Priests of Taoism perform two major rituals: the Golden Gate ritual and Sacrifice of Writings. In the Golden Gate ritual, the priest walks the pattern of the Ursa Minor constellation and meditates (Merkur). He then is escorted up a twelve story tower and descends as an elderly man (Merkur). The ritual presents the priest as an important figure in Taoism. The Sacrifice of Writings is where the chief cantor chants formulas while the priest, or Great Master, makes hidden gestures and breathes in multiple directions (Merkur). From there, the priest summons the twenty four energies and lights the incense burner (Merkur). The lighting of the burner shows the important steps a priest must take. The rituals performed by the priest show the mystical side to
Priests of Taoism perform two major rituals: the Golden Gate ritual and Sacrifice of Writings. In the Golden Gate ritual, the priest walks the pattern of the Ursa Minor constellation and meditates (Merkur). He then is escorted up a twelve story tower and descends as an elderly man (Merkur). The ritual presents the priest as an important figure in Taoism. The Sacrifice of Writings is where the chief cantor chants formulas while the priest, or Great Master, makes hidden gestures and breathes in multiple directions (Merkur). From there, the priest summons the twenty four energies and lights the incense burner (Merkur). The lighting of the burner shows the important steps a priest must take. The rituals performed by the priest show the mystical side to