What is Six Sovereigns 六御?

What is Six Sovereigns 六御?

Paul Peng
In Taoism, there was the concept of "Liuyu" (Six Sovereigns), which refers to the celestial deities who govern the six directions. They are:
  • Haotian Jinque Wushang Zhizun Ziran Miaoyou Milaozhizhen Yuhuang Shangdi, who rules over all heavens;
  • Gouchen Shanggong Tianhuang Dadi, who rules over all thunder;
  • Zhongtian Ziwei Beiji Dadi, who rules over all stars;
  • Dongji Qinghua Dadi, who rules over all creatures;
  • Nanji Changsheng Dadi, who rules over all spirits;
  • Chengtian Xiaofa Houtu Huangdiqi, who rules over all lands.
This concept originates from the ancient Chinese idea of "Liuhe" (Six Harmonies), which refers to the vast space of the universe, namely the upper, lower, and four directions (east, west, south, north).
108 Articles

Part of the Series

This article is part of our comprehensive guide covering all core Taoist philosophies, concepts, and practices — curated from the classic Encyclopedia of Taoism.

View Full Guide → ✦ Explore All Topics

More in This Series

Paul Peng — Zhengyi Taoist Priest, Longhu Mountain

About the Author

Paul Peng

Paul Peng is a Zhengyi Taoist priest from Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi — the ancestral home of the Celestial Masters' tradition. Ordained at 25 after a dream from the Celestial Master, he has practiced for 25 years under Master Zeng Guangliang. He is the curator of this store, which is officially authorized by Tianshi Fu. All items are consecrated at the temple by the resident priest team.

Read his full story →
Back to blog
PREVIOUS ARTICLE
The Grand Penitential Liturgy of the Jade Repository

The Grand Penitential Liturgy of the Jade Repository 太上灵宝玉匮明真大斋忏方仪

Read More ←
No Next Article

Leave a comment

Beginner's Package

View all

Taoist Talismans

View all

Collections

View all
1 4
View all

Popular Items

Year 2026 FAN TAISUI Talisman Personal Protection TAISUI FU 太岁符

Year 2026 FAN TAISUI Talisman Personal Protection TA...

 The Mountain Ghost Thunder Lord Blessing Coin Pendant

The Mountain Ghost Thunder Lord Blessing Coin Pendant

 Consecrated Taoist I Ching Bagua Guardian Bracelet 已开光道教易经八卦护佑手串

Consecrated Taoist I Ching Bagua Guardian Bracelet 已...

 Consecrated Lightning Jujube Wood Gourd for Fortune & Harmony 玉化雷击枣木平安护身符已开光

Consecrated Lightning Jujube Wood Gourd for Fortune ...

Hot Articles

What is The Taoism? What is the Tao in Taoism? About the Dao De Jing What is taoist feng shui? What is Taoist inner alchemy? What is offending taisui or fan taisui?

Latest Articles

Lan Ta: The Excessive Improper Sacrificial Practice 兰它 Shang Ji: Dried Fish Offering in Zhou Ancestral Rite 商祭 Pei Xiang: Attendant Offering in Zhou Temple Sacrifice 配享 Jie Tiao: The Pre-Feast Offering to the Corpse-Spirit 接条