The Counterfeit Gifts of Divination and Magic and Saint Thomas Aquinas' Three Species of Divination

Divination (Palm Reading) and St. Thomas Aquinas

Today's post is a continuation from my previous post, Discerning The Spirits: Warnings Against the New Age and Occult Practices and How To Recognize the Action of the Holy Spirit, and is the second in a series of posts based on a book, Spiritual Deceptions in the Church and the Culture: A Comprehensive Guide to Discernment, written by Moira Noonan, OSB, Oblate and Anne Feaster. The content for today's post continues to draw from chapter eight, Discerning The Spirits, and focusses on sections that further expose the deceptions of the New Age and occult practices.

What follows is information that identifies divination and magic, and how the source of both, Satan, deceives many; how divination and magic are contrary to God's FIrst Commandment and the virtue of religion; a summary of the Three Species of Divination from St. Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologica; many examples of the New Age and occult practices; and testimonials including Moira Noonan's experiences during her time as a "New Ager." 

I hope that today's post will encourage you to include this comprehensive guide in your discernment process. The need for greater awareness makes this book an indispensable resource on a subject that is becoming increasingly necessary in Canada and many other countries where so much of the New Age and occult practices are apart of the mainstream culture.

Counterfeit "Gifts": Divination and Magic

This section in, Discerning The Spirits, comes directly after a preceding section entitled, Authentic Spiritual Gifts and Their Fruits, which you can read about at the last part of my previous post. I encourage all to do so who have not done so already, to better understand the reading ahead.

Noonan and Feaster begin by identifying the author of all counterfeit gifts, Satan. Quoting scripture, the authors refer to what Jesus told us about Satan, "He was a murderer from the beginning, and has not stood in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie he speaks from his very nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (Jn 8:44)

The authors elaborate further about Satan's nature by identifying aspects of his character, methods and strategy, all of which are aimed at destroying man. Satan mocks God by making his dark works appear as authentic gifts of the Holy Spirit, just as he made the forbidden tree and its fruit appear good to Eve and then Adam. Satan hates us because we are loved by God and although he has been given limited power, it is nothing compared to God's unlimited power, which He has given to His faithful ones through Jesus Christ, and by the power of the Holy Spirit. God's gift is given to us according to His will and plan for us, to spread His kingdom and draw everyone to Himself. Satan is quite the deceiver and it is important that we always remain alert to his snares. Noonan and Feaster provide that much needed reminder from scripture,"Be sober, be watchful! For your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goes about seeking someone to devour." (1 Pt 5:8)

The need to remain sober and watchful could not be more necessary in today's society. It is a necessity that has been made urgent by the waning and abandonment of faith; a lack of knowledge and understanding of "these practices" leaving many unsuspecting souls in a vulnerable state; the media; and the reintroduction of many occult practices under new names by the New Age so as to appear innocuous, all of which have greatly contributed to the infiltration of these practices into mainstream society. The power in these practices is real, and never derived from God, but always a manifestation of demonic spirits summoned by practitioners who in the process, place their souls in great peril.

Divination and Magic

Further in the chapter the authors define and distinguish divination and magic. Divination is the practice of seeking knowledge of future or hidden things by inadequate means, which includes superstitious practices and the invoking of demonic powers. Magic is the interference with the usual course of physical nature by inadequate means such as the recitation of formularies, gestures, mixing of incongruous elements and mysterious actions. Any knowledge acquired from these practices and the hope to work "miracles," does not have God as its source.

Magic aims to do, divination aims to know. The authors note, "Whereas divination is a quest for unlimited knowledge, magic is a quest for unlimited power and ability; both seek to accomplish these goals through recourse to the demonic." (127) The teachings of the Catholic Church specifically forbid all forms of divination and magic, which is explained in the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to "unveil" the future. Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone. 

All practices of magic or sorcery, by which one attempts to tame occult powers, so as to place them at one's service and have a supernatural power over others - even if this were for the sake of restoring their health - are gravely contrary to the virtue of religion. These practices are even more to be condemned when accompanied by the intention of harming someone, or when they have recourse to the intervention of demons. Wearing charms is also reprehensible. Spiritism often implies divination or magical practices; the Church for her part warns the faithful against it. Recourse to so-called traditional cures does not justify either the invocation of evil powers or the exploitation of another's credulity. (2116-2117)

Noonan and Feaster have also quoted Fr. M. Piotrowski, the Society of Christ Provincial, and editor in chief of Love One Another magazine. The authors have done so in order to help explain the "why" behind Church teaching. Here is what Fr. Piotrowski has contributed to Catholic understanding of divination and magic, "Anyone who makes use of a pendulum or tarot cards, who consults palm or card readers, psychics, touch healers, or acts through a spiritist medium, expresses thereby a lack of faith in God's love and opens himself up to the influence of evil spirits." (128)

After the authors clearly illustrated the interrelation between divination and magic, they proceeded to introduce and explain St. Thomas Aquinas' Three Species of Divination, which was used as a framework to elaborate on the many forms of divination still used today, while contrasting them with the authentic gifts of the Holy Spirit found in the lives of saints. 

St. Thomas Aquinas' Three Species of Divination

Noonan and Feaster begin this section of the chapter by immediately quoting St. Thomas Aquinas from Summa Theologica, "...[A]ll divinations seek to acquire foreknowledge of future events, by means of some counsel and help of a demon, who is either expressly called upon to give his help, or else thrusts himself in secretly, in order to foretell certain future things unknown to men..." (128) Saint Thomas groups all forms of divination into three species: express invocation; tacit invocation through signs found in nature; and tacit invocation through signs prepared by man. 

First Species: Divination by Express Invocation

Saint Thomas Aquinas distinguishes this first species as follows, "When demons are expressly invoked, they are wont to foretell the future in many ways. Sometimes they offer themselves to human sight and hearing by mock apparitions in order to foretell the future...when demons are invoked openly..." (128) Divination of this species includes: fortune telling (pythonism), channeling, mediumship, spiritism in all its forms including necromancy, telepathy, and all psychic powers. Noonan and Feaster note that most of the New Age practices discussed in chapter eight's Discerning The Spirits, fall into the category of St. Thomas' first species. Below are a few examples of these practices including Moira Noonan's testimonial of her time as a "minister" in a New Age church.

Fortune Telling (Pythonism) vs. Authentic Prophecy

To spotlight the difference between fortune telling and authentic prophecy, the authors provide a scriptural account of a woman possessed by a demon that used her to display the counterfeit gifts of clairvoyance:

Now it came to pass as we were going to the place of prayer that a girl met us who possessed a divining spirit and brought her masters much profit by soothsaying. She followed Paul and ourselves and kept crying out, saying: 'These men are the servants of the most high God and they proclaim to you a way of salvation.' This she did for many days; until Paul, being very much grieved, turned and said to the spirit, 'I order thee in the name of Jesus Christ to go out from her.' And he went out that very moment. (Acts 16:16-18)

The Douay Rheims version of scripture refers to the demonic spirit as "pythonical spirit," as opposed to the more general "divining spirit."

Clairvoyance, the ability to act as a seer or fortune teller, is to be contrasted with the authentic gift of prophecy. As the authors note, the charismatic gift of prophecy is not a prediction of the future as is the case with fortune telling. Saint Paul's letter to the Corinthians defines what is authentic prophecy, "But he who prophesies speaks to men for edification, and encouragement, and consolation. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophecies edifies the church." (1 Cor 14:3-4) True prophecy is a gift from God to build up the Church in the communion of saints. True prophecy glorifies God in the Mystical Body of Christ and it is only done in the name of Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The authors have included a few examples of those individuals from the Church who received the authentic gifts, spotlighting in the process how they differ from the counterfeit gifts of divination. This list includes: St. John Bosco, Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Padre Pio, and Italian mystic Maria Teresa Carloni. 

For the sake of brevity, I will not be elaborating on each individual's life, but I would like to include a few brief points on Saint John Bosco. This saint was given the gift of prophecy and all of his prophecies have all come to pass except those dealing with the end times. A key indication of the authenticity of the "gift" was the fact that the visions and dreams he experienced were given for the salvation and the edification of souls, and for the glory of God. This most humble and obedient saint did not ask for these gifts, nor did he did not try to teach them to others, and he never requested any payment for them; as the gifts of the Holy Spirit are freely given. This is in sharp contrast to the "masters" of the New Age which seek to pass their counterfeit gifts to their "disciples," and many times require payment for services rendered (information).

