女，破邪金刚，三千六百，常在我傍，执节捧符，与我同游， 太上摄京，天大吉昌，二十四符，与星历俱，急急如律令!"
This Taoist Version - "The Supreme Pure Heavenly Child's Wondrous Scripture for Protecting Life" 《太上太清天童护命妙经》（abbreviation 天童经, Tiāntóng Jīng） is slightly different from the Korean Version of 'Taeeul Bosing Gyeong' 태을보신경 (太乙保神經). containing specific esoteric Star Glyphs (the secret names of the Big Dipper stars) and a more forceful tone regarding spiritual command.
In Taoist practice, this is a High-Invocation Decree. It isn't just a prayer; it is a legalistic command to the universe, which is why it ends with the "Statutory Decree" formula.
The *Tian Tong Jing* （天童经, Tiāntóng Jīng）, is a must-learn text in Taoist thunder magic. It is considered the foundational text of thunder magic, requiring practitioners to recite and follow it to obtain the protection and response of the thunder deities. It is the basis for performing thunder magic and summoning divine soldiers. The text contains instructions for summoning celestial children, wind and rain gods, thunder gods, and lightning goddesses, as well as detailed precepts and guidelines for practice. It is a method that thunder magic masters must master, as recorded in the *Taishang Tiantan Yuge* 《太上天坛玉格》.
Core Method : "The Supreme Pure Heavenly Child's Wondrous Scripture for Protecting Life" 《太上太清天童护命妙经》 is considered one of the fundamental scriptures of thunder magic. Practitioners must recite the scripture in order to receive the response and command of the thunder gods.
Summoning the Divine Generals : The scripture includes invoking divine officials such as the Heavenly Child, the Wind God, the Rain Master, the Thunder God, and the Lightning Goddess to command wind, thunder, clouds, and rain in order to perform rituals.
Strict precepts : The "Taishang Tiantan Yuge" 《太上天坛玉格》 (Jade Rules of the Supreme Heavenly Altar) specifies in detail the precepts for Master Lei, such as not drinking alcohol, not performing rituals after eating meat, and not using anger to suppress or forbid a person's lifespan, emphasizing that only by keeping the precepts pure can they be effective.
The principles of spiritual practice require practitioners to perform great acts of merit, such as helping women in labor, the sick, and those without coffins. It also emphasizes that divine power must not be abused and that one must follow the way of Heaven.
Contextual Notes
Tiāntóng (天童): In this context, "Celestial Youth" refers to powerful divine entities or spirits that assist the practitioner in rituals.
Thunder Magic: This is a sophisticated form of internal and external alchemy in Taoism used for exorcism, rainmaking, and spiritual protection.
English Translation of Taoist Version - "The Supreme Pure Heavenly Child's Wondrous Scripture for Protecting Life" 《太上太清天童护命妙经》:
The Primordial Authority The Great Supreme (Taishang) proclaims: I am brought forth by the Imperial Heaven and carried by the Imperial Earth. The Sun and Moon illuminate me; the Stars and Constellations bring me glory. The host of Immortals uplifts me, and the Master of Fate grants me my years. The Great Unity (Taiyi) entrusts me with power, and the Jade Sovereign summons me.
The Divine Guard The Three Officials preserve me, and the Five Emperors defend me. The Northern Pole Star assists me, and the Southern Pole Star protects me. The Big Dipper (Beidou) supports me. Golden Youths serve me, and Jade Maidens follow me. The Six Jia spirits stand guard over me, and the Six Ding spirits advance my path.
Mastery of the Elements The Gates of Heaven open for me; the Doors of Earth are made passable for me. The Mountains and Marshes grant me refuge; the Rivers and Oceans carry me across. Wind and Rain escort me; Thunder and Lightning follow me. The Eight Trigrams honor me, and the Nine Palaces grant me concealment. Yin and Yang acknowledge me as their kin; the Five Elements act as my talismans, and the Four Seasons bring my destiny to completion.
The Alchemical Transmutation My name is inscribed in the Mysterious Records of the Great Purity (Taiqing). My spirit rises and falls through the Three Palaces (the Dantians), moving between the celestial and terrestrial realms without end. I feast on Golden Rice and Jade Nectar; everything I seek arrives at my call.
