Taoism

=== Magical Taoism ===
[[Magic (supernatural)|Magical]] Taoism is one of the oldest systems of Taoism and its practices are similar to the shamans and sorcerers of ancient China.{{sfnp|Wong|2011|p=99}} Magical Taoism believes there are various natural powers, deities and spirits (benevolent and malevolent) in the universe that can be made use of by specialists who know the right methods.<ref name="EB-2023" /><ref name="Lagerwey-2018" /> Their magic can include [[rainmaking]], protection, [[exorcism]], healing, traveling to the underworld to help the dead and [[mediumship]].{{sfnp|Wong|2011|p=99}}

Protection magic can include the use of [[amulet]]s and [[fulu]], as well as specific rites.{{sfnp|Wong|2011|p=103}} Protection rites often include ritual petitions to the celestial deities of the northern bushel.{{sfnp|Wong|2011|p=105-106}} [[Divination]] is also a widespread practice. A commonly used method of divination in magical Taoism is [[Fuji (planchette writing)|sandwriting]] ([[planchette]] writing).{{sfnp|Wong|2011|p=107}}

According to Eva Wong, the main sects of magical Taoism today are the Maoshan sect (a very secretive sect, not to be confused with [[Shangqing School|Shangqing]]), the [[Way of the Celestial Masters|Celestial Masters]] and the Kun-Lun sect (which is strongly influenced by Tibetan magic and make use of Taoist and [[Buddhist deities]]).{{sfnp|Wong|2011|p=115-117}}