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GD writes: “Tarot cards are becoming very popular among my friends, some of whom are Catholic. Isn’t this a form of divination which would make it a sin?”
Is It a Sin to Go to a Tarot Card Reader?
Author Archives: Susan Brinkmann
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’?”
Dr. Daniel Amen Offers Mixed Bag of Tantric Sex, Eye Movement Therapy and Brain Scans
AT writes: “There is something that is bothering me and I hope you have an answer for me. I went to your blog and was surprised by the number of TV personalities that believe in these new age practices. The name Dr. Daniel Amen jumped out at me. About 5 years ago I went to a Christian counselor who is a follower of Dr. Daniel Amen. She suggested a therapy to me called EMDR (eye movement desensitization restoration). I did have one EMDR session. Is this therapy connected to Dr. Amen? If so, is it considered a New Age practice?
Can Bones Tell the Future?
We recently received a question from a caller on our Wacky Wednesday radio show who had received a small bag of bones from a recently deceased relative. Although the bones had some sentimental value, she was uneasy about keeping them in the house and wondered if she should destroy them. Our answer was unequivocal “yes!”
There’s Nothing Sinister About Those Faceless Willow Tree Sculptures
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DJV writes: “I received two Willow Tree Sculptures as gifts and am concerned that these may be New Age items. The description on the box of these sculptures reads “Willow Tree is an intimate line of figurative sculptures that speak in quiet ways to heal, comfort, protect,…May the simplicity of these figures communicate peace and serenity to you and those you love. Susan Lordi.” These sculptures are mostly angels and are found in many stores including our Catholic Hospital. Please let me know if these are New Age items as I do do not want to own or purchase new age items.”
Does the human heart have an intelligence of its own?
MH writes: “HeartMath is a program widely used by some cardiologists and other health professionals as well as the field of education. It uses heart rate variability and scientific research about heartmath talks about the neurocardiology aspect of the heart in healing stress. What do you think?”
Questions About the late Fr. John Powell, SJ
CB writes: “I would appreciate if you could give me any information you have on the books by Fr. John Powell S.J. I see from the website that allegations of child abuse were made against him. I don’t know if these have been proven. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Also, what about Anthony DeMello S.J. I know a lot of people who recommend his books, but I think he was into the New Age.”
Is Earth Hour New Age?
PH writes: “I am writing because I have connection to the Sisters of Mercy having Mother Francis Bridgeman as an ancestor. I have just watched your show with Susan Brinkman who has written the book series ‘Learn to Discern’ and when opening my e-mail from the Mercy Foundation was horrified to see the link for Earth Hour which seems very New Age. I am aware of the dissent in some Religious Orders and pray for conversion to true catholicity for all involved. May I have your comments about this Earth Hour link if you have time in your busy schedule?”
Psychometry: Do Objects Have Souls?
Anonymous writes: “My friend is involved in something she calls psychometry. It sounds demonic to me. I begged her to talk to a priest about it. She kept saying ‘this is a gift, I pray every day, I don’t know a priest.’ Shed some light on this, please.”
Ragas and Labyrinths at a Bible Study?
ST asks: “I have been attending a wonderful bible study at a University, led by a priest. There was piano music with instrumental Hindu ragas played prior to the bible study. I was shocked and prayed silently for protection and didn’t fully realize what was going on at the time. Also, the students will be walking a labyrinth for one week during Lent in the same building as Mass and bible study.