The Secret Names of the Dipper I swear an oath with Heaven by the names of the Seven Stars: 魁 (Kuí) · 𩲃 (Shuó) · 𩵄 (Huān) · 䰢 (Xìng) · 魓 (Bì) · 𩳐 (Fǔ) · 魒 (Piāo) (These are the secret "Cloud Script" names of the Big Dipper stars used to command spirits.)
The Command of True Being All that I seek, I obtain. Wherever I go is prosperous. Whatever I do is in harmony. Whatever I desire is accomplished. Through every transformation, I am One with the Tao. There is no god I cannot command; there is no decree of mine that is not executed.
The Protective Mandate Before me is the Vermilion Bird; behind me is the Black Tortoise. To my left is the Azure Dragon; to my right is the White Tiger. Above me is the Flowery Canopy (The North Star's Aura); beneath me, I tread upon the Kui Gang (The Dipper’s Force).
The Wrath and Grace of the Way My Divine Path is radiant and solemn; my majesty shakes the Ten Directions. Those who love me shall flourish; those who oppose me shall meet disaster. Those who plot against me shall perish; those who hate me shall vanish. Divine Children, Sacred Maidens, and the Vajra-Crushers of Evil—three thousand six hundred in number—are always by my side. Holding the scepters and bearing the talismans, they wander with me.
The Grand Conclusion Under the authority of the Great Supreme, the Heavens grant Great Auspiciousness. These Twenty-Four Talismans shall endure as long as the Stars.
By the Statutory Decree, let this be executed with haste! (急急如律令 - Jí jí rú lǜ lìng)
Video Of Recitation Of Taoist Version - "The Supreme Pure Heavenly Child's Wondrous Scripture for Protecting Life" 《太上太清天童护命妙经》
Key Esoteric Differences in this Version:
The Seven Star Glyphs: The characters 魁𩲃𩵄䰢魓𩳐魒 are extremely rare. In Taoist "Thunder Magic" (Leifa), these are the "True Names" of the stars in the Big Dipper. Reciting them is believed to grant the practitioner control over the celestial pivot.
"With the Tao, I am Real" (与道合真): This phrase indicates the highest level of Taoist attainment—not just following the Tao, but becoming a "True Person" (Zhenren) whose will is indistinguishable from the universe.
The 3,600 Guardians: This refers to the vast internal and external bureaucracy of spirits that a high-level priest or cultivator is said to command.
Note： In the scripture - "The Supreme Pure Heavenly Child's Wondrous Scripture for Protecting Life" 《太上太清天童护命妙经》， it states that if Taoist practitioners and ordinary men and women can recite this scripture, immortals and divine generals will come to protect them, warding off beasts and ghosts, curing illnesses and disasters, prolonging life, and ensuring eternal life. The scripture also contains twenty-four talismans for warding off disasters and curing illnesses, bestowed by Tai Shang Lao Jun (太上老君) - Laozi. These talismans, when written according to the prescribed method and worn or ingested, can also exorcise evil and cure diseases. The Daoist Canon version of this scripture has a postscript by Fu Xiao （傅霄）, a Daoist priest from Maoshan in the Jiazi year of the Shaoxing era of the Song Dynasty, claiming that on April 13th, 1109 (the third year of the Daguan era), Liang Wuzhen （梁悟真） of Maoshan received an additional verse， from Tai Shang Lao Jun (太上老君) - Laozi, who instructed him to recite it diligently, ultimately leading to his immortality.
The full side-by-side comparison of the two texts - Korean Shamanism Version of 'Taeeul Bosing Gyeong' 태을보신경 (太乙保神經) & Taoist Version - "The Supreme Pure Heavenly Child's Wondrous Scripture for Protecting Life" 《太上太清天童护命妙经》
While they share about 80% of the same "DNA," the differences in the remaining 20% reveal their distinct purposes: the Korean/Hanja version is a rhythmic invocation for general protection, while the Chinese Source version is a "Thunder Magic" decree used for spiritual command and exorcism.
