Within Chinese metaphysical tradition (玄学), cinnabar (朱砂) is revered as the “Essence of Heaven and Earth’s Supreme Yang.” Its red color corresponds to the Fire element (火) and connects to the Heart. Historically, it was the premier material for Daoist talismans (符), imperial decrees, and medicinal calming formulas. The Compendium of Materia Medica (本草纲目) honored it as a “Sacred Substance embodying the essence of the Sun and Moon.”
Our paper is crafted from raw ore from the Chenzhou mines, meticulously ground. Using ancient papermaking methods, it is infused with pine soot ink and aged rice paste, undergoing Nine Sun-Dryings and Nine Clarifications (九晒九澄). The result: color that endures for years and paper imbued with Righteous Qi (正气).
Threefold Cultural Essence
Daoist Principles: The Foundation of Talismans (道法自然·符箓之基)
Five Elements Interaction: Vessel of Fortune (五行相生·福运载体)
Folk Craftsmanship: The Warmth of Artisan Spirit (民俗巧工·匠心温度)
Following the ancient precepts of the Seven Bamboo Tablets of the Cloudy Satchel (云笈七签): “Without Cinnabar, there is no efficacy; without Sincerity, there is no response.” The paper surface is smooth yet ink-resistant. When writing, the brush moves fluidly like “dragon and serpent” (龙蛇), allowing the “Talisman Head” (符头) and “Talisman Core” (符胆) to be completed in one breath. This is the very type of cinnabar-based paper used by Celestial Master Zhang (张天师) for his protective talismans.
Vermilion’s Fire (朱砂赤火): Dispels Yin darkness (阴) and malevolent forces (邪祟), like the rising sun banishing gloom.
Paper’s Metal (宣纸白金 – made from Qingtan bark from Jing County): Metal (金) generates Water (水), nourishing the ink; Water nourishes Wood (木), carrying auspicious patterns (祥纹).
Pine Soot Ink’s Water (松烟墨玄水): Ink penetrating the paper resembles rivers gathering blessings, aligning with the principle “Water Gathers Wealth” (水聚财源).
Each sheet undergoes “Sun-drying in the height of summer, pounding in the depth of winter” (三伏晒纸，三九捶打). Artisans massage the paper with tung oiled palms, ensuring the fibers absorb the cinnabar fully. Held to light, fine Chenzhou cinnabar (辰砂)particles shimmer – the “Golden Foil Through the Bone” (金箔透骨) effect unique to genuine cinnabar crystal paper.
Application Scenarios
Festive Blessings: Handwrite “Heaven and Earth Increase Radiance” (天地增辉)for door lintels; its red glow guards the home like a torch.
Business Opening: Ink a Pi Xiu Wealth-Inviting Talisman (貔貅招财符) to secure prosperity in the accounts office.
Cultural Heritage: Practice calligraphy by copying the Lingfei Jing (灵飞经) on this paper; cultivating writing skill also nurtures Righteous Qi (浩然之气).
Elegant Gift: Roll into a scroll tied with five-color silk thread (五色丝线), gifted to students symbolizing “Vermilion Robe Touching the Forehead” (朱衣点额 – an allusion to scholarly success).
Usage Notes
※ Cinnabar is a mineral pigment. After writing, let dry naturally in shade. Do not touch wet ink.
※ Not suitable for infants or pregnant women to handle raw paper. Laminated finished products are safe.
※ Custom pieces are recommended to be stored sealed for preservation.
Custom Talisman Service
Items sold on our website are mass-produced products suitable for placing within phone cases, intended to “Avert Misfortune and Invite Fortune” (逢凶化吉、招财起运).
Daoist talismanic script (符咒) is a mystical symbolic system within Chinese religious culture. Its value lies not only in faith-based practice but also in embodying ancient philosophical understandings of cosmic order. For custom requests, please contact customer service or email. Provide your birth date (Gregorian and preferably Chinese lunar calendar) for a talisman uniquely attuned to your needs via traditional methods.
Common Talisman Types
| Type | Example Talismans | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Five Thunders Fu (五雷符), Bagua Fu (八卦符) | Ward off evil, ensure safety, prevent ghostly disturbance. |
| Healing | Dispel Plague Fu (解瘟符), Calm Spirit Fu (安魂符) | Aid healing with incantations (within Daoist medical tradition). |
| Summoning | Summon Generals Fu (召将符), Six Ding Six Jia Fu (六丁六甲符) | Command deities or protector spirits. |
| Feng Shui | Protect Dwelling Fu (镇宅符), Break Ground Fu (破土符) | Harmonize Feng Shui (风水), resolve negative energies (煞气). |
| Ritual | Open Altar Fu (开坛符), Cross Over Souls Fu (度亡符) | Used in Daoist ceremonies (斋醮), particularly for guiding souls. |
Classic Talisman Examples:
Taishang Laojun Command Talisman (太上老君敕令符): Invokes Laozi’s power to suppress evil, common on door talismans.
Celestial Master Zhang’s Demon-Subduing Talisman (张天师镇妖符):Passed down by Zhang Daoling (founder of Zhengyi Daoism), used to subdue demons.
Nine Heavens Mystic Lady Seal (九天玄女印): Talisman of the female deity, associated with wisdom and protection.
The Three Key Elements Combined
Talisman Creation Ritual
Usage Taboos
Concentration (存想): The ritual master visualizes the deity’s form, focusing spiritual energy.
Hand Seals (手诀): Specific gestures (e.g., Sword Finger, Five Thunders Seal) direct energy.
Pacing the Dipper (踏罡步斗): Walking according to star constellations to commune with Heaven and Earth.
Choosing the Time (择时): Often during the Hour of the Rat (子时 – 11 PM-1 AM), or auspicious Yang days like Dragon Boat Festival (端午) or the Three Primes Festivals (三元节 – Shangyuan, Zhongyuan, Xiayuan).
Purifying the Altar (净坛): Setting up an altar with incense, pure water, and a peachwood sword. The master bathes and fasts.
Consecrating Brush and Paper (敕笔敕纸): Using incantations to imbue the tools with spiritual power.
Talisman paper must not be defiled or come into contact with blood.
Burning a talisman requires reciting a “Spirit-Sending Incantation” (送神咒) to avoid backlash of spiritual energy.
Imitation by non-practitioners is often ineffective, as Daoism emphasizes “Master-Disciple Transmission” (师承) and “Internal Cultivation” (内修).
Custom Talismans
All bespoke talismans are inscribed by Daoist ritual masters (符师) from the sacred Wudang Mountains (武当山) – a renowned Daoist mountain and birthplace of Wudang martial arts, celebrated as the “Unparalleled Divine Realm Under Heaven, Foremost Immortal Mountain.”(Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994). Crafted on Xuan paper with cinnabar, they carry profound auspiciousness (福缘深厚).
Custom Process: Requires advance email consultation.（Email:support@5thougift.com） Production time: 20-45 days. Fee: $399【Symbolism: 3 embodies the Daoist concept of “Three-Three Infinity” (三三无尽); 9 represents “Nine Cycles to Completion” (九转圆满)】.