New Hungry Ghost Moon

The Chinese call the seventh new moon the Hungry Ghost Moon, or Ghost Gate. 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.

This day is called Ghost Gate because today the Hungry Ghosts are let out of hell to roam the earth, looking for entertainment and seeking out their enemies. 

The Hungry Ghosts are depicted with huge, round bellies, large mouths, and very thin necks. They have two manifestations: They appear as the spirits of unhappy, homeless souls, and we also have our inner hungry ghosts. This month I acknowledge my unhealthy cravings and insatiable greeds, that are always hungry and never satisfied, and that haunt me - though I'm so used to feeding them, I don't really notice them anymore.

The new moon is the start of the lunar cycle, a time of high energy and clear thinking. Historically, the new moon is when women took time to be alone; it's a time to retreat, set intentions, and initiate something new.

Agenda for Today:
1. Journal queries

2. Choose a month theme

3. Set intentions

4. New moon altar

5. Ghost Gate ceremony

6. Retreat Day plans

1. Journal queries:

Describe my life path now - Is it clear or foggy?
What gives me the feeling of meaning in my life?
Do I persistently create meaningful moments?

What am I hungry for?
Which of my cravings are unhealthy? Am I ready and able to release them?
What are my next steps in life?

From my journal: Today I have a vision of my life as a tapestry, not a path. My skills and interests are a tangled ball of threads, and I pull a bit here and a bit there to weave another row. I've been trying to sort out the threads - here is teaching, here is art, and here is service - but what if I allow them to twine together instead?

2. Choose a month theme:

Today I choose depth as my theme for the next month, and begin to give attention to it. I reach my depths when I follow the true course of my life, like a river flowing through a deep ravine. Staying on my path requires courage, honesty, and persistence. The path is always mysterious, and leads to unexpected challenges and changes. I’m directed back at every turn into the deep waters within myself, to discern the best route.

This month I'll discern my true purpose in life, work on leadership skills, and choose my next missions.

My depth practices this month are:

1. An Inspiration Journal, for discerning how to twine my threads together

2. Study and make a plan for empathy, courage, and communication skills.

3. A daily Truth Walk meditation

3. Set intentions:

Last week I brainstormed some wild and crazy ideas for the next 30 days, and today it's time to narrow it down a little, to the priority items that I could possibly focus on this next month. This isn't a list of the practical things I need to do this month; rather it's my top actions, studies, and growth goals that fit with the "taste" of this month of my life.

After I list my top goals for the next 30 days, I'm ready to set some intentions for action. I chose a few to write today - those I might act on today - then I'll work on a few more each day this week.

As I work to discern the threads to weave for my tapestry, I also intend to work on inner skills that will serve me: More empathy, in order to better relate to others, so that my purpose grows bigger than myself; the courage to take risks, put myself out there, try new things, and not be afraid to fail; and communication - the ability to boldly describe my mission to others, both to ask for the support I need, and as an invitation for them to join in my purpose-filled work.

 I intend to give daily attention to the End of Summer garden - harvesting and preserving as much as I can, collecting seeds, preparing winter garden beds, and getting ready for fall planting - because my garden is a sacred trust with the earth, and caring for it year round with integrity is how I live my testimony of Unity.

4. New Moon Altar:

It's time to discern what to put on my altar for the next four weeks. (For my thoughts on altars see About Altars). I generally keep it simple and choose only things that speak to me and feed me, and reveal what I believe in. I ask, what quality of Spirit do I want to invoke? I will keep from last month:

• a sun, for clarity and yang energy
• a soapstone dog, for vigilance, and to remind me to stay loyal to my pack

Today I add-

• a dark blue candle, for depth, purpose, and persistence.
• a conch shell, for the ocean, and to awaken my heart to Truth

Next I light a small white candle on my altar, and picture each of my intentions accomplished. Then I let go of expectations, and feel myself fill with thankfulness for all I have now in my life.

5. Ghost Gate Ceremony:

Today, at the Ghost Gate, 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 meditate on my inner 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.

6. Retreat Day plan:

I'll start my new moon retreat on Saturday, and my plan is to go into the woods with a friend for at least a few hours. I'll take a notebook and a camera.