| Section | Korean-Sourced (Hanja) Version | Chinese Source (Simplified) Version |
| Intro | 太上曰: 皇天生我, 皇地在我, 日月助我, 星辰暎我... | 太上曰： 皇天生我，皇地载我，日月照我，星辰荣我... |
| Gods | 诸仙举我, 司命与我, 太乙临我, 玉神度我... | 诸仙举我，司命与我，太一任我，玉宸召我... |
| Stars | 北辰相我, 南极佐我... | 北辰相我，南极佑我，北斗辅我... |
| Attendants | 金童侍我, 옥녀배아(玉女倍我), 六甲眞我, 六丁進我... | 金童侍我，玉女从我，六甲直我，六丁进我... |
| Nature | 天门开我, 地户通我, 山泽耸我... | 天门开我，地户通我，山泽容我... |
| Forces | 江河渡我, 风雨送我, 雷霆顺我, 八卦遵我, 九宫遁我... | 江河渡我，风雨送我，雷电随我，八卦尊我，九宫遁我... |
| Essence | 阴阳从我, 五行扶我, 四时成我, 阿明着我... | 阴阳宗我，五行符我，四时成我，我命著我... |
| Alchemical | 太淸玄籍, 三宫升降, 三宫昇下, 上下往来... | 太清玄籍，三宫升降，上下往来，无穷无息... |
| Secret Code | (None) | 魁 𩲃 𩵄 䰢 魓 𩳐 魒 星 |
| Authority | 与韬合神, 何神不服, 河令不幸... | 与道合真, 何神不使, 何令不行... |
| Four Spirit | 前有朱雀, 后有玄武, 左有靑龍, 右有白虎... | 前有朱雀，后有玄武，左有青龙，右有白虎... |
| The Self | 上顶华盖, 下摄魁罡, 神通光明, 威振十方... | 上有华盖，下蹑魁罡，神道光严，威镇十方... |
| Judgment | 爱我者生, 恶我者殃, 谋我自死, 憎我者亡... | 爱我者生，恶我者殃，谋我者死，憎我者亡... |
| Guardians | 灵童神女, 破碎金刚, 三千六百, 常在我傍... | 灵童神女，破邪金刚，三千六百，常在我傍... |
| Closing | 太上摄我, 擎天大吉, 二十四符, 与星历久... | 太上摄京, 天大吉昌, 二十四符, 与星历俱... |
| Final Seal | 唵急如律 娑婆訶 (Mantra) | 急急如律令! (Decree) |
Summary of Major Differences
The "Big Dipper" Secret Code:
The Chinese version contains the seven esoteric star names (魁 𩲃 𩵄 䰢 魓 𩳐 魒). This is the most significant difference. These are "Power Words" used to seal a space against evil spirits.
Degree of Control:
Korean version: Uses terms like "The Five Elements support me" (五行扶我).
Chinese version: Uses terms like "The Five Elements act as my talismans" (五行符我). This implies the practitioner is the master of the elements, not just a recipient of their help.
Commanding the Divine:
Korean version: "The river commands are carried out."
Chinese version: "What god would I not command?" (何神不使). This is a "God-king" state of mind where the practitioner claims the authority of the Tao itself.
The Final Seal:
The Korean version ends with a Sanskrit Mantra (Svaha), making it sound more like a prayer or a chant.
The Chinese version ends with a Legal Decree (急急如律令), making it an official order to the spiritual bureaucracy.
| Feature | Korean-Sourced Version (Hanja) | Chinese Source Version (Simplified) |
| Star Magic | Mentions stars generally (星辰). | Explicitly names the 7 Stars of the Big Dipper (魁𩲃𩵄䰢魓𩳐魒) as a secret password. |
| Authority | Uses "The Great One descends to me" (太乙臨我). | Uses "The Great One entrusts me" (太一任我), implying a transfer of power. |
| Divine Command | "Commands are carried out" (命令奉行). | "What god would I not command?" (何神不使), a much more assertive stance. |
| Spiritual Goal | "Union with the divine spirit" (與韜合神). | "Union with the True Tao" (與道合真), the highest goal in Taoism. |
| The Ending | Ends with a Buddhist-influenced mantra (娑婆訶 - Svaha). | Ends with the strict Taoist legal command: "Swiftly as the Statutes and Ordinances!" (急急如律令). |
Extra Information： The 7 Esoteric Stars in Taoism
In Taoist mysticism, the seven characters 魁 (Kuí), 𩲃 (Shuó), 𩵄 (Huān), 䰢 (Xìng), 魓 (Bì), 𩳐 (Fǔ), 魒 (Piāo) are known as the "True Names" or the Esoteric Secret Names of the seven stars that comprise the Big Dipper (北斗).
