Fengshen (封神儀式)
Bestowing Divine Mandate — The Living Consecration
Theory: Sealing the Spirit
Fengshen is the supreme act of a Liuren Fajiao master: formally recognising a spirit or deity and sealing it within a physical vessel. This is distinct from simple blessing — it creates a permanent spiritual residence. The term originates from the Shang-Zhou transition mythology but is re-interpreted through the Liuren lens as a living liturgical act.
Ritual Steps
- Altar Preparation: Set the main altar with the Three Pure Ones tablets, incense, fruit, and the object to be sealed.
- Invitation: Recite the Great Invitation Scroll (大請文) to formally summon the spirit.
- Identity Proclamation: The master reads the Fengshen Decree aloud, naming the spirit and its rank.
- Eye-Opening (開光): Using a consecrated brush, paint the eyes of the image with cinnabar ink while reciting the Eye-Opening Mantra.
- Sealing: Affix the Liuren seal (六壬印) to the back of the image to permanently bind the spirit.