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Caesar517
Guest
I don’t have any advice to give you other than what has already been said, but know that you will be in my prayers. 
- Status
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juliasmith
Guest
“Catholics have a tendency not to like it when you say “take Communion” they “receive Communion”.”
Thanks for the correction. I have so much to learn. My family was not Catholic and I have not had the benefit of much religious education.
“assuming you were baptized”
I am indeed baptized and confirmed.
“make a spiritual communion”
Not familiar with this other than having run across it in my prayer book. I will certainly look into this.
“You have your baby to think about. Have you baptized your baby?”
He was baptized last weekend as a matter of fact. It was a beautiful and very moving ceremony. I made his gown and my sister in law and brother are his godparents. (My sis in law is the reason I became catholic years ago.)
“I don’t have any advice to give you other than what has already been said, but know that you will be in my prayers.”
Thank you. That means so much to me.
I am in the process of getting my confession together. I go tomorrow. I want it to be a thorough one because of the occult involvement for so long.
I want to thank all of you for all the wonderful instruction, advice, and prayer. I am so glad and thankful this site is here. I thank God that there are such wonderful people in this world.
Thanks for the correction. I have so much to learn. My family was not Catholic and I have not had the benefit of much religious education.
“assuming you were baptized”
I am indeed baptized and confirmed.
“make a spiritual communion”
Not familiar with this other than having run across it in my prayer book. I will certainly look into this.
“You have your baby to think about. Have you baptized your baby?”
He was baptized last weekend as a matter of fact. It was a beautiful and very moving ceremony. I made his gown and my sister in law and brother are his godparents. (My sis in law is the reason I became catholic years ago.)
“I don’t have any advice to give you other than what has already been said, but know that you will be in my prayers.”
Thank you. That means so much to me.
I am in the process of getting my confession together. I go tomorrow. I want it to be a thorough one because of the occult involvement for so long.
I want to thank all of you for all the wonderful instruction, advice, and prayer. I am so glad and thankful this site is here. I thank God that there are such wonderful people in this world.
J
juliasmith
Guest
How does one get Holy water, oil, and salt? Do I get these from my church?
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Cari
Guest
You can take some of the holy water from the Church’s water fount, if you bring a container. Any clean container is fine- we used a washed-out cough syrup bottle the first time we got some.
As for the salt and oil, just buy a regular container of salt (you know, like the Morton’s stuff) and regular bottle of olive oil. Ask father to bless and exorcise them. If he is unfamiliar with the prayers, you could print out the following:
evmcc.org/media/MYEXORCISMBLESSINGSFORSACSBOOKLET.pdf and on pg. three is the prayer for the blessing and exorcism of salt and oil.
We cook with our blessed salt, and it’s in the salt shaker on the table. This, in addition to blessing our house with it on a monthly basis. We had a priest come speak at our homeschool conference this year, and he strongly suggested blessing your children with holy oil every night before they went to bed.
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reggieM
Guest
Rather than use the holy water font, most parishes have a dispenser that looks like this:
http://www.catholicchurchsupply.com/items/11713sm.jpg
Use that instead. If you can’t find it, then the hand-fonts are ok (athough I have never heard of using that before).
http://www.catholicchurchsupply.com/items/11713sm.jpg
Use that instead. If you can’t find it, then the hand-fonts are ok (athough I have never heard of using that before).
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Cari
Guest
Our parish has only a holy water fountain (not even the wall founts), so we just use that. Of course, you could bring your own water, too, and ask Father to bless that. A woman I know buys those pint size water bottles in bulk, has a priest at our parish bless and exorcise it, and viola!
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peary
Guest
**You try to avoid falling into the belief of demonic influence because it sounds superstitious and hokey? What about your using ouja boards, channeling, studying the occult, and praying to false gods? What does THAT sound like?
What seems to be going on is that you might be unconsciously making it difficult for yourself to change, and your guilt is keeping you away from God’s grace and love through the sacraments. This is exactly why you should go see a priest, and get a spiritual director to help you through all of this. Nobody is going to think you are crazy. You need spiritual direction. I wouldn’t worry about demonic influence right now. Obviously, God has protected you to allow you to come back into the Church. And that is something to be very thankful for. HE LOVES YOU!.
**
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Roza
Guest
I was gone about 20 yrs and had a grandparent that did fortune telling, a parent that while not delving into occult (beyond horoscopes) seemed to have a way of knowing things. I don’t know if it was from things in the family or from my own curiosity but I to played with a ouija for 3 days, with a ‘white witch’ friend, got into crystals, pendulums & all that nonsense. I was delivered from it, no more automatic writing but sometimes wonder if I still have a spirit of oppression. I do have moments of fear often that I don’t need to have. I have copied the prayer on spiritual warfare because in all honesty I believe parts of my family are still greatly infested and I know we did (don’t know if this person still is) have a witch.