Spiritism

When it comes to the New Age, the terms "Spiritualism" and "Spiritism" are used interchangeably, however, the term spiritism more accurately represents the core of New Age spirituality. Quoting the Catholic Encyclopedia, the authors provide the reader with the following definition:

Spiritism is the name properly given to the belief that the living can and do communicate with the spirits of the departed, and to the various practices by which such communication is attempted...Spiritism, moreover, has taken on a religious character. It claims to prove the preamble of all religions, ie., the existence of a spiritual world, and to establish a world-wide religion in which the adherents of the various traditional faiths, setting their dogmas aside, can unite. If it has formulated no definite creed, and if its representatives differ in their attitudes toward the beliefs of Christianity, this is simply because Spiritism is expected to supply a new and fuller revelation which will either substantiate on a rational basis the essential Christian dogmas or show that they are utterly unfounded...(130)

To further aid the reader's understanding of Spiritism, the authors have drawn from former Cistercian Abbot, Alois Wiesinger's classic work, Occult Phenomena in the LIght of Theology. Quoting Wiesinger, "The best known and most widely spread form of occultism is spiritualism [spiritism]. This cult not only contains most of the other forms of occultist practice...whose foundation is the conviction that it can establish communication with the dead by means of mediums..." (131) As the authors note from Wiesinger's work, Catholics reject Spiritism because it is not fitting that souls of the dead be contacted through intermediaries.

The authors add further clarity by quoting Father Andrsej Trojanowski, a doctor of theology and exorcist, "Apart from the danger of bringing on a range of spiritual disturbances (including demonic possession), reliance of spiritist mediums leads to fear, feelings of helplessness, a sense of being trapped, and despair. It can also lead to serious psychic illnesses." (131)

Moira Noonan's Personal Testimony

One of the most intriguing sections in Discerning The Spirits is Moira Noonan's personal testimony of her involvement in the New Age. What follows is a summary of her testimony.

After completing her training as a minister in the International Church of Religious Science (an offshoot of Unity Church which itself is an offshoot Christian Science, that came about during the Enlightenment period), she was unknowingly led to the practice of spiritualism; necromancy to be specific. Necromancy is a special mode of divination by the evocation of the dead; a form of channeling which seeks to establish communication with the dead through a medium. She was doing all this at a New Age church called, Teachings of the Inner Christ (TIC) founded by Ann Meyer Makeever. It still exists today and as of this book's publication, it is still going strong.

Heavily influence by Yogi Master Babaji, Makeever and the TIC sought to teach others what she had received from her opened "power door" experience, and help others to grow in awareness of their own Christhood. In essence, all this was spiritism using: spirit guides, table tipping, seances, clairvoyance and every "psychic gift." This list constitutes the demonic gifts of: clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience and other forms of mediumship. Noonan got very advanced in these gifts and experienced the power of the demonic.

The actual teachings of the TIC illustrate how the demonic deception entices unsuspecting and vulnerable souls with manipulative language. For example, Noonan was under the impression that those spirits helping her were all good spirits because the TIC teaches that:

...Jesus is part of the "Great White Brotherhood," that He is one of many "ascended masters" in the spirit world who come here to help us earthbound human beings reach a higher level of consciousness, the "Christ-consciousness," that is within each of us. Through communication with these supposed ascended masters, we are able to learn how to realize our powers and gifts, our God-given innate psychic abilities, to develop for our own enlightenment, by our own authority. (133)

To further spotlight the demonic deception of the TIC's teachings, Noonan quotes from the TIC web site:

We also believe that you create your life through your choices and beliefs. Therefore, we teach how to transform fear into faith, apparent illness into health, and a sense of failure into success and confidence through the effective use of 'Scientific Prayer,' positive affirmations, and the healing of negative thoughts and beliefs. When you know how to heal yourself and to receive your perfect guidance from within, you then know your Self-Authority, which is the key to personal happiness and self-fulfillment. (133)

Instead of revealing the truth of the demonic powers, TIC taught it to be something good which Noonan recounts, was all a bunch of lies taught to her in the New Age Movement.

It is important to remember that Satan mocks absolutely everything in the Catholic Church including the gift of the Holy Spirit. Noonan recounted a personal struggle that occurred when she was invited to and arrived at a Filipino Catholic Mass where in attendance was a visiting young woman from the Philippines, introduced as a "trance medium." This visiting woman was supposedly used by the "Boy Jesus" to speak through her. Noonan had experienced this after she recently converted to Catholicism, describing it as shocking; synonymous to a recovering drug addict being offered just one little "fix." More to the point, it was a temptation from the devil, that if accepted would have drawn her back to that life. Noonan reminds the reader of the much needed warning from Saint Peter, "Discipline yourselves; keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. (1 Pet 5:8)

To illustrate just how difficult it can be for a former "New Ager" to continue the path of conversion, Noonan quotes from exorcist Fr. Andrzej Trojanowski, SCHr, "Former practitioners of divination, the horoscope, and numerology often complain of evil spirits provoking them with 'strange phenomena' which rekindle their interest in the spirit-world and prevent them from facing the concrete realities of everyday life." (133)

Noonan also referred to St. Ignatius of Loyola's Rules for the Discernment of Spirits, where she quotes St. Ignatius, "It is characteristic of the evil spirit...to raise obstacles backed by fallacious reasonings that disturb the soul. Thus he seeks to prevent the soul from advancing." (133)

A Course in Miracles (ACIM)

A Course in Miracles is considered to be the New Age "Bible," which as the authors note, will open you to the occult. Arriving on the scene at a university campus in the United States between 1965-1972, resulting from what the founder, a Columbia University professor, Helen Schucman, referred to as an "inner voice," which according to her was Jesus Christ. This course later became popularized by New Age teacher, Marianne Williamson, capturing the attention of stars such as Oprah Winfrey and Shirley MacLaine.

The course incorporates Hindu and Gnostic teachings, both of which are in direct opposition to Christianity. The authors note that participation in the course slowly erodes Catholic values and will ultimately result in a loss of faith. It does not happen quickly or immediately, but over time with the "365 lessons," a lesson for each day of the year.

The course fundamentally dismantles the participant's core thought system. To illustrate this, here is what the authors included regarding the first three lessons (the beginning of the brainwashing), "The idea for the first day is, 'Nothing I see...means anything.' The focus of Lesson 2, "I have given everything I see...all the meaning that is has for me." The learning objective for Lesson 3 is 'I do not understand anything that I see..." (134) After undoing the participant's thought process, ACIM then reprograms it with the New Age, Gnostic world view one lesson at a time. The authors note that this reprogramming approach can also be found in Ronald Hubbard's Dianetics, Scientology and Werner Erhard's est and The Forum.

The authors warn not to be deceived by ACIM which is cleverly marketed for the unsuspecting soul. To spotlight the dangers of this course, Noonan and Feaster provide the following testimonial how ACIM infiltrated into a California parish:

I went to my local parish to take the RCIA program. We had to have a meeting with the parish priest before the Easter Vigil. We had individual spiritual counseling with him. While in the monsignor's office at the parish, I noticed he had a copy of A Course in Miracles on his desk. I was surprised as it is considered the New Age 'Bible.' I asked him how he happened to have it. He said he got it because he couldn't sleep. He went to a sleep clinic and they assigned him a therapist who wasn't Catholic. This New Age therapist gave him the book telling him that reading it would help his sleep disorder. This Monsignor, a priest for 25 years, who had also been the director of Catholic charities even for the LA archdiocese, ended up leaving the priesthood and the Catholic Church for good at the close of the parish RCIA program after Pentecost. (135)

What ACIM teaches is that if you raise your self-consciousness, you can do all things and; therefore, there is no need for a Saviour. Jesus is reduced to a "teacher," and as the authors noted, the course teaches that God does not forgive because He never condemns. In essence, ACIM promotes the breaking of the First Commandment by promoting the idolatry of self. Other teachings include a complete denial of original sin; the need to be humble; that there is no punishment, but only consequences because the law of cause and effect always brings with it the consequences of the action or mistake. (136)

Clairvoyance and Telepathy vs. Word of Knowledge and Prophecy

In the section with Moira Noonan's testimony, you may have come across the following practices that were unfamiliar to you: clairvoyance, clairaudience, and clairsentience. The authors define these and other forms of clairvoyance and spotlight the error of engaging these practices with what is true from the Holy Spirit.

