The Dark Arts of Asia: Summoning Spirits, Demonology, and Ritual Traditions

The occult traditions of Asia are as vast and diverse as the lands themselves. While some focus on balance and harmony, others embrace the raw power of spirits, demons, and deities that dwell in the shadows. These practices, ranging from Daoist necromantic rites to the summoning of fierce Japanese oni, Korean mudang possessions, and the blood-soaked invocations of Kali, exist at the fringes of the spiritual world, where the boundary between life and death, mortal and divine, is blurred.

Summoning Spirits and Working with Demons

The act of summoning spirits and demons is present across many Asian traditions, often performed for knowledge, power, or revenge. In China, Daoist sorcery has long contained elements of necromancy, while Japan’s Onmyōdō traditions speak of controlling yokai and vengeful spirits. In Korea, shamans act as intermediaries between the living and the dead, invoking spirits that can either heal or harm.

Daoist Necromancy and Demon Work (China)

In darker Daoist traditions, the dead are not merely honored but commanded. Some practitioners engage in ghost-binding rituals, forcing spirits to serve them as messengers or warriors. The use of Fulu talismans, written in cinnabar ink, allows sorcerers to bind or summon entities.

Ritual for Summoning a Ghost or Demon Servant

1. Prepare the Altar: Black candles, joss paper, and offerings of blood or rice wine.

2. Write the Fulu Sigil: Use red ink to inscribe a demon-binding symbol.

3. Burn the Talisman While Chanting:
   “阴魂听吾令，现身于此，为吾行事！”
   (“Spirit of the dead, heed my command, manifest before me, and do my bidding!”)

4. Observe the Signs: The spirit’s presence may be indicated by cold air, candle flickering, or the sound of whispers.

Some sorcerers further enslave spirits by placing their names in a spirit jar, feeding them with offerings while keeping them bound.

Onmyōdō and the Control of Yokai (Japan)

Onmyōdō practitioners historically worked with spirits known as shikigami, spectral entities that could be commanded to attack enemies or deliver messages. The most feared Onmyōji was Abe no Seimei, whose knowledge of summoning demons and spirits was legendary.

Summoning a Shikigami Servant

1. Prepare an Ofuda (Paper Talisman): Inscribe the entity’s name with a brush in black ink.

2. Place the Ofuda in Fire or Water: This activates the connection.

3. Chant:
   “陰陽の術により、我が命に従え！”
   (“By the arts of yin and yang, obey my will!”)

4. Give It a Task: The shikigami will manifest as a shadow or an unseen force to carry out its command.

However, careless practitioners risk being consumed by their own shikigami, which can turn against a weak master.

Mudang Spirit Possession and Baneful Rites (Korea)

Korean shamans, or mudang, often work with spirits in possession rituals. While many practices focus on healing, there are darker ceremonies that involve summoning vengeful spirits or invoking gods of death for retribution.

Ritual to Summon a Vengeful Ghost (원혼, Wonhon)

1. Wear Red and Black Clothing: These colors signify the realm of the dead.

2. Offer Rice and Blood (Animal or Personal): Spirits feed on the essence of the living.

3. Beat a Drum in a Rhythmic Pattern: This mimics the heartbeat of the dead.

4. Chant:
   “원혼이여, 너의 원한을 이루기 위해 이곳에 와라.”
   (“Oh vengeful spirit, come forth to fulfill your grudge.”)

5. Wait for Possession or a Sign: The spirit may enter the shaman’s body or show itself through poltergeist activity.

This ritual is dangerous, as vengeful spirits often refuse to leave unless appeased or exorcised.

Working with Dark Deities: Invocations and Offerings

Not all gods are benevolent; some require offerings of blood, fire, and devotion to grant their power.

Kali: The Goddess of Blood and Chaos (India)

Kali is one of the most feared yet revered goddesses in Hindu Tantra. She is called upon for power, destruction of obstacles, and dominance over enemies.

Invocation of Kali

1. Altar Preparation: Use a black or red cloth, a burning oil lamp, and offerings of hibiscus flowers, wine, or animal blood.

2. Chant Her Mantra:
   “ॐ क्रीं काली क्रीं नमः”
   (“Om Krim Kali Krim Namah”)

3. Visualize Her Form: Picture her wild hair, sword dripping with blood, and necklace of skulls.

4. Make an Offering: Some Tantric practitioners offer menstrual blood or animal sacrifice to appease her.

Kali’s presence often manifests through intense dreams, sudden power surges, or visions of fire and destruction.

Susanoo: The Storm God of Vengeance (Japan)

Susanoo is a chaotic, warlike god called upon for protection and wrath.

Ritual for Summoning Susanoo’s Wrath

1. Offer a Blade and Sake: As a warrior god, Susanoo respects strength.

2. Chant His Invocation:
   “荒ぶる神よ、雷鳴と共に敵を討ち払え！”
   (“Fierce god, with thunder’s roar, strike down my enemies!”)

3. Call Upon the Storm: Perform the ritual during a storm or with recorded thunder sounds.

Protection Against Malevolent Spirits

Dark rituals require strong protections. Many practitioners use mirrors, salt, and blood sigils to ward off unwanted entities.

Daoist Mirror Ward (China)

A bronze mirror is placed facing outward to reflect malevolent spirits away. A protection talisman is inscribed on the back in red ink:
“镇邪护宅” (“Ward off evil, protect this house”).

Shinto Salt Purification (Japan)

A shubatsu ritual involves sprinkling salt in the four corners of a room while saying:
“浄化せよ！” (“Be purified!”).

Sak Yant Protection Tattoo (Thailand)

Tattooed by Buddhist monks, these yantra symbols are infused with protective spells. To activate one, the bearer must chant:
“นะมะพะทะ” (“Na Ma Pa Ta”).

Conclusion: Walking the Path of Shadows

These darker traditions of Asian occultism offer immense power but come with equally great risks. Whether summoning spirits, invoking gods of chaos, or binding vengeful ghosts, practitioners must always balance their actions with protection and control. The true mastery of these arts comes from experience, devotion, and the understanding that once the path of shadows is walked, it is nearly impossible to turn back.