Today I sit down with Jack Schaefer and Josh Paynter, co-abbots of the Parting Clouds Temple, to discuss their practice of Daoist exorcism. We talk about the differences between spirits, ghosts, demons, and other entities; as well as a range of practices including talismans, body replacement, curse breaking, and spiritual battle. Along the way, we make eye contact wth snake and fox spirits, contribute to the elimination of suffering for all beings, and learn why dogs never stick around during an exorcism. 

If you want to hear scholars and practitioners engaging in deep conversations about healing, transformation, and alternate realities, then subscribe to Black Beryl wherever you get your podcasts. Also look us up by name on Substack.com to check out our members-only benefits. Enjoy the show!

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Paynter & Schaefer, Daoist Morning and Evening Altar Recitation (2019)
• Paynter & Schaefer, Daoist Noon Altar Recitations (2020)
• Paynter & Schaefer, The Northern Dipper Scripture (2021)
• Paynter & Schaefer, The Perfected Scripture of the Life Receiving Golden Seals of the Five Dippers as Spoken by Taishang (2024)
• Josh’s lecture for Brown University

Resources provided for members on blackberyl.substack.com:

• PDF of Jack’s article, “Daoist Celestial Medicine: Community, Cultivation, and Compassion” from Journal of Daoist Studies (2024).

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