The types of Taoist ritual implements are diverse, with variations in their manufacture and size spanning from ancient times to the present day. While there have been changes in their production over time, the symbolic meanings conveyed by these implements remain consistent. The primary purpose of Taoist ritual implements is threefold: first, to facilitate communication with the heavens during rituals, as the sounds produced by these implements can reach the heavens and penetrate the earth, fostering a connection between heaven and humanity; second, to serve as protective talismans against malevolent forces during rituals conducted in Taoist temples; and third, to be carried or placed in rooms to dispel negative energy and enhance the surrounding environment's magnetic field. Now let's take a closer look at the specific types of Taoist ritual implements.
Token
The token in Taoism originates from the ancient tiger tally used to command armies. Similar to the tiger tally, which allowed its holder to command troops at will and wield military authority, the token in Taoism enables adept Taoist masters to summon deities, command heavenly soldiers and generals, escort spirits, ward off evil spirits, and even manipulate the weather. It is an indispensable ritual implement in Taoist ceremonies.
There are many types of tokens, such as the Five Thunder Token, Three Pure Ones Token, Supreme Old Lord Token, and Underworld Token. The Five Thunder Token is typically round on top and square at the bottom, symbolizing heaven and earth, respectively. Some tokens are made of wood, while others are made of metal. Larger tokens are usually used during rituals, while smaller ones can be carried on one's person.
Peach Wood Sword
Peach wood is considered one of the five essential woods and is also known as celestial wood. Peach wood itself has the ability to ward off evil spirits. Swords made of peach wood are believed to have the power to protect households, attract blessings, ward off evil, and attract wealth. The sword's blade is often engraved with talismans, the five stars, and the Big Dipper, typically carved by hand.
Copper Coin Sword
The copper coin sword is made by stringing together copper coins with red thread to form the shape of a sword. The more coins used, the stronger the sword's magical power. Besides warding off evil spirits, the copper coin sword is also used in Feng Shui to regulate the flow of energy, dissipate harmful earth qi, and has excellent effects in dispelling malevolent forces. The sword is round on the outside and square on the inside, with the round representing heaven, the square representing earth, and the Yellow Emperor's emblem in the middle representing humanity, expressing traditional concepts such as "heaven, earth, and humanity" and "the three realms."
Command Flag
The command flag also has its origins in ancient armies, where it was used to convey orders and commands. Similarly, in Taoism, the command flag represents the authority to issue commands to heavenly soldiers and generals. The flag is triangular with serrated red edges, and the pole is typically made of rattan. There are five directional command flags: the eastern flag is green, associated with wood; the southern flag is red, associated with fire; the western flag is white, associated with metal; the northern flag is black, associated with water; and the central flag is yellow, associated with earth. The command flag is also an important ritual implement in Taoism.
Wooden Fish
The wooden fish was first used in Taoist temples during the Tang Xuanzong's reign. There are two types of wooden fish: circular ones, commonly used during morning and evening lessons, and elongated ones, used to gather followers.
Sanqing Bell
The Sanqing bell is both a ritual implement and a musical instrument, also known as the Emperor's Bell or Dharma Bell. Its sound is pleasing to human ears but piercing to demons and monsters. The upper end of the Sanqing bell handle is called the "sword," shaped like the character "山" (mountain), symbolizing the Three Pure Ones. During rituals, the ritual master often holds it with one hand and swings it in a rhythmic manner to invite the presence of the saints. However, when not in use, care must be taken to hold the tongue inside the bell to avoid making noise. Some Sanqing bells are inscribed with symbols, deities, or scriptures.
Buffalo Horn
The buffalo horn is crescent-shaped with a concave back and is typically used in pairs. When praying to spirits, the buffalo horn is thrown to the ground to discern the intentions of the spirits regarding the matter being prayed for. The buffalo horn is the simplest method for determining the intentions of ghosts and gods and is commonly used in many situations. During ceremonies, it can be used to divine the intentions of the spirits.
Tianpeng Ruler
Named after the celestial marshal Tianpeng, who is a divine general of the Thunder Department and one of the four saints of the North Pole, Tianpeng rulers are typically made of peach wood or iron. The Tianpeng ruler is quadrangular, with twenty-eight mansions, sun, moon, the titles of the Purple Emperor, the title of Tianpeng Marshal, the six stars of the Southern Dipper, and the seven stars of the Northern Dipper engraved on its six sides. The Tianpeng ruler also serves another purpose, as it can be used to spank disciples when they make mistakes.
Talisman Seal
Talisman seals are commonly used implements in the Zhengyi school of Taoism. Various talismans are adorned with different seals, enhancing their potency and enabling them to address different situations. During rituals, Taoist priests apply these talismans to spirit tables or altars through offerings, incense burning, and recitations, serving the purpose of exorcism and protection. Talismans can also be placed on the body or within homes to ward off evil energies.
Gourd:
Used for exorcism and blessings, symbolizing auspiciousness and fulfillment of wishes. The homonym for "gourd" in Chinese sounds like "fortune and prosperity," while the roots of the gourd plant, known as "man belts," sound like "ten thousand generations." Combined, they convey the auspicious meaning of "fortune, prosperity, and longevity." Taoism believes that gourds can absorb all energies, including malevolent ones, from the heavens and earth, thus possessing the ability to ward off evil and calamity. Ancient Taoist priests often carried gourds during their travels, as they served not only as containers for water but also as Taoist implements for repelling malevolent energies.
Taoist implements come in various forms, and there are many other implements not mentioned here, such as ritual cords, prayer beads, and ruyi scepters, each with its unique purpose.