The Way of Demons: Shadow and Opposition in Taoist Thought, Ritual, and Alchemy, Hardcover

In The Way of Demons, Simon Bastian presents the Yin aspect of Taoist practice and theory, which can be called its Shadow side. Demons as a term or categorization are examined through the common if not exhaustive range of societal, psychological and supernatural interpretation, and via the prism of what is called Western Taoism. To a Western Taoist particularly at this unpleasant time of extremism in political direction, the world of demons is an inventive and challenging resource.

Bastian covers a wide range of topics including Taoist alchemy, the demons of Chinese folklore, Bugang, Yubu and Bagua circle walking, entities of the Tao and more. While The Way of Demons is more of an overview of this shadow aspect of Taoist philosophy and history, Bastian also offers the practical application of using hand forms to exorcise demonic Qi. Extensively researched and based in part on his own experience as a Tai Chi and Qi Gong instructor, the Way of Demons is an informative and respectful glimpse at this hidden side of the Tao.