Clairvoyance is the supernatural ability of seeing persons and events that are distant in time and place, of which there are two kinds: clairvoyance in space and time. Clairvoyance in space gives knowledge of things that are distant or hidden. Clairvoyance in time is concerned with the future. The authors explain that if someone is clairvoyant, it is synonymous to viewing movies in their head; that is, they see another person's "life string." 

Clairaudience is the ability to hear sounds that are audible to the physical ear, such as "spirit" voices. Clairsentience is the ability to sense psychic information. The clairvoyant can see things from the past, present and the future.

Mental telepathy is similar to clairsentience and can be described as "feeling at a distance," where one mind influences another in a way that bypasses the senses. Telekinesis involves moving objects with the mind.

Clairvoyants teach each other, from "master" to "apprentice." All this is in sharp contrast to someone who has received the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which is received in humility and docility, allowing one to be taught. The Holy Spirit never serves as an "information bank" independent from our minds, nor is it the source of any kind of fortune telling and divination.

Psychics get their information from demons; knowledge from counterfeit gifts aimed at deceiving unsuspecting souls. Authentic prophecy is always from the Holy Spirit and is given for the benefit and building up of the entire Mystical Body of Christ, the Church.

Second Species: Divination by Tacit Invocation and Signs Found in Nature

Even though the practices listed in the second species do not involve the express invocation of demons, they nonetheless are considered to be morally reprehensible. These practices offend God with the sin of idolatry, which is against the First Commandment, "...You shall have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3); a commandment that Jesus reiterated, "...You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." (Mt 22:37) These practices are also against the virtue of religion as they give authority to the demonic, opening up a portal in the soul for further demonic activity.

The authors quote Saint Thomas Aquinas who in Summa Theologica described the second species as, "The divination which is practiced without express invocation...with a view to obtain knowledge of the future, observations in the disposition of certain things." (145) This species pretends to foretell the future through natural signs, such the movement of the stars (astrology), omens and chiromancy or palm-reading.

Astrology and Horoscopes

Astrology might be confused with astronomy. Astronomy is the proper science that legitimately studies the stars, solar systems and outer space. To further clarify, Noonan and Feaster quoted from Fr. M. Piostroski, the Society of Christ Provincial:

Astrology is a divining practice that dates back to antiquity. It still has deep roots in the culture and customs of modern paganized societies. Astrology is superstition. It claims that human life and destiny are influenced by the stars. The watershed events of a man's life such as his birth, marraige and death are supposedly determined by the  position, configuration and properties of the stars. We need to remember that astrologists show scant regard for the real positions of the stars as determined by modern astronomers equipped with state-of-the-art telescopes. (145)

What is also important to remember about astrology is that it undermines our relationship with God. As Christians, we are to recognize and trust in God's providence, something that astrologists negate with their promotion of pantheism.

The authors ask the reader a very pertinent question, what about reading your daily horoscopes. If you thought it was okay and harmless, think again. The practice of reading horoscopes is also a superstitious practice; horoscopes are based on astrology. Many read them "just for fun," have a cup of coffee and then attend Mass. Is it any wonder why the prayers of such individuals are not answered. Such individuals simply do not realize that the sin of idolatry interferes with God's grace.

If Christian's knowingly use horoscopes intentionally, which Church teaching forbids (CCC, 2115-2116), then why do people continue to do these things, why is there such an attachment. To bypass God's plan in one's life and not trust in His divine providence is to the detriment of each individual that knowingly chooses to rebel against God.

Third Species: Divination by Tacit Invocation and Signs Prepared by Man

Like the second species, the third species, are divination practices without express invocation. Such practices include geomancy (dowsing, astrocartography, Feng Shui) and hypnotic techniques.

From her many speaking engagements in rural North America, Noonan shared how many have failed to understand that it is wrong to seek water sources through dowsing and the services of a diviner. Dowsing is also known as divining or "water witching" using a rod and constitutes a form of divination by which one attempts to tame occult powers. (146) Noonan's response for the need to acquire water, "...[Y]ou get a priest to bless those lands, and even enthrone them to the Sacred Heart of Jesus." (146) As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "All forms of divination are to be rejected." (2116) Noonan also recommended prayer to the Holy Spirit for assistance to finding water sources.

Astrocartography is a type of astrology which uses maps to determine actual land locations that suit individuals' needs and wants, such as where to live, vacation or build their home. Geomancy is divination by configurations of objects and lines on the land. The eastern counterpart to this is Feng Shui. One example of Feng Shui, is Hong Kong Disneyland, who hired diviners and fortune tellers to ensure the success of the theme park.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a controversial practice in which there are certain guidelines for its proper use. The Catholic Church is concerned about hypnosis because of the potential opportunity for misuse, manipulation, exploitation and maltreatment. As the authors note, hypnosis can only be considered morally licit if necessary for grave reasons, such as the need to operate on someone who, due to allergies, can not be anesthetized.

In addition, the consent of the person being hypnotized is required, so as to not violate the free will of the person. In case of children or mentally disabled individuals, the consent of parents or guardians is required.

All necessary precautions should be in place, taking into consideration who the practitioners are; their background and beliefs; his or her skill level and character; all should be evaluated. Also, it would be prudent to have a witness present to present both the physician and subject.

Hypnosis becomes dangerous when used with malicious intent. The New Age and occult practices use hypnosis to place subjects in a state of vulnerability, an "altered state of consciousness," to be exact, which makes an individual susceptible to the usurping of his or her free will.

An example of the New Age's manipulative use of hypnosis is "past-life regression therapy." The authors explain that this practice: 

...[U]ses hypnosis to guide patients through their memories of past lives which for Christians is completely erroneous and very misleading. Regression therapies are, of course, only meaningful if one believes in reincarnation, a belief that is fundamental to New Age thinking. Past-life experiences tend to be either imaginary or are drawn from experiences earlier in a client's life. Some may involve dark forces, but most like they do not. Not all forms of hypnotherapy are dangerous. What makes it perilous is that a person under hypnosis has surrendered his will and is completely left open to suggestion at the subconscious level. So it is critical to know the background, belief system, and training of anyone who provides you with hypnosis therapies. (149)

Crystals

Crystals for the New Age Movement are similar to the sacramentals (holy water, blessed salt and oil, medals, rosaries) used by the Catholic Church. The New Age uses quartz crystals (not glass crystals) which can be used for communicating with demons and it is precisely for this reason that crystals were so popular in the New Age and witchcraft. Sadly, there are readily available, some of which can be found in contemporary jewelry. Crystals are used for: channeling, Feng Shui designs, in massage therapy, and in the use of pendulums, in energy healing and several other New Age, Wiccan and occult practices.

Noonan and Feaster provide an example of their use, the "Emerald Shapery Building," a high rise building in San Diego, California. The design of the building was based on Feng Shui principles. According to this New Age thinking, the universe is a fully integrated energy system and a hexagon was chosen for its structural integrity; the hexagon is comprised of interlocking triangles which are the building blocks of nature. The "Emerald Plaza" was created by a study of crystals, consistent with the New Age thinking which considers nature to be a series of clusters of hexagons.

The authors provide further details about crystals and the deceptive use of them in society:

Quartz crystals can be conduits for evil spirits when they are cursed, or 'programmed' by witches, warlocks and Satanists. They can be used for demonic purposes and disguised as ornaments on properties such as quartz crystal doorknobs in homes and buildings. Former occultists and victims of satanic rituals have attested to the fact that Satanists curse crystals and insert them into the bloodstream. They are the size of several grains of salt and are used to insert into babies delivered on satanic altars, usually through the umbilical cord. Both mother and infant can be demonized by these Satanic rituals. (147)

Pendulums

Pendulums can be used for divining and are often made from quartz crystal, wood, glass or metal. A pendulum swings in one or the other direction, and for New Agers, this signifies either an answer given to a question or the acquiring of secret knowledge. Pendulums are also used to contact spirit guides (the demonic).

