M&AH write: “Our parish priest is setting up a devotional shrine to St. Kateri Tekakwitha inside the parish. On the wall in the shrine of St. Kateri there is going to be a medicine wheel. The pastor says that the wheel is a symbol of unity among the Lakota people and is approved for use in Catholic ceremonies. To our understanding, the medicine wheel is a pagan symbol of which St. Kateri would have renounced upon being baptized Catholic. Could you please tell us if this is approved for use in Catholic ceremonies and if having this medicine wheel in a Catholic church is permitted?”
Category Archives: Neopaganism
Handfasting: Marriage Pagan Style
MJB writes: “Some Wiccan friends of mine were recently married in a ritual called handfasting. What exactly is this and is it Christian?”
Hot Stone Massage: My Spirit Guide Made Me Do It!
ST asks: “A few of my friends have been singing the praises of hot stone massage which they have been receiving at a local spa. From the little I read about it, it sounded awfully New Age. What do you know about it?”
Can Catholics Celebrate the Winter Solstice?
VQ writes: “Please write an explanation of winter solstice celebrations & their compatibility to Catholic Christian or incompatibility.”
The Shinto Elements in the Popular Beyblades Game
JS writes: “My son recently was given “BeyBlades” for his birthday. They are quite popular and based on the Cartoon Network show BeyBlades. There are different symbols on each of the beyblades and I was wondering if this toy and show are tied to the occult.”
Why Would Any Catholic Publication Advertise Helen Russ?
PM asks: “Can you tell me if Helen Russ is New Age. She advertised in the Catholic Church Porch Meditation as an alternative.”
Exploring the Pagan Roots of Drumming Circles
DH asks: “Have you investigated any information about drum circles that are “popping up” in Catholic Churches and at women religious retreats? We have some very devout people in our parish who are musicians and they have latched onto the idea that Christian praise and worship can occur within drum circles. They have organized a drum circle and the group alternates meetings between our Catholic Church and a local Protestant denomination. Our Youth Ministry members also participate now. The drum circle is advertised as “musical worship, family fun, includes the children , and, as an appealing way to praise God. . .
Girl Scouts Use New Age Program to Form Leaders
The Kolbrin Bible: A New Age Tome Based on Tall Tales
CC asks: “Can you do something to straighten out this New Age Kolbrin Bible (supposedly salvaged from an arson in 1184 from Glastonbury Abbey). The 5 first set/books called the Bronzebooks & the last 5 books Coelbooks…..Related to this subject – while you’re at it – an explanation is needed about: Zecharin Sitchin; Irish/Celtic Ten Lost Tribes; Nirbiru!”
What’s Wrong with Wearing Occult or Native American Symbols?
JE asks: “Would you consider the presence of a Dream Catcher an open door to the occult? I’ve never been comfortable with their use for children . . . I have a necklace & earring set of Dreamcatchers sitting in my jewelry box. . . . (A)fter reading about some of your other posts about jewelry I’ve been thinking that in addition to pitching the “Mary Poppins” book set I never got around to reading, I should pitch the Dream Catcher jewelry as well. Could you maybe tell us a little more about what to look out for in jewelry? Or would that be a whole ‘nother Learn to Discern book?”