Occult Items-what should I do with them?

[Zooey]

do it, but do it safely and according to laws in your area on burning, but just your stuff. something not burnable can be buried or crushed or dismantled and sent to recycling.

But this is not addressing the underlying issue, you want to be a practicing Catholic tied in marriage to a pagan–by that word I assume you mean someone actually pursuing a path that involves these influences, not someone is who a non-believer. You need pastoral counseling on this and you need it now before you get fast-tracked anywhere. Please make this appointment with the pastor, or another priest if he is not available, today.

You need help in confronting your husband and telling him what you will no longer be party to, and what you will no longer allow in the house you share, and how your conversion is going to inevitably affect him as you change your own manner of living.

If there are children involved this is even more critical.

One note, and this is true for almost everyone approaching the sacraments, the closer you get, the more the enemy steps up his attack. That is why the RCIA actually includes minor exorcisms–prayers for protection and strength–as a formal part of the process. Ask the priest for advice on prayer and defense when you speak with him.

In my experience around here, Puzzleannie’s advice is among the best.
You have my prayers, & my congratulations in coming to Our Lord.
God bless.

 

[adstrinity]

Well, when we pray at RCIA we pray the “Come Holy Spirit” prayer, and that’s about it. We prayed an Our Father and Hail Mary for someone once, but nothing else.

Ugh. That’s better than the “St. Patrick’s Breastplate” prayer with acompanying hokey-pokey motions… Anyway:

Also, please understand that this fact wasn’t bothering me till last night when I was praying for someone else and it hit me that this could be why I’m having so many issues right now, then I started getting this gross feeling, like a dirty feeling… like I just had to get this stuff out of my house kind of feeling.
Now that I know the truth about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, these things are not a threat to my continuing conversion at all. As I mentioned before, my conversion process was kind of miraculous and no object (‘spirit’ attached or not) is going to turn me away from what I know now and how God got me here.
My concern with these things is that I’m having all sorts of bad things happening to me over and over, and getting worse and worse the closer I get to being Confirmed, not that they ‘tempt me’ or whatever.

“It hit me”. This could all be in your head, then. Not that there isn’t bad things attached to these items, but, that you all of a sudden feel out of place. It could be the Holy Spirit kicking you in the pants, but, it could just be something in your head that is making you dwell on this.

What about holy water? Get it at your church, bottle it, (there should be a special font or tap; ask), bring it home and sprinkle it in every room in the shape of a cross, on the front door, and, on the objects. I’m not saying this will cleanse your house, but, I would think if anything would get the spirits out of these objects (providing they really are there), it would be this. Again, I’m not saying this will work, but, I’m saying that if there’s anything that you, yourself, can do in the short run, this, I think would be it.

As for the person who advocated divorce, that was horrible, I don’t think any Catholic can ever ligitimately say that UNLESS, the divorce is detrimental to your staying alive. St. Monica was married to a [nominal] pagan and never divorced him (though, admittingly, a 4th century African Matriarch may not be in the same circumstances or have the same rights afforded to her as a 21st century woman of the west developed world). I think unless you are really in jeopardy, the Church does not advocate divorce…I don’t think the Church ever advocates divorce, period, though. And, it sounds like this marriage happened with full intent and consent (congratulations!! ), so, anulment is out (and, I wouldn’t want you to separate from your husband in any way, anyway. No matter what the belief system, I think that separation is horrible and unfortunate).

Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, the objects again. I’d like to know more about the wand. Was it made for you, specifically? Was it a gift? Did you buy it? Was the high priest (is he) a friend of yours? What I’m getting at is, it is yours, but, I’d feel bad if somebody went to all that hard work for me and I’m just tossing it. I may soak it in holy water first, but, I’m not sure I’d get rid of it, depending on the circumstances. Keep it in a lockbox, maybe, so nobody can get to it?

And, finally, I know that this is troublesome for you (welcome, home!), but, COMMUNICATION is key, with your husband. Continue praying for him, but, always talk about your religious expectations. I’m not saying prostheltize to him, but, make known how you feel, what you’d like, what you expect, and listen to him as well. Don’t dismiss him or ignore him, but, I know you understand that you are on a different path right now. I hope you guys meet up again regarding this. Also, I am sure you have discussed future religious plans for your children. What do your friends think of this, especially your pagan friends?

I’d like you to know I’m almost 29 and single with no children, so, if you don’t think my advice is sound because I don’t have the same experience you do, I am fine with that. I would, though, getting back to the wand, ask you to pray for the person who made it; hopefully he can get out of paganism before he dies…and, if he’s already dead, maybe the prayers can help him now.

 

[Lapey]

I assume that your wife has a free will?

