August 14, 2015

New Hungry Ghost Moon

The Chinese call the seventh new moon the Hungry Ghost Moon. This whole month is called Ghost Month, and special ceremonies take place today, and on the full moon, and again on the last day of the month. 

Today the Hungry Ghosts are let out of hell to roam the earth, looking for entertainment, and seeking out their enemies. The Hungry Ghosts have two incarnations- they are the spirits of unhappy, homeless souls, and also they are a symbol of our unhealthy cravings and insatiable greed. They are depicted with huge, round bellies, large mouths, and very thin necks. They are always hungry, but never satisfied.

The new moon is my monthly time for “seeding” intentions. I write down what I hope to focus on in the next 30 days or so, and then give my ideas a period of gestation, like seeds in the soil, before I take action. Having this regular time each month to focus my goals has helped to give me clarity of purpose.


Agenda for Today:
1. Journal:
What might give my life more wholeness?
What am I hungry for? 
What are my unhealthy cravings and how can I release them?
What are my next steps in life?

List my intentions for the next month (August-July) in these areas-
Self, Friends and Family, Teaching, Artwork, Writing, Home and Garden, Work/Business, and Volunteer work.

2. New Moon Meditation:
Light a small white candle. Center, and feel myself fill with thankfulness for all I have now in my life.

3. Plan:
As the moon waxes, I expand-- plant seeds, make connections, and begin new projects. Today I will plan my first small steps.

4. Ghost Ceremony:
Today, the first day of the Ghost Month, I light incense for my unknown ancestors and all the other wandering souls. I'm not afraid that they will attack me, but I think the least I can do is take a moment to send peaceful wishes.

After I've said a little prayer to those Hungry Ghosts, I think a moment about my own hungry ghosts-- the cravings I have for comfort, cookies, and getting my way in life. As the incense burns, I picture my greediness floating away.

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