I assume I should specifically mention ‘soul ties’ as well? I don’t even know for sure how to explain that other than what they meant when I was in the occult. I was at a non-Catholic service when the speaker mentioned someone with soul ties and familiar spirits and for those to leave in the name of Jesus. Instead of going back to Catholicism though I ended up being angry at Catholicism because I fell into the anti-Catholic junk out there. 5 years out of the occult, a little over a year back to Catholicism but even though I was raised (or so I thought) Catholic (CCD, Confirmation) I still feel so out of place, like at some point should probably enroll in RCIA. Not sure how I missed so much.
My friends from my occult days really aren’t so much friends anymore.
I assume I should specifically mention ‘soul ties’ as well? I don’t even know for sure how to explain that other than what they meant when I was in the occult. I was at a non-Catholic service when the speaker mentioned someone with soul ties and familiar spirits and for those to leave in the name of Jesus. Instead of going back to Catholicism though I ended up being angry at Catholicism because I fell into the anti-Catholic junk out there. 5 years out of the occult, a little over a year back to Catholicism but even though I was raised (or so I thought) Catholic (CCD, Confirmation) I still feel so out of place, like at some point should probably enroll in RCIA. Not sure how I missed so much.
My friends from my occult days really aren’t so much friends anymore.
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Lui
Guest
Actually I experienced what the OP described when I was about to get holy water. I was baptized but never received my first Holy Communion. I wasn’t raised Catholic although both my parents are Catholic. Well, my father is actually an atheist who is almost obsessed with mocking faith.
With that upbringing I never dealt with religious issues but have become religious over the last several years.
This year I decided to receive the Holy Communion as an adult. About 3 months ago I wanted to get holy water from a church. I got on the bus that goes to the church and suddenly experienced that same sort of headache the OP described. It was mixed with a feeling of anxiety even though wasn’t thinking about me being on my way to get holy water. I also didn’t expect that this could happen. It almost made me get off the bus.
When I first went to talk to a Priest about receiving communion shortly after, the Priest advised me to go to Mass. I asked him if I should go everyday. He said it’s better to keep it to once a week because if I overdo it I might experience some things happening that come from the enemy. At that moment I remembered the holy water episode and told him the story. He didn’t think I was crazy at all. He actually thought it was common.
After that I did experience other things. What surprises me now is that the OP also had almost the same symptoms.
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beckycmarie
Guest
Fr. Gabriele Amorth says that the confessional takes more souls from Satan than exorcism takes bodies from him. Demons do exist and they have a vested interest in keeping you away from the Church and living with the effects of your involvement in the occult, including the worst of those - separation from God.
What you’re describing sounds like typcial things demons do to keep you away from returning to God - making you think that you don’t have time to go to Confession; making you feel like staying home from Mass; and convincing you to be so worried about what the priest will think of you that you avoid going to him for help.
I would make an act of contrition now and then get to confession ASAP.
You mentioned the OLSM; have you tried the Seven Steps to Self-Deliverance on their site? I also suggest saying these prayers which the SPCDC recommends to anyone who has participated in the occult:
Prayer To Confess Occult Involvement
Prayers to take back ground - one can be said before confession, or you can say the second one after confession:
Prayer Of Confession And Taking Back Ground From Satan
Prayer After Confession To Re-Claim Ground Taken By Satan
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Roza
Guest
I’m not the OP but had similar experiences. I have gone through the prayers listed here. I also have Holy Water in the house and use it. I was gone from Catholicism for just about 20 yrs myself. Can I keep using the same prayers for members of my extended family? I’ve been going through these as well as the rosary every day.
Can familiar spirits (I used to mess with them up until June 2003) still be affecting my interaction with people in my life or situations like job hunting, etc?
The story about Blessed Bartolo gives me great encouragement. I missed a lot my first time as a Catholic… regarding Novenas, can one do their own (say to Blessed Bartolo) or maybe I should be looking for ones to St.Michael. Praying to Our Lady of Hope, have to always have hope!
My other question too, blessed salt and oil, this is just kept in the house or is it also used like Holy Water? I’ve been back to Catholicism for over a year now but I’ve recognized how much I didn’t pay attention the first time.
Thank you
Can familiar spirits (I used to mess with them up until June 2003) still be affecting my interaction with people in my life or situations like job hunting, etc?
