12 tips on how to stay lucky during 'ghost month'

A feng shui expert shared some tips on how to avoid negativity in August, which the Chinese traditionally consider the "ghost month."

Feng shui practitioner Dr. Anthony Fugoso, in an interview on "Pinoy Vibes" on DZMM, said the ghost month this year will start on August 14 and go on until September 12. The "ghost day" will fall on August 28.

"Ang festival na ito ay parang katumbas ng ating November 1 o All Saints' Day o All Soul's Day pero sa kanila isang buwang ito e," he explained.

"Sa legend, sa matatandang panahong ng mga Chinese, 'yung gates of heaven daw ay bumubukas at pinakakawalan ang ispitiru. Ang sinasabi nila, 'yung mga espiritu na 'yun ay mga nagugutom o nauuhaw kaya habang nandito sila, naghahanap sila ng pwede nilang mainuman o makainan," Fuguso said.

The Chinese usually offer food and water for the spirits during the ghost month.

According to Fugoso, the ghost month is commonly believed to bring more accidents and bad luck compared to the other months of the year.

"Tumataas 'yung yin energy. Kapag mataas 'yung yin energy, maraming aksidente, maraming nagkakasakit, maraming namamataty, maraming nagsasarang opisina," he explained.

The spirits who roam the world of the living all throughout ghost month can also play with human beings. Fugoso, however, clarified that the ghost month can also bring in some luck.

What to do

Here are some activities one should avoid to stay lucky and safe throughout the ghost month.

1. Avoid swimming

According to Fugoso, spirits tend to get attracted to water. "Ang spirit, they are thirsty e. Nauuhaw sila. They are attracted to water kaya mas maraming espiritu sa matubig na lugar," he said.

If swimming cannot be avoided, one should leave the beach or the swimming pool before sunset.

2. Avoid new activities or dangerous sports

"Kung hindi mo naman ginagawang talagang umakyat ng bundok, 'wag mo nang gawin, 'wag na 'yung first time, natapat pa sa ghost month. Kung hindi tradisyon, 'wag mo na subukan," Fugoso warned.

3. Avoid talking about spirits and ghosts

According to Fugoso, one should show respect towards spirits instead of showing off bravery and strength. "Parang hinahamon pa natin sila na 'Ako gusto ko makakita.' Huwag na tayo umasta ng ganun," he said.

4. Avoid getting married

Since spirits roam the world of the living, they might interfere with occasions like weddings. "Baka unexpected guest mo sila sa iyong wedding. [Baka] i-curse ka nila, bigyan ka nila ng sumpa," he warned.

If a wedding has already been set, hold the celebration between morning until noon.

5. Be careful when driving

Drivers, especially women, should bring a companion with them when driving.

6. Avoid repairs and construction

House repairs and construction should be started before the ghost month, as spirits get attracted to noise.

7. Avoid starting a business or signing a contract

Businesses and agreements signed or reached during ghost month tend to face challenges.

8. Watch over children carefully

"Pilitin natin sila umuwi bago magtakipsilim. Kasi mahina pa 'yung mga enerhiya nila e. Hindi pa sila matured. Madali silang mapaglaruan," Fugoso said.

9. Postpone any surgery or medical procedure

According to Fugoso, those who undergo a medical procedure during ghost month tend to recover longer.

10. Avoid killing insects

There is a belief that insects are reincarnation of spirits.

11. Avoid emotional instability

Fugoso advised those with emotional problems to stay strong during ghost month. "Ipasa-Disyos lahat 'yan para hindi tayo maapektuhan dahil eventually, baka makain ka 'nung pagkahina mo, masakop ka, mapaglaruan ka," he said.

12. Avoid air or sea travel

"Maraming conflict. [Halimbawa], nakatulog ka sa airport o may dumating na bagyo kaya hindi ka nakaalis. Delays lang, hindi naman necessarily na death," he clarified.

To prevent spirits from going to your house, Fugoso advised putting enough lights or salt in both the house's front and back doors. He also advised displaying the images of Kuan Kung and Chung Kwei inside the house.