收坛 (Shou Tan) - Closing Altar Procedure Images

Purpose

This folder contains images documenting the 收坛 (Shou Tan / Closing Altar) procedure, the essential ritual for properly concluding ritual work and dismissing deities with gratitude.

Content Focus

What This Folder Contains

• Gratitude expression gestures and postures
• Formal dismissal sequences
• Altar space sealing process
• Offering disposal methods
• Incense and candle extinguishing techniques
• Energy clearing and grounding
• Proper closing prayers and prostrations

Procedure Steps Documented

1. Gratitude Expressions - Thanking Liuren Immortal Master and Thirteen Guardians
2. Formal Dismissal - Respectfully releasing deities back to celestial realms
3. Sealing Altar Space - Closing energetic portals
4. Offering Disposal - Proper handling of ritual materials
5. Final Purification - Clearing residual energies

Naming Convention

ShouTan_[Step]_[Description]_[SequenceNumber].jpg

Examples:

• ShouTan_Gratitude_ThankingGesture_01.jpg
• ShouTan_Gratitude_Prostration_01.jpg
• ShouTan_Dismissal_FarewellStance_01.jpg
• ShouTan_Sealing_ClosingGesture_01.jpg
• ShouTan_Offerings_DisposalMethod_01.jpg
• ShouTan_Incense_ExtinguishingTechnique_01.jpg
• ShouTan_FinalPurification_EnergyClearing_01.jpg
• ShouTan_Complete_AltarAfterClosing_01.jpg

Teaching Level

Sanshanjiao (三山教) - Full formal procedure (Must be paired with Kaitan - opening cannot occur without eventual closing)

Importance

Images should emphasize:

• Prevention of Spiritual Debris - Why closing is essential
• Respectful Completion - Honoring deities properly
• Energy Management - Avoiding lingering vibrations
• Ritual Hygiene - Maintaining clean spiritual space

Traditional Saying

"开坛请神，闭坛送圣" (Kai tan qing shen, bi tan song sheng) "Open altar to invite deities, close altar to respectfully send off the sages"

Images should reference this paired relationship visually.

Duration

Standard procedure: 5-10 minutes (shorter than opening)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Images and captions should document:

• ❌ Abruptly ending ritual without proper dismissal
• ❌ Leaving offerings on altar for extended periods
• ❌ Failing to thank guardians individually
• ❌ Not sealing altar space energetically
• ✅ Complete gratitude sequence
• ✅ Proper timing for closing
• ✅ Respectful dismissal language

Connection to Opening

All Shoutan images should reference the essential pairing with Kaitan (开坛 / Opening Altar). Demonstrate through visual sequencing how opening and closing bookend ritual work.

Cross-References

Images in this folder are used on:

• shoutan.html - Main procedure page
• kaitan.html - Paired opening procedure
• teachings.html - Sanshanjiao section
• rituals.html - General altar practices

Teaching Level: Sanshanjiao (三山教)+ Procedure Category: Altar Closing/Dismissal Last Updated: December 30, 2025