SM writes: "I have a friend who insists that every word of a prayer novena has to be said correctly, or you have to start all over. Is this true?"
While it’s true that the Druids once believed holly had magical powers, the use of this ancient evergreen on special occasions does not derive from any group in particular.
(Image by Bryce Edwards, cc-by-2.0, Wikimedia Commons)MH writes: “I'm wondering if you would know if there is any new age connection to birthstones? I'm from Ireland and wanted to get my niece a ring for her eighteenth birthday and she wants a birthstone ring. I'm not certain if there is any new age association. I would really appreciate it if you could answer this question.”
CS writes: "My wife's mother recently passed away after a long terrible bout with MS. Prior to her being debilitated with this disease, my wife tells me that she was into new age type beliefs. . .
For the third time this year, the planet Mercury has gone into retrograde and once again, the internet astrologers are trying to outdo one another with dire warnings about how this cosmological event can wreak havoc on planet Earth. Too bad it’s nothing but hype to sell natal charts and good luck charms.
MI writes: “I don’t feel comfortable with this type of prayer request [that I received today]. ‘We are doing an Intercession of 1000 prayers for those people with cancer. Say the prayer and pass it to 10 people, Let me know if you cannot, so that we do not break this Intercession.’ Am I wrong? Isn’t it basically a chain letter. Would you participate? Looking forward to your thoughts!”
Photo by Darío Méndez on UnsplashHL writes: “A parishioner at our parish has been noticing rice being scattered at our shrine of the Holy Innocents, in front of the statue of our patron saint, and on the hand rail leading to the rectory. I’m wondering if there’s any foul play involving occultic practices. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.”
DO asks: "What is a witch ball? Is it an object of the occult? Can it cause harm if used as a decoration innocently? Is it related to the glass yard ornaments called 'gazing balls'?"
Anonymous writes: “Someone I know recently told me that loved ones of hers passed away. The family had their ashes split up and placed in jewelry. How can I explain the Catholic view on this for future reference? How can I explain it particularly when it comes to our Catholic faith and relics.”
Courtesy of Wikicommons Images (CC BY-SA 2.0)KJ writes: “What’s so bad about the I Ching? Isn’t it the same thing as casting lots?”
