Unbecoming a witch

[SolemnSister]

Hello everyone,

My question is…can a person change who they have become over several years during childhood, and how does one go about that change?

For example, if a person grew up being a religion that is contrary to Catholicism (e.g. Taoism) and finds that it has become a part of “who they are” and finds the complete conversion to Catholicism difficult (cannot give up old beliefs and practices that are deeply ingrained such as the belief in qi, Taoist magic, etc.)…what should they do?

Or, in a second example, if a person grew up an atheist, and finds that it has become ingrained in them - and finds it difficult to convert to Catholicism, even though they want to. The problem is that the atheistic beliefs are deeply ingrained and changing would be like changing his whole mindset.

The way you grew up can sometimes become a part of your personality, worldview, and total belief system. It is very possible to find out in later adulthood that another belief system is better, but find it difficult to change or convert. For example, almost everybody knows that they should start exercising and eating better…but the knowledge doesn’t make the change of lifestyle any easier.

For example, I know this is uncommon, but I grew up Wiccan. My parents were not religious and basically let me choose my own religion as a child, so of course, I went with the one that seemed the most fun - and Wicca fit the bill. I felt like one of those witches from Charmed (tv show), in some minor way. It was fun.

Now, later in life, after trying to convert to Catholicism, I find it difficult to relinquish old beliefs and worldviews I taught myself my whole life growing up…finding it difficult to let go of the “magic/spells are okay” and “spirit communication is okay” and stuff like that. It’s not as simple as dropping the belief, for I would have done it already if it were that simple; I feel as though these witchy beliefs became an ingrained part of my personality and way of thinking. I was a witch (Wiccan) all the way through college, so this isn’t a mere childhood thing; Wicca took up the whole of my formative and brain development years, altering me.

Make no mistake that I believe Catholicism is the right path for me; I was even considering becoming a Catholic nun not long ago (but then decided that my work was to contribute to the world in other ways). I’m just having difficulty “unlearning” and “unbecoming” a witch (Wiccan).

I thought I had let go of my previous magical beliefs, but then I looked at myself and realized I was simply meshing and mixing my new Catholic beliefs with the old Wiccan beliefs. For example, a while ago, I made a post about how to become a “born again virgin”…most normal Catholic people know that this isn’t really a thing, but in the Wiccan mind, it can be (you could simply write a purification spell or something). So I was confused when I wrote that.

Any advice on making a smoother conversion would be helpful.

 

[Anony_Mous]

Becoming honest to the very core of self will leave no other option but to believe in the Truth.

 

[Vic_Taltrees_UK]

Your post is an extremely powerful manifesto for yourself and you can refer back to it to re-strengthen yourself as you continue. I note your sense of purpose as lay person.

I am having to deal with the fallout of a background of changes of religion and more or less informal imprecations of some sort. The specifics of our cases will be of a different quality, in some ways.

Continually seek prayers. Search Scriptures (on all subjects). This aspect or that aspect will come to you from time to time, bit by bit. It will more often come as questions than as answers, like the example you gave from the other day.

Your call and God’s help will always be bigger than the sum of all this.

An Our Father said for you.

 

[Vico]

Hello everyone,

My question is…can a person change who they have become over several years during childhood, and how does one go about that change?

For example, if a person grew up being a religion that is contrary to Catholicism (e.g. Taoism) and finds that it has become a part of “who they are” and finds the complete conversion to Catholicism difficult (cannot give up old beliefs and practices that are deeply ingrained such as the belief in qi, Taoist magic, etc.)…what should they do?

Or, in a second example, if a person grew up an atheist, and finds that it has become ingrained in them - and finds it difficult to convert to Catholicism, even though they want to. The problem is that the atheistic beliefs are deeply ingrained and changing would be like changing his whole mindset.

The way you grew up can sometimes become a part of your personality, worldview, and total belief system. It is very possible to find out in later adulthood that another belief system is better, but find it difficult to change or convert. For example, almost everybody knows that they should start exercising and eating better…but the knowledge doesn’t make the change of lifestyle any easier.

For example, I know this is uncommon, but I grew up Wiccan. My parents were not religious and basically let me choose my own religion as a child, so of course, I went with the one that seemed the most fun - and Wicca fit the bill. I felt like one of those witches from Charmed (tv show), in some minor way. It was fun.

