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-Taoism and Nature-

Taoist Legend of The Dragon Well

The Dragon’s Well, a Ming Dynasty Taoist legend from Jiangnan, tells of harmony disrupted by greed and restored through wisdom. Guided by a Taoist master, villagers learn respect for nature, balance, and unity. This timeless tale explores the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world, offering profound lessons on living in alignment with the Tao.

Well of Balance

The Well of Balance, a Taoist legend from the Zhongnan Mountains, teaches harmony within and without. Reflecting one’s inner state, its still waters reveal profound lessons about clarity, balance, and aligning with the Tao.

Snakes in Taoism: Legends, Practice, and Daily Life

Snakes in Taoism symbolize wisdom, transformation, and harmony with nature. From myths like Fuxi and Nuwa’s creation to tales of perseverance at the Dragon Gate, they embody renewal and adaptability. Revered in sorcery and rituals, snakes teach patience, balance, and the flow of the Tao, guiding practitioners toward inner harmony and spiritual insight.

Taoism and Mystical Trees

Taoism and Mystical Trees explores the Fusang Tree’s ten suns, the Tree of Wishes’ miraculous prayers, and the Sacred Tree’s protective light. These ancient legends reveal timeless lessons of balance, immortality, and harmony, rooted in nature and East Asian spiritual traditions. Delve into these captivating tales of mystical trees and their connection to the Tao.

Guardians of the Tao: Mystical Cats

Discover the mystical role of cats in Taoist myths and wisdom. From temple guardians to companions of immortals, cats symbolize balance, intuition, and effortless action. Explore their connection to Taoist sorcery, meditation, and care practices, blending mythology and spirituality in a way that highlights the timeless harmony between humans, animals, and the Tao.

Taoist Myths of Turtles and Tortoises: Guardians of Longevity and Cosmic Harmony

Discover the myths of Taoist turtles and tortoises: cosmic protectors, guides of wisdom, and symbols of harmony. From Nüwa saving the heavens to Xuanwu’s celestial guardianship, explore their timeless tales and how these creatures reflect Taoist ideals of balance and resilience. A captivating dive into mythology across regions, eras, and sects.

Exploring Taoism and Water: Myth, Symbolism and Practice

Discover the profound connection between Taoism and water. Explore myths like Gong Gong’s chaos, Nuwa’s restoration, and Yu the Great’s harmony. Learn how water symbolizes adaptability and balance, guiding contemplation and spiritual growth. Uncover the difference between myth as a tool for thought and esoteric practices as direct interaction with natural forces.

Deer in Taoist Mythology: Guardians of Wisdom, Guides to Immortality

Deer hold a sacred role in Taoist mythology, representing wisdom, harmony, and spiritual guidance. From leading seekers to immortals to embodying balance with nature, these graceful creatures inspire timeless legends. Explore tales of luminous deer guiding sages, assisting alchemists, and transforming with immortals, revealing their deep connection to the Tao and spiritual awakening.

Carp and Koi in Taoism: Symbolism, Rituals, and Geography

Discover the rich symbolism of carp and koi in Taoism, from their mythical transformation into dragons to their role in rituals, Feng Shui, and festivals like the Dragon Boat Festival. Learn how these resilient fish represent strength, balance, and prosperity across regions and Taoist traditions.

-Taoist Parenting-

-Taoist Karma-

-4 Ascendant Spheres-

-Taoism and Love-

Love: Burning Passion or Heart Choice?

Taoist love wisdom reveals that healthy love balances emotion, choice, and intuition. Unhealthy love stems from craving or ignoring choice. By cultivating calm and understanding universal love, you can move beyond fear and desperation, building fulfilling relationships rooted in harmony and conscious effort. Love is not an illusion but a deliberate and transformative practice.

Taoists Know Love

Discover Taoist wisdom on love. Learn about its three forms—parental, romantic, and universal—and how they bring harmony and fulfillment.

-Te of Tao and Invocation-

Cover for you are only half real

EP 17-You Are Only Half Real

Transcribed: Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explains how the practice of invocation and keeping quiet about your spiritual experiences can help you become less illusory.

