How to keep safe during the Hungry Ghosts month
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 the spirits of people who did not find everything they need to survive in the afterlife. If a ghost passes on without enough food, water, shelter or other material things, it will come back to scare the living and feed off their energy and fear.
The Hungry Ghosts Festival is an occasion that the Chinese take seriously. Chinese families pray and pay tribute to their departed family members as well as to unknown ghosts so they will not bring along misfortune or bad luck. People are advised to wear bright colors to signify more yang energy. Many Chinese also believe it is bad to go swimming during the seventh month, because evil ghosts might cause drowning. Children are also advised to return home early and not wander around alone at night. This is also a month considered unlucky to get married, start a business, move house or travel.
Warding off hungry ghosts
In addition to such practices, feng shui also offers even stronger protection from possible harm by the Hungry Ghosts. Consider 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 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 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 placement backward, 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 that bring 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 against 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; even Taoist masters are said to use them. They are usually displayed in homes and offices to chase away yin energy. They can also be displayed near your bed if you have trouble sleeping, offering protection during our most vulnerable state, 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” is believed to work wonders when you feel in danger.
La Zha: One of the most popular Chinese deities in heaven, La Zha is supposed to use magic as a secret weapon to fight 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. Then again, nothing beats the ultimate symbol of universal love — praying for the souls of wandering spirits, an act of compassion that we should not forget during this month of Hungry Ghosts.
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