Taoist Pantheon

[~ Monk ~]

I was wondering if anyone here follows the Taoist pantheon at all. I'm really just starting out researching this area and was kind of surprised to even find something considered a Taoist pantheon because I've never really linked Taoism with specific gods or goddesses...

[Mnemosyne]

Hi Shpongle! :)
No, I don't follow the Taoist pantheon. I was just reading up on Taoism two weeks ago. I was reading more about the philosophical points of the Way instead of the pantheon though. Here's some interesting info that I learned though.

Have you heard of the Eight Immortals? Well, these Eight Immortals all gained eternal life because they were good examples of those who followed Taoism well. Each Immortal represents good behavior. If we follow each of their examples, we can gain more enlightment. I found this myth entertaining. These Eight Immortals are able to fly, have magical powers, and drink lots. I'll try to find a website that you tells you their stories.

[Hamelyn]

Taoism is interesting. It's probobly the best "word" for some of my core beliefs, I suppose. I don't know much about any specific pantheons, however.

Discussing the Tao is weird, though, because it's more something you do... it's... strange. The stories of the Eight Immortals would be a good read, though!

[Mythrel]

I have to say I'd like to read that as well... So I will wait patiently by for the link too!! hehee

[Ravens_Tears]

I wasn't aware there was a pantheon either, so I am interested in the link as well.:)

[Mnemosyne]

Hey, welcome back, Hamelyn! I haven't seen you in a while.

Yes, discussing Taoism is kind of weird for me too. When I was reading up on it a few weeks ago, I wanted to a good definition on the belief. However, I read that you can't define Tao/ The Way.

Here's a link.
http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/gods.html

[Hamelyn]

'Ello, 'Ello, Big Momma Muse. *winks* Good to be back.

Thanks for da link. *nods* Taoism isn't something you practice so much as be. The reason that so many followers of the Way feel that it can't be defined is that it stems from following a being's inner nature, and thus, it is mutable. From what I understand, it is similar to Wicca's doctrine of allowing everyone to walk their own paths. There's more to it than that, of course, but that's a good gist of the reasoning.

I suggest The Tao of Pooh. Seriously. And just about anything by Richard Bach.

[Ravens_Tears]

I agree with you Hamelyn. I am taoist. A solitaire. I follow the philosophy. And there are a lot of similarities between tao and wicca. Another good author when it comes to Taoism is Alan Watts. I'm going to print this off and give it a perusal, should be interesting...;)

[~ Monk ~]

Originally posted by Hamelyn
Thanks for da link. *nods* Taoism isn't something you practice so much as be. The reason that so many followers of the Way feel that it can't be defined is that it stems from following a being's inner nature, and thus, it is mutable. From what I understand, it is similar to Wicca's doctrine of allowing everyone to walk their own paths. There's more to it than that, of course, but that's a good gist of the reasoning.

Exactly - discussing Tao can be a bit of a challenge! Even Lao Tzu said something to the effect of how one cannot really describe the Tao (I don't have his exact wording in front of me unfortunately), which is pretty ironic considering he's credited with writing the Tao-te-Ching. :D

From what I've read and studied, Taoism does indeed share Wicca's openness to all paths as it isn't a religion at all but, as you say Hamelyn, a way of being. I've found the two work together beautifully.

If anyone is interested in diving in a bit deeper, I highly recommend this web site:

http://www.taoism.net/html.html

There are some great articles and stories there, and I really enjoy the Tao Living section. There are some really nice reflections on various chapters of the Tao-te-Ching. If anyone is interested in a few more Taoism links, let me know and I'll post 'em.

[~ Monk ~]

Originally posted by Mnemosyne

Hey, welcome back, Hamelyn! I haven't seen you in a while.

Yes, discussing Taoism is kind of weird for me too. When I was reading up on it a few weeks ago, I wanted to a good definition on the belief. However, I read that you can't define Tao/ The Way.

