Folk Beliefs & Customs
Discover the divination practices, spiritual rituals, and geomantic traditions woven into the fabric of everyday Taiwanese religious life.
Divination Moon Blocks (Jiaobei)
The traditional method of consulting deities using crescent-shaped divination blocks to receive divine guidance.
Jigai: Ritual for Reversing Bad Fortune
A ceremonial rite to dispel misfortune and beseech divine intervention to restore good luck.
Taoist Liturgical Ceremonies (Keyi)
Elaborate ritual ceremonies conducted by Taoist priests to communicate with spirits, pray for blessings, and dispel calamity.
Talismans and Protective Charms (Fulu)
Mystical writings and symbols imbued with divine power in Taoism, and the most common personal protective objects in Taiwanese faith.
Pacifying Tai Sui (The Grand Duke Jupiter)
A traditional custom of seeking the protection of the presiding Tai Sui star deity during years when one's zodiac sign is in conflict.
Drawing Fortune Sticks (Qiuqian)
Seeking divine guidance through fortune stick poems and their interpretation, one of the most beloved forms of temple divination in Taiwan.
Temple Feng Shui and Folk Geomancy
Feng shui is an integral part of Taiwanese folk religion, influencing everything from temple site selection to home layout and daily life.
Spirit Mediums (Jitong) and Oracles
Spokespersons for the gods who enter trance states during rituals to convey divine messages and counsel believers -- a central figure in Taiwanese folk religion.
Taoist Priests and Ritual Masters
Professional religious practitioners who preside over liturgical ceremonies, serving as the bridge of communication between the human world and the divine realm.
Common Mantras, Scriptures, and Prayers
Frequently recited mantras, scriptures, and prayer formulas from Buddhism, Taoism, and Taiwanese folk religion, forming a vital part of daily spiritual practice.