Why Devils and Evil Spirits are Believed to Have More Energy on Amavasya

In various cultures, Amavasya (New Moon) is considered a day with mystical significance, particularly in Hinduism and some other spiritual traditions. The night of Amavasya is often associated with darkness and the absence of the moon, which creates an atmosphere believed to be more conducive to negative energies, including devils and evil spirits.

Reasons Why Evil Spirits Are Believed to Have More Energy on Amavasya

1. Lack of Moonlight: Amavasya is characterized by the absence of the moon, meaning no natural light in the night sky. This total darkness is seen as empowering negative forces. In many belief systems, light symbolizes positivity, while darkness represents negativity. The complete darkness of Amavasya is thought to give these entities more freedom to roam and cause harm.

2. Astrological Influence: Many astrological systems, including Vedic astrology, emphasize the influence of planetary alignments on human life. On Amavasya, the moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, which is believed to have a weakening effect on human consciousness. This lowering of positive energy may create a more fertile environment for negative forces to operate.

3. Weaker Human Energies: On Amavasya, it is believed that human energies are at a lower level, making people more vulnerable to negative entities. Some traditions believe that without the moon’s influence, the mind is more susceptible to stress, fear, and negative emotions, which can attract evil forces.

4. Spiritual Practices and Rituals: Amavasya is a day when many people perform rituals for departed ancestors (Pitru Paksha). The thinning veil between the living and the dead is thought to allow both benevolent and malevolent spirits to visit the Earth. Thus, evil spirits are also believed to take advantage of this time to move freely.

5. Cultural Superstitions: In various traditions, Amavasya is associated with black magic, occult practices, and rituals performed to harness darker powers. People who practice dark arts may find it easier to connect with evil spirits during this time, giving these entities more energy.

Things to Avoid on Amavasya Day

Many cultural and religious practices advise avoiding certain activities on Amavasya to prevent attracting negative energies. Here are some taboos associated with this day:

1. Avoid Starting New Ventures: Amavasya is not considered an auspicious day to start new projects, ventures, or make important decisions. Doing so may result in bad luck or failure due to the supposed influence of negative energies.

2. Avoid Traveling at Night: Traveling, especially at night, can expose one to negative energies or evil spirits. Since Amavasya is associated with complete darkness, it is recommended to avoid unnecessary travel during this time.

3. Do Not Cut Nails or Hair: Cutting nails or hair on Amavasya is believed to bring bad luck or weaken one’s energy field. These acts are discouraged to avoid attracting negative influences.

4. Avoid Consumption of Non-Vegetarian Food and Alcohol: Consumption of non-vegetarian food, alcohol, or intoxicating substances is believed to increase the chances of attracting negative energies on Amavasya. A vegetarian diet is recommended for cleansing and protection.

5. Avoid Quarreling or Negative Emotions: Since Amavasya energies are thought to be volatile, it is advised to avoid fights or allowing negative emotions like anger, jealousy, or hatred to surface. These emotions may attract malevolent forces.

6. Do Not Perform Any Negative or Dark Rituals: Engaging in black magic or negative rituals is believed to be amplified on Amavasya. Instead, people focus on positive rituals to honor ancestors or perform purification ceremonies.

7. Avoid Sleeping in the Afternoon: There is a belief that sleeping during the day on Amavasya may invite negative energies into the home or one’s personal space. Some households reserve the afternoon for spiritual activities instead.

8. Avoid Financial Transactions: Starting financial ventures or even lending or borrowing money on Amavasya is discouraged, as it may result in losses or misfortune.

9. Avoid Eating Leftovers: Leftovers from previous meals are avoided on Amavasya, as they are considered inauspicious. Fresh food is preferred to provide higher energy and protection from negative influences.

10. Refrain from Visiting Sacred Places or Temples After Sunset: While visiting temples during the daytime is encouraged, some people avoid going to sacred places or performing religious rituals after sunset due to the belief that negative forces are stronger at night.

Spiritual and Protective Practices on Amavasya

Rather than focusing only on taboos, many people use Amavasya as a time for deep spiritual reflection, cleansing, and protection rituals. Some positive practices include:

1. Offer Prayers to Ancestors: Amavasya is an ideal time to perform rituals for the well-being of departed souls. Offering prayers to ancestors (Shradh or Tarpan) is believed to bring peace and blessings.

2. Engage in Meditation and Positive Rituals: Spiritual practices such as meditation, reciting mantras, or lighting lamps are believed to protect against negative energies. These activities enhance personal energy levels and promote positivity.

3. Purify Your Living Space: Many people cleanse their homes using incense, camphor, or other purifying agents. This helps dispel negative energies that might accumulate during Amavasya.

4. Practice Charity: Giving to the needy or performing acts of charity is considered highly beneficial on Amavasya. It is said to mitigate the influence of negative energies and bring positive karma.

By being mindful of these taboos and incorporating positive practices, you can navigate Amavasya with greater spiritual awareness while protecting yourself from the potential influence of negative forces.