The history of the decline of witchcraft and the rise of Taoism
The primitive religion of self-worship and ghost worship in the distant ancient society of China laid a cultural foundation for the birth of Taoism. At that time, Wu Zhu, a religious practitioner in the club, specially linked people with ghosts and gods, asking God to eliminate evil spirits, explain good and bad luck and realize God's will. "Guoyu Chu Yu" says: it is called a witch among men and a witch among women. Collectively known as wizards. In the divination of Yin and Shang Dynasties, the word witch is very similar to the shape of a god. Witches at that time sang and danced to win the gods, and they had a set of witchcraft skills to exorcise ghosts. Zhu is a ceremonial person, who is responsible for welcoming God and praying for blessings in religious sacrificial activities, while Bu predicts good or bad luck for others and resolves doubts and difficulties. Witch, wish and divination are all indispensable figures in social life and have a high social status. Yin people are still wizards, and wizards thrive at social gatherings. During the Spring and Autumn Period, the principle and righteousness were exalted, and the status of witches gradually declined. However, witchcraft was still very deep at social meetings, especially in Jingchu. Primitive witchcraft has not disappeared, but continues to live among the people. Many contents of ancient witchcraft are reserved for Taoism. In Taoist view, the incense burner is called Miaozhu, which is the name left by the ancient witch Zhu. In ancient times, evil spirits caused trouble, so wizards should be asked to use spells to exorcise ghosts and cure diseases, and later Taoism should be taught to treat diseases with water. It is said in the Taoist scriptures that it is a legacy of ancient witchcraft to exorcise ghosts and behead them. Early Taoism, such as Wudoumi Road and Taiping Road, was more witchcraft. Getting lost in Taoism is called "enlightenment", and Buddhism calls it "three ghost laws" In Taoism, the Fushui Sect uses spells and symbols to kill ghosts, greet gods and invite them, and recite precious letters in the text, which can be said to contain the legacy of ancient witchcraft.