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The difference between ordinary Taoist priests and high-level Taoist priests in drawing talismans
The talismans drawn by ordinary Taoist priests and high-ranking Taoist priests differ fundamentally in terms of effectiveness, procedures, and authority. These differences stem from Taoism’s unique understanding of the spiritual power of talismans. A talisman’s effectiveness depends on the rank of the talisman drawer, their level of cultivation, the ritual norms, and their lineage. The core difference between ordinary Taoist priests and high-ranking Taoist priests lies in their responsibilities. The former focuses on daily temple affairs and basic cultivation, while the latter conducts Taoist rituals. Taoism stipulates that drawing talismans requires obtaining a “practicing certificate” from the heavenly realm through a talismanic ceremony. The rank of the talisman directly determines the type and effectiveness of the talisman: the core of the process. The officiator must possess higher professional skills and qualities. Ordinary Taoist priests, without a talisman or possessing only a primary talisman (such as the Zhengyi Dugong talisman), can only draw basic talismans (such as peace and safety talismans and home security talismans) under the guidance of a high-level Taoist priest. They simply draw directly after burning incense and chanting mantras, lacking crucial steps like stepping on the celestial energy (Gang quan), pinching fingers, and visualizing. Without cultivating inner alchemy, they can only draw talismans from external “spiritual energy,” resulting in short-lived and unstable effects. High-ranking Taoist priests typically possess high-ranking talismans (such as the Zhengyi Mengwei talisman and the Shangqing Wulei talisman) and can draw high-ranking talismans (such as talismans for exorcism, rain-praying, and thunder-summoning). For example, those holding the Wulei talisman can mobilize the gods of the Thunder Department, and their talismans possess even greater deterrent power. The talisman of a high-ranking Taoist priest symbolizes their official position in the immortal realm, and their talismans act as “official documents” that can directly reach the heavenly court.The practice requires setting up an altar, inviting the gods, practicing the Seven Star Steps, chanting specific incantations (such as the Jade Purity Steps and the Heavenly Master Steps), and employing incantations (such as “Ji Ji Ru Lv Ling”) and magical instruments (such as tokens and swords). For example, drawing a house-protecting talisman must be performed during the Chen hour (when earth energy is strong), while drawing a thunder-summoning talisman requires the Seven Star Steps of the Big Dipper during the Yin hour (when yang energy is rising). Through the practice of “internal cultivation to form an elixir, external application to form a method,” one’s own essence, energy, and spirit merge with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. For example, when drawing a talisman, a high-ranking practitioner of the Zhengyi school transfers the “innate qi” (pre-natal qi) from their dantian through the tip of their brush, transforming the talisman into a medium for the “unity of heaven and man.” This spiritual power transcends the limitations of time and space; for example, the “Five Thunder Talisman” drawn by a high-ranking practitioner can resonate thousands of miles away. High-ranking Taoist priests must adhere to strict rituals and regulations when drawing talismans, passing the “Three Gates” (disciple-disciple, spiritual cultivation, and ritual) to ensure the flow of spiritual energy. Ordinary Taoist priests must rely on the lineage of a high-ranking Taoist priest to draw talismans, while high-ranking Taoist priests are themselves the inheritors of the lineage and can independently draw on the spiritual energy of their ancestors. The fundamental difference lies in whether one possesses the qualifications and ability to connect heaven and earth and command spirits and gods.
1. Wearing Position and Method Must be worn above the waist (e.g., on the chest); do not place in trouser pockets. Wearing the talisman below the waist is considered disrespectful and will offend the spirits, rendering the talisman ineffective. The talisman should be placed in a dedicated talisman bag or red envelope. Do not open it or add other items to the bag. Keep the talisman intact and clean to avoid external interference with its magnetic field; adding items to the talisman may disrupt its energy field.
2. Daily Behavior Taboos Avoid contamination: It is best to remove the talisman before using the toilet, bathing, or having sex, and place it in a clean place. Filthy auras can damage the talisman’s spiritual power, causing it to lose its effectiveness or damage its spirituality. Keep your hands clean and wash them before handling the talisman. Do not casually examine or touch the talisman. Show respect by avoiding unclean hands or frequent disturbances that could affect its spiritual power. Avoid contact with others; try not to let others see or touch your talisman. Prevent others’ chaotic aura or negative thoughts from interfering with the talisman’s unique magnetic field.
3. Special Notes for Special Groups During menstruation, women should avoid touching the talisman with their bare hands, but can carry it in a carry-on bag. Traditionally, it is believed that menstrual blood can damage the talisman’s spiritual power, but carrying it in a bag is a workaround.
4. Talisman Storage Protect from moisture, water, and damage: Avoid getting talismans wet or soaked in sweat, which can cause the writing to become blurred or damaged. Damaged or illegible talismans indicate damage to the carrier, dissipating their spiritual power and making them unsuitable for further use. When not in use, store them in a clean, tidy, and elevated location, such as a drawer or cabinet, as a sign of respect. Avoid leaving them in unclean places.
5. Validity and a Good Ending Most talismans have a validity period of one year and must be properly disposed of and replaced upon expiration. After a year of protection from the talisman spirit, the spiritual power will naturally diminish as merit is fulfilled. Special talismans or those drawn by highly skilled practitioners may have a longer validity period. Expired, damaged, or tainted talismans should be reverently burned (for example, at a crossroads, with gold or silver paper) and silently thanked for the spirit’s grace. Do not discard them carelessly. End your talisman with a good beginning and a good end, expressing gratitude for the talisman spirit’s protection and letting go of the spiritual power with dignity. If necessary, mail it back to our shipping address, and we will deliver it on your behalf.
