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Below are some simple guidelines for those who resonate with teachings of the Tao within their energy practices:

Taoist Ambiance For those people who would like to create their own Taoist space, or to improve the energy of their existing space, here is some advice:

In China the method of creating authentic Taoist space is to engage the services of a qualified Taoist clergyperson. Different types of Taoist ritual specialists can clear a space's energy, rid a space of unwanted influences, "open" a statue or ritual item in order to infuse that item with energy of a particular Taoist Deity, etc. There is no true substitute for this method, unfortunately most people do not have access to Taoist ritual specialists. The good news is that you can still create excellent Taoist space to enhance your sense of beauty, functionality and spiritual sence. Here's how:

* SELECT A SPACE:  The first thing you need to do is to select a space. It may be in your house, place of work, garden, or anywhere else, depending on your particular objectives. The important thing is when you pick a space vigilantly maintain its special, Taoist character. If your abjective are an altar then generally speaking, you should pick a space towards the east or south (so that you face east or south when you face your altar, statue, etc.). Your sacred space should not share a wall with a bathroom, a garage, or any other obvious negative influence. Sun and fresh air add to the potency of your space.

* CLEAN YOUR SPACE:  Once you have selected a space, you should physically and energetically clean it. There are many ways to do this, according to many different traditions. This work has often been performed by professionals, but you can achieve great results as well. Before you actually create your space make sure you first physically clean it, this should include and repairs needed or even a fresh coat of painting etc. Note: Taoists, when ever possible, do not use chemicals of any kind in, on or around their bodies, so when cleaning use plain water or to add a cup of pure apple cider vinegar to a bucket of cleaning water. Use this water to wash the floor, the walls, your table, or anything in your Taoist space. When done use fresh air to help dry your space. Then once you are satisfied, you can progress to energetic cleansing. Some people like to use "smudge sticks," large wands of aromatic herbs (like sage) to perform energetic cleansings. After having cleaned your space (and yourself!), light the smudge stick and walk around your space. You should be praying fervently as you bring the cleansing smoke into every part of your space. When you are satisfied, allow fresh air to carry away the smoke and any remaining negative influence.

ARRANGE YOUR SPACE:  Now that you have a defined area, and that the defined area has been energetically purified, you are ready to import your Taoist goods. For those of you that are creating a shrine or altar with the use of a Diety be aware of the spatial relationships involving your Deities. Do not place lesser Immortals above higher ranking Immortals. It is also best to have your Deities overlooking pleasant scenery. Follow your instincts and I'm sure you will create a very respectfull enviornment for your Dieties.

* COMMUNICATION: Congratulations! You now have a functional Taoist space. You can use it to meditate, pray etc. If you are interested in communicating with the Taoist Gods then below is a basic introduction. Before praying, make sure that your are comfortable with your space and its overall cleanliness. Light your candles. Light one or three sticks of incense and bow three times with the incense in your hand. Do not blow on incense to be offered at an altar. Wave it instead. After bowing place the incense sticks in an incense burner. Assume a kneeling or meditative position, making sure to maintain proper posture (a straight spine from the base of your skull to your tailbone). You are now ready to offer your thoughts and energy. We can't tell you what to say, or what prayers to use. Taoists sometimes spend lifetimes learning these things. For now it is important that your prayers come directly from your own heart, and that they are offered with sincerity and love. When you are satisfied, give thanks and bow three times. Then you may stand and put out your candles.

* CARE OF YOUR TAOIST SPACE:  Your relationship with your Taoist space should not always be focused on the benefits you can receive. It is equally important to give, to "feed" your space. Candles, flowers and incense, offered with sincerity, respect, and love, are excellent methods. They enable you to make a generalized offering, and thus help to create your desired energy. They make an excellent specific offering to a Taoist Deity, for those who are inclined to do so. Finally, candles and incense also help to preserve the energetic cleanliness of your space. Just be sure to use high quality beeswax candles and pure incense. Less expensive options are often full of poisons. For altars you may also make an offering of pure water or even fresh fruit. Simply place the offering at the focal point of your Taoist space with sincere prayers. When you are satisfied (or when the fruit first starts to over-ripen) remove them with thanks. Any remaining water can be fed to a plant (preferably one inside your Taoist space), while any remaining fruit should be disposed of in a normal fashion. Finally, you should repeat the general energetic cleansing process at repeated intervals. You will know your space needs a cleansing!