The 28 Constellations 二十八星宿 is a metaphysical concept within Saam Law Tao, not merely a reference to astrology or the stars in the sky. Instead, it aligns with the understanding of the “Seven Stars” or “Nine Stars.” Why, then, is it called 星宿? This means the “mansion” or “house” for the star, a beacon that signifies the completion of a phase of an event. Thus, there are 28 “homes” for these stars, representing the 28 phases of occurrences in the “ground” stage within the triad of “Sky, Ground, Human.”
Let us delve into how this concept mirrors the workings of life. The Yuen Sun resides in the sky zone, symbolizing the “sun,” while our ghost altar, reflecting the “moon,” is positioned in the ground zone, absorbing the light from the sun. The 28 constellations correspond to the 28 phases of the operation of the ghost altar on the ground.
The operation of this ghost altar is divided into four main phases:
- EAST: Drawing essence from the Yuen Sun to invigorate the ghost altar
- SOUTH: Transforming the essence into energy through the sacred act of burning
- WEST: Manifesting the outcome and bestowing the final fruit to empower the physical body
- NORTH: Retrieving the fruit from the physical body back into the ghost altar, eventually returning it to the Yuen Sun.
Reversing this order, from EAST to NORTH, WEST, and SOUTH, traces the path of giving back to the Yuen Sun.
For clearer understanding, consider a sky and ground party. Envision the sky as the power source (altar), and the ground as the FU talisman. We engage in a divine FU ceremony, drawing power from the altar to imbue the FU.
The 28 constellations thus symbolize the 28 phases (7×4) of the fu talismans:
- EAST: The altar infusing the FU with its celestial energy
- SOUTH: The FU transmuting energy into potent power
- WEST: The FU delivering power to the target, resulting in desired outcomes
- NORTH: The FU deity returning to the altar upon completion.
Picture the 7 stages of each above like four divine departments—A, B, C, D. This sequence progresses through A1, A2… A7, then B1, B2… B7, and so forth. These stages align with:
- Sourcing the previous output
- Readying for intake
- Advancing the previous source
- Phasing in the elements
- Beginning the process, executing the task
- Completing the process and gathering fruits
- Launching and delivering
Visualize these 7 phases as a sacred process in a celestial factory:
- Materials ready
- Department prepared for receipt
- Materials transferred
- Materials positioned
- Materials being transformed
- Transformation complete, awaiting shipment
- Products dispatched to the next department
This cosmic pattern reveals itself through four departments:
- Green Department (East): Acquires essentials
- Red Department (South): Transforms purchases into creations
- White Department (West): Delivers products to consumers
- Black Department (North): Collects returns from consumers, be it money or feedback
Each department’s workflow consists of 7 phases. Through this, you may glimpse the wisdom of the 28 constellations.
Always remember, when working with magic within our sect, we refer to a specific “ground.” The 28 constellations articulate the Religious Court’s 28 operation phases, guiding us through the intricate dance of the celestial, earthly, and human realms in our extraordinary path of Saam Law Tao.