The Most Important Taoist Invocation

I’m going to reveal the single most important Taoist invocation.  If you do no other invocation than this one, your spirituality will grow. Invocation is

Taoist Invocation for the Lost

“Taoist Invocation to Create A Beacon For the Lost” Dear Friend, Nothing is ever truly lost within the Tao, since we are always within the

Taoist Shrines and Temples

Hidden Secrets of Taoist Shrines: How Nature and Spirituality Intertwine Across Asia

Discover the unique beauty of Taoist shrines across Asia, from China’s sacred mountain sanctuaries to Korea’s minimalist retreats and Southeast Asia’s vibrant, tropical havens. Unlike grand temples, these intimate spaces blend harmoniously with nature, reflecting local traditions and the spiritual essence of the Tao. Explore how geography and culture shape these hidden gems of spirituality.

Sanctuaries of the Soul: How Taoist Shrines Shelter Body and Spirit

Discover how Taoist shrines have served as sanctuaries for centuries. From sheltering travelers in storms to offering spiritual solace, these sacred spaces blend natural harmony with human refuge. Explore their role in protecting communities during crises, fostering meditation, and embodying Taoist values of balance and compassion. A timeless connection between the physical and spiritual.

Taoist Shrine Offerings: Honor the Divine and Seek Balance

Discover the profound symbolism behind offerings at Taoist shrines, from incense and fruits to talismans and healing herbs. Each offering reflects a deep connection between humans, deities, and the Tao, aligning rituals with blessings, protection, and cosmic harmony. Learn how offerings vary across ancestral, nature, and deity shrines, connecting cultural roots to modern practices.

Small Taoist Shrines: Spaces of Harmony and Connection

Small Taoist shrines serve as versatile spiritual hubs, hosting rituals like daily offerings, meditation, ancestor worship, and seasonal festivals. These serene spaces reflect Taoist ideals of harmony, simplicity, and connection to nature. From healing prayers to divination, they balance communal gatherings and private reflection, bridging the divine, natural world, and everyday life.

Evolution of Taoist Shrines

Taoist shrines have evolved from natural altars into sacred spaces of simplicity and harmony. From the origins in mountain groves to famous sites like Wudang’s Hutian Shrine and Mazu Shrines in Southeast Asia, they embody Taoism’s core values. Explore their rich history, regional adaptations, and the cultural depth they offer as enduring symbols of the Tao.

-Living as a Taoist-

Taoism For a Better Life

In this bonus episode of Living the Tao, Master Mikel Steenrod explains how Taoism adapts to individual journeys. Learn how to manage stress, balance relationships, and find inner peace through the guiding vision of Taoism. Discover its cultural impact, from Bruce Lee’s wisdom to everyday life insights. This is a video episode.

Create A Taoist Inspired Thanksgiving

Discover how to create a Taoist-inspired fall festival rooted in gratitude, balance, and connection to nature. Explore ancient legends like Chang’e and the Jade Rabbit, rituals from the Mid-Autumn and Ghost Festivals, and symbolic foods such as rice and walnuts. Celebrate harmony with Taoist traditions, bridging history and spirituality in your autumn celebration.

Why Burning Incense Matters in Taoism: A Sacred Connection to the Divine

Incense plays a symbolic role in Taoism, embodying purity, reverence, and connection to the divine. From high temples with rare woods to community temples using local herbs, incense practices reflect the diversity of Taoist traditions. Discover how incense unites past and present Taoist practices, balancing rich history with modern, sustainable choices.

Do Taoists Drink Wine, Beer, or other Alcohol?

Taoism doesn’t forbid drinking, yet it champions moderation. From ancient Chinese practices of watered wine to legendary figures like Iron Crutch Li with his mystical gourd, Taoist views blend tradition and modernity. Discover how Taoists find balance in life, honoring harmony and mindful drinking.

Elements Mix

What is Taoism?

The question of “What is Taoism?” is often times the question of “What Types of Taoism are There?”  You will want to read the post