Worshiping the Dipper, also known as "worshiping the stars" or "paying homage to the Dipper", is a fasting and sacrificial ritual (zhaijiao) held in Taoism to ward off disasters, pray for blessings, and prolong life.
Zhuge Liang once held a ritual of worshiping the Dipper. From the Six Dynasties to the Song Dynasty, such rituals became widespread. It involves paying homage to various immortals and divine beings, including Holy Virtue Great Light Heavenly Queen Marici the Great Sage, Primordial Dipper Mother Yuanjun, the Primordial “Tianzun” of the True Sect of the Dipper and Polaris, the Numinous Treasure “Tianzun” of the Mysterious Sect of the Dipper and Polaris, the Dao De “Tianzun” of the Immortal Sect of the Dipper and Polaris, the Jade Emperor of the Upper Palace of the Jade Dipper, the Heavenly Emperor of the Left Palace of the Jade Dipper, the Purple Weft Emperor of the Right Palace of the Jade Dipper, the Earth Emperor of the Inner Palace of the Jade Dipper, the Six Directors of the Southern Dipper and the Star Lord of Extending Life, the Nine Sovereigns of the Northern Dipper and the Star Lord of Extending Life and Alleviating Calamities of the Upper Dao, the Star Lord of Recording Fates and Protecting Lives of the Eastern Dipper, the Star Lord of Recording Names and Protecting Bodies of the Western Dipper, the Great Chief Star Lord of Protecting Lives of the Central Dipper, the Three Star Lords of Fortune, Prosperity and Longevity, the Three Thousand Envoys of Nanling, the Seven Thousand Divine Generals of the Northern Dipper, the Supporters of the Three Heavens, the Performers of the Dipper's Truth on behalf of the teachings, the Boundless Literary Salvation “Tianzun”，as well as all the true sages and divine beings who expound scriptures and transmit the Dharma.
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Worshipping the Dipper: A Daoist Ritual
In the celestial tapestry of Daoist traditions, the ritual of Worshipping the Dipper (拜斗, Bàidǒu), also known as *Bowing to the Stars*, holds a sacred place. This ceremonial practice involves offerings and prayers to the star deities, particularly those of the Big Dipper and other constellations, to seek protection, dispel calamities, and pray for longevity and blessings. Rooted in Daoism’s reverence for the cosmos, this ritual connects the earthly realm to the divine stars, fostering harmony and spiritual well-being.
The Purpose of Worshipping the Dipper
The *Worshipping the Dipper* ritual is a solemn act of veneration, aimed at invoking the celestial powers of star deities such as the Dipper Mother (Doumu), the Jade Emperor, and the South and North Dipper Star Lords. Daoist priests perform intricate chants and offerings to honor these deities, seeking to eliminate disasters, extend lifespan, and attract divine blessings. The ritual invokes celestial protectors to safeguard participants, ensuring health, prosperity, and spiritual harmony.
Historically, this ritual gained prominence from the time of Zhuge Liang in the Three Kingdoms period and flourished through the Six Dynasties to the Song Dynasty. Performed as part of *Jiao* ceremonies, it involves salutations to a pantheon of star deities, including the Three Stars of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity, and the divine generals of the North and South Dippers. The ceremony concludes with expressions of gratitude, reinforcing the spiritual bond with the cosmos.
Cultural and Symbolic Elements
The ritual is steeped in Daoist cosmology, with the yin-yang symbol at its core, representing the balance between the earthly and celestial realms. Golden decorative elements evoke the radiant light of the stars, while offerings and chants serve as a bridge to the divine cosmos. These symbols reflect Daoism’s reverence for the celestial order, celebrating the star deities’ roles as protectors and benefactors of humanity.
For those captivated by Daoist traditions, the *Worshipping the Dipper* ritual offers a profound window into the spiritual depth of Chinese culture. It embodies the reverence for the cosmos as a source of divine guidance and protection. This timeless practice continues to inspire awe, fostering a sacred connection between humanity and the celestial realm.
