Growing up in the Philippines means you grew up somehow superstitious. We believe sleeping with our hair wet makes us insane, tabi-tabi po is key to keep the nearby dwende calm, and jumping during New Year’s can make us taller. If I didn’t grow up here, maybe I’d dismiss these completely. But coincidental stories from our friends and family prove these that they just might be on to something with these arcane beliefs.”
So as a semi-superstitious person, I knew I had to prepare for August’s Ghost Month.
“Don’t try to make a spectacle out of Ghost Month practices. Let’s be respectful to other cultures, beliefs, and also to the ghosts.”
Mercury in retrograde is something I’m aware of. But Ghost Month? Call me Cher, ‘cause I’m clueless. From what I learned from Google, it stems from Taoist and Buddhist beliefs where restless spirits roam the living world to wreak havoc. So for Taoists, Buddhists, and New Age folk alike, ghosts make August a month of drama and generally, bad luck.
Read more: Why we’re obsessed with astrology and the occult
Great, now we’re all aware of what the Ghost Month is. But what do we need to keep these ghosts chill? What are the basic dos and don’ts?
With young astrologers and tarot readers going public on Instagram, I decided this is the perfect time to know more about them and also to ask for their advice. Here are their thoughts on Ghost Month and how we can survive it.
Don’t be too salty to your kinfolk
Here’s some advice from Stockholm, California’s resident spiritual healer, Sean Agcaoili (@holisticalchemy). He might not be a Taoist or a Buddhist, but he believes this month is a time to elevate souls, especially our ancestors who didn’t live a good life on Earth. That’s why he wants us to not only remember our dead loved ones, but also to forgive our living relatives and friends.
“Give your ancestors love, and they will find peace. Forgive and love your friends and family, so we can clarify anything that may hold us back when we die, so we can be at peace in the afterlife,” he tells us. That’s the tea folks, keep your calm and maybe don’t do callout threads this month.
Respect Ghost Month practices
Mic (@_tahrot) made an Instagram account to help people learn, heal, and grow through tarot card readings. “I’ve been both a healer and teacher by profession, and I’m now translating those experiences and desires into my tarot readings.”
“Be mindful of the offerings given to them, and don’t try to make a spectacle out of Ghost Month practices. Let’s be respectful to other cultures, beliefs, and also to the ghosts,” Mic reminds everybody. Whether you believe this practice or not, let this be a reminder that this month is a part of Taoism and Buddhism. It’s not merely superstition—it’s a religious practice.
Avoid…. maybe everything
Since 2016, Master Dylan (@divineoracle.ph) has been doing tarot readings. That’s why when I asked what Ghost Month advice he has for us, he didn’t give us just one. He gave us a literal list. “Since the ghosts are roaming around the streets and the energy is at its lowest vibration, businesses and our emotional imbalances may be affected,” he warns us about this month.
“Listen to your body and your energy levels, and protect your energy accordingly.”
He also warned us to be extra cautious while driving, watch over our young siblings, and to postpone medical procedures if we can. His list also includes swimming, new activities or dangerous sports, talking about spirits and ghosts, getting married, repairs and construction, starting a business or signing a contract, killing insects, emotional instability, and air or sea travel.
Yikes! Looks like August will be a hell of a month. On combating the bad vibes, he tells us to wear amulets and charms if we can. Clutch on your crystals tightly and anting-antings, y’all!
Keep your chill at bay
Ria (@tarotadviceph) is a freelance illustrator by day and a tarot card reader on the side. “I’ve been a self-taught tarot reader since January 2019, a hobby I acquired since I often had readings done by others before,” she tells us. Unlike other astrologers and tarot readers on this list, she sees Ghost Month more as a rest period, rather than a cursed month.
“It’s believed in Chinese culture that it’s bad luck to make any risky moves in businesses or lifestyle during this month. Also, spirits are a bit more active at this time,” she informs us. “So try to not let stress or bad vibes get the best of you this month! It could attract spirits, especially negative beings. This is a good month to take a break and reflect.”
Self-care is key to Ghost Month
Since this is believed to be a resting period, Leni (@tarotbyleni), a self-employed fashion designer/tarot cared reader believes this is a perfect time to practice self-care more. “For me, it’s just a time where things from all fronts naturally tend to slow down, so it’s a time to take a break and slow down as well,” she says.
She wants us to consider listening to our body more and to be mindful of our energy. “Keep it chill, and try not to worry if things seem to lose momentum. Listen to your body and your energy levels, and protect your energy accordingly.” If you’re considering taking a break, Ghost Month is the time to finally do it.
Art by Renz Mart Reyes