Broomsticