Talismans (符箓) is a term that refers to both fu (符) and lu (箓).
Fu (符) – Talisman
In Taoism, a talisman (fu) is believed to be naturally formed from celestial clouds, transcribed by immortals, and transmitted to the earthly realm. It is considered to have magical functions such as summoning or commanding spirits, protecting the five directions, subduing demons, healing illnesses, and dispelling disasters. The talismans passed down in Taoism are characterized by intricate, curved characters that resemble both images and written texts, primarily used to summon spirits and exorcise evil. They serve as proof of one’s initiation into Taoism and are also symbols of a Taoist priest’s authority to command divine beings and perform magical rites.
A fu consists of several components, including characters, astrological signs, and protective items. Some talismans also include depictions of deities, but the characters are the main element. The characters used to draw talismans are called fu zi (符字), and they have corresponding pronunciations, known as fu yin (符音). Talismans are composed of these fu zi along with other components, such as star charts, divine images, and protective items. Simple talismans may only consist of one or a few characters, while more complex ones combine many components, making them difficult to interpret. Since the structure of talismans can vary across different Taoist schools, and their creation is a closely guarded secret passed down from master to disciple, it is challenging for outsiders to understand the meanings and arrangement of these elements.
Talismans are widely used in Taoist rituals and ceremonies, such as altar setups, summoning deities, writing petitions, exorcising evil spirits, and performing rituals for fire and water. Taoists also use talismanic water for healing, protecting people from demons, and warding off evil spirits, so talismans are often found in popular folklore. Taoist talismans also influence folk customs, such as the practice of pasting talismans during the Dragon Boat Festival or carrying protective talisman bags.
Lu (箓) – Taoist Magical Codex
The lu, also known as the fa lu (法箓), is a document containing the names of divine officials and corresponding talismans, some of which also include images of deities. Taoists must possess the proper lu to summon divine officials and their armies for protection or to carry out rituals. At the same time, the lu also serves as a kind of binding contract for the practitioner. Over time, various schools of Taoism, such as the Zhengyi (Orthodox One), Lingbao, and Shangqing (Supreme Clarity) traditions, have developed distinct lu systems. These lu are often taught alongside specific talismans, collectively known as shou fu lu (授符箓) or shou lu (授箓), marking one’s initiation into the Taoist path and serving as a badge of spiritual progress. Schools that rely on lu for transmission and magical practices are known as the fu lu (符箓) schools. Among these, the Zhengyi school, for example, has developed thirty-six types of fa lu. To this day, the granting of a lu is a significant event in the religious activities of the Zhengyi school, and a grand ceremony must be held for the initiation. Only those who receive the lu are qualified to act as Taoist priests.
Incantations (咒术) – Taoist Magic
Incantations (zhou shu) are a form of Taoist magic that involves the recitation of sacred words to invoke divine protection, safeguard the spirit, or expel evil spirits.
Taoist incantations are diverse, with categories that cover a wide range of rituals and purposes. These can include protection for Taoist practitioners, blessings for daily activities (such as combing hair, bathing, eating, and clothing), and protective spells for traveling, such as the bi hu lang (避虎狼咒) to guard against tigers and wolves. Incantations permeate every aspect of Taoist life. During daily rituals, Taoists recite the Eight Great Incantations before their morning and evening prayers. When performing ritual ceremonies, they commonly recite the Wei Ling Zhou (卫灵咒) and the Jin Guang Shen Zhou (金光神咒) to protect the heart and mind, and to bestow divine powers. Other common incantations include the Shu Fu Zhou (书符咒) for writing talismans, the Fa Fu Zhou (发符咒) for using talismans, the Zhao Jiang Zhou (召将咒) for summoning generals, the Kai Yin Zhou (开印咒) for activating seals, the Shang Xiang Zhou (上香咒) for incense offerings, and the Bu Gang Zhou (步罡咒) for walking the magical steps (bu gang). There are also specific incantations for curing illnesses, invoking rain or sunshine, and summoning deities or expelling demons. When reciting incantations, Taoists often accompany their chanting with hand gestures (jiaos).
An incantation is believed to be a mystical language that can influence or command spirits and natural forces. It is often combined with energy control techniques, such as qi manipulation, to bind spirits or natural forces, a practice known as jin zhou (禁咒). Sometimes, the incantation is accompanied by talismans, creating a combination known as fu zhou (符咒). Taoists may also use intermediary objects, such as talismanic water or talismanic dates, which possess magical powers after being enchanted. Incantations are used widely across various Taoist practices, including magic, rituals, and self-cultivation, as they are believed to command spirits, subdue demons, protect the living, and elevate individuals to immortality. This has led to a vast array of incantations.
Taoism inherited its incantation practices from shamanism and expanded them, also integrating some Buddhist elements. However, Taoist incantations have their own distinct characteristics. For example, Taoist incantations frequently use phrases such as “Ru Lü Ling” (如律令), “Ji Ji Ru Lü Ling” (急急如律令), or “Tai Shang Lao Jun Ji Ji Ru Lü Ling” (太上老君急急如律令). These phrases imply that the incantation must be carried out according to divine laws, with consequences for non-compliance.
The structure of Taoist incantations often indicates that they are divinely bestowed, and hence possess divine power. The use of names such as “Tai Shang Lao Jun” (太上老君), “Shen Xiao Yu Qing Zhen Wang” (神霄玉清真王), and “Tian Shi” (天师) directly invokes the names of revered deities, commanding divine officials and subduing evil spirits. For lower-level deities or spirits under the control of the Taoist priest, their names are directly addressed, demonstrating the priest’s authority. Incantations also highlight the command-like nature of the spell, with phrases such as “Ru Lü Ling” emphasizing that the command must be executed, or else punishment will follow. Taoist incantations are therefore practical and goal-oriented, reflecting the Chinese cultural emphasis on solving immediate problems, with peace being considered a blessing.
When reciting an incantation, practitioners often visualize the corresponding deities or spiritual images in their mind to align their internal energy with the intended purpose of the incantation. This process, known as jin zhou or qi jin (气禁), is believed to enhance the efficacy of the spell by aligning the practitioner’s energy with the divine power invoked.
