Appeasing the Hungry Ghosts

Each year at this time it’s important to remind you all of the Hungry Ghost period – what to
watch out for, how to appease the wandering spirits and ghosts and how to protect yourself from harm. This year it runs from August 11-September 9th with August 25th being the actual Hungry Ghost day.

Each and every day of the year we co-exist with other spiritual beings in our environment – local spirits with whom we want to live in harmony. We offer incense, prayers and use specific rituals and practices in an effort to make them happy and appease them. We love having them on our side so they do not disturb us and in fact, even protect us.

But the hungry ghosts are different. It is during this time that the gates of hell are thrown open and wandering spirits are allowed to roam freely. It is particularly important to be extra careful so as not to fall prey to the millions and millions of hungry ghosts looking for some way to escape the hell realm forever!

Here’s what you can do to stay safe:

Make incense offerings. This is the very best way and it should be done regularly. If you normally do this for local spirits two or three times a week, then increase it during Hungry Ghost month – make your offerings daily. The best time is early evening and please chant the mantra below as you walk clockwise around the rooms in your home. When you are finished, put the remaining incense outside in your garden. You can also walk around the outer perimeter of your home with incense but be sure to do this before it gets dark. Then dedicate the incense and offerings to the dakinis, local landlords and spirit protectors (as you do normally) but be sure to also dedicate to the wandering spirits and ghosts as well.

Here is the mantra to chant:

Namah Sarva Tathagatha Avalokite Om Sambhara Sambhara Hung

Commit this to memory – it is not difficult and you will find that you will use it in many spiritual applications.

Light up your home!

Keep your home well-lit! Since yin forces are very strong at this time, you’ll need to create more yang energy! Keep all rooms well- lit since ghosts and wandering spirits love dark places. Wear nice bright clothing and play lots of lively music.

Keep your energy level high! During this time, it’s important to stay healthy and keep your energy level high. Ghosts love to attack those who cannot defend themselves.

Night Safety Amulet<

Wear Protective Amulets! Be sure to carry the proper amulets (the night safety amulet is very effective), and display images of powerful cosmic guardians near your front door or entry. We have a range of scarves that are particularly effective having been empowered with protective mantras. Be sure that any amulet or scarf you wear actually touches your body.

Avoid Celebrations and travel! This is not the month to celebrate your wedding, start a new business or move into a new home. Avoid travel if not absolutely necessary and drive carefully to avoid accidents.

Keep Your Children Close! Since children and young adults are very susceptible to spirit possession, be sure to keep them close by you. No late-night swims or walks especially alone and everyone should wear protective seed syllables like HUM and HRIH.

These are just a few reminders for you. Most importantly, use common sense. Avoid areas of danger and darkness. Although it is summer and may be hot, try to avoid swimming during this period.

To your good health and safety!

Lillian