Figure 1.147. The "Steps of Yu," is used for invocation.
This three dimensional pattern was originally used to
demonstrate the energetic and spiritual union of Heaven and Earth. It magically reveals the combined circular
"Tread" pattern of "Terrestrial Regulation" and the Big Dipper "Flight" pattern into the "Celestial Realm."
Wen Jiao (Removing Plague Ritual)
There are many types of Daoist magic rituals used
to remove plague. The Wenjiao are special "offering
rituals" performed in order to remove epidemics.
Sometimes known as"Sending off the Plague Spirits,"
this magical ritual features the "floating away" or
burning of a specially designed ''Plague Boat"
(also known as a "Dragon Boat").
According to the Daofa Huiyuan
(The Corpus of Daoist Rituals), the officiating priest
must first consecrate the altar by performing the
"The Steps of Yu" (Figure 1.147).
Next, 13 different groups of spirits are invited to
descend to the altar, including celestial immortals and
protective deities (groups 1-4); local and household
deities (groups 5-7); plague spirits, such as the 12
Kings of Epidemic (groups 8-11): and other demonic
'orces that are believed to be responsible for suffering.
In this ritual, the priest will use a small boat to expel
the plague spirits and other demonic creatures.
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To begin, all of the celestial immortals,
plague spirits and demonic creatures are invited
to a special banquet held in their honor.
Food is served according to each groups personal
preference (i.e., the plague spirits and other demonic
creatures receive dishes of meat;
while the celestial immortals and protective deities
receive vegetarian dishes and incense).
The ritual master proceeds to read a statement
which describes the plague spirits and
demonic creatures as carrying out Heaven's Will
by observing human behavior, rewarding the good
and punishing the wicked. The text also warns that
those who follow after the Dao will flourish,
while those who resist the Dao will perish.
After the statement has been read, the priest orders
the Celestial Marshal Generals who are serving him
to capture all of the plague deities and force them
onto the boat. The boat is then sealed with magic
talismans, taken to the river and set on fire.