# The Five Qi True Lords The Five Qi True Lords are sacred deities in Taoism who preside over the fundamental qi of the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) of heaven and earth. Rooted in the cosmological concept of *”transformation of the Five Elements’ qi”*, they correspond to the Five Elements, align with the five directions (East, South, Center, West, North) and the five zang-organs of the human body. They govern the generation and restriction of all things, the harmony of yin and yang, and the nourishment of life, serving as core deities that safeguard the physical and mental health of all living beings and the smoothness of their fortunes. 1. **The Green Qi True Lord of the East**: Corresponding to Wood qi, the East, and the color green, he presides over the qi of vitality and germination. He nourishes the liver soul, protects all things to revive, ensures people’s health and freedom from illness, and dispels negative qi and obstacles. 2. **The Red Qi True Lord of the South**: Corresponding to Fire qi, the South, and the color red, he presides over the qi of upward blazing and brightness. He nourishes the heart spirit, promotes the ascension of fortune, brings prosperity to families, and eliminates disputes and disasters.
3. **The Yellow Qi True Lord of the Center**: Corresponding to Earth qi, the Center, and the color yellow, he presides over the qi of profound virtue that sustains all creatures. He nourishes the spleen intent, consolidates the foundation of stability, bestows long-lasting blessings and fortune, harmonizes the qi of the four directions, and resolves disasters caused by imbalance. 4. **The White Qi True Lord of the West**: Corresponding to Metal qi, the West, and the color white, he presides over the qi of restraint and astringency. He nourishes the lung po, wards off evil spirits and dissolves malignant influences, attracts financial fortune, purges the intrusion of negative entities, and safeguards peace and smooth progress. 5. **The Black Qi True Lord of the North**: Corresponding to Water qi, the North, and the color black, he presides over the qi of downward moistening and wisdom. He nourishes the kidney will, enhances wisdom and clear thinking, dissipates disasters and misfortunes, regulates bodily fluids, and keeps people free from the distress of illnesses. The core of the belief in the Five Qi True Lords lies in the principle that *”the convergence of qi gives birth to life; the harmony of qi ensures smoothness”*. It holds that the qi of the Five Elements is the origin of life and fortune. Their divine functions cover various dimensions including health, wealth, family well-being, and fortune. This belief not only embodies the Taoist cosmological concept of *”harmony between heaven and humanity”* but also carries people’s sincere wishes for physical and mental well-being as well as complete blessings and fortune. As an important deity system in Taoist blessing culture, the Five Qi True Lords embody the dual significance of nourishment and protection.
