ghost month ching alano

How to face the Ghost Month without getting ghosted

by Ching Alano, The Philippine Star, 28 July 2022

Ref: https://philstarlife.com/news-and-views/818814-ghost-month-tips-august?page=3

Suddenly you feel a chill in the air and a shiver down your spine or you break out in a cold sweat in the middle of the night. You know it’s not because of your late-night binging on horror movies. But of course, it’s August, the Ghost Month, spooking you.

According to the Chinese calendar, Ghost Month (or the Hungry Ghost Month) traditionally falls on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. This year, it started on July 29 and ends on August 26, peaking on August 12 (does that mean there’ll be more ghosts lurking around)?

“Ghost Month is that time of the year when the gates of hell are believed to be left open for spirits, specially those who died unexpectedly, to roam the earth and possibly cause harm to the living,” explains feng shui queen Marites Allen.

She elaborates, “These restless spirits are now in a different dimension, but may still be in limbo due to the swiftness of the events that cut their lives short. It therefore becomes incumbent for the living to appease these spirits — not only to ask them to spare us from misfortune but, more importantly, to assure them that they are remembered and honored in the most loving ways.”

Appease these spirits

If not properly appeased, these spirits may cause a lot of mischief. “Thus, it’s important to be on their good side by making the necessary offerings, by way of incense, food, or fake money, and following safety practices,” Marites prescribes this ghost-proof antidote.

Burning incense is a sure-fire way to appease ghosts, transform them into good ones (like everyone’s favorite  Casper the Friendly Ghost?), and dissolve bad energies. The soothing scent of incense is the only food wandering spirits can take. Having appeased these spirits, you can now ask them not to harm you but instead, to protect and watch over you.

With the prevailing yin or negative energy during this period, it is believed, says Marites, that the Ghost Month brings potential bad luck to individuals, families, and businesses.

To illustrate her point, Marites takes us back to the tragic Rizal Park hostage crisis in August 2010. Likewise, if you do an Internet search, you will see that we experienced strong earthquakes and killer typhoons around this month in different years.

The Good, The Bad, and the Scary

Which animal signs are lucky and which are unlucky during Ghost Month 2022?

“This Ghost Month, the good stars will double and triple to benefit the animal signs of Tiger, Ox, Rat, Horse, Dragon, Snake, Dog, and Boar,” Marites shares what’s in the stars for us. “On the other hand, it will bring double/triple challenges to the Rabbit, Rooster, Sheep, and Monkey.”

Is Au-ghost a good time to get married?

To couples planning to exchange their sweet “I do’s,” Marites says a big fat “Don’t”!

She gives this friendly advice, “But if it cannot be avoided, choose an auspicious date during the month. Also, keep in mind some ways to minimize the negative energies lurking around. For example, when choosing the color motif of the wedding, go for pastel colors. Bright colors, specially red, are believed to attract female ghosts while white is said to invite evil spirits (of course, you don’t want those ‘uninvited gatecrashers’ to your wedding, do you?).”

Marites adds, “Also, choose to hold your wedding in the morning rather than at night. When taking wedding photos, avoid posing near water spots because these are favorite dwelling places of spirits.”

Is this a good month to get pregnant?

To this loaded question, Marites replies, “It is believed that restless spirits are specially drawn to pregnant women and children, so it may be a bad idea to plan a pregnacy during this period. Studies show that in Taiwan, because of this belief, deliveries by Caesarean section are at their lowest during the Ghost Month and higher in the months before its onset.”

Is it a good month to give birth?

Without belaboring the subject, Marites replies, “Feng shui reckons a person’s luck prospects based on the year, unlike the Western astrology way, which bases it on one’s month of birth. Since Ghost Month happens somewhere in the middle of the year, it is believed that the characteristics of a person born in a specific year will be strongest in one who is born during the seventh month.”

So, you see, you have nothing to be afraid of just because the dead have come down to join the living. Just don’t look behind you, sit back, relax, and keep your spirits up! 

Marites-Allen_CNNPH

What you need to know about the Hungry Ghost Month

CNN Philippines, 29 July 2022

Ref: https://www.cnnphilippines.com/lifestyle/2022/7/29/Dos-and-Donts-Ghost-Month.html

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 29) — Once again, it’s that time of the year when people are extra careful about anything associated with bad luck.

Feng Shui expert Marites Allen said the Hungry Ghost Month runs from July 29 to Aug. 26, a time when souls of the deceased are believed to roam around and bring potential misfortune to the living.

Here are some do’s and don’ts to get through the Hungry Ghost Month, according to Allen:

Do’s

• Burn incense to ‘feed’ the ghosts

Allen said offering incense dissolves bad energies and transforms them into good ones.

