Is Ghost Month really unlucky for business? Feng Shui expert explains

Ghost Month is already here. 

There are many do's and don'ts during the period, which is often linked to bad luck, with many folks so scared to open a business or even build a new house. Why is that?

On Unang Hirit Monday, feng shui exprt Johnson Chua explained that during Ghost Month, it is believed that the Gates of Hell are opened, allowing ghosts and spirits to roam our world. This is why building a house on an empty lot might not be such a good idea during Ghost Month — there might be an entity you'll end up disturbing.

Chua said business owners should not have such a negative mindset during the Ghost Month, especially those who have existing businesses.

"Huwag po nating iisipin na bad luck ito. Huwag po nating iisipin na bad luck 'yung taon," Chua advised. "Kumbaga, itong buwan na ito, ayaw lang nating magsimula ng negosyo, pero pag kayo po ay may existing business, tuloy-tuloy lang po 'yun."

[Let's not think it's bad luck. During ghost month, we just don't want to start a business but if you have an existing business, keep at it.]

Chua pointed out that Ghost Month might actually be an opportune time for those in the stock trade.

"Minsan napapansin nila na 'yung Ghost Month 'yung panahon na tamang pumasok, kasi diba 'buy low,' 'sell high?" he said. "Itong mga panahon na 'to ang bumababa yung market, doon pwede po tayong mag-invest."

[Sometimes, we'll notice that Ghost Month is a good time to get into the stock market. In stocks, the game is 'buy low, sell high' and during Ghost Month, stocks often seen to dip, so that's a good time to invest.]

For 2021, Ghost Month begins August 8, ends on September 6, and peaks on August 22.

According to Chua, people should avoid going out at night and going near large bodies of water during this period.

"Iwasan lang po natin yung lagi tayong nagpapagabi sa labas or malapit sa mga tubig or sa mga swimming, 'yung mga ganon. Mas lalo na 'yung mga sa tabing-ilog, tabing beach kasi malapit sila sa mga water," he said.

[Let's avoid going out at night and going near large bodies of water.]

However, Chua stressed that the best thing to do during Ghost Month is to not make it all about bad luck.

"Most important lang talaga na tinuturo ko lagi is 'wag lang po tayong masyadong nega," said the Feng Shui expert.

"Kasi the more na nagiging negative 'yung emotions natin, humihina 'yung energy natin, the more na naa-attract natin sila. Kaya ang pinakamost positive advice don is kailangan ma-maintain natin ang positivity natin. Thinking positive, feeling positive, acting positive," Chua explained.

"Kasi, the more positive 'yung aura mo, nare-repel mo automatically 'yung mga negative energies.

[The most important thing to remember is to not be negative. When we are negative, our energies weaken, which attracts them. So the best advice is to keep positive. Think positive, feel positive, act positive. Positive energies repel them.]

— Margaret Claire Layug/LA, GMA News