Now, later in life, after trying to convert to Catholicism, I find it difficult to relinquish old beliefs and worldviews I taught myself my whole life growing up…finding it difficult to let go of the “magic/spells are okay” and “spirit communication is okay” and stuff like that. It’s not as simple as dropping the belief, for I would have done it already if it were that simple; I feel as though these witchy beliefs became an ingrained part of my personality and way of thinking. I was a witch (Wiccan) all the way through college, so this isn’t a mere childhood thing; Wicca took up the whole of my formative and brain development years, altering me.

Make no mistake that I believe Catholicism is the right path for me; I was even considering becoming a Catholic nun not long ago (but then decided that my work was to contribute to the world in other ways). I’m just having difficulty “unlearning” and “unbecoming” a witch (Wiccan).

I thought I had let go of my previous magical beliefs, but then I looked at myself and realized I was simply meshing and mixing my new Catholic beliefs with the old Wiccan beliefs. For example, a while ago, I made a post about how to become a “born again virgin”…most normal Catholic people know that this isn’t really a thing, but in the Wiccan mind, it can be (you could simply write a purification spell or something). So I was confused when I wrote that.

Any advice on making a smoother conversion would be helpful.

What is impossible for mankind is possible for God. It seems that the ideal action in Christianity, is humble, becoming images of Christ.

 

[Sarcelle]

I was raised atheist and I struggle with this.

Atheism is still within me and when times are bad I do not wrestle with the concept of a God who is ultimate Good but with the concept that there is a God.

Sometimes the struggle is so bad that I feel torn apart.

I remember talking to my parish priest about this. He looked at me and said, “Well, the believing part of you won.” I looked at him like he was crazy. He then said “You’re here in church and you just attended mass. You decided to be here.”

I figured he had a point.

 

[puzzledtoo]

I empathize with you and all those who struggle. Be receptive to the grace within and all around you. Blessings.

 

[Sarcelle]

Hello everyone,

My question is…can a person change who they have become over several years during childhood, and how does one go about that change?

For example, if a person grew up being a religion that is contrary to Catholicism (e.g. Taoism) and finds that it has become a part of “who they are” and finds the complete conversion to Catholicism difficult (cannot give up old beliefs and practices that are deeply ingrained such as the belief in qi, Taoist magic, etc.)…what should they do?

Or, in a second example, if a person grew up an atheist, and finds that it has become ingrained in them - and finds it difficult to convert to Catholicism, even though they want to. The problem is that the atheistic beliefs are deeply ingrained and changing would be like changing his whole mindset.

The way you grew up can sometimes become a part of your personality, worldview, and total belief system. It is very possible to find out in later adulthood that another belief system is better, but find it difficult to change or convert. For example, almost everybody knows that they should start exercising and eating better…but the knowledge doesn’t make the change of lifestyle any easier.

For example, I know this is uncommon, but I grew up Wiccan. My parents were not religious and basically let me choose my own religion as a child, so of course, I went with the one that seemed the most fun - and Wicca fit the bill. I felt like one of those witches from Charmed (tv show), in some minor way. It was fun.

Now, later in life, after trying to convert to Catholicism, I find it difficult to relinquish old beliefs and worldviews I taught myself my whole life growing up…finding it difficult to let go of the “magic/spells are okay” and “spirit communication is okay” and stuff like that. It’s not as simple as dropping the belief, for I would have done it already if it were that simple; I feel as though these witchy beliefs became an ingrained part of my personality and way of thinking. I was a witch (Wiccan) all the way through college, so this isn’t a mere childhood thing; Wicca took up the whole of my formative and brain development years, altering me.

Make no mistake that I believe Catholicism is the right path for me; I was even considering becoming a Catholic nun not long ago (but then decided that my work was to contribute to the world in other ways). I’m just having difficulty “unlearning” and “unbecoming” a witch (Wiccan).

I thought I had let go of my previous magical beliefs, but then I looked at myself and realized I was simply meshing and mixing my new Catholic beliefs with the old Wiccan beliefs. For example, a while ago, I made a post about how to become a “born again virgin”…most normal Catholic people know that this isn’t really a thing, but in the Wiccan mind, it can be (you could simply write a purification spell or something). So I was confused when I wrote that.

Any advice on making a smoother conversion would be helpful.

Speaking from experience as an ex-atheist, the conversion will not be smooth. There will be struggles. Just persevere, your faith will get stronger over time if you persevere.

 

[BartholomewB]

Father H., the priest who handled my conversion to the Catholic Church back in the nineties, was the son of Spiritualist parents and had been brought up as a Spiritualist. He never talked about it, though. I only found out about that quite by chance, several years later.