Tarot Cards

Tarot cards are used to tell peoples' fortunes. For the practitioner it arouses an ever increasing desire for knowledge and skill, which they believe to be part of a constant road to spiritual enlightenment. The reality is that any knowledge gained is from the demonic, and practitioners are the equivalent to loud speakers for demons to communicate through. Here is part of a testimonial that the authors have included, illustrating the demonic deception of tarot cards:

...It is important to understand that the Tarot is a door leading into the realm of magic. The cards have been designed in such a way as to open up a very large area of our lives for the demonic forces to act upon and by which to enslave us by playing the role of an all-knowing being. The use of tarot cards is tantamount to the use of spells for calling up spirits...The Merciful Jesus forgives all sins and frees us from enslavement to the occult...While we live on earth, we can win eternal life. The stakes are indeed high: salvation or damnation. (148)

This concludes my second post on the selected sections of chapter eight's Discerning The Spirits. The next post, the final in this series of posts on this chapter will include: principles of discernment, the Holy Spirit vs. demonic spirits, recommendations for pastoral care, and a segment on guidelines for healing.

Discerning the Spirits: Warnings Against the New Age and Occult Practices and How to Recognize the Action of the Holy Spirit

Divination tools and occult practices

Today's post is the first in a series of posts that I will be publishing on the subject of spiritual deceptions and discerning the spirits based on a book, Spiritual Deceptions in the Church and the Culture: A Comprehensive Guide to Discernment, written by Moira Noonan, OSB, Oblate and Anne Feaster.

With so many aspects of today's modern culture inundated with the New Age and occult practices, some of which has infiltrated into the Catholic Church, I thought it fitting to continue to draw from this comprehensive guide and write about how Catholics (and Christians alike) can not only identify the New Age and occult practices, but also "discern the spirits" and better recognize what is from God and what is not. 

For those who have been following my blog, you may recall my initial post on this book, New Age Alternative Therapies and Medicine: A Need For Discernment, published in November'2014.

The content of today's post focusses on chapter eight, Discerning The Spirits, which has an extensive amount of information and serves not only as a warning against the New Age and occult practices, but provides the reader with the practical help to recognize the workings of the Holy Spirit. By providing the truth about the New Age and occult practices, the authors have better enabled readers to fight the good fight against the deception and enticements of the demonic in the "dramatic situation," the spiritual battle we all live in.

Included in Discerning The Spirits, are personal testimonials that reveal the infiltration and influence of the New Age and occult practices in the workplace, education, fitness and recreation centers, Catholic retreat centers and parishes.

By co-authoring this book, Moira Noonan has also drawn from her own personal experiences with her involvement in the New Age, providing readers with a first hand account of how the New Age deceives many unsuspecting souls.

It is my hope that this book will encourage Christians and all people of good will to adopt a preventive approach against the New Age and occult practices by becoming better informed and knowledgeable of the many dangers, some of which I have written about and published on my blog, listed under the labels of: "New Age," "Occult," and "Demonic Investigation." 

If you are new to the New Age and occult practices, may I recommend my post, The New Age: A Basic Introduction.

Need For Discernment

Discerning The Spirits begins with scriptural references that set the tone for the remainder of the chapter. I have included one of the four scriptural references that, in my view, best reflects our current society, "Now the Spirit expressly says that in after times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of the devils, speaking lies hypocritically, and having their conscience branded." (1 Tm 4:1-2)

Discernment couldn't be more necessary in today's world with the New Age and occult practices rampant in mainstream culture. It doesn't take much effort to discover this within your own community, if you haven't done so already. A ten-to-fifteen minute drive within your community's business, medical and community centers, will surely result in the discovery of the New Age and occult practices: psychic readings, yoga, tai-chi, reiki, acupuncture, holistic and preventive medicine, and homeopathy just to name a few. Perhaps you might recognize some of the euphemistic language and deceptive titles specifically associated with these practices such as: oasis, sanctuary, mind body and spirit, wellness, holistic therapies, remedies, weight loss, massage therapy, natural and herbal, preventative and alternative medicine. This is but a partial list, and one that is growing.

The New Age: A Counterfeit Response to Spiritual Thirst

It is proper for us as human beings to have a spiritual dimension in our lives, one that includes a thirst for an encounter with the divine. Seeking that encounter does require an understanding that due to original sin, the devil has acquired a certain dominion over man even though man does remain free. Noonan and Feaster instil in the reader the importance of this basic human condition by quoting the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "...Ignorance of the fact that man has a wounded nature inclined to evil gives rise to serious errors in the areas of education, politics, social action, and morals. (CCC, 407) The Church calls it the "dramatic situation" of the whole world being in the power of Satan (1 Jn 5:19), making our lives a battle. (CCC, 409)" (117)

To further spotlight the importance and reality of this basic human condition, the authors have also quoted from Second Vatican Council document, Gaudem et Spes: 

The whole of man's history has been the story of the dour combat with the powers of evil, stretching, so our Lord tells us, from the very dawn of history until the last day. Finding himself in the midst of the battlefield man has to struggle to do what is right, and it is at great cost to himself, and aided by God's grace, that he succeeds in achieving his own inner integrity. (117)

So how does the New Age fit into this battle. The authors answer this question with the acknowledgment that the New Age and its growth in the world is primarily a result of man's uncertainties, which they expand upon on by quoting a key resource, the Vatican document, Jesus Christ The Bearer of the Water of Life: A Christian Reflection on the New Age:

...[O]perates more often than not on the level of feelings, instincts, and emotions. Anxiety about an apocalyptic future of economic instability, political uncertainty and climate change plays a large part in causing people to look for an alternative, resolutely optimistic relationship to the cosmos. There is a search for wholeness and happiness, often on an explicitly spiritual level. (117)

The authors state that the New Age Movement seeks to exploit man's desire for the transcendence by supplementing the Christian response to human desires and longings, considered by New Age proponents as deficient and transitory, with one that is focused on the self and answerable to no authority.

The authors also spotlight the two main errors man may fall into, quoting from C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters, "There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight." (117) Not everyone involved in the New Age considers themselves to be in either group; nor, do they possess the truth about New Age principles. Many engage in these New Age and occult practices without having acquired any knowledge about them, unaware of their dangers!

Noonan and Fester also spotlight how the New Age offers a counterfeit response to the longing and desire for the transcendence, where the goal is not to experience an encounter with God, but rather to become gods.

The authors note that the New Age rejects the reality of sin, absolute truth, and the need for redemption through the Cross. The New Age presumption is that man can achieve union or "oneness" with God through our own power, by using proper techniques and follow prescribed practices passed on from "enlightened" masters to disciples.

This is in stark contrast to Christianity which teaches that union with God is a gift from God, and not the result of man's accomplishment: it is a gift given to us through grace.

The New Age Movement and its Influence in Modern Culture

The task of documenting how the New Age has influenced our culture could be a separate book on its own. Noonan and Feaster have concisely captured this phenomena within a few pages, giving the reader a glimpse of the vast influence of the New Age. 

Drawing from the Mission Theological Advisory Group in London, England, the authors point out that the New Age is on the rise. Amongst this group's findings was that, although many Britons profess a belief in God, Church membership had declined while at the same time there was a growing interest in the New Age with practices such as horoscopes and soothsayers (psychics and fortune tellers).

The Mission Theological Advisory Group suggested that such a finding stems from a well known pattern that when truth is neglected and dismissed, a counterfeit spirituality fills the void. The result, as history tells us, is that when man turns away from God our Creator, he ends up falling prey to the most irrational and primitive forms of idolatry. Every decline in authentic religious beliefs and practices is accompanied by a corresponding rise in the beliefs and practices of superstition, occultism and divination. 

Noonan and Feaster argue that the New Age has influenced every area of modern culture: business, religion, health care, the military and education. They cite many references to substantiate their argument, made simple and easy for readers to verify at their extensive endnotes section, which spans twenty pages and is categorized by chapter. One example in particular, a California school district had accepted over a million dollars in grant money to expand a student yoga program in its elementary schools. The program was funded by the K.P. Jois Foundation, who brings in Ashtanga Yoga teachers to teach children these practices. The authors specifically address the dangers of yoga in chapters four, Yoga-Spiritual Dangers, and five, Effects of Yoga and Martial Arts.

