JULY 2021
The Tibetan Calendar is based on the lunar (moon) cycle. The Western, Gregorian Calendar we, and most of the world now uses, invented in 45B.C, is based on a solar year divided by 12 (the zodiac constellations). The two calendars don't quite synchronize with each other or even with themselves for that matter. The Western calendar relies on an extra day every four years (leap year) to catch up to actual celestial events. The Tibetan calendar constantly adjusts by eliminating or doubling days. For instance, the coming 6th month of the Tibetan Calendar this year has two day 2's and two day 22's, but no day 5 or 17. There are several Tibetan Calendars and they vary slightly. The one we use is calculated using the astrology of the Kalachakra, which comes from ancient Sanskrit Vedic texts.

This year, the first 9 days of July are in the end of the 5th month of the Tibetan Calendar. The first day of the Tibetan 6th month is July 10th and the last day of July is 22nd day of the Tibetan 6th month.
This month we are featuring an interesting prayer flag that is in a category of "specialty flags." In Tibetan it is known as "Mig-thong," meaning "Thousand Eyes". It is also called the Mik-Kha Reversing Flag. Mik-Kha, literally meaning "bad talk," or "back-biting." Malicious gossip causes obstacles, accidents and loss of wealth.

The purpose of the Mik-Kha Reversing Flag is to send the negative energy back to the perpetrators; not necessarily in a destructive way, but in a pacifying way. If it's known from what direction the negative energy is coming (like a neighbor), the flag is placed to face that direction. It can be hung in the wind to disseminate it's vibration in all directions.

Description
The top panel contains symbols for the sun and moon. Below them are a Lotus (purification of karma), the Flaming Sword of Wisdom, and the Vajra (Indestructibility).

The next panels show 50 pairs of eyes (We're watching you!) and then 100 of the word "Kha," meaning mouth or speech.

The next panel down has the text that translates:
"Om Mani Padme Hum Hri! (Chenrezig's 6 syllable mantra that purifies the 6 realms of existence).
Hur Thum - May gossip and bad talk be expelled!
Rilirili Om Mahadeva, sever the life force of enemies!
Bhyo - transform gossip and bad talk!
May people's gossip, especially my enemies be entirely and completely expelled. Bhyo! Bhyo! expelled, expelled. Expel the negative talk and poison spit of all gossipers! Expel the Wild Ones! Expel evil spirits! Expel epidemics and infectious diseases! Expel quarrelsome enemies, thieves and enemy armies! May all harmful and negative talk from the four main and eight intermediate directions, where the Sun moves, and all enemies with evil thoughts toward me be completely, entirely, and altogether expelled! Bhyo! Bhyo!"
The bottom panel shows 2 single Vajras (Tib: dorje) and a crossed vajra; the diamond thunderbolt scepter symbolizing power and invincibility; that which can't be destroyed.
I've been collecting, cataloging, printing and distributing prayer flags since 1974. In 1991 I had the good fortune to travel by myself in Bhutan. One day while walking in Bumthang, I saw in the distance a large new house being built. Being an architect, I naturally wanted to inspect it. As I approached, I could see a flag pole with a strange prayer flag attached. I'd been collecting prayer flags for 20 years and had never come across this particular unique design. After finally finding the house's owner, I learned that in Bhutan, people often display these flags when building new houses. Neighbors' jealousy and gossip can cause obstacles and financial difficulties during construction. I asked the owner where I might get one of these flags. He told me that if I returned to his house in a few days he would give me one. I found out later that he walked all day to a monastery in the mountains where the flags are printed. He spent the night at the monastery and another whole day walking back to his house. He would accept no payment for his effort. The original flag, printed from a wood block, was not very clear. I redrew it, and Lama Dawa Chhodak checked the accuracy of the text. The first silk-screen I made in 1995 finally wore out after 25 years. I remade another screen last month so the prints we have now are very clear and precise.

The Mig Thong Flag is 13"x 38," Black ink on white 100% cotton cloth. They sell for $16.
THIS MONTH'S PRACTICE & NAGA CALENDARS
In the 6th month the Nagas harvest their food. If you make offerings to them on their offering days, the nagas will increase your fertility, wealth and possessions. If you mistakenly make offerings on the wrong day then your offering may be rotten.
The very best days for making offerings to the Nagas are July 17, 24 & August 3, 7, 8.

Especially do not make offerings on July 22 and 25
We apprectiate feedback from our customers; encouragement ,suggestions and constructive criticism.

We also appreciate photos of prayer flags on display, especially ones you got from us.
Email us at: prayerflags2@gmail.com