Hungry Ghost Month Reminders and Taboos (August 8 – September 7th, 2021)

 

The “Ghost Month” is the seventh lunar month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. 

This is the time when ghosts and spirits including those of deceased ancestors come from the lower realms to visit earth.  They are on “parole” for a month, and many Asians believe these ghosts wander around the human realm causing accidents, illness, and misfortune.  Since the Gates of Hell are wide open, people often make offerings to these spirits and ancestors by burning joss paper, lighting incense, and making elaborate food offerings.

Stay Safe This Month:  During this time parents usually ask their kids not to go out or swim late at night. Contractors and builders don’t normally begin construction this month and if you’re about to renovate, start before August 8^th and finish after the 7th of September. Don’t pick up any money or coins that you come across on the road and don’t wait alone at the bus stop or under a tree after sundown. It’s also not a good time to travel, move house or get married. Refrain from buying a new house this month or starting a new business.

A dark house with no sunlight is appealing to the ghosts

More Yang than Yin!  Ghosts live constantly in a very “yin” environment.  When yin chi dominates your home or workspace, ghosts feel comfortable and right at home.  Do everything possible to avoid yin spirit formation – a house that is too yin is usually dark with little or no sunlight and fresh air.  Also, houses that are built near churches, hospitals and graveyards or are covered by too many trees and branches (block out sunlight) are natural habitats for the ghost.  Keep your own house very clean, open the windows, when possible, and bring in sunshine and fresh air. Clutter and dark corners cause stagnant energy and yin spirit formation so remove the clutter and keep yang energy high with music and bright lights.  Wearing brightly coloured clothing this month gives you more personal yang energy.

Chun Kwei... the Ghost Catcher

Protect Yourself & Family:  Chung Kwei is the famous Chinese “Ghost Catcher”, and many believe him image alone is enough to keep the ghosts away.  Invite him into your home for powerful protection against harmful and disturbing ghostly elements.  A pair of fu dogs or lions is also helpful when placed flanking your entrance.  The Chinese Fu Dogs are always depicted in male and female form to symbolize the protective energy of the patriarch and matriarch.

Amulets to Wear:  The Hum pendant is very powerful.  This seed syllable represents the trinity of heaven, earth and mankind. It is believed to encompass the foundations of all prayers and mantras.  Worn at your heart protects you from harm coming from the ten directions (the eight compass directions, from above and below).  If you feel in danger chant under your breath “hum, hum, hum, hum.”

Hum Necklace

Hum Pendant

This is considered a dangerous month so don’t brush off this advice.  Ghosts can and do cause great misfortune especially to those whose energy is depleted, or luck is low.  Take care to follow these directions.

Love,

Lillian