Incantation is a Taoist method of applying incantations to invoke the gods, protect the form and spirit, and drive away evil spirits. Taoist incantations come in many varieties. Those used for Taoist priests' cultivation and body protection range from pectus, bathing, clothing and food in their daily lives to the tiger and wolf protection incantations used for traveling to the mountains and visiting Taoist monasteries, which permeate every aspect of their lives. In the morning and evening homework scriptures, the eight mantras are recited before chanting the scriptures. When the altar performs spells, one often recites the “Guardian Spirit Mantra” and the “Golden Light Mantra” first in order to guard the mind and spirit and bestow divine powers. There are “Book Mantra” for writing talismans, “Send Talisman Mantra” for using talismans, “Calling General Mantra” for summoning generals, “Open Seal Mantra” for sealing, “Incense Mantra” for offering incense, and “Gang Mantra” for stepping on the Big Dipper. For curing people's illnesses, there are spells for various symptoms. There are also incantations for praying for rain and sunshine, and for impeaching ghosts and subduing demons. When reciting the incantations, they are often accompanied by a pinch. In addition to oral recitation, incantations can be written together with talismans, which are called “talismanic incantations”.

  咒术是道教应用咒语祈请神明、护卫形神、驱除邪祟的一种方术。道教咒语门类繁多。用于道士修炼、护身的，从起居生活中的栉发、沐浴、衣、食，到入山涉水云游访道用的辟虎狼咒等护身咒，渗透到生活的每一环节。在早晚功课经中，诵经前先念八大神咒。结坛行法时，常先念《卫灵咒》、《金光神咒》，以求卫护心神、赐予神通。行持中书符有《书符咒》，用符有《发符咒》，召将时有《召将咒》，用印有《开印咒》，上香有《上香咒》，步罡有《步罡咒》。为人治病，有针对各种症状的治病咒。祈雨祷晴、劾鬼降妖，也各有相应的咒语。念咒时，常配合掐诀。咒语除口念之外，又可与符书写在一起，称为“符咒”。