 

[Mintaka]

First off, don’t feel too different! Every Catholic struggles with having wrong or partially right ideas, courtesy of “the world, the flesh, and the devil.” We all need to have Him remake our minds and hearts.

I read your post from awhile back. Don’t kick yourself too much about that! The point is that you did ask instead of just making something up, which shows that you are trying to address your spiritual weaknesses. You’re just in a situation where you have to be a little stricter with yourself about these sorts of things, whereas a similar idea from someone who hadn’t been involved with magical rituals might not have been a problem. Obviously that’s a pain in the butt for you; but the same sort of thing happens to anybody who’s been subject to a particular sin or error, and has to be more careful about avoiding it.

Second, you might want to get in touch with other Catholics who are ex-Wiccans. They will probably have some good ideas, or be able to tell you what gave them trouble. You might also want to read Early Christian works by saints who came out of paganism. (Although obviiously there are significant differences in background and outlook between Wicca and Greco-Roman paganism.)

Third, obviously you want to fight hard to avoid syncretism. Good! God brought you out of Egypt and out of slavery to lies, and you don’t want to go back! But don’t forget that you do probably have some good, true, beautiful things you learned during your pre-Christian life, and they are your “spoils of the Egyptians” that you can make into things for His glory. Philippians 4:8 is something to keep in mind.

Fourth, the more you read Scripture and the lives of the saints, and the more you pray and do good works and give alms, the more you will be formed and shaped in a Catholic way. You’re going to live forever, so the Wiccan part of your life is really the least of it.

We will keep praying for you! You keep praying for the rest of us!

 

[JimR-OCDS]

First off, Taoism isn’t contrary to Catholicism, but in fact, Lao Tzu taught many of the same things as Jesus Christ,

“Read Christ the Eternal Tao,” by Damascene Hieromonk, Its from the perspective of an Eastern Orthodox Priest, and expert in the Tao.

That being said, any conversion to Catholicism must follow faith in Jesus Christ, otherwise, Catholicism just becomes a religion to follow and will either wear you down or bore you until you look for something else.

Jesus Christ is the center of Catholic belief.

Jim

 

[Mintaka]

JimR-OCDS –

A lot of wisdom literature and philosophy around the world taught a lot of things that are not contrary to Catholicism, because true stuff is true stuff and anybody who watches the world long enough will learn some true stuff.

Nevertheless, we usually don’t read pre-Christian Norse proverbs to get life-guidance. Small doses, yes. Large doses, no. Why? Because there’s also a lot of untrue stuff included, or partially true but misleading stuff.

So yes, there’s plenty of “spoils of the Egyptians” in Lao Tzu’s text, but a Taoist priest or layperson would certainly not get to bring along into Christianity any Taoist magical spells, or Taoist attempts at elixirs of immortality, or Taoist ritual and worship. And I’m pretty sure that the good Hieromonk would be the first to tell you that he’s not suggesting that Christians become Taoist priests in any way.

The original poster is in the position of having to pick her way out of all the bad stuff. Once she is a more experienced Christian, she will probably be able to pick out more of the good stuff that is her “spoils of the Egyptians.”

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Mintaka;

So yes, there’s plenty of “spoils of the Egyptians” in Lao Tzu’s text, but a Taoist priest or layperson would certainly not get to bring along into Christianity any Taoist magical spells, or Taoist attempts at elixirs of immortality, or Taoist ritual and worship.

Most of those ideas about Taoism came long after Lao Tzu. Magical elixirs attributed to Lao Tzu were out of literal interpretations of what he wrote, and some Emperors even ended up poising themselves. For instance, when he wrote that Mercury was the essence of fluidity in life, he didn’t mean that one should consume mercury, but merely to look how fluid and unattached it is.

But yes, we can see what is true as in Aristotle and Socrates. Those who have no knowledge of Jesus Christ but seek truth, God will bring it to them.

Of course we have the fullness of truth revealed in Jesus Christ, and He is our center.

And I’m pretty sure that the good Hieromonk would be the first to tell you that he’s not suggesting that Christians become Taoist priests in any way.

Of course not, and neither am I. But the idea that Taoism is contrary to Catholicism as the OP posted, is not necessarily true in all aspects.

We must keep in mind that Lao Tzu existed long before Jesus, and did not have the full revelation of truth which Christ reveals.

