Taiwan Geomancer Offers Tips to Ward Off Spirits During Ghost Month

As Taiwan enters the seventh month of the lunar calendar, a period often referred to as Ghost Month, a local geomancer has shared practical advice for those who might encounter spirits.

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If you encounter spirits, take out your amulet, Bagua, statue, or Bible and place it on your chest.

Yang Deng-ko, a geomancer, suggests that individuals carry protective items such as amulets, Buddhist or Taoist charms, or even a Bible and place them on their chest if they feel threatened. For those without such items, he advises reciting sacred phrases like "Guanyin Bodhisattva," "Namo Amitabha," or "Amen" with sincerity. These recitations are believed to invoke divine protection and help drive away spirits.

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If you don't have any, sincerely recite 'Guanyin Bodhisattva, Namo Amitabha, Amen' to protect yourself.

Alternatively, Yang suggests using plants with thorns, like roses, hydrangeas, or cacti, as a deterrent. He also recommends using loud noises, such as banging metal pots or honking a vehicle's horn for an extended period, to scare spirits away. However, he strongly cautions against using profanity, spitting, or engaging in any disrespectful behavior, as this could anger the spirits and lead to more severe consequences.

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Do not curse, spit, or speak profanely, as this will only anger the spirits and make the situation worse.