Sometimes spelt Taoist, but always pronounced Daoist, this is a practitioner of Daoism. Daoism is a modern mystic religion based in Chinese philosophy. The renowned yin-yang symbol (more accurately called the Taiji symbol) originates from Daoism.

The most famous text that lays out the philosophy of Daoism is the Dao De Jing ascribed to Lao Tsu. Among other things, it praises moderation and allowing rather than forcing. It suggests a way of living without effort called Wuwei. This could be inferred to be going through life with minimal resistance.

The martial art Taijiquan (T’ai Chi Ch’uan or Tai Chi) is based on the concepts of Daoism and often involves Neidan which means internal alchemy. The most common Neidan practice is called qi-gong which means energy work. This is mentally redirecting qi or energy around the body to increase the body’s strength and vitality. It can also help evolve the practitioner spiritually. A frequently recognised qi-gong practice is slow meditative movements made by people often in unison in areas of green.

Qi-gong is often said to allow for supernatural feats and wonder-working so over the years it has become used with the same meaning as we would use the English word Magic, even if it means stage Magic. In the same way in many Chinese tales the word Daoist implies the meaning of the English word Wizard although it would be presumed a Daoist would have a basic knowledge of martial arts as well as magic.

See also other types of Magical Practitioner.