Sacred Time

• doesn't focus on creation but on "returning to the root"
• time moves in cycles
• cycles on nature are qi shaped by yin and yang and the five phases
• to bring change one must first return to the beginning

Sacred Space

• ritual space that is created by the Taoshi symbolizes the cosmo links between heaven and earth
• sacred area is created just for rituals
• ritual structure is a square divided into an inner and outer altar
• north boundary has the presiding deities

Rites and Ceremonies

• ceremonies last from two to seven days
• rites have several stages
• two main types of ritual: 1) funeral rites & 2) rites on behalf of local communities

Worship and Devotion

• Taoshi priests= "Taoists"
• Merged with other religions
• Taoshi has an "office" where the household altar is kept
• Taoshi do exercises in order to "keep the One"

Symbolism

• symbols similar with Chinese religion
• gourd=popular symbol; used to make elixirs
• cave= container of mystery
• forms of astronomy (sun, moon, stars, etc) derived from Chinese religion