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.
Category Archives: Superstition
What to Do About Those Email Prayer Chains
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!”
Sprinkling Rice at Shrines: Is it Christian?
Photo by Darío Méndez on Unsplash
HL 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.”
Can a Witch’s Ball be Used for Decoration?
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’?”
Can I Wear My Loved One’s Ashes in Jewelry?
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.”
The I Ching and Casting Lots
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?”
Is Feng Shui Compatible with Christianity?
JK asks: “Is Feng Shui compatible with Christianity? Isn’t it just about locating furniture and using wall colors that create the right vibe in a room?”
Why Church Approval of Apparitions is So Important
It’s Advent, and while the faithful are pondering the mysteries of the First and Second Coming of the Lord, there’s a noticeable uptick in the number of alleged seers who claim to have an inside track on the Apocalypse. Here’s why Church approval of any private revelation is so critical in order to protect yourself and your loved ones from believing in falsehood.
Meghan Markle Flashes Expensive Amulets During US Visit
A Hamsa Hand charm with an evil eye.
During her recent visit to the U.S., Meghan Markle was seen sporting an amulet known as a Hamsa Hand, a good luck charm that allegedly conveys protection and good luck on the wearer.
Can Catholics Have Statues of Buddha in Their Home?
GM writes: “My mother and I got into a discussion about idolatry a few weeks ago. She seems to think that having pagan artwork in the home isn’t idolatry, and I can’t help but feel like it is, although the extent of it is a rendering of a buddha by my sister, and a couple buddha statues in opposite alcoves in our entryway. What is Church teaching regarding this?”