• Keep your living spaces clean

Try to play meditative and relaxing music as often as possible to keep the ghosts away.

• Keep your door hinges properly oiled

This is to avoid squeaks that might bring in lost spirits.

• Wear mantra protection charms

Allen said it is better to be calm when faced with a scary or eerie presence. “Anti-evil spirit” charms can also help in warding off negative energies.

• Offer food to the spirits

A food offering can include the favorite food of a dearly departed. Include cooked rice, a small cup of wine or any hard liquor, beans, fruits, peanuts, reed candies, and incense sticks.

• When in danger, chant “hum, hum, hum”

Allen said this invokes “heaven, earth, and humankind” as it is the most basic of all prayers and mantras.

Don’ts

• Avoid going to ‘yin’ places

“These are like hospitals, prison cells, those are yin energy places,” Allen said.

• Avoid throwing big parties at home

Throwing housewarming parties could invite wandering spirits into a new home. Weddings or birthdays may also cause dissatisfaction and jealousy among spirits.

• Avoid using a lot of black accessories

Wear colors with the fire element energy, such as red, pink, or purple.

• Avoid romantic gestures in dark places

“Apparently the ghosts are getting jealous of you,” Allen said.

• Don’t travel late at night

“Cancellations, delays of flight could happen,” Allen said.

• Don’t sleep with a mirror in front of your bed

Mirrors are believed to be “soul stealers” in feng shui. Repositioning or putting a drape over them is advisable.

• Don’t go camping or trekking

This makes one more vulnerable to physical injuries during the Holy Ghost Month, as spirits frequent in places where the yin energy is strong.

• Don’t schedule major construction

Renovation works that entail a lot of drilling, grinding, and nailing create noise that attract wandering spirits. If construction has already begun, light an incense everyday.

• Stop saying ‘ghosts.’ Call them ‘friends’

“Better to call them ‘good friends,’ and in fact, you can ask some favors from them,” Allen advised.

“There are some things in life that we cannot postpone because we have to do them,” she added. “For me, just proceed with caution and do a lot of prayers. This is the time that we have to pray harder for our dear departed. The more we pray for them, it would be better for all of us.”

 

chart-08

MARITES ALLEN FLYING STARS FORECASTS AUGUST 7 – SEPTEMBER 6, 2022

August is the month of Monkey and conflict month for Tiger. Interestingly, it is a month when the same-number annual and monthly energies fly to specific locations, making this a period of doubles. This could mean double good luck or double trouble! Thus, it pays to know which sectors to enhance and which ones to cure.

SOUTHEAST (sector of Dragon and Snake): ROMANCE/EDUCATION STAR

The energy that has flown here brings good indications in the areas of love, relationships, travel, and self-development. The relationship luck can go beyond domestic affairs and extend to career and business with boosted productivity and creativity. Dragons and Snakes and those who spend a lot of time in the Southeast should enhance this energy to reap its benefits.


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SOUTH  (sector of Horse): MAGNIFYING STAR

Purple Star no. 9 represents future wealth, career opportunities and possible promotions. This makes the South a good area for the family, and for students and creative people to spend time in.  Fame and acknowledgment await residents of this sector, especially the Horse-born.

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SOUTHWEST  (sector of Sheep and Monkey): ILLNESS STAR

It is important to protect the Southwest this month and to avoid making loud noise caused by drilling or any house renovation. If you have your main door here, avoid banging it, as this may activate the influence of the negative energies. Southwest sector residents, especially the Sheep and Monkey, are advised to wear their anti-illness amulets this month

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EAST (sector of Rabbit): CONFLICT STAR

The monthly and annual star no. 3 are both located in the East, the sector of the Rabbit. This area needs to be protected to avoid arguments, disputes, legal issues, and the stress that comes with these negativities. Wear your peace and harmony amulets and make sure proper anti-argument cures are placed in the East.

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CENTER: MISFORTUNE STAR

The Center will be a highly afflicted area this month owing to the presence of the dreaded Misfortune star here that may affect everyone in the household. Avoid activating the center of the house with noisy gatherings and loud noises. This area will need strong anti-misfortune cures to manage the inauspicious energies this month.

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WEST  (sector of Rooster): ROBBERY AND LOSS

This sector is afflicted with the combination of the annual and monthly Robbery and Loss Star. If not properly managed, this energy will cause risks of theft and loss of material things and business drops. Treat this area of the home and office with the suggested feng shui cures and make sure that all entryways are secure and that alarms are working properly to avoid break-ins.

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NORTHEAST (sector of Ox and Tiger): WEALTH STAR

If you have your main door, office, or bedroom located in the Northeast, be prepared to welcome the most auspicious Wealth Star no. 8 that has flown here. Make the most of the auspicious influence of this energy by placing your wealth enhancers here and by keeping this area lovely and lively.