Yes she does, she chooses Jesus Christ in His church. I would do everything in my power, and His, to keep her in the truth. If I fail, I would back off and pray. I would not partake and fall myself.

 

[John1360]

Is your definition of “ritual” so narrow? What the priest does at Mass is a ritual. Any Christian can make a ritual of prayer. This is what I was referring to. That the IP would conduct a ceremony in order to release the energies contained in her items in a Christian, ritualized way. Commend these things to your God. Divinity will cleanse them.

The Catholic Church grants authority to a Priest who has been trained in Exorcism
to deal with these matters; sometimes if it’s a dwelling or object an " ordinary Priest " with the proper blessing can do what is necessary to alleviate the problem. But under no circumstances would it be advisable for someone to take some Holy water etc. & say a prayer they found on the internet to confront these things.
Usually Priests who volunteer for the job of the official Exorcist of the diocese are denied and they carefully select the Priest who they feel most suitable for the job. When the Latin Rite of Exorcism is performed on a person, place or thing nothing is destroyed only cast out & sealed from returning hopefully.
So if Rachel can find a Priest that’s the safest way for all concerned.

To think that things or people or places can not contain evil is pure folly. I’m not a" know it all " if that’s what you think. Unfortunately I’ve come from the school of hard knocks; an extremely foolish way to learn lessons that are already available to any who wishes to read the Holy Bible.

 

[cheese_sdc]

The Catholic Church grants authority to a Priest who has been trained in Exorcism
to deal with these matters; sometimes if it’s a dwelling or object an " ordinary Priest " with the proper blessing can do what is necessary to alleviate the problem. But under no circumstances would it be advisable for someone to take some Holy water etc. & say a prayer they found on the internet to confront these things.
Usually Priests who volunteer for the job of the official Exorcist of the diocese are denied and they carefully select the Priest who they feel most suitable for the job. When the Latin Rite of Exorcism is performed on a person, place or thing nothing is destroyed only cast out & sealed from returning hopefully.
So if Rachel can find a Priest that’s the safest way for all concerned.

To think that things or people or places can not contain evil is pure folly. I’m not a" know it all " if that’s what you think. Unfortunately I’ve come from the school of hard knocks; an extremely foolish way to learn lessons that are already available to any who wishes to read the Holy Bible.

I wasn’t referring to an exorcism. If that is necessary, as you say, the big guns are required. However, dealing with objects that have been used in a systematic, ritualized worship can be dealt with in a different manner.

I fully understand and agree that objects can pick up negativities and even evil, but a priest is not required for that (although it couldn’t hurt).

Now, the Original Post referred to some objects with spirits attached. Depending on your personal philosophy about such matters, you can believe it or not. My own experiences leads me to discount such a claim and attribute it to something else.

However, that doesn’t mean I don’t believe in a malignant, intelligent, spiritual, evil.

 

[Maria65]

I’d like to know more about the wand. Was it made for you, specifically? Was it a gift? Did you buy it? Was the high priest (is he) a friend of yours? What I’m getting at is, it is yours, but, I’d feel bad if somebody went to all that hard work for me and I’m just tossing it. I may soak it in holy water first, but, I’m not sure I’d get rid of it, depending on the circumstances. Keep it in a lockbox, maybe, so nobody can get to it?

I wouldn’t worry so much about “feeling bad” about the “hard work” that went into making any of the objects. If the OP feels wrong about them, I think she is better off just disposing of them somehow. The state of her soul is infinitely more important than any material objects.

Praying for that person is a good idea, though.

 

[mfbukowski]

Hello,

 I have some experience that you can draw on any time you need to. Anything that can be torn & thrown out do so if not I'd suggest burying the rest somewhere discrete - Do not burn the items!

You are in a tough situation given that your husband is still in "that world " pray for his conversion to the Blessed Mother Mary with the Rosary & wear the Miraculous Medal at all times; get it Blessed by a Priest.
Now here’s the really tough part…if he doesn’t see the truth you have to leave him till he does or get an annulment if he doesn’t.
I will include you in my prayers…you can get through this, once you take the steps you need, Divine help will lead you the rest of the way-but you must take action first.

Stuff won’t hurt you, stuff won’t save you.

This is just replacing one devotion to stuff with another.

Just pray to get un-addicted to superstition, and trust and believe in Jesus Christ. It’s all just junk in my opinion. Don’t get your husband mad at you by destroying it- it can’t hurt you!

 

[mfbukowski]

Do you think it’s non-sense that there’s a devil? Or do you think it’s non-sense that the devil seeks (ever continuing) the fall of Man? Or is it non-sense in your opinion that the devil have the power to use facination over objects to effect his ends?

