Ghost Month has officially begun
According to feng shui expert Johnson Chua, Ghost Month started on Aug. 13 and will last until Sept. 10 this year
He explained that this period carries a “repeating energy,” so how you’ve been feeling so far in 2026 may be amplified further. “Kung okay ‘yung whole year para sa’yo, it will get even better. Pero kung not that good ‘yung whole year, then medyo mas mafe-feel natin ‘yung negativity,” he told PhilSTAR L!fe
That being said, Chua suggested being more mindful during this time, especially when it comes to handling our emotions and navigating our relationships with others
Which zodiac signs may have better or more challenging energy?
Per the feng shui coach, the Dragon and Rabbit may have relatively better energy than the rest during Ghost Month, though they would still have to pay attention to their health and emotions
Chua identified the Horse, Rooster, Sheep, and Monkey as those who may need to exercise extra caution, since they have some stars that may bring challenges and delays
However, this does not necessarily mean that Ghost Month will be entirely unlucky for them as luck can also depend on the life aspects that we’re looking at. It’s possible for someone to finally get a major breakthrough in terms of money and career and simultaneously face problems with their health
“Kunwari, sabi ng friend mo, ‘Hay naku, ang pangit ng month ko ngayon. Nagkasakit kasi ako eh.’ But that friend also secured a million-dollar deal,” he explained. “So the positive and negative, or bad luck and good luck, it still always depends sa tao.”
How to avoid bad luck
To avoid bad luck during this period, Chua suggested making offerings for the dead, much like preparing a meal for guests. According to him, this could make the spirits roaming around during Ghost Month feel welcome
“Kapag napapasaya natin sila, then their energy becomes happier, better, tapos partly, nabe-bless din tayo in a way,” he said
According to Chua, those who do so may have a calmer environment as well as fewer conflicts during this time
He said some of his clients even reported gaining new connections and opportunities after practicing traditional offerings. “Nagugulat sila na parang, ‘Uy, ba’t bigla dumami network ko?’”
It would also be helpful to use charms to get rid of negative energy, per Chua
“Kung alam natin na may mga negative, we try to avoid them as much as possible. Pero kung hindi talaga kaya ma-avoid, try to wear charms like a Ghost Month bracelet,” he suggested
Chua likewise encouraged counting on our support system—including friends, mentors, and other people who can help us navigate difficult situations
“Hindi natin kailangang i-carry lahat ng problema,” he said. “Pagka feel natin that we need some help, try to also go to the people to seek it.”
Most importantly, Chua suggested keeping a positive mindset
“We need to stay happy, motivated, inspired,” he told L!fe. “Kasi kapag mataas ‘yung yang energy mo or positive energy mo, personally or naturally, you’re already countering the negative.”
He, however, emphasized that positivity should never feel forced
“Dapat talaga is internally positive ka. Hindi ‘yung thinking positive lang pero you don’t feel it naman,” Chua said. “Think positive, feel positive, and act positive.”
At the same time, he advised those who get easily overwhelmed by negative emotions to take a breath and spend some time to process what they are experiencing and feeling
“Clarity is also very important,” he stressed
Curious about what the stars have in store for you this Ghost Month? Check out your Chinese zodiac forecast here
About the author
Brooke Villanueva
Head Editor
Brooke Villanueva is the Head Editor of PhilSTAR L!fe, covering all things lifestyle. Apart from her responsibilities as a lifestyle journalist, she is also taking her MBA at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business. She has completed a certificate program on the fundamentals of business developed by top faculty at Harvard Business School. Follow her on Instagram at @itsbrookevillanueva