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NORTH  (sector of Rat): VICTORY/FUTURE PROSPERITY

The energy of Future Prosperity blesses the Rat and residents of the North. The effects may not be immediate, but the indications are there for financial gains, academic success, and career advancement. Activate this type of luck by placing your Victory-inspired enhancers in the North.

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NORTHWEST  (sector of the Dog and Boar): HEAVEN LUCK

Heaven Luck Star indicates overall good fortune and potential windfall. This is good news for the Dog and the Boar and those with important home areas located in the Northwest. If you need help from influential people and mentor figures, this is the time to manifest this type of luck to make progress.

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For your suggested feng shui charms and cures, shop at www.frigga.co.uk or www.frigga.com.ph. You may also call/Viber us at 0920 9509390 for inquiries.

chart-07

MARITES ALLEN FLYING STARS FORECASTS JULY 7 – AUGUST 6, 2022 

July is the month of Sheep and conflict month for Ox. This month, the auspicious energies are located in the South, East, Center, West, and Northeast. The unlucky sectors are Southeast, Southwest, North, and Northwest. Check out your house-facing direction or front door locations to know your luck prospects for this month. Know the directions that affect your animal sign as well.

Boost the auspicious sectors with the suggested enhancers and place cures in the inauspicious areas to counter the indicated afflictions.

SOUTHEAST (sector of Dragon and Snake): MISFORTUNE

The SE is highly afflicted this month with the presence of the monthly No 5 Misfortune Star. Those who spend a lot of time here, especially the Dragon and Snake, must be very careful. Avoid having bright lights here and certainly no lighted candles. Keep this sector quiet and have your anti-misfortune cures handy.

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SOUTH  (sector of Horse): VICTORY/FUTURE PROSPERITY

Good energy flies to the South bringing good career and wealth luck to those staying here. With the presence of the annual Magnifying Star, the auspicious sum-of-ten star combination is good news, indeed. If you are a Horse-born, take advantage of this luck to promote your career or your business by activating it with victory symbols

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SOUTHWEST  (sector of Sheep and Monkey): CONFLICT/ARGUMENTS

The SW suffers from afflicted energy this month due to the location of the Conflict Star No 3 here. For now, keep this sector quiet and remove all plants that could further strengthen the negative energy. By all means, avoid heated arguments and place your harmony-enhancing symbols here.

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EAST (sector of Rabbit): ROMANCE/EDUCATION/TRAVEL

The Romance and Education Star in the East will particularly be helpful to students, artists, writers, and anybody who is involved in creative activities. If you are a student with exams coming up, or you are looking for love, this is the sector to activate for good results this month.

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CENTER: WINDFALL/HEAVEN LUCK

Heaven Luck has flown to the Center, indicating positive luck for everyone in the family. Unexpected help from heaven, including windfall luck is possible. Don’t forget, however, that this area also hosts the annual Misfortune Star, so it pays to always be careful. Wear your feng shui protection to prevent losing your chances to enjoy good fortune.

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WEST  (sector of Rooster): WEALTH LUCK

While the No 8 Star brings new wealth prospects this month, it may be jeopardized by the annual No. 7 Robbery Star; thus, have some strong anti-robbery cures in addition to your wealth enhancers. Trust that the auspicious energy will rule over possible losses. Keep a positive mindset and avoid stressful situations.

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NORTHEAST (sector of Ox and Tiger): MAGNIFYING STAR

We know that wherever the Magnifying Star flies, the luck prospects are doubled by its power. Luckily for NE residents, especially the Ox and Tiger, this monthly energy combines with the annual wealth star. Take advantage of this lucky combination to see some income-boosting turn of events.

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NORTH  (sector of Rat): ILLNESS STAR

The monthly No 2 Star brings illness and health problems that could affect the Rat-born and residents of the North sector. Elderly people and those suffering from ill health should avoid this area and sleep in a different bedroom this month. Do not take this warning for granted; place your  wu lou figurine here and wear your anti-illness amulets this month.

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NORTHWEST  (sector of the Dog and Boar): ROBBERY/LOSS STAR

The Dog and Boar, as well as those who have main doors facing NW, are forewarned: this sector must be protected to avoid possible break-ins. The Robbery Star does not only indicate material loss, but also loss of good reputation, betrayal, and falling victim to negative intentions of others. Make sure you have your anti-robbery cures and amulets with you throughout this month.

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For your suggested feng shui charms and cures, shop at www.frigga.co.uk or www.frigga.com.ph. You may also call/Viber us at 0920 9509390 for inquiries.