The Church has always heeded the warnings of our Lord and is endowed with the gift of discernment; a gift of the Holy Spirit which leads to the truth. From the time of the apostles, to the desert Fathers, to the great mystics of the Middle Ages (St. John of the Cross, St, Teresa of Avila, and St. Ignatius Loyola), we have available to us, sound guidance that we can apply today.

The authors further spotlight the Church's gift of discernment by quoting from St. Pope John Paul II's encyclical, Veritatis Splendor (The Splendor of Truth), regarding the benefit that lay people and religious can receive from the Church's tradition in the area of the discernment of spirits:

...[T]he Church's Magisterium continues to carry out its task of discernment, accepting and living out the admonition addressed by the Apostle Paul to Timothy: "I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word, be urgent in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, and exhort, be unfailing in patience and in teaching. For the time will come when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths. As for you, always be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry." (2 Tim 4:1-5) (121)

False Prophets

Noonan and Feaster include a much needed reminder of the scriptural warning against false prophets, who come to us in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. (Mt 7:15) The authors note that Satan seeks to deceive and catch us when we are most vulnerable and searching, offering false answers to life's deepest questions. Satan is extremely subtle and cunning so as to catch us off guard. One way that he attempts to do this is by masquerading as an angel of light. (2 Cor 11:14)

Further spotlighting Satan's deception, the authors cite from St. Ignatius of Loyola's Spiritual Exercises, the Rules for Discernment of Spirits:

It is a mark of the evil spirit to assume the appearance of an angel of light. He begins by suggesting thoughts that are suited to a devout soul, and ends by suggesting his own. For example, he will suggest holy and pious thoughts that are wholly in conformity with the sanctity of the soul. Afterwards, he will endeavor little by little to end by drawing the soul into his hidden snares and evil designs. (121) 

The Church has responded in many ways to the increasing spiritual problems caused by Satan and his ministers, one of which is the annual course, Course on Exorcism and Prayers of Liberation, available since 2004, at the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical University in Rome. It is a much needed response to the growing interest in Satanism, especially amongst the youth. The younger generations have also been heavily influenced by the New Age and occult practices in the media. Noonan and Feaster point to a prime example, the Harry Potter phenomena, that has contaminated an entire generation. It is a phenomena that I have written about in my post, The Dangers of Harry Potter: The Occult Controversy.

What has resulted from the media's influence upon the youth has been the inability of many to distinguish between right and wrong due to a "universal climate of moral relativism." For unsuspecting children and teenagers (adults as well), the Harry Potter phenomena (book and movie series) has desensitized many to occult practices, which in itself, may be a "stepping stone" to further involvement, tempting many to take their interest to the next level. It is understandable that children and young teenagers, who due to their age and inexperience, can not recognize what is Christian and what is not, but this should not be the excuse for older teenagers and adults. Sadly many parents have failed to recognize the truth about Harry Potter's character; that is, he is a sorcerer and the story of his life is essentially a manual on witchcraft. Noonan and Feaster elaborate on the Harry Potter controversy in detail in chapter nine, Doorway to the Occult: Popular Culture, Media and Youth.

The authors also stress the importance of recognizing Satan's deception by noting the ability of Satan and his demons to mimic the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This is especially dangerous for those who engage in occult practices, who fall into the trap of accepting demons masquerading as "spirit guides."

In striving for a holy life, it is essential to know how the demonic operate because they seek to place obstacles on our spiritual path, to steer us off it and entice us into their world of darkness.

New Age Techniques: Gateways to the Demonic

Scripture tells us that we are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 3:16), but sin defiles those temples and allows demons to wreak havoc in our lives. The New Age and occult practices act as the doorways to the demonic, which scripture refers to as divination: astrology (star gazing), consulting psychics, New Age counselors, and energy healers, wizardry and sorcery, necromancy, seances and calling up the spirits of the dead.

The ouija board is perhaps one of the most well known forms of a seance (the calling to a demonic spirit to be communicated with), the dangers of which I have written about in my previous post on demonologist Ralph Sarchie and his demonic investigations (Halloween Horror case). Below is a partial list of additional New Age beliefs and practices to avoid:

[A]strology; astrocartography; tarot cards; yoga; Eastern meditation; visualization and guided imagery; spirit guides; rock music (heavy metal, acid rock); use of crystals/pendulums; extra sensory perception (ESP); long distance healing; channeling; astral-projection; Transcendental Meditation; using mantras (names of demons); psychics; clairvoyants; chairaudients; clairsentients; trance mediums; Human Potential Movement; The Anthony Robins Teachings and Werner Erhard's est and the Forum and Neuro-linguistic Programming; Life Spring; Arica Training; Enneagram; Christian Science and its off-shoots such as Science of Mind, Scientology, Unity Church, Unitarian; chakra balancing; reiki; bio-energy therapy; aura cleansing; some Native American practices (Shamanism); Ekankar soul travel; I Method; Higher Self meditations or meditation journeys to meet your angel or spirit guide; pendulum dowsing; psychic surgery; automatic handwriting; table tipping; Wicca or white witchcraft; fire walking; hypnotism/creative visualization; numerology; rebirthing; past-life regression therapy; palm reading; face reading; tea leaf or coffee ground readings; out-of-body meditations; UFO seeking, and many computer and video games which have Satanic themes, teaching young people that evil is good, desensitizing them from moral discernment. (123)

God has warned us through scripture that the above practices are the offspring of the same mortal sins: idolatry, lust, pride, and rebellion. Even though God grants us his free will, we as his created beings do not have to succumb to the demonic deception of psychic phenomena and mind control; instead we can choose to do God's will which comes with it, true freedom. As the authors note, "Living in the truth leads us to living in God's will and in the overflow of goodness that God has given us, in the power of the Holy Spirit." (123)

All occult activities steer man away from God's will and true freedom, seeking to empty and influence a person's mind, or give power and authority to any source other than the Triune God. This opens up individuals to diabolic activity, as the author's note, "When the mind is unguarded and open, the Devil can weaken a person's will and use it to his advantage." (123) They note that this can also occur with addictions to mind-altering drugs, alcohol, and pornography. The guidance of St. Peter (1 Peter 5:8-9) serves as well here, in that we should remain sober and alert to the workings of the devil who would like nothing more that to have us enter his camp. We must resist the devil, solid in our faith and disciplined in our prayer life.

God commanded us to "...[H]ave no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3) When asked by one of the Pharisees about which commandment in the law was the greatest, Jesus replied, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." (Mt 22:37) Sadly, many have done the opposite with their involvement in the New Age and occult practices, creating false gods in the process. Noonan and Feaster note that, "Satan and his demonic agents descend upon those practicing evil just as tenaciously as Our Lord watches over his faithful ones. (123) In keeping with God's greatest commandment, the Church warns the faithful against occult practices in the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

God can reveal the future to his prophets or to other saints. Still, a sound Christian attitude consists in putting oneself confidently into the hands of Providence for whatever concerns the future, and giving up all unhealthy curiosity about it. Improvidence, however, can constitute a lack of responsibility. 

All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to "unveil" the future. Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone. 

All practices of magic or sorcery, by which one attempts to tame occult powers, so as to place them at one's service and have a supernatural power over others - even if this were for the sake of restoring their health - are gravely contrary to the virtue of religion. These practices are even more to be condemned when accompanied by the intention of harming someone, or when they have recourse to the intervention of demons. Wearing charms is also reprehensible. Spiritism often implies divination or magical practices; the Church for her part warns the faithful against it. Recourse to so-called traditional cures does not justify either the invocation of evil powers or the exploitation of another's credulity. (2115-2117)

The prayer of St. Michael the Archangel, given to the Church during the papacy of Pope Leo III at one point reads, "...[T]hrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen." By referring to this prayer, Noonan and Feaster alert readers the the strategy of the Evil One, "The Devil desires to deceive us and, through his lies, confuse us to such an extent that we are unaware of his existence, do not believe that he is real, do not know that a spiritual battle exists or that he is the real enemy." (124)

The authors go on to explain that this confusion and disbelief in the enemy helps explain the emphasis on self-improvement and self-motivation in modern culture. Most of the New Age principles are based on self-idolatry, incorporating  self-actualization, self-realization, and self-enlightenment with the belief in self-redemption. (124) Eventually, idolatry of self leads to the worship of Satan.