The story about Blessed Bartolo gives me great encouragement. I missed a lot my first time as a Catholic… regarding Novenas, can one do their own (say to Blessed Bartolo) or maybe I should be looking for ones to St.Michael. Praying to Our Lady of Hope, have to always have hope!
My other question too, blessed salt and oil, this is just kept in the house or is it also used like Holy Water? I’ve been back to Catholicism for over a year now but I’ve recognized how much I didn’t pay attention the first time.
Thank you
L
lumenorientale
Guest
To the OP, I want to encourage you not to lose heart. You were involved in the occult for a long time, and you had spiritual and psychological ties to it. You are going to feel tired, spiritually and mentally exhausted now that you have severed those ties. The practices that you used to get your energy from are now gone. People who formerly practiced the occult say that it is basically an addiction. You get “high” from it, both spiritually and emotionally. Now, you’ve gone cold turkey from your spiritual drug. It will take awhile, and a lot of trust in God, for it to leave your system. Your soul is undergoing a great change, and right now, you may not be able see it. So give God time; He’s not done with you yet. And even though it seems like you are lacking time to pray, we forget how much downtime in our lives we have. Sitting in the car, you can lift your heart to the Lord. Standing in line at the store, you can pray. We all live hectic lives, but we can give all those moments in which we are doing practically nothing to God and let Him transform them into holy moments. And, adding all your holy moments up from the week, it makes for a great relationship with the Lord.
Another issue you are contending with is the annulment process. Take it from someone who’s been there, done that. It’s emotionally draining–it’s good, but emotionally draining. Why? Because you have to go through the past, have to face painful memories, and have to deal with them. So continue to pray. Pray and depend completely on God (a lesson I’m learning right now with various struggles I’m going through). And ask the saints in heaven to help you. They are your friends, and are pulling for you. And don’t forget Mary. I pray the Akathist most nights before bed, it is very comforting.
Anyhow, all the best to you. Remember, God is working on you. Just surrender to His Love.
Another issue you are contending with is the annulment process. Take it from someone who’s been there, done that. It’s emotionally draining–it’s good, but emotionally draining. Why? Because you have to go through the past, have to face painful memories, and have to deal with them. So continue to pray. Pray and depend completely on God (a lesson I’m learning right now with various struggles I’m going through). And ask the saints in heaven to help you. They are your friends, and are pulling for you. And don’t forget Mary. I pray the Akathist most nights before bed, it is very comforting.
Anyhow, all the best to you. Remember, God is working on you. Just surrender to His Love.
K
kevstar31
Guest
I think the book you are refuring to is ransomed from darkness by Moira Noonan
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juliasmith
Guest
It has been quite a while since I posted this thread. I noticed that people are continuing to respond. Thank you all. You have been a great encouragement to me. It is difficult still.
I have been to see my priest and found him very receptive and helpful. I have to laugh at myself now for having been so hesitant to go to him. I have also been to confession. That was very healing. My house has been cleared of any and all objects that were a connection to that past.
The holy water and blessed oil are being used regularly. It helps immensely.
In fact, I would like to share with you all something that happened a few weeks ago.
I had some votive candles that I thought would be nice to use on my home altar. I cleaned one of the glass containers from any left over wax residue to put my holy water in as I cannot yet justify the expense of one of those pretty containers made specially for holy water.
I put the holy water in the holder and set it out. A couple of days after this I heard a weird ‘pop’ while I was on the phone with someone. I could not find the cause of the sound and forgot about it. The next morning when I went for prayer, I noticed the container of holy water had split, but it had not come apart. None of the water had spilled or leaked out. I continued lighting my candles and saying my prayers and one of the containers burst. It was then that I remembered those candles had once been used to mark a circle. I promptly threw them out(saving the holy water in another container). And that was the last of the stuff I needed to get rid of.
I have been to see my priest and found him very receptive and helpful. I have to laugh at myself now for having been so hesitant to go to him. I have also been to confession. That was very healing. My house has been cleared of any and all objects that were a connection to that past.
The holy water and blessed oil are being used regularly. It helps immensely.
In fact, I would like to share with you all something that happened a few weeks ago.
I had some votive candles that I thought would be nice to use on my home altar. I cleaned one of the glass containers from any left over wax residue to put my holy water in as I cannot yet justify the expense of one of those pretty containers made specially for holy water.
I put the holy water in the holder and set it out. A couple of days after this I heard a weird ‘pop’ while I was on the phone with someone. I could not find the cause of the sound and forgot about it. The next morning when I went for prayer, I noticed the container of holy water had split, but it had not come apart. None of the water had spilled or leaked out. I continued lighting my candles and saying my prayers and one of the containers burst. It was then that I remembered those candles had once been used to mark a circle. I promptly threw them out(saving the holy water in another container). And that was the last of the stuff I needed to get rid of.