Here's a link.
http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/gods.html

Thanks for this link, Mnemosyne. Here are a few more dieties that are apparently associated with Taoism:

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Dark Lord of the North. Lord Xuan Wu (variously called The Dark Lord of the North, The Lord of True Martiality, the North Lord Xuan Wu, Lord Black, The Lord of Black Martiality, etc.) is one of the most widely revered Gods of traditional China, ranking in popularity behind only Guan Yin and Guan Gong. The God is usually depicted in black robes, holding a sword and sometimes wearing a jade belt. His long black hair flows freely down his back. Lord Xuan Wu is always depicted with a tortoise and a snake, sometimes beneath one of his feet. He is revered as a powerful God, able to control the elements (worshipped by those wishing to avoid fires), and capable of great magic. He is particularly revered by martial artists, and is the 'patron saint' of Wudang Mountain in China's Hubei Province, where he allegedly attained immortality. The name "wudang" roughly translates as "only Xuan Wu deserves it."

Dou Mu (Star Mother). Dou Mu is the Mother of the Plough (the seven stars of the Big Dipper). She is generally depicted with three eyes in each of her four faces (one in each major direction). She has four arms on each side of her body. Two of her hands are held together, palm to palm, while the other six hold a sun, moon, bell, golden seal, bow, and halberd. Dou Mu is regarded as holding a very senior position in the Taoist heirarchy, and she is credited with the ability to save people from many types of evil and trouble. Her birthday is celebrated on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month. There are famous Temples to Dou Mu at Tai Mountain in Shandong, at the White Cloud Monastery in Beijing, Qian Mountain in Liaoning, and Weibao Mountain in Yunnan.

Guan Yin. Guan Yin (the Hearer of the Cries of the World) is undoubtedly the most popular of all Chinese Deities. China was once littered with Temples dedicated to Guan Yin, and she was worshipped by both Buddhists and Taoists, by men and women, by rich and poor people. Guan Yin has been depicted at times as a man and at times as a woman, but the female image has proven more popular in modern times. She is commonly depicted as a young, pretty woman, with red lips, often wearing a lace or brocade robe, carrying a willow branch (right hand) and a vase (left hand). She is regarded as a savior from all types of misfortune, one who would uphold justice and provide fortune on the needy. She is also regarded as a bestower of children for infertile or childless women.

Guan Gong. Guan Gong, or Guan Yu, was the object of the second most prevalent Taoist cult in traditional China (behind the cult dedicated to Guan Yin). He was a highly decorated military general during China's Warring States Period (220 AD - 280 AD), and was regarded as a strong and able military officer who possessed an outstanding degree of loyalty. Despite his military abilities, and due to his unwavering loyalty, Guan Gong was killed in battle. He was almost immediately revered as an Immortal, and throughout many succeeding centuries people continued to believe in Guan Gong's Heavenly promotions. Guan Gong is typically depicted as a large man with a long black beard. He is either standing or seated at a desk. His countenance is always stern, and his face is red. Standing behind Guan Gong are always his assistants, General Zhou Cang and the white-faced General Guan Ping (Guan Gong's son). Guan Gong always holds his long-handled, double-edged broadsword. Guan Gong is venerated by those concerned with loyalty, military affairs, commerce, giving birth to sons, exorcising spirits, etc.

Lao Tzu (or Laozi). Lao Tzu is perhaps the most famous of all Taoist Deities. According to Taoist legend, he was an older contemporary of Confucius who was born as an old man. He came from a minor aristocratic family, and gradually developed a system of Taoist mysticism and philosophy. As Laozi finally rejected society and rode off to the "uncivilized" west, he was stopped and persuaded to write down his thoughts. Those thoughts are comprised in the Dao De Jing/Tao-te-Ching. Lao Tzu's success in personal cultivation enabled him to become one of Taoism's most powerful Deities.
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Lao Tzu's history seems to be different depending on where you look. He was either a contemporary of Confucius or a mythical character.

If anyone wants to see a few more dieties just say so - I didn't want to make this post too long. ;)

[Sylv]

This information is awesome-thanks for it! I especially like this:

One day Han Ching-li and Lu Tung-pin found him and asked him what he was doing. He replied that he was studying the Tao. "What is that and where is it?" they asked. He pointed first to the sky and then to his heart. Then they realized that he understood and they gave him the recipe for perfection.

[Mnemosyne]

Thanks for all the information on Taoism, you guys! :) I continued my search for Taoist deities; however, I could not find much info on the net. Whenever I want to find out about particular deities, I go to www.pantheon.org. I went to this site and typed Taoism for my search and got a lot of deities and info.