Authentic Spiritual Gifts and Their Fruits

In this section of the chapter, the authors shift the focus to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. What follows is a brief summary of the Catholic understanding of the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

So what are the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These can be found in Isaiah: "And there shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse, and a flower shall rise up out of his root. And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: the spirit of wisdom, and of understanding, the spirit of counsel, and of fortitude, the spirt of knowledge, and of godliness. And he shall be filled with the spirit of fear of the Lord." (Is 11:1-3)

These gifts are extended to all through Baptism and especially Confirmation (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1303-1304) and are meant for the sanctification of the individual. The catechism states that, "The moral life of Christians is sustained by the gifts of the Holy Spirit...They complete and perfect the virtues of those who receive them. They make the faithful docile in readily obeying divine inspirations" (1831)

The gifts of the Holy Spirit also prepare us for the reception and practice of charismatic gifts and help us to grown in virtue. These gifts must be nurtured through prayer, the Sacraments and an active life of charity, part of which entails the need to be detached from the world and on guard against worldly wisdom. Charismatic gifts can be found in 1 Corinthians 12:

...Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses. (1 Cor 12:4-11)

The above list is not the only charisms found in scripture, but due to their extraordinary character, a lot of attention is given to them, which makes the need of discerning these gifts greater as people are more prone to illusion.

Charisms are distinguished from the Isaian gifts, even though some do overlap. The gifts listed in Isaiah are meant for personal sanctification; the gifts found in Corinthians are gifts given to build up the Church. 

Fruits of the Holy Spirit vs. the Works of the Flesh

Scripture tells us, "...[D]o not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1) One way to test the origin of a spirit is to look at its fruit, what it produces. Jesus told us this, "By their fruits you will know them."(Mt 7:16) Saint Paul identifies what are works of the flesh and those of the spirit:

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 

By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucifed the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another. (Gal 5: 19-26)

My next post will focus on a section of the chapter that Noonan and Feaster have given considerable thought to and written about in great detail; the counterfeit gifts of divination and magic and St. Thomas Aquinas Three Species of Divination from his well known work, Summa Theologica.







 

Demonologist Ralph Sarchie and Two Cases of Demonic Investigation: The Halloween Horror and The Mirror

A photomontage of images and symbols representative of these two cases

If you have been following my blog for some time, you may recall a post on demonic investigations by former New York City Police Sergeant Ralph Sarchie. That post was about one man's quest to help deliver people from the clutches of the demonic and based on the book he co-wrote, Beware The Night, a very candid recounting of his demonic investigations. I published it in November'2014 to coincide with the release of the movie version, Deliver Us From Evil, on my local cable provider's "on demand" movie listing. Today's post continues with two cases of demonic investigation; one from Beware The Night and the other, a recent case from Sarchie's new television series, The Demon Files.

The first case, The Halloween Horror, is also the first case in Beware The Night and it revealed how the demonic deceived a young teenage girl into "playing" with the ouija board at a party. As a consequence, several demons were unleashed upon her and her family terrorizing everyone in the process. It was a scenario where the initial diabolic activity of infestation was completely bypassed and the demons moved into the second stage, oppression. There was also an attempted possession on one member of the family.

The second case, The Mirror, is the first case from The Demon Files. In this case the demonic entered into a family's life as a direct result from the daughter's Satanic worship; the making of a pact with the devil. Add to this her involvement with witchcraft and others aspects of the occult and it secured her and her family as targets for the demonic. 

The cases in Beware The Night and The Demon Files are a first hand look into how the demonic entices and deceives many into their dark world, horrifying their victims in the process and making life so unbearable that it eventually prompts many reach out to Sarchie and his team. Both the book and the television series are key learning resources for anyone seeking to understand this subject matter and how to prevent such influences from coming into your life. At the core of both cases in today's post, as in all cases where the demonic were expelled and peace was restored, is God's love and mercy given not only to Sarchie and his team, to those innocent family members, but also to those who intentionally rebelled against Him with their involvement in the occult.

Beware The Night - The Halloween Horror

This case was about the investigation of a haunted house, the Villanova residence in Westchester County, New York. Sarchie described it as one of the most "harrowing supernatural investigations" that began on October 31, 1991, at the request of Father Hayes, an exorcist from another diocese. Sarchie and his partner in "the work" Joe Forrester, arrived at the residence, a modest two-family house in Yonkers, a couple of days later on All Souls Day. 

Sarchie noticed a few things right from the very beginning. The first was that the Villanova residence was not far from a Catholic chapel. The significance being that the devil likes to operate in the shadows of the Church. If any type of satanic ritual was performed in the area, drawing the demonic to it as a result, the demonic's hatred and fury would be heightened by the presence of a holy place so near by.

The second thing that caught Sarchie's attention was the first meeting at the front door with Dominick Villanova and his young son, Dominick Jr. The shellshocked demeanour of Dominick coupled with the look of bewilderment from Dominick Jr., was a key indication that this family had been living in horror for quite some time.

The initial investigation's purpose was to obtain a video interview for Father Hayes. Unaware of the danger they were about to enter into, Ralph and Joe arrived with a minimal amount of holy water, sacramentals and without their usual investigative team. Sarchie later described the situation as synonymous to "...[P]atrolling a high crime area with a gun loaded with only one bullet." (5) In the spirit of brotherly love and with a desire to help this family, Ralph and Joe proceeded with the investigation.

After they were led into the living room, both Ralph and Joe realized there was something terribly wrong with this family. The living room resembled a refugee camp; amongst the sad and exhausted faces were piles of clothing and rolled-up bedding. This was the result of the demons' torment, which had so unnerved the Villanovas that they were unable to sleep alone.

After establishing a rapport with Dominick, his wife Gabby and their four children, Ralph and Joe began their inquiry. It was during this time that Joe's background in law enforcement as a polygraph examiner was particularly useful. He had the gift of knowing when to interject, end any unnecessary rambling and get to the pertinent facts of the matter; the truthful details needed to ascertain what had happened to this family.

It was during this initial discussion that the most powerful demon (amongst the other demons in the home) made its presence known. The incident occurred after everyone had been given a Saint Benedict medal to wear around their neck. Immediately after Dominick Jr. placed the medal around his neck, the demon had flung it off. It was an incident that served to identify what they were dealing with. As Sarchie noted, most demons flee from holy water, religious medals and relics; only the most powerful demons can manipulate objects.

It did not take long in the investigation for Sarchie and Forrester to discover the demonic strategy and accelerated efforts for possession. Initially the demon (the most powerful one) appeared in stealth mode in Gabby and Dominick's bedroom in a "hellishly inspired Halloween disguise," deceiving Gabby as a woman named Virginia Taylor. Dominick was not fooled and understood it to be a demonic presence in the home. As the investigation progressed, it was clear to Ralph and Joe that this family was deceived by a demon mimicking a human spirit. 

The purpose of these initial stealth appearances was part of a typical demonic strategy of divide and conquer. It took effect by sowing seeds of panic, confusion and self doubt. As Sarchie noted, victims in such circumstances often wonder, "Is this really happening---or am I just imagining it?" (8) From such doubts, victims are reluctant to tell others, fearing that they will be regarded as someone who has lost their mind. What typically results is a withdrawal into self and a feeling of being more alone in dealing with the ongoing "bizarre" incidents. This is exactly the goal of the demonic as it weakens the will and paves the way for possession.

Sarchie noted that up to that point of the investigation, it was all standard operating procedure for the demonic, but he and Joe soon discovered that instead of rattling Gabby's nerves with infestation (midnight knockings, peculiar phone calls or tormenting animal cries), the first stage of diabolic activity, this demon plunged right into full blow oppression (terrifying mental and physical attacks) from the very beginning.