Which part of this equation is nonsense?

The devil is smart enough to use what ever nonsense people believe to further his ends. If you believe he can get to you through “stuff” or if “stuff” will protect you from other “stuff” you put yourself under his power, because you believe he can get to you or other supernatural forces can protect you from “stuff”.

Jesus Christ and his healing and transforming power and the Holy Spirit is all you need to fight Satan- stuff is irrelevant unless you believe in it.

 

[Rachel_1]

I wouldn’t worry so much about “feeling bad” about the “hard work” that went into making any of the objects. If the OP feels wrong about them, I think she is better off just disposing of them somehow. The state of her soul is infinitely more important than any material objects.

Praying for that person is a good idea, though.

You just said it!!
My soul, and what I can do for God are WAY, WAY more important to me than a stupid wand or anything else.
For the person that asked about the wand, it’s hand carved, from Ireland during a high ritual (pagan) and a spirit was invoked into the wand. It’s made of three different types of wood, and the entire thing is completely symbolic of witchcraft. The hand carvings are pretty, yes, but it’s not worth my soul, period.

 

[Rachel_1]

The devil is smart enough to use what ever nonsense people believe to further his ends. If you believe he can get to you through “stuff” or if “stuff” will protect you from other “stuff” you put yourself under his power, because you believe he can get to you or other supernatural forces can protect you from “stuff”.

Jesus Christ and his healing and transforming power and the Holy Spirit is all you need to fight Satan- stuff is irrelevant unless you believe in it.

mfbukowski,
I know the “stuff” can’t hurt me, it’s what’s attached to the “stuff” that is bad. I also feel I need to get rid of it because I’m not a witch anymore, I’m Catholic. I realize I’ll probably still have bad things happen to me after the “stuff” is gone too.
Honestly though, if you’ve never been involved in the things I was involved in, you won’t understand what I’m going through, or why I have these concerns.
Thanks for replying though.

 

[Rachel_1]

Ok, a tiny update.
While I was typing out a PM regarding this thread to someone, my RCIA instructor called me and told me that my Priest would be there tonight to go over some paperwork, so we’ll talk about all this tonight with my Priest. I’ll update everyone on what he says.

 

[FromTheAshes777]

just wanted to throw this in for the OP.

St. Benedict Medals and St. Benedict crucifixes blessed by a Priest are excellent items to have on your person and in your home if you feel there are demonic presences or intense spiritual warfare going on. Holy Water in your home is a must for any Catholic as well.

I will keep you in my prayers.
Praise God for your conversion!

God bless.

 

[kalt]

Do you think it’s non-sense that there’s a devil? Or do you think it’s non-sense that the devil seeks (ever continuing) the fall of Man? Or is it non-sense in your opinion that the devil have the power to use facination over objects to effect his ends?

Which part of this equation is nonsense?

That pieces of paper and wood have magical powers.

 

[kalt]

Stuff won’t hurt you, stuff won’t save you.

This is just replacing one devotion to stuff with another.

Just pray to get un-addicted to superstition, and trust and believe in Jesus Christ. It’s all just junk in my opinion. Don’t get your husband mad at you by destroying it- it can’t hurt you!

I agree. It’s just stuff that has no power. And since it’s just stuff, if it’s bothering her, she should just junk it. No special ceremony or supersticious beliefs about it. Don’t burn it because you think the boogey spirits will come and get you if you simply break the stuff. That’s just more of the mumbo jumbo nonsense that is their beliefs. This stuff should be treated like any other stuff. If you don’t like it anymore, dump it. Simply that and nothing more.

 

[kalt]

just wanted to throw this in for the OP.

St. Benedict Medals and St. Benedict crucifixes blessed by a Priest are excellent items to have on your person and in your home if you feel there are demonic presences or intense spiritual warfare going on. Holy Water in your home is a must for any Catholic as well.

I will keep you in my prayers.
Praise God for your conversion!

God bless.

SACRAMENTAL

Objects or actions that the Church uses after the manner of sacraments, in order to achieve through the merits of the faithful certain effects, mainly of a spiritual nature. They differ from sacraments in not having been instituted by Christ to produce their effect in virtue of the ritual performed. Their efficacy depends not on the rite itself, as in the sacraments, but on the influence of prayerful petition; that of the person who uses them and of the Church in approving their practice. The variety of sacramentals spans the whole range of times and places, words and actions, objects and gestures that, on the Church’s authority, draw not only on the personal dispositions of the individuals but on the merits and prayers of the whole Mystical Body of Christ

---

 

[GEddie]

I’d like to suggest that everybody should read DEATH OF A GURU by Rabi Maharaj. basically, it’s the story of a young Hindu who, growing up in Trinidad and on track to formation as a spiritual leader or “pundit”, experiences persisent and increasing interior doubts, psychological and familial oppressions, and even unnerving physical occurrences. Of course, his home is full of Hindu worship impedimenta.

