6. Walking alone:[1]

From the 17^th[2] of Tammuz until the 9^th of Av one is to beware not to walk alone during the three weeks, between the 4^th and 9^th hours of the day.[3] [There is difference of opinion if this refers to the beginning or end of these hours. Some[4] write it is from the end of the 4^th hour until the beginning of the 9^th [for a total of 4 hours]. Others[5] write it is from the beginning of the 4^th hour until the end of the 9^th [for a total of 6 hours]. Others[6] write it refers to end of the 4^th hour until the end of the 9^th hour. This prohibition is relevant only when walking alone in a deserted area and not when walking alone in a settled area that contains people passing by.[7]]

7. Walking in the shade:[8]

From the 17^th of Tammuz until the 9^th of Av one is to beware not to walk in the border area between the shade and the sunlight, between the 4^th and 9^th hours of the day.[9] Likewise, one is to beware from staying in the shade during the months of Tammuz-Av.[10]

[1] Michaber 551:18; Hagahos Maimanis; Rokeiach 309; Midrash Tehillim and Eicha Rabasi 1:29; Tanchuma Naso 23; Ateres Zekeinim 549;

[2] Pesachim 111b [brought in Kaf Hachaim 551:225 and Biur Halacha 551:18] states that from the 1^st of Tammuz until 16^th the Katev Meriri is certainly found, while from the 17^th and onwards it’s a Safek.

[3] The reason: As during this time, the demon called Ketev Meriri is found. [ibid] See Devarim 32:24; Brachos 5a; Tanchuma ibid that it is a demon like creature; The Ketev Meriri is the name of a creature which is filled with eyes and Kelipos and hairs. He has one eye by his chest. If one even looks at him, he dies. [Eicha Rabasi ibid; Shulchan Gavoa 551:53; Kaf Hachaim 551:229

[4] Eicha Rabasi; 1^st option in M”A 551:45

[5] Naso Rabasi; 2^nd opinion in M”A 551:45; brought ion Levush 551; Chayeh Adam133; Siddur Yaavetz

[6] Elya Raba 551:44; M”B 551:102

[7] Zohar Vayishlach p. 169; Yifei Laleiv 5:6; Aruch Hashulchan 551:39; Eishel Avraham 551; Kaf Hachaim 551:226

[8] Elya Raba 551:43-44; M”B 551:102; Eicha Rabasi ibid; See Kaf Hachaim 551:227-228

[9] The reason: As during this time, the demon called Ketev Meriri is found in the border of the sun and shade. [ibid]

[10] Shevet Hamussar 16; Kaf Hachaim 551:227