diff --git a/src/artifact.c b/src/artifact.c
index 21664234a..454d21032 100644
--- a/src/artifact.c
+++ b/src/artifact.c
@@ -1917,7 +1917,7 @@ arti_invoke(struct obj *obj)
             break;
         }
         case BLINDING_RAY:
-            if (getdir((char *) 0))
+            if (getdir((char *) 0) && (u.dx || u.dy))
                 do_blinding_ray(obj);
             break;
         }