In the end, he converts to faith in Christ, and he and his brother team up to put all the pagan appurtenances to the flames. Once that was done, all of the various oppressions cleared up (although there was ordinary conflict in the family over his leaving the family religion).

There is no mention in the book of spirits returning to oppress them after the stuff had been burnt.

ICXC NIKA.

 

[Celtic_Catholic]

*The books can be burned with no problem. Don’t burn tarot cards or talking boards. If they were charged, that could backfire. There’s really no issues with talking boards unless you’re using them. And tarot cards are really only tools for perspective. There’s nothing horrid about them at all. There are even Christian decks. Wands and crystals should be buried in the earth. None of these things are cause for panic, and none of them could cause anything bad to happen to you if they are inactive (just “sitting” there).

 

[warpspeedpetey]

I think most have seen my story and how I came to the Church.
I was baptized as a baby Catholic, but not raised Catholic, and God miraculously brought me out of witchcraft to the Church. I’m still in RCIA but I’m being ‘fast tracked’ to Confirmation and the Sacraments before Easter. My husband is still living the pagan type life.
I’ve had all sorts of bad stuff happen to me recently and I’m fairly certain that these things are a spiritual attack of some sort. Tonight while praying for another member it hit me… like a ton of bricks why I may still have this ickky stuff going on with me.
I still have all these occult items in my house… they are ‘put away’ (my stuff, not my husbands), but they are still here because I’m afraid my husband will freak if I get rid of them… we have A LOT of this stuff in the house… tarot cards, a handmade wand made by a ‘high priest’ that has a ‘spirit’ attached to it, crystals with ‘spirits’ attached to them, channeling boards, massive amounts of occult books (not put up) etc.
So I’m feeling really gross right now as it hit me all this stuff is still here even though most of it is out of sight except the books. I have this feeling of utter despair right now after praying and realizing this.
I know my husband will likely freak out, but I’m planning to burn all the books, channeling board, tarot cards and all burnable stuff on his next work day (Tuesday), maybe he won’t notice ~shrug~. My question is, what do I do with the stuff that’s not burnable, like the crystals and things?
FYI- if you’re pagan and ask me for this stuff, the answer will be no.

take a barrel, place dirty objects in barrel (not husband), cleanse with fire. other objects smash with a hammer and bury in the middle of nowhere.

let nothing survive your wrath destroy it all to the smallest thing.

now, your husband will just bring more into your home. how will you handle that?

 

[Reuben_J]

Ok, a tiny update.
While I was typing out a PM regarding this thread to someone, my RCIA instructor called me and told me that my Priest would be there tonight to go over some paperwork, so we’ll talk about all this tonight with my Priest. I’ll update everyone on what he says.

Thanks God that you finally get a priest to help you work out through this.

Just want to add to what others have posted.

Involvement in occult can be a deeply destructive experience for one’s spiritual life that is rather difficult to solve and deal with. Involvement in the occult is transgressing the first Commandment in a substantial degree besides having open oneself to the Evil One. Thus this activity will somehow leave a mark in the participant and that needs to be ‘erased’ completely.

The answer is simple though it is easier said than done. In short, it has to do with prayer. Not all priests are suited to do this kind of things. Depend on the degree of the manifestation, you did mention ‘ghost’, you may need a priest who has vast experience in this area.

Most important, of course is renunciation and repentance, which you have done by your action and decision (RCIA and wanting to get rid of the objects). The content of the prayers would deal mainly on these two subjects and deliverance, after which you will ask the Holy Spirit to take over in your life. The big consolation is that He who is in you is greater than any others but for that to happen it has to begin with yourself – your decision, which you have done. Eventually you will move on in a life of faith and prayer and that your experience in the occult will become the thing of the past and will not trouble you anymore.

To me, to best course of action is to burn the articles concerned. But we have conflicting advice here. I suppose the poster, (is that John?) is thinking about the returning of the evil spirit which having lost its home will return with an even greater spirit and attach themselves to other objects or persons. Though that is Biblical, I would not worry too much about that if the prayer is done properly, as mentioned above.The spirit needs to be nailed at the cross of Jesus and never to return again.

God bless.

 

[adstrinity]

Ok, a tiny update.
While I was typing out a PM regarding this thread to someone, my RCIA instructor called me and told me that my Priest would be there tonight to go over some paperwork, so we’ll talk about all this tonight with my Priest. I’ll update everyone on what he says.

HOORAY!!! Can’t wait!