2026 Ghost Gate Opening Countdown! Fortune Teller Reveals 22 Ghost Month Taboos — Saying This Phrase During Pu Du Rituals May 'Anger the Good Brothers'

2026 Ghost Gate Opening Date Announced! Lunar Seventh Month Begins on Gregorian August 13

Xiao Meng, a well-known Tarot reader from Qing Shui Meng International Tarot, recently posted a video on his Facebook fan page, highlighting which zodiac signs—Rat, Pig, Snake, and Monkey—should be cautious of clashing energies during the Ghost Month. He also shared three folk practices for spiritual protection and listed 22 Ghost Month taboos, ranging from nighttime laundry to making special phone calls at midnight.

When Does the 2026 Ghost Gate Open? August 13 (First Day of the Seventh Lunar Month), Calculated from the Zi Hour

The 2026 Ghost Gate opens on the first day of the seventh lunar month, which corresponds to Thursday, August 13 on the Gregorian calendar. According to traditional Chinese timekeeping, a day begins at the Zi hour, approximately from 11 PM to 1 AM. Therefore, many believe the Ghost Gate opens at 11 PM on August 12.

In his video, Xiao Meng explained that according to legend, well-behaved 'Good Brothers' in the afterlife may be released early, leading some metaphysical traditions to claim the gate opens at 11 PM on August 12. The discrepancy stems from different time calculation methods, not an anomaly specific to this year.

2026 Ghost Month Timeline: Zhongyuan Festival on August 27, Ghost Gate Closes on September 10

According to the lunar-Gregorian calendar alignment, the 2026 Ghost Month begins on August 13 and ends on September 10 with the closing of the Ghost Gate. The Zhongyuan Festival, on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, falls on August 27.

This year, the seventh lunar month is a short month, ending on the 29th, so the Ghost Gate closes on September 10, not the commonly assumed 30th.

Four Zodiac Signs to Avoid Clashing Energies: Rat, Pig, Snake, Monkey Should Be Cautious During Late Night of August 12

Xiao Meng specifically highlighted four zodiac signs. He stated that those born in the Year of the Rat, Pig, Snake, and Monkey should be particularly cautious of clashing energies between 11 PM and midnight on August 12.

For those who must go out during this time, he recommends carrying mugwort or a single leaf, then discarding the leaf upon returning home or the next day. Folk belief holds this practice offers preventive protection.

What Are the Ghost Month Taboos? Xiao Meng Lists 22 Ghost Month Taboos All at Once

On August 4, Xiao Meng listed 22 Ghost Month taboos in a Facebook post, categorizing them into four life scenarios. He also suggested eating more pig blood cake, rice dumplings, pumpkin, and garlic during the seventh lunar month, as folklore claims these foods help prevent intrusion by the Good Brothers.

### Nighttime Habits

- Do not hang laundry at night. It's believed that if Good Brothers have nowhere to go, they may attach themselves to damp clothes. - Avoid shouting loudly at night, as it may startle the Good Brothers and lead to poor sleep quality. - Do not whistle at night. Whistling frequencies are said to resemble those of the spirit world, easily attracting Good Brothers. - Avoid burning sandalwood or incense at night. The lingering fragrance is believed to attract Good Brothers. - Do not repeatedly dial 13 consecutive 7s or 13 consecutive 0s on the phone at night, as it may connect you to the deceased. - Avoid watching horror movies at night—Good Brothers might join you.

### Outdoor Activities

- Avoid swimming. It's believed that spirits of those who drowned with unresolved grievances cannot reincarnate and seek replacements, known as 'grabbing alternates'. - Avoid viewing houses over 30 years old. It's said that the deceased return to their former homes during Ghost Month, and those with weak spiritual energy may suffer clashing energies or catch a cold. - Avoid hospitals at night. The memories of the deceased often remain in hospitals, and ancestors without descendants to worship them may linger there. - Avoid walking around temples at dusk. It's believed that wrongfully deceased Good Brothers seek help from temple deities to appeal injustices, so most temples refrain from major activities during Ghost Month. - Never worship at dark temples (Yin temples). Yin temples are believed to have heavier yin energy during Ghost Month, making those with weak spiritual energy prone to spirit encounters. - Avoid taking photos in mountainous or open areas. As camera pixels become clearer, it's believed they may capture shadows of Good Brothers.

### Speech and Interpersonal Conduct

- Never directly call the Good Brothers 'ghosts'. - Avoid repeatedly saying the word 'die', as it may anger the Good Brothers. - Do not casually pat someone on the shoulder from behind. It's believed this startles the person, destabilizing their soul and making them vulnerable to spirit intrusion and dizziness. - Avoid chanting spells. Chanting during Ghost Month may attract more Good Brothers to listen to the sutras. If the chant has exorcism effects, it may harm the Good Brothers. - Never swear during Zhongyuan Festival offerings, as you might accidentally anger them while they are dining.

### Daily Life and Scheduling

- Avoid ghost dares, Ouija boards, or spirit writing, as it's easier to invite spirits than to send them away. - When checking into a hotel, place a packet of mugwort powder or sage to help ensure a good night's sleep, according to folk belief. - Try to schedule surgeries or medical procedures during the day in Ghost Month, as it's better for the body. - Move into a new home around noon, as it's considered auspicious for fortune. - Avoid setting off firecrackers in the evening during weddings, as it may lead to marital discord.

Three Protective Methods for Ghost Month: Folk Uses of Sea Salt, Mugwort, and Hot Baths

In addition to taboos, Xiao Meng shared three protective practices for Ghost Month, which can be summarized as carrying sea salt, wearing mugwort, and taking hot baths.

First is carrying sea salt. If visiting places considered spiritually heavy—such as hospitals, mountains, or seaside areas—he recommends placing a packet of sea salt in your pocket or bag and discarding it on your way home. Xiao Meng explains that sea salt is symbolically seen as neutralizing negative energy in folk belief.

Second is mugwort. Folk tradition holds that mugwort has protective properties, hence the practice of wearing it during Ghost Month.

Third is taking hot baths. Since the seventh lunar month is considered yin and hot water is associated with yang energy, Xiao Meng suggests moderate hot baths to help relax the body and mind. However, given the high temperatures in August, those with cardiovascular conditions or the elderly should avoid long baths to prevent discomfort.

Are Ghost Month Taboos Just Superstition? The Seventh Lunar Month Also Coincides with Peak Water and Typhoon Risks

Some Ghost Month taboos have real-world safety foundations. The seventh lunar month generally falls between August and September on the Gregorian calendar, which is Taiwan's typhoon season, marked by frequent offshore waves and rip currents. The risks of nighttime water activities, riverbank visits, or seaside outings are inherently high.

Similarly, nighttime trips to mountainous or open areas carry greater risks due to low visibility, poor communication, and hypothermia. While folk taboos use the concept of Good Brothers, their actual function is to warn people to avoid high-risk times and locations.

Source: 'Xiao Meng's Astrology and Tarot – Qing Shui Meng,' August 13: Ghost Month Arrives! 22 Taboos! Ghost Gate Opens Early! 4 Zodiac Signs Face Challenges! Protective Methods