Can a lapsed Catholic psychic use her powers for good?

[LittleLambLost]

I was raised Catholic but have been lapsed. I am an indigo child: I can read auras, read people and how they are feeling, and can feel the feelings of others around me without actually feeling them. I know things about people without them telling me. I have dabbled in the occult but now it scares me. How do I know if these gifts are from God? And how can I use them in faith and helpfulness? Are spirit animals wrong? How do I figure out from this mess what’s right and what’s wrong? I feel blessed with my abilities but they scare me. What do I do?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

You mention that you have dabbled in the occult. Given that, it is very possible that your “abilities” (for lack of a better term) are not gifts from God but “sweets” from preternatural beings to tempt you into taking part in occult activities. The more you satisfy your taste for these “sweets” by playing with powers outside your control, the more you become addicted to them. I think the reason you are scared is because you sub-consciously see the danger you’ve been playing with and know on some level that you cannot control it.

The only thing to do is to renounce these “abilities” altogether. Stop identifying yourself as an “indigo child” and a psychic. Stop seeking “spirit animals” or any other preternatural guru. Return to your Catholic faith. Go to confession, confess the occult activities you’ve dabbled in as the sins that they are, and resume your practice of your Catholic faith. You may want to ask your confessor if he can recommend a spiritual director who is experienced in helping people who have dabbled in the occult.

One more piece of advice: While those who have never dabbled in occult activity may be able to read fantasy fiction such as Harry Potter and the Twilight series, or watch movies with paranormal stories, it would be better for you to abstain completely to avoid being tempted to return to your former way of life.

Recommended reading:

How do I confess after practicing witchcraft?
Witchcraft 101 by Michelle Arnold (sidebar)