‘Blood Ritual’ Master Accused of Feeding Followers Blood; Taitung County Claims Video Edited

Taitung County, Taiwan – A video circulating online, allegedly showing a Taiwanese "master" named Wu Hsin-ju, also known as "Ga-Dian," drawing blood from her own back and having followers drink it, has prompted an investigation by the Taitung County government. The government has stated that the video was edited and that followers were not made to drink blood, but rather a substance used for writing talismans, and that the liquid was "noon water."

However, folk religion expert Liao Ta-yi insists that the ritual depicted, regardless of video editing, constitutes a "blood curse" or "Xiangtou" (下降頭), a practice used to control the minds of followers. Liao claims that Wu Hsin-ju's actions, including allegedly summoning typhoons and threatening mass casualties, demonstrate a mindset that has drawn criticism from the wider folk religion community.

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Regardless of whether the video was edited, the act in the first half is a 'blood curse,' used to control others' thoughts.

Liao explained that "Xiangtou masters," also known as "talismen immortals," must meet specific criteria, including experiencing hardship, poverty, or disability. He believes Wu Hsin-ju's alleged actions, such as telling followers to "relax and let the spirits in," are attempts to manipulate their thoughts.

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Drawing talismans is for warding off evil, not for controlling people's thoughts.

The Taitung County government's investigation concluded that the substance consumed was not blood but "noon water," a traditional Chinese ingredient. They maintain the video was manipulated. Despite this, Liao argues that the alleged use of blood rituals and the subsequent public outcry, including eggs and feces being thrown at the temple, have effectively "broken" the alleged curse.

Wu Hsin-ju's alleged practices have been controversial, with Liao asserting that drawing talismans is meant for warding off evil, not controlling minds. He believes her actions have led to increased scrutiny and that the "two defilement incidents" at the Xuanji Temple, combined with his public statements, have neutralized any supposed supernatural power she wielded.

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The Taitung County government conducted an investigation and stated the video was edited, and the temple did not have people drink blood.