Under the disguise of Virginia Taylor and the use of a basement mirror, the demon had developed a relationship with Gabby, where it appeared in the mirror, and had lengthy conversations with her. The more Gabby spoke with Virginia, the more intrigued she became by the details of the conversation. After hearing all this, Ralph and Joe quickly understood the ploy of the demon, trying to create an intricate tale, "...[L]ike a spider spinning a web to catch unwary prey." (9)

After further investigating the matter, Ralph and Joe had to "clue these people in" as to what was happening. They identified VIrginia for what she truly was, a demonic spirit. Joe explained the nature of demonic spirits and debunked the entire tale told to Gabby about Virginia's supposed life on earth.

One of the most interesting aspects of the investigation was Sarchie's walk through the home. This is standard procedure for Sarchie and he does this to form an impression of the people that live there, what religious articles are present, how the home is kept and discover any signs or reasons for the demonic presence, such as occult items. Here in Sarchie's own words is what he discovered during his walk through:

With my tour of the house, I can sometimes pick up vibrations about the situation. I'm not psychic, so I can't rely on my intuitions 100 percent, but every human being is born with some degree of a sixth sense, as a gift from God. My big mistake, in this case, was walking through the house alone. I started with the upstairs, where there was a recently vacated apartment the family had been renting out. As I walked into the apartment, a doorknob in one of the rooms started rattling. I've run across this kind of low-level bullshit from the demonic in other homes, so I noted the location for further investigation. 

The rooms inside were unusually dark. When I found the light switch, I saw why: Everything was painted a deep, vivid black. Even the windows were so thickly coated that no light from the outside could penetrate. I searched the place, but the former occupant had left absolutely nothing behind. I would have loved to get a look at his possessions, because I was ready to bet my next paycheck that this guy, whoever he was, sure as hell didn't spend his spare time praying the rosary! I made a mental note to ask the family about their ex-tenant. (17)

Sarchie eventually made his way to the basement where he had an encounter with the demon, one that further revealed just how powerful this demon was:

...I resumed checking the house. The remaining rooms were normal enough, though the kitchen was rather messy and the sink was piled with dirty dishes, I headed downstairs. I didn't have any sense of evil when I first entered the basement, but when I got to a storage room with double doors, I could feel menace from eight feet away. The feeling was so powerful that I stopped dead in my tracks, so afraid that I couldn't move. I've been a cop for a long time and have been scared plenty of times before, but I always have acted aggressively---that's how I trained myself. This was different: I couldn't take my eyes off those doors, my heart started racing one hundred miles a minute, and I couldn't catch my breath. Then the pain started in my head---it wasn't like a headache, but a piercing pain in my right temple that I've sometimes experienced on other cases or during exorcisms. 

As the pain in my head got stronger, my stomach churned and I felt like I was going to vomit. There was no outward sign of anything I could see---just a felling of hellish terror and absolute evil. I was too frozen to move my lips or speak, so in my mind I commanded the demon to leave in the name of Jesus Christ. It released its hold on me just enough so I could reach the bottle of holy water in my pocket. I threw holy water at at the doors and was able to back away to the stairs---not daring to take my eyes off those dreadful doors. 

Once I reached the living room, where the family was waiting, the pain and sick feeling disappeared. I took Joe aside and told him what had happened...(18)

To make matters worse, Ralph was informed by Joe that on the previous night that the same demon had dictated a message to Gabby, "Harm will come to those below. Beware the night!" (19)

Sarchie dedicated a second chapter to this case, Nightmare's End, where he not only detailed the increased suffering this family had to endure, but the successful expulsion of all demonic spirits from the Villanova residence. Here is just some of the horrific experiences the Villanovas endured: increased agitation especially at night; Gabby's daughter, Luciana, experiencing the scratching of images on her stomach such as a pentagram and the word "Beast 666" written on her arm in huge red welts; an unsuccessful incubus attack (the raping of a woman by a demon); items were thrown around; books flying off bookshelves; heavy furniture moving on its own, sometimes shaking up and down and at other times levitating off the floor; entire beds smashed against walls; the blaring of the television or stereo in the middle of the night; horrible moans and growls coming from the basement; and messages in the bathroom mirror.

At times, family members experienced a temporary reprieve that came to a quick end with the sudden drop in temperature (cold spots), alerting them to the demons' presence amongst them. So terrified was this family in the end that they did not even go to the bathroom alone. Sleep was virtually non-existent. Add to this the discord amongst the family, which piqued when one of the two teenage daughters admitted to using the ouija board. It was "played" at a party and upon hearing this, Luciana who was targeted for many of the attacks, flew into a rage, blaming her younger sister in the process for all the horror they experienced.

After gathering all the facts and assessing the information from the interview, both Ralph and Joe felt that the family was not totally to blame for the demonic nightmare they experienced. The former tenant in that black painted apartment was rumoured to be into a lot of strange stuff including the occult. This together with what Sarchie described as a "brazen attack," a red gash down one of Luciana's cheeks, right in front of him and Joe, prompted them to begin the ritual to expel the demons.

The ritual began with the recitation of Pope Leo XIII Minor Exorcism Prayer. Immediately upon its recitation, sounds of howling and barking occurred, so deafening that the family was asked if this had ever happened before; the answer was no. Upon hearing the answer, both Ralph and Joe realized that this was the sound of demons fleeing the house; there were several demons terrorizing the family, but the most powerful demon would not go.

This most powerful demon was close to fully possessing Gabby and so, it decided to stay and fight, while the lesser demons ran from the presence of holy water and relics. The dramatic attempt to possess Gabby occurred right in front of Ralph and Joe, even with the holy water present and the recitation of the Minor Exorcism Prayer. Sarchie remarked that they knew they "...[W]ere in the presence of one of Hell's more dangerous devils." (34) Ralph and Joe held up relics of the True Cross, touched Gabby's head and commanded the demon, in the name of Jesus Christ, to depart and leave Gaby in peace. As powerful as the demon was, it could not withstand this ultimate torment and released its grasp on Gabby.

Although Ralph and Joe had halted Gabby's possession, weakening the demon in the process, their efforts were not enough to completely rid it from the Villanova residence. In order to accomplish this, they needed either a trained exorcist or their investigative team.

Reluctant to leave the family, Ralph and Joe remained with them until Fr. Williams, the parish priest arrived. After a briefing of the case, he took the family under his care until Fr. Hayes performed the exorcism. Ralph and Joe eventually left, but it would not be the last time they would be placed at the service of the Villanova family.

Several months later, the Villanovas contact Ralph for his help once again; they were still besieged by the demon. It was not due to any lack of care from the parish priest or any neglect from the exorcist whose health did not permit him to perform the exorcism. To get this family the immediate help they so desperately needed, Ralph, Joe and their investigative team returned to the Villanova residence to expel the demon. This time they came fully prepared for a major battle. Here is how Sarchie described it, "Joe and I had learned a lesson or two from our first visit, and after intense spiritual preparations, we returned on a Saturday afternoon with three investigators and enough supplies to exorcise an entire city block." (35)

Before beginning the exorcism, the women and children were placed in a church nearby for their safety. Below is Sarchie recounting the climax of this case; the successful expulsion of the last demon:

We worked in pairs, so one person could focus on the conducting the ritual, while the other was alert for any sign of demonic activity. And more important still, the backup investigator kept a close watch on his partner---to make sure that the person doing the exorcism wasn't being attacked himself. External phenomena don't need to be taking place: The attack also can be psychological, like the stark terror that seized me in the basement of this house on our previous visit. If an investigator has any psychic abilities, he or she could be assailed through those powers. Since an attack could come at any time, to either partner, everyone must be constantly on guard. 

We began by opening every closet, cabinet, and drawer in the room we were exorcising, leaving no dark, enclosed space for the demonic to hide. Because they are spirit and have no physical bodies, malignant beings can conceal themselves anywhere. Next, we lit blessed incense, which helps dispel negative vibrations and repel evil spirits, since they are tormented by anything holy or blessed. As always, we started the ritual with the St. Michael prayer...Pope Leo XIII's second prayer, 'Exorcism Against Satan and the Rebellious Angels,"...is extremely powerful against the demonic. The Holy Father [Pope Leo XIII] exhorted priests to say this prayer as often as possible to curb the Devil's power and prevent him from doing harm. He gave the faithful permission to say it in their own name, as they would any approved prayer, 'whenever action of the Devil is suspected, causing malice in men, violent temptations, and even storms and various calamities.' That is exactly what we did in the Villanovas' home, moving from room to room as we prayed. We sprinkled all four corners of each room and the interior of every closet with holy water to consecrate the area, then repeated the process with blessed salt, which has the same effect, except that it has the virtue of lasting longer. 

