The ALT Collective is set to present its most ambitious edition yet when ALT ART returns to Manila this February. Moving to the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay, the fourth iteration of this contemporary art showcase represents a significant leap in scale and ambition for the Philippine art scene. […]
More Ghost Month Tips for Your Home (Part 2)
Applying feng shui principles in one’s home has become a fairly common practice nowadays, even for those not of Chinese descent. It’s not a surprise that many of us have also started following feng shui advice with these Ghost Month tips.
In Chinese tradition, Ghost Month refers to the period during the Hungry Ghost Festival when the gates of the underworld are open, and the spirits of those who have passed away are visiting the land of the living. During this time, people pay respects to their dead ancestors and the restless spirits who have yet to move on. This year, Ghost Month takes place from August 4 until September 2, with August 18 being the most active day when spirits are believed to roam the earth freely.
As we get deeper into Ghost Month, here are some feng shui tips from international feng shui master Marites Allen that you can follow to protect private spaces, such as your bedroom and bathroom.
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Declutter Your Space.
Feng shui belief is all about energy flow, and keeping your space free of clutter improves energy flow within a space. Allen advises removing unnecessary items, especially in the bedroom where we sleep. “Clear out any physical and energetic clutter in your home,” she says.
Putting things back in their proper places and throwing away broken items removes negative energies from the past and allows positive energy to flow through your home. More importantly, a clutter-free bedroom creates a relaxed and serene environment, bringing mental clarity and inner peace.
Open Windows in the Daytime.
Doing so will allow fresh air in, improving energy flow in the process. Opening windows also prevents dampness from lingering, especially in the bathroom, where molds can quickly develop. However, make sure to close your windows in the evening so as not to invite wandering spirits. “Avoid dark and damp areas,” Allen explains, “[as] these are believed to attract negative energies.”
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Add Some Bright Hues Using Decor.
Allen advises avoiding wearing black or dark colors during Ghost Month, and this also applies to your home decor. Bring in bold and vibrant reds, yellows, oranges, and greens with your bed linen, pillows, and other furnishings for happy pops of color.
Change Your Bedsheets and Towels.
The yin energy is believed to be particularly strong during Ghost Month, which may make one more susceptible to illness. Balance the yin and yang energy in your home by doing some general cleaning—from dusting to vacuuming to changing bed linens.
“Make sure that your sleeping quarters are nice and clean,” Allen says. Fresh sheets and towels can also enhance your bedroom and bathroom’s aesthetic and help boost your mood.
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Reposition Mirrors in the Bedroom.
Feng shui generally discourages placing mirrors in your sleeping space, as they are believed to be portals for spirits and can cause restless sleep. If you have a mirror in your bedroom, keep it away from your bed.
Bring in Some Plants.
“Incorporating healthy, beautiful, very lush green plants into your environment is very important,” points out Allen. In feng shui practice, adding greenery to a space strengthens the wood element, representing growth, creativity, and flexibility while enhancing living energy.
Plants also enhance the overall look of a room and create a tranquil atmosphere while helping improve air quality and reduce stress. You may even like plants so much that you’ll keep them past Ghost Month. Just remember to choose plants with rounded or heart-shaped leaves. Avoid spiky ones like succulents or cacti, and get rid of dying plants, as these invite negative energy.
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Let Light into the Room.
“Keep your home well-lit, especially at night, to deter spirits,” Allen shares in her video titled “Essential Tips for Navigating Ghost Month 2024,” which is posted on her YouTube channel. She adds that “dark corners attract unwanted energies and bad spirits.”
Turn on a lamp in your bedroom or, if you can’t sleep with the lights on, place a light source close to your bedroom that allows some illumination to seep through into the room. However, turn off your balcony lights during Ghost Month, as these may attract unwanted spirits into your space. You might also want to remove wind chimes by a doorway or window, as these typically guide spirits into the afterlife.
Consider Using Charms.
“Place protective symbols and charms in your home,” recommends Allen. You may have to seek the advice of feng shui experts who can advise you on your specific needs, but you can start with amulets and charms such as a piayo or a black tourmaline crystal.
Light Incense.
According to Allen, using sage, incense, and essential oils creates “an environment that welcomes new, positive energies” and dissolves bad energies, transforming them into good ones. You may light incense every other day after 6 pm, and as you do this, ask the wandering spirits to “watch over you rather than harm you.”
Put Away Laundry as Soon as They Are Done.
There is a belief during Ghost Month that wandering spirits are drawn to laundry hanging outdoors and may attach themselves to them. Don’t take a chance by leaving laundry hanging during the night.
Do a Cleansing Ritual to Protect Your Home.
“Sprinkle salt around your home for protection,” advises Allen. You may also put rock salt in a bowl and place it in the dark, hidden corners of your home and on your windowsill to improve the energy in your home. The rock salt absorbs negative energy and purifies the space while also keeping spirits from wandering into your space.
Avoid Constructions During Ghost Month.
Making big decisions and changes during this period is not advisable, so hold off on any major renovations. Also, avoid home improvements that create a lot of noise such as knocking down walls, as loud sounds disturb spirits.
There’s no harm in adopting these Ghost Month tips, believed to bring good luck and protection in our lives. Whether you’re superstitious or not, these pieces of advice are excellent ways to breathe new life and freshen up your home.
For more tips on protecting yourself during Ghost Month and for the rest of the year, visit Marites Allen’s website, Facebook page, and Instagram page at @officialfrigga. Her e-commerce website Frigga Charmed Life has feng shui guides for each Chinese zodiac, as well as lucky charms, protective amulets, and more.
Read more: Feng Shui Tips for You and Your Home This Ghost Month
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