These are not just words—they are a "talisman in text form." When a practitioner recites or writes them, they are invoking the Pivotal Force of the universe.
The Symbolic Anatomy of the Seven Stars
The Big Dipper is viewed as the "Chariot of the Emperor" (the North Star). It governs the movement of the seasons, the distribution of Yin and Yang, and the fate of all living beings.
| Glyph | Star Position | Taoist Name | Esoteric Function |
| 魁 (Kuí) | 1st Star (Dubhe) | Tianshu (天樞) | The Pivot: Commands the celestial bureaucracy. |
| 𩲃 (Shuó) | 2nd Star (Merak) | Tianxuan (天璇) | The Rotating Jade: Governs the laws of nature. |
| 𩵄 (Huān) | 3rd Star (Phecda) | Tianji (天機) | The Celestial Engine: Manages human destiny/luck. |
| 䰢 (Xìng) | 4th Star (Megrez) | Tianquan (天權) | The Balance: Records the deeds of men. |
| 魓 (Bì) | 5th Star (Alioth) | Yuheng (玉衡) | The Jade Sighting-Tube: Directs the Five Elements. |
| 𩳐 (Fǔ) | 6th Star (Mizar) | Kaiyang (開陽) | The Opener of Yang: Dispels darkness and evil. |
| 魒 (Piāo) | 7th Star (Alkaid) | Yaoguang (搖光) | The Twinkling Brilliance: The "Sword Tip" used for exorcism. |
2. Why the Characters Look Strange
You will notice that these characters all contain the 鬼 (Ghost/Spirit) radical. In Taoist orthography, this radical doesn't mean "undead ghost," but rather "Powerful Spirit Entity." * The addition of phonetic or symbolic components to the "Ghost" radical creates a "Cloud Script" (雲篆)—a language believed to be used by the gods.
These specific characters are often used to draw Talismans (Fu) to protect the home or to "Seal" a room during meditation.
3. The "Big Dipper" Ritual Practice
When these names appear in a text like the one you provided, it usually refers to two specific Taoist practices:
Pacing the Seven Stars (步罡踏斗): The practitioner physically walks a pattern on the floor that mimics the shape of the Big Dipper. As they step on each "star," they recite the corresponding secret name to absorb its power.
The Armor of the Stars: By reciting these names, the practitioner "clothes" themselves in the light of the Dipper, making them invisible to evil spirits and authoritative over lower-ranking deities. This is why the text says: "What god would I not command?"
In the specific text, these characters act as a bridge.
The first half of the text establishes your connection to Heaven and Earth.
The Seven Stars act as the Signature/Seal that validates your authority.
The second half of the text then lists the results of that authority (the Four Symbols, the 3,600 guardians, etc.).
In Taoist Internal Alchemy (Neidan), the universe is not "out there"—it is mirrored inside your own body. This is the concept of the Microcosmic Orbit. The Big Dipper is considered the "Master Governor" of the body’s internal energy (Qi).
When recite the text , a Taoist practitioner is mentally "lighting up" these seven points along their spine and head to transform their physical body into a divine vessel.
| Secret Glyph | Physical Location | Alchemical Significance |
| 魁 (Kuí) | Niwan Palace (Pineal Gland/Crown) | The "Head" of the Dipper. Connects the practitioner to the primordial Void and the North Star. |
| 𩲃 (Shuó) | Third Eye (Between Brows) | The "Light" of the Dipper. Used for spiritual vision and commanding spirits. |
| 𩵄 (Huān) | Throat Center | The "Voice" of the Dipper. Empowers the practitioner’s speech so that their commands become reality. |
| 䰢 (Xìng) | Heart Center (Middle Dantian) | The "Balance" of the Dipper. Harmonizes the fire of the heart and stabilizes emotions. |
| 魓 (Bì) | Solar Plexus | The "Pivot." Governs the distribution of energy to the internal organs. |
| 𩳐 (Fǔ) | Navel (Lower Dantian) | The "Gate of Life." Where the "Golden Cinnabar" (internal elixir) is cultivated. |
| 魒 (Piāo) | Coccyx (Base of Spine) | The "Tail/Sword Tip." This is the point that "strikes" and initiates the upward flow of energy (Qi) during meditation. |
How it Works: The "Microcosmic" Rotation
In Taoist meditation (related to your text), the practitioner performs a process called "Turning the Dipper":
Awakening the Tail: The practitioner focuses on the 魒 (Piāo) at the base of the spine. This "Sword Tip" clears away stagnant energy.