As we performed the ritual, we burned so much blessed incense that the place looked like it was on fire...sweet-smelling fumes of holy incense and the sound of fervent prayers, which made the house so hostile to the demonic that 'the lady' [Virginia Taylor] was forced to disappear, this time for good. A feeling of peace pervaded the home, signalling that we'd succeeded in evicting the spirit. (39)

After having completed the ritual, the women and children returned to their home and all rejoiced that the nightmare was over. Sarchie noted that the family's gratitude was a humbling experience because he and his team knew that it was not them, but God who granted them the authority over the demon in His name. To honour God, all gathered together in prayer to praise and thank God who is, "above all."

The Demon Files - The Mirror

This case was about a family from Fayette City, Pennsylvania, who experienced "darkness" for reasons unbeknownst to them. After the teenager daughter made a pact with the devil, their lives spiralled out of control. Demonic infestation began this family's horrific experiences that quickly intensified with the second stage of diabolic activity, oppression. The family was so terrified that by the time they contacted Ralph Sarchie, they were all at their wits end.

Sarchie's investigations always begin by attempting to establish a rapport with victims, that has the dual purpose of getting to know them better and putting them at ease with the investigative process. As the team "invades" the home and sets up their monitoring equipment (camera and audio recorders and sensors), Sarchie walks around the home to get his impressions, and tries to discover what may have brought the demonic into victims' lives, such as contact objects (objects that the demonic are connected to), occult items or something blatantly Satanic.

During Sarchie's "walk through" of this family's home, he became intrigued by the Halloween decor, which as Bonnie (the mother) explained, existed as an accommodation to Leigh-Ann's fondness for Halloween. It was ironic that the family had so many Halloween decorations and trinkets because as Sarchie soon discovered, this family's troubles became more severe close to Halloween and it was at this same time of the year, that Leigh-Ann tried to take her life.

One of the many things that really stands out about Sarchie and his team, is their thoroughness and professionalism as they go about their investigations; equally matched by their compassion and desire to help people who are victimized by the demonic. The "work" as it is referred to, not only involves identifying the problem, but providing the solution. It is another aspect of Sarchie and his team's work that really impresses me; what is the point of identifying a problem if you don't provide a solution. Sarchie and his team take care of both!

In many cases, the solution is the expulsion of the demonic from someone's home; at other times the matter is of the worst case scenario, possession, where an official Catholic exorcist is called in to perform the exorcism ritual on a person. This differs from what Sarchie and his team do, in that they also perform an exorcism ritual, but it is an "exorcism of place." In simpler terms, if demonic spirits have taken residence in someone's home, Sarchie and his team drive them out. This is always accomplished in the name of Jesus Christ and through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Add to this their arsenal of spiritual weapons: holy water, blessed incense, relics, blessed salt and St. Benedict medals, and the demons don't stand a chance. Some stay and fight, but in the end they lose the battle and are expelled.

Part of the compassionate help that Sarchie provides involves educating the victims as to why the demonic had enter into their lives. It is a process that brings new awareness and understanding as to the causes of the horrific circumstances that many have endured for several months. This coupled with the team's presence and overall encouragement, provides the necessary support for victims to endure the final hours of their ordeal with the demonic.

At the center of this case is the twenty six year old daughter, Leigh-Ann whose facial expression clearly indicated that she was living in a state of terror. Referring to the demon as "the entity," here is what Leigh-Ann revealed to Sarchie about some of the horrifying experiences she had to endure: shadowy figures making themselves known to her, scratching noises, big bangs that rattled the wall or the floor; all of which left her constantly fearful wondering what would happen next. Add to this the discord that occurred amongst the family, a typical strategy of the demonic, and it eventually drove Leigh-Ann to an attempted suicide.

Prior to this family's move into the home, a teenage boy had committed suicide. Was it just a coincidence that Leigh-Ann attempted to do the same thing. For Sarchie, this was definitely a sign of demonic influence. To be certain, he and his team set out to determine if the problem stemmed from the spirit of a teenage boy or a demonic spirit.
  
Part of the investigation revealed that a mirror left in the house from the previous family, used to hang in the second storey bathroom and it was suspected of having something to do with the phenomena that occurred in the house. After the tech set up by the mirror, the team attempted to contact the deceased teenage boy.

Successful communications with the teenage boy's spirit occurred, convincing Sarchie that the mirror was in fact a "contact object" which the demon used to influence Leigh-Ann to commit suicide. The teenage boy's spirit could have been a demon mimicking a human spirit, which is similar to what happened in the previous case (Virginia Taylor at the Villanova residence), but audio recordings seemed to suggest that it was in fact a human spirit. This wasn't Sarchie's main concern because he suspected the problem in the home was due to a demonic spirit.

Before proceeding with the exorcism ritual," Sarchie questioned the family further to find out what they may have done to invite the demon into their lives. The session quickly focussed on Leigh-Ann as Sarchie began probing for any involvement in witchcraft or any form of the occult. Sarchie soon discovered that Leigh-Ann had made a pact with the Devil, deceived into thinking that by doing so, life would be "easier" under the Devi's rules, which as Sarchie quickly pointed out, there are no rules for the Devil. 

Part of the problem also stemmed from the fact that Leigh-Ann had drawn an Anarchy A "anti-government" symbol (see image published with this post) on a wall in her room, which Sarchie quickly pointed out again, that this was a symbol used by Satanists, much to the astonishment of Leigh-Ann.

It didn't end there. Leigh-Ann had been involved in the occult for a few months where she admitted to Sarchie of drawing blood from her finger with a girlfriend who did likewise and dripping it upon a pentagram (another Satanic symbol). Some in her close circle of friends also happened to be Wiccans (people involved in witchcraft) and Leigh-Ann in the past had verbalized rebellious expressions against God, something to the effect of, "I hate you, I don't believe in you." 

Sarchie then inquired about the old mirror in the house, left by the previous residents. Leigh-Ann revealed that she spent a lot of time in front of that mirror, looking at it while thoughts of hatred about her life streamed through her mind. It was during one of those "mirror sessions," that Leigh-Ann attempted to take her own life by swallowing a bunch of painkillers, which is exactly what happened to the teenage boy that previously lived there.

After acquiring the information that revealed why the demonic entered into this family's life, Sarchie and his team immediately proceeded with the ritual to expel the demon. What continued to impress me about Sarchie was his consistent compassionate approach amongst the discovery of all the ugly details that caused this demonic influence. It was abundantly clear just by watching Sarchie that he understood Leigh-Ann had struggled and coupled with her vulnerability led him to conclude that she was probably confused and had made mistakes, unaware of the consequences.

By the end of the inquiry Leigh-Ann understood her mistakes and accepted Sarchie's offer to "take her words back," an opportunity to renounce Satan and reestablish her relationship with God. Fundamental to this was for Leigh-Ann to have the intention of no longer belonging to the devil and to consciously decide for God. The video—no longer available—captured this moment that together with the successful expulsion of the demon, finally put closure to this nightmare.

The ritual was captured in dramatic fashion with the lighting of two candles; the kissing of a crucifix; the recitation of exorcism ritual; and the burning of blessed incense at all levels of the home. Sarchie made it clear that the ritual would send the demon back to hell, but he didn't know if this would happen quietly or if it would put up a fight. Sarchie made it known that during the ritual everyone is in danger: physically, psychologically and spiritually, because the demon will try to destroy everyone. Thankfully, no harm came to Sarchie, his team, or the family.

Afterward, Sarchie recommended that the family should praise and thank God on their knees. He also gently admonished them to never get involved in witchcraft or any aspect of the occult or Satanism. He then expressed the long awaited for words of comfort, letting the family clearly know "...[Y]ou own this house, walk around this house like you own it, and you are children of God."

Perhaps a most fitting end to this case; Leigh-Ann's mom had walked around the house and gathered all the Halloween decor items for their permanent removal.

May God's blessings and mercy be granted in abundance to Ralph Sarchie, his team and to all victims of the demonic.