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MarcoPolo
Guest
Hi Julia,
I very much recommend you listen to the testimony of Moira Noonan. She was once in the occult but got out.
Here is the MP3 link. There is a little bit of an intro to her talk by a priest. She also wrote a book about her story Ransomed from Darkness. Used copies are only $1.87+shipping.
J
juliasmith
Guest
Thanks for the book suggestion. I’ll certainly make an effort to get my hands on a copy. I just love new reading material!
I am finding it rather fascinating that there seems to be a common after-effect of having exposed oneself to occult influences.
I am finding it rather fascinating that there seems to be a common after-effect of having exposed oneself to occult influences.
M
MarcoPolo
Guest
Indeed. I pray it helps you, I figured it might serve well to hear the advice of someone who, like you, has lived it.
I might also recommend the testimony of **Father Corapi **if you have not heard it. He was not in the occult, but he certainly was in the depths of darkness for many years. You can get a free CD mailed to you of his testimony from Catholicity. I have ordered from there many times!
Best prayers to you.
J
juliasmith
Guest
I ordered the book just now. Thanks again, Marco. I appreciate it.
To those who have expressed a similar effect on themselves, what specifically did you do to combat this feeling of tiredness, illness, etc?
I have found the prayer to St Michael helpful.
I have added several blessed items to my home.
But, I have to say that in recent weeks I have found myself despondent and praying hardly at all.
I have never been what I would call disciplined. It was probably the one deciding factor (my lack of discipline) that led me to the occult. I wanted a religion, but it had to be a lazy religion. Neo-paganism is definitely that!
Is discipline a hallmark of christian maturity? Is it something I will have to develop in order to ‘grow in Christ’?
That may sound infantile, naive, or worse, but I must ask.
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reggieM
Guest
That’s a pretty clear indicator of the spiritual combat you’re in right now. You will get fatigued because it’s hard work. Make a resolution not to neglect a minimum of prayer every day and then just work at it. Eventually, you’ll find some methods that will click with you and energy will be restored. Time spent in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament (exposed or not) is a great method. You just need to put yourself in place and God will do most of the work. Also, try some holy pictures – those will inspire you.
But also, it’s not just brute force. The best prayer in this situation you’re in is to ask God that you’ll be able to pray better. We need to ask for everything. Despondency is a lack of hope and vision for the future. Set your sights higher and try to achieve greater things for God – this will give you more hope.
Good point. We’re all lazy and fearful in our human nature – so you’re not unusual. It’s the grace of God, flowing into us little by little that will help you rise above our lazy nature. I struggle with the same things you’re talking about.
Yes, and yes. You’ll surprise yourself over time. Just stay patient and keep at it --even if only it seems like a little bit. There are a lot of little gifts that God gives on the way to lift us up.
Not at all – excellent and important questions.
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Roza
Guest
Wow, to the OP, your recent testimony regarding the Holy Water & candles, I can picture it and being one that came out of occult garbage I can relate. I’ve been praying that spiritual warfare prayer too. I’ve yet to get blessed oil and blessed salt, this coming Sunday I will. I purchased inexpensive plastic bottles for Holy Water. I have 2 fonts as well but noticed the water evaporates very quickly, want to try and come up with two covers for them. I’ve had those for at least a year now.
I had talked to a priest too about the occult garbage I was meddling with and was very thankful he was understanding with me. I don’t have any votive candles, maybe some day.
I’ve been praying that spiritual warfare prayer daily and after the first day the temptings to dabble (which I didn’t act upon but were always a background nagging) were gone. Praying this all through my whole family line because I know of one tarot reader 2 generations above me and a wiccan in the family…
Praising God for the information here and everyone’s attitude with you and this topic. I haven’t seen people act judgmental or condemning with you and being one that came out of occult things myself that’s so refreshing to see. I had contacted a priest online as well and he too was very supportive and encouraging.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
God bless
I had talked to a priest too about the occult garbage I was meddling with and was very thankful he was understanding with me. I don’t have any votive candles, maybe some day.
I’ve been praying that spiritual warfare prayer daily and after the first day the temptings to dabble (which I didn’t act upon but were always a background nagging) were gone. Praying this all through my whole family line because I know of one tarot reader 2 generations above me and a wiccan in the family…
Praising God for the information here and everyone’s attitude with you and this topic. I haven’t seen people act judgmental or condemning with you and being one that came out of occult things myself that’s so refreshing to see. I had contacted a priest online as well and he too was very supportive and encouraging.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
God bless
- Status