New Hungry Ghost Moon (Ghost Gate)

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. 

Hungry Ghosts 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 but I'm so used to feeding them that 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. Retreat Day

3. Pick a theme

4. Goals and intentions

5. New moon altar

6. Ghost Gate ceremony

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?

2. Retreat Day:

If at all possible, I schedule a day of retreat on the new moon, or near to it: I do less talking, less business, and more personal thought and action. 

And I've been in retreat this entire morning, with a lovely slow pace, reading and writing, two on-line worship times scheduled with my Quaker community, and a long walk and a nap sandwiched in between.

3. Pick a theme:

Today I choose depth as my theme for the next month, and begin to give attention to it. 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 think about my true purpose in life, work to gain greater courage or persistence, consider changes in my work and retirement balance, and discern my “natural” course.

My depth practices this month are:

1. Depth meditation walk every morning, considering persistence, honesty, discernment, and purpose.

2. End of Life preparations - forms and simplification.

3. Inspiration journal for life-path steps

4. Make a plan for Earth repair and for hope.

4. Goals and intentions:

 I have a two-fold task today: Plan some new goals, and set some intentions for the days ahead. Though lots of writers use these terms interchangeably, I am clear about the differences:

Goals are a plan for the future that help us stay on track with who we are becoming. 

Intentions are a pledge for action in the present; they remind us of who we are now, and our deepest, most essential, most passionate reasons for living. I write my intentions in present tense, and I use this model: action + deepest reason.

After I list my top 10 goals for the next 30 days, I'm ready to set some intentions for action. This is a very time-consuming but important process. I'm going to choose a few to write today - those I might act on today - then work on a few more each day this week.

I intend to keep an inspiration journal this month to record my thoughts on my life path, teaching, art, and service for the coming years, because knowing my purpose and my priorities gives my life greater meaning.

I intend to continue to encourage people to join the Loving Earth Project (with a video, emails, and chat sessions) because this combines my strengths (craftivism and teaching) and my passion for climate action.

I intend to set up a safe toddler arts and crafts space and plan, prepare, and lead some creativity with my Grandson every week, because growing a creative soul is my calling.

5. 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

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.

6. 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.