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.”