How to Choose Your FU Talisman: A Guide for Beginners
Sep 18, 2024
What is FULU?
If you search on Wikipedia, you’ll find that FULU is described as "Taoist magic symbols and incantations," also known as talismanic script, written or painted on traditional paper. In reality, FULU is one of the oldest Taoist tools and could be considered the most ancient protective charm in Eastern culture.
According to legend, over 2,000 years ago, one of the most powerful Taoist deities granted FULU to humans to drive away evil spirits and heal the sick.
For centuries, the culture of FULU has had a profound influence across Eastern countries, not just in China but also in Korea, Japan, and some Southeast Asian nations. Traditionally, authentic FULU is drawn with natural red cinnabar ink using a Chinese calligraphy brush on yellow paper.
So, when we talk about FULU, it often appears in the form of paper. The paper can vary in size, and skilled Taoist priests adjust the design according to the specific needs. The key to the FULU’s protective power lies not in the size or material of the paper, but in the mysterious process of creating it.
Why is it Powerful?
Taoism has passed down many mysterious rituals and practices from ancient times. Becoming a true Taoist priest requires years of study to master these skills. The power of the FULU comes from the process in which the priest channels energy through special incantations while drawing the symbols.
Once the drawing is complete, the priest recites additional chants and performs a specific ritual to "activate" the talisman, ensuring it’s imbued with the proper energy. This is a mysterious and complex process, but it’s what makes the FULU a uniquely powerful charm, full of Eastern mystique.
What you might be wondering...
I completely understand if you find the symbols on a FULU talisman hard to distinguish—they often look very similar. This is a perfectly normal reaction! In fact, many people in East Asia can’t easily tell them apart either!
However, if you look closely, you’ll notice that FULU symbols share some common features. For example, the upper part of most FULU drawings is quite similar. This section is called the “lotus head,” resembling a lotus flower, which is a symbol of purity and good fortune in Taoism.
The lower half of the FULU design is where the differences lie. With a careful eye, you’ll be able to spot unique features in each talisman. The bottom part often incorporates modified Chinese characters, with added curves and alterations, making the original letters look more lively and mysterious.
Historically, these changes were made to disguise the true meaning of the character, ensuring that the talisman’s magical power could work to its fullest potential. Similar to symbolic designs in Western mythology, these transformed Chinese characters represent an invitation for divine, supernatural energy.As the Taoist priest chants during the drawing process, energy is infused into the FULU.
If you still find it hard to tell the differences between FULU talismans, don’t worry! Our website provides detailed descriptions, so as long as you follow the guide, you’ll be able to choose the perfect talisman for yourself.
One Last Important Tip
Before you officially choose the right FU talisman for yourself, there’s one key thing to remember: to get the best results, you need to keep your talisman close by. The ideal way is to wear it, but you can also place it behind your phone case or hang it in your car. The reason the talisman works is that it helps create a more positive energy field around you, removing negative influences, so keeping it near you allows it to function at its full potential.
If you’ve chosen a talisman for home protection or feng shui improvements, make sure to keep it in a clean and tidy place within your home for the best results.
In our next blog, we'll dive into how to choose the perfect FU talisman for you!
