Sealing of the Senses
Another way Taoists can tune into nature is known as Star Alchemy. This practice is a visualization of blending the star quadrants of the of the north, south, east, west, and center of the night sky within the practitioners head.
Psychologically, this process alludes to the functioning of time and timelessness. The stars move so slowly, compared to humans, that they are on an entirely different cycle of existence. Similarly, the Big Dipper moves around the stationary North Star, marking out the seasons like a cosmic watch dial.
This level of the alchemical process also includes the “Sealing of the Five Senses,” where one energetically turns the sense organs inward to reverse the usual loss of energy. This encourages the adept to look, listen, smell, taste, and feel the internal process of the body.
The Alchemist’s Tao Te Ching: Transforming Your Lead Into Gold