The term “immortals” refers to a group of people who have crystallized the philosopher’s stone (Pearl) and managed to transmute the properties of the physical body so that they can and exist in a deeper state of consciousness.

The Chinese term 八仙 for the legendary 8 immortals, designates this eightfold esoteric group that guides and supports Taoist practitioners in the internal construction of the philosopher’s stone. These special beings are called “xian”, meaning transcendental beings who possess spiritual or physical immortality.

The stories about the eight immortals were transmitted orally and in writing. Chroniclers or writers from the Tang, Song, Yuan and Ming dynasties provide a variety of sources and writings in this regard.

They are an important part of Chinese Taoist culture and are believed to live on an island in the Bohai Sea, where Mount Penglai is also located. The eight immortal Taoists know and guard the secrets of internal alchemy, are protectors of the lineages of the great Taoist alchemists and have the integral wisdom of nature.

They are deeply symbolic images that emphasize: masculinity, femininity, youth, old age, wealth, poverty, nobility and humility.

1. Exoteric understanding: the eight Taoists as real figures of people who lived in certain time periods and reached a degree of spiritual perfection
2. Esoteric understanding: intrinsic parts of our being, archetypal figures, elevated parts of self that guide and support alchemical practice

THE EIGHT IMMORTALS IN A FEW WORDS.

1. He Xiangu (何仙姑), the only woman in the group, holds a lotus flower in her hands. Given her birth name, He Qiong, she is believed to have lived during the Tang Dynasty and around the age of 14–15 had an encounter with a celestial being who advised her to ingest varying amounts of mica, a crystal about which is believed to have offered him immunity from death and subtilization of the physical body;
2. Cao Guojiu (曹國舅), a noble figure of the Song dynasty, who would become immortal. Because of intrigues at the palace, he leaves for the country to achieve spiritual self-realization. Here he meets the alchemists Lu Dongbin and Zhongli Quan who share the deep secrets of internal alchemy;
3. Li Tieguai (李鐵拐), immortal associated with sacrosanct medicine, helping the needy and sick. He is often described as irascible, a dirty figure who dislikes, an unkempt beard;
4. Lan Caihe (藍采和), patron of gardeners and those who appreciate flowers and nature. Initially she appeared as a woman in the Taoist pantheon, while her sexual gender is ambiguous;
5. Lü Dongbin (呂洞賓), poet considered to be the leader of the eightfold group. It is said that he lived for 220 years recorded in history. He is portrayed as a lover of wine. The controversial leaning refers to the pleasure of living, contrary to the Buddhist philosophy that tends towards a reluctance towards this phenomenon;
6. Han Xiangzi (韓湘子), flute-playing artist. He studied magic with Lu Dongbin and became one of the eight great alchemists.
7. Zhang Guolao (張果老), a historical figure whose existence can be documented. He was part of a Taoist line called fangshi based on a variety of teachings like alchemy, magic and astrology.
8. Zhongli Quan (鍾離權), symbolizes the power to turn silver into gold.

Attributes Key.

1. He Xiangu: Great Soul
2. Cao GuoJiu: Intellect
3. Li Tieguai: Intuition
4. Lan Caihe: Desire
5. Lu Dongbin: Will (Power)
6. Zhang Guolao: Spirit
7. Zhong Li Quan: Wisdom
8. Han Xiangzi: Sensation

The eight immortals are a symbol of longevity and prosperity, they are important archetypes that can be ritually “summoned” in the practice of tai chi, alchemy, qi gong, they patronize and support Taoist lineages of any kind.

Adrian B. Constantine

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