How to keep safe during the Hungry Ghosts Month
World of Feng Shui
The seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar, usually August, is believed to be the most inauspicious time of the year. It is called the Ghost Month, and it climaxes on the 14th day of the month when the Chinese celebrate the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts. They believe that hungry ghosts are ghosts of people that have not found everything they need to survive in the afterlife. If a ghost passes on, but does not have enough food, water, shelter, and other material things, it will come back into the world of the living to scare people and feed off their energy and fear. This month is believed to be the time when the gates of hell are opened to free the hungry ghosts who then wander not only to seek food on earth but also to cause misfortune to the living.
The Hungry Ghosts Festival is an occasion that the Chinese take seriously. Chinese families pray and pay tribute to their departed family members and also to other unknown ghosts so that these wandering souls will not intrude into their daily life and bring along misfortunes or bad luck. It is important therefore, especially for those whose chi energies are running low, to wear bright colors to signify more yang energy. Another interesting superstition that the Chinese have about the festival is that it is bad to go swimming during the seventh month. They think that an evil ghost might cause you to drown in the swimming pool. Children are also advised to return home early and not to wander around alone at night. Thus, it is not surprising that swimming pools, beaches, shopping malls, and cinemas suffer a dip in business during this month. This is also a month considered unlucky to get married, start a business, move house or even to travel.
Warding off the hungry ghosts
In addition to the practices commonly followed to stay on the safe side during this month, feng shui also offers even stronger protection from possible harm that may be brought by the hungry ghosts. This involves the use of the following eight symbols:
Standing Kwan Kung
Kwan Kung is one of the most famous generals in Chinese history. He is also known as the God of War and the God of Wealth. With his many roles, the Kwan Kung is perhaps the most useful of the Taoist symbols to have in the home. His fierce-looking face is believed to prevent negative forces from entering the home, that’s why the fiercer his face is, the better. This symbol is most powerful when placed directly facing the main door.
Chung Kwei
Known in Chinese mythology as the “ghost catcher”, Chung Kwei is often seen in homes as he symbolizes powerful protection against harmful influences. This Chinese deity is normally depicted with bats to symbolize abundant happiness and good fortune.
The Universal Cosmic Tortoise
In many households in
Fu Dogs
Perhaps the most well-known protection symbols, fu dogs are mythical creatures that are shown playing with a ball. The one with the ball is the male dog and is best placed on the left side of the door, while the female should be on the right side. But don’t worry if you get the gender places all wrong, as no harm will result if you do. Just place them flanking the main gate to guard offices and homes.
Elliptical Coin
This coin is inscribed with special characters which mean protection from Heaven and Earth. The reverse side shows a pair of crossed swords for protection, a tortoise for longevity, and a serpent to call on hidden supernatural powers. This coin is another potent safeguard from being hurt during the month of the Hungry Ghosts.
The Seven Stars Sword
This tool is believed to have the power to keep away hostile spirits and is so potent that even Taoist Masters are said to use them to keep wandering ghosts under control. They are usually displayed in homes and offices to chase away yin energy that might be lurking around. It can also be displayed near your bed if you have trouble sleeping, because it offers protection during our most vulnerable state, that is, when we are asleep.
The Hum Pendant
The seed syllable “Hum” represents the trinity of heaven, earth, and mankind, and is therefore very powerful. It is believed to be the foundation of all prayers and mantras; thus, wearing it as a pendant near your heart protects you from all directions. Chanting the mantra “hum hum hum hum” is believed to work wonders when you feel you are in danger.
La Zha
One of the most popular Chinese deities in heaven, La Zha is supposed to use magic as his secret weapon in fighting off evil and malevolent spirits. This symbol is ideally placed near the main door of the home.
It is important to remember that it is not a “must” to use all these cures and protective images. One protector for the home and another for the office will suffice. It would be wise to wear some kind of protection on your body. And then again, nothing beats the ultimate symbol of universal love – praying for the souls of wandering spirits is an act of compassion that we should not forget during this month of the Hungry Ghosts.
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