Best & Worst Days To Ask A Shaman

Odd number days are the best days to ask a shaman for help and to perform rituals. Hmong shamans go according to the Hmong Lunar Calendar and not the American calendar. According to our calendar, the full moon always falls on the 15th of each month. The full moon on the 15th are the best days to do an ua neeb (healing ritual). This is because the moon is highest and fullest. In addition, full moons are sometimes called "Neeb Hnub" which means "Shaman Days." This day allows a clear and open path for shaman spirits and guides.

The second best times are odd days before the 15th. We want to avoid doing rituals on a new moon or days immediately after a full moon like the 16th or 17th. The 1st are usually not so good days unless it falls on a full moon. This is because the first falls short and it comes low. Following, the 21st and the 27th are okay days to ask a shaman for help or to have healing rituals. These days come "high" or "los siab siab." These are ok days to ask a shaman to do a ritual UNLESS it falls on a new moon.

The best time to do rituals are early morning when the sun is rising and later in the evening when the sun is setting. Avoid starting at 12pm because this is when the sun is highest over us and hottest during the day. If you can't start before 12pm then start in the evening. Early morning and late evening causes our shadows to be the longest, making it a lot easier and better travel time for shamans and spirits. When calling a shaman to ask for help, avoid lunch times and dinner times. When you call and a shaman is about to eat lunch or dinner, it can symbolize sickness and death or (rooj ploj, rooj tuag). Also, back in the old country many shamans and their families need the day to tend to their crops, so early morning rituals would mean they would end early and have more time for their crops the rest of the day.

The best days to contact a shaman, ua neeb (healing ritual), and hu plig: (must be Hmong calendar)

3rd, 9th, 15th, 21st, 27th,

The best times to contact a shaman, ua neeb (healing ritual), and hu plig:

5am - 9am

4pm - 8pm

When a shaman is doing a healing ritual, it is very crucial to make sure the items on their altar do not run out and it is so important to watch and tend to the shaman. This means checking the joss, the candle, the water, and even the money paper needed during the rituals.

When the joss runs out, the shaman will become tired and very out of breath. When the rice flower is burnt it will cause the shaman to have a sore or dry throat, making it impossible to continue with their chant. When the candle is blown out or runs out, the shaman will lose their path or direction. If a person or animal crosses in front of a shaman during their ritual, not only will this frighten the shaman and their guides but it can cut all connection instantly. The shaman will become deathly ill and cause them to die. If a shaman falls off their bench, they can get sick and most likely die.

I hope this helps friends and family figure out the best and worst days to ask a shaman for help.

TFL Hmong Shaman