Think you're a Taoist? Great! But what kind? See if you fit into one of these groups.

Southern Taoism is an offshoot of Cheng-I Taoism. It dates back to the 11th century, and is the only liturgical tradition surviving today. The priests perform liturgies such as the chiao and healing rituals, as well as exorcisms in public.

Northern Taoism isn't well known outside of China. It came from the Ch'uan-chen tradition, and focuses on moral and spiritual discipline, as well as self-preservation practices which go back to the classical Nei-yeh.

Chin tan, or Golden Elixir, focusing on meditation and inner alchemy.

Ch'ing wei, or Clarified Tenuity, which uses ritual complexes originating with a woman named Tsu Shu.

T'ien hsin, or Heart of Heaven, focusing on ritual healing based on scriptures discovered by Jao Tung-t'ien.

Shen hsiao, or Divine Empyrean, which is a liturgical tradition dating from the 12th century.

T'ung-ch'u, or Youthful Incipience,which has a tradition of using obscure therapeutic rituals from the 12th century.

Tai i, or Supreme Union, stresses ritual healing and social responsibility.

Chen ta (Perfected Greatness), or Ta-tao ( Great Way), combines the basic moral teachings of Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism.

It should be obvious by now that Taoism has no central organization. There are in fact many different schools, or sects. These encompass Literati Taoists who focus on ideas from the ancient thinkers, the Communal Taoists who have initiations, priests, and pray to the gods in regular rituals, and finally the Yangsheng Taoists, who focus mainly onattainment of personal health, longevity, peace of mind, and spiritual immortality.

Now, after all this, Which kind of Taoist are you?