Taoist Alchemy, Feng Shui & Internal Cultivation
Chinese magical systems emphasize harmony with natural forces rather than domination over them. From the precise art of feng shui to internal alchemy that transforms the body into an immortal vessel, these practices blend philosophy, cosmology, and practical technique.
Major Magical Systems
Internal Alchemy (內丹, Nèidān)
- Concept: Transform internal qi into spiritual gold, achieve immortality
- Three Treasures: Jing (essence), Qi (energy), Shen (spirit)
- Dantian Centers: Lower (physical), middle (emotional), upper (spiritual)
- Practices: Meditation, breathing exercises, visualization, sexual cultivation
- Goal: Create immortal embryo within, transcend physical death
Feng Shui (風水)
- Meaning: "Wind-Water" - art of harmonizing environments
- Qi Flow: Arranging spaces to optimize energy circulation
- Compass Schools: Using bagua and directions for placement
- Form Schools: Reading landscape features (mountains, rivers)
- Applications: Home layout, city planning, grave placement
Talismans & Seals (符咒, Fúzhòu)
- Fu Talismans: Written charms combining characters and symbols
- Protection: Ward off evil spirits, demons, disease
- Invocation: Summon deities or command spirits
- Materials: Red paper, cinnabar ink, blessed objects
- Activation: Burning, carrying, posting on doors
Divination Systems
- I Ching (易經): 64 hexagrams, yarrow stalks or coins
- Face Reading (面相): Character and fate from facial features
- Palm Reading (手相): Life path revealed in hand lines
- Four Pillars (四柱命理): Bazi astrology using birth data
- Dream Interpretation: Messages from spirits and subconscious
Martial Qi Cultivation
- Qigong (氣功): Exercises to cultivate and direct qi
- Taiji Quan (太極拳): Moving meditation, martial art
- Nei Gong (內功): Internal power development
- Iron Shirt: Hardening body through qi circulation
- Dim Mak: Death touch - striking vital points
Exorcism & Spirit Work
The Three Powers (三才, Sāncái)
Chinese magic recognizes three sources of power:
- Heaven (天, Tiān): Celestial qi, astrology, divine mandate
- Earth (地, Dì): Terrestrial qi, feng shui, geomancy
- Humanity (人, Rén): Personal qi, cultivation, moral virtue
Mastery requires harmonizing all three powers, not dominating nature but aligning with cosmic patterns.
Related Across the Mythos
Cross-Cultural Parallels
Magic Systems
- Japanese Magic - Onmyodo, shrine magic
- Hindu Magic - Tantra, mantras, yantras
- Buddhist Magic - Dharani, mudras
- Taoist Magic - Alchemy, talismans
Related Archetypes
Universal Magic Themes
- Alchemy - Transformation arts
- Energy Cultivation - Qi work
- Protective Magic - Talismans, wards
- Divination - I Ching, fate reading
🌍 Cross-Cultural Parallels - Magical Traditions
📚 See Also
- Spiritual Path - Cultivation stages
- Sacred Herbs - Alchemical ingredients
- Symbols - Magical seals and sigils
- Deities - Divine powers invoked
- Taoist Magic - Related practices