I know a woman who became Catholic and a 3rd Order Discalced Carmelite, who was raised by parents who were Satanists, Long story, but she herself as a young girl just hitting puberty, reported her own parents for allowing the head of their satanic cult, to deflower the young girls of parents who were members. He dressed up like Jesus when he entered their bedrooms to carry out his evil act, so that if the girls would have a negative stigma whenever the name of Jesus was presented to them in life.

Didn’t work for her, and her parents, along with the cult leader and others, went to prison.

The point here is, when a person turns to Jesus, he will heal whatever damage they have endured through the cults that were forced on them.

Jim

 

[newcalling]

I was a pagan high priest before I became Catholic last year. It’s quite the transition. The best advice I can give is immersion in your new path. Pray a lot. Watch Catholic answers videos on YouTube. Pray a lot. Read books by Catholic priests and apologists, even controversial ones such as Richard Rohr. Pray some more. I especially recommend Catholic television and radio if you have access to them where you are. Pray with other people and ask them to pray for you. You will be in my prayers. Dedication to the rosary and the chaplet of Divine mercy are particularly powerful. God bless.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Here’s a good website to help you advance in faith.

advancedchristianity.com/Index.htm

Jim

 

[mattp0625]

Being detached from a sin does not mean you have no memory of it. It only means you no longer accept it.

That said, there are so many resources to fill your mind with new things to take the place of the old.

I suggest mother Angelica on YouTube or her books for starters (if you haven’t already).

 

[Maddie26]

First off, don’t feel too different! Every Catholic struggles with having wrong or partially right ideas, courtesy of “the world, the flesh, and the devil.” We all need to have Him remake our minds and hearts.

I read your post from awhile back. Don’t kick yourself too much about that! The point is that you did ask instead of just making something up, which shows that you are trying to address your spiritual weaknesses. You’re just in a situation where you have to be a little stricter with yourself about these sorts of things, whereas a similar idea from someone who hadn’t been involved with magical rituals might not have been a problem. Obviously that’s a pain in the butt for you; but the same sort of thing happens to anybody who’s been subject to a particular sin or error, and has to be more careful about avoiding it.

Second, you might want to get in touch with other Catholics who are ex-Wiccans. They will probably have some good ideas, or be able to tell you what gave them trouble. You might also want to read Early Christian works by saints who came out of paganism. (Although obviiously there are significant differences in background and outlook between Wicca and Greco-Roman paganism.)

Third, obviously you want to fight hard to avoid syncretism. Good! God brought you out of Egypt and out of slavery to lies, and you don’t want to go back! But don’t forget that you do probably have some good, true, beautiful things you learned during your pre-Christian life, and they are your “spoils of the Egyptians” that you can make into things for His glory. Philippians 4:8 is something to keep in mind.

Fourth, the more you read Scripture and the lives of the saints, and the more you pray and do good works and give alms, the more you will be formed and shaped in a Catholic way. You’re going to live forever, so the Wiccan part of your life is really the least of it.

We will keep praying for you! You keep praying for the rest of us!

 

[Maddie26]

Every day we make the decisions that shape our lives. While we may believe that exercise will make us healthier we often don’t really believe it, just witness how quickly people change after a health scare. Once you really believe it, it will change your life, whatever that belief is. I had a heart attack and learned the value of exercise

Every day we grow, from what we were into what we will be. So decide, every day, who you want to be and with every decision you will grow. Pray, read, think… You know all this already. There have been some great answers on this thread.

Also, don’t feel alone. We’re all unbecoming sinners, no matter what our background. We’re all in this together. The Church stands as one, living, suffering and saintly members together. I don’t know any modern pagan/ wiccan convert Saints, but Wicca is really too new to expect it, given how long canonization takes and the span of the average life. Those of us here today are in the running to be the first Saint who converted from Wicca.

That’s kind of exciting, isn’t it? The thought of being the first Wiccan convert Saint. I must stop doing all the things I can’t have in my hagiography.

 

[Polluted]

You are in the right place. The Church throughout history has been quite tolerant of SOME unorthodox practices in order to help Pagans “scratch that itch”. In fact it’s been criticized quite heavily for it by protestants

As long as your heart is rooted in Christ and you are not doing anything contrary to the Church, you are in the gold.

Day of the Dead, Mixture of candles and prayer, the Christmas tree, the Celtic Cross, various sacramentals…all Pagan in origen. Yet realizing her members come from different worldviews and walks of life, has incorporated some elements to enhance various cultures faith in our Lord, and in doing so has allowed them to retain a huge part of who they are and how they see the world.