The Upward Climb: The energy is visualized as the light of the Big Dipper rising up the spine, hitting each of the seven points (the secret names).
The Crown Connection: When the energy reaches 魁 (Kuí) at the crown of the head, the practitioner is "crowned" by the North Star. This is the "Flowery Canopy" (华盖) mentioned in your text.
The Armor: Once all seven points are lit, the body is said to be "clothed in stars," creating the protective field where the Four Symbols (Dragon, Tiger, etc.) manifest to guard the four directions around the body.
Visualizing the "Flowery Canopy" and "Kui Gang"
"Above me is the Flowery Canopy, beneath me, I tread upon the Kui Gang."
Internal Meaning: Your head is connected to the highest heaven (North Star), and your feet are firmly planted on the "Handle" of the Dipper.
Result: You are no longer just a human; you are a living axis of the universe. This is why the text claims that "What I desire is naturally accomplished"—because your internal "gears" are now synchronized with the "gears" of the galaxy.
The "Step of Yu" Connection
"Treading upon the Kui Gang" (下蹑魁罡), it refers to a physical or mental dance. The practitioner imagines the Big Dipper on the floor and steps on the stars in a specific order to "lock" the energy of the earth into their body.
This meditation guide is designed to help you use the text as a Self-Empowerment Ritual. In Taoism, this is not just "thinking"; it is Visualization (Cunxiang)—the act of making the spiritual world real through focused intent.
The Big Dipper Alignment Meditation
Purpose: To build a protective shield, clear negative energy, and align your personal "Qi" with the universe.
1. Preparation: Centering
Posture: Sit comfortably with a straight spine. Place your hands in your lap (left hand over right, thumbs touching).
Breath: Breathe deeply into your lower abdomen (the Lower Dantian).
The Intent: Recite the opening line in your mind: "I am born of Heaven and sustained by the Earth." Feel yourself becoming a bridge between the sky and the ground.
2. Activating the Inner Stars (The Seven Glyphs)
As you mentally recite the secret names, visualize a point of brilliant blue-white light at each location in your body:
魒 (Piāo) - Base of Spine: Visualize a sharp spark of light. It clears away all fear and "ground" energy.
𩳐 (Fǔ) - Navel: The spark grows into a warm glow, stabilizing your physical health.
魓 (Bì) - Solar Plexus: The light turns into a golden orb, radiating power to your organs.
䰢 (Xìng) - Heart: The light becomes pure white, cooling your emotions and bringing peace.
𩵄 (Huan) - Throat: The light becomes a shimmering silver, giving power to your "True Voice."
𩲃 (Shuó) - Third Eye: The light becomes a violet beam, opening your intuition.
魁 (Kuí) - Crown: The light explodes into a brilliant diamond star, connecting you to the North Star above.
3. Invoking the Four Guardians (Creating the Shield)
Once the stars are lit, visualize the four protective animals appearing around you to seal your space:
FRONT: A Vermilion Bird (Red Phoenix) flies before you, burning away obstacles.
BEHIND: A Black Tortoise (wrapped in a snake) stands behind you like a solid, immovable mountain.
LEFT: An Azure Dragon hovers on your left, bringing growth and wisdom.
RIGHT: A White Tiger crouches on your right, guarding you with fierce strength.
4. Affirming Authority
Recite the "Command" section of your text (mentally or aloud):
"Whatever I desire is naturally accomplished... No god I cannot command; no decree of mine that is not executed."
The Feeling: Do not "ask" for this to happen. Know that it is happening. In Taoism, your "Will" (Yi) is the commander of the energy.
5. The Final Seal: The Statutory Decree
End the meditation by focusing on the final phrase:
"急急如律令" (Jí jí rú lǜ lìng!)
As you say this, imagine a flash of light sealing the energy into your body. Rub your hands together until they are warm, place them over your eyes, then your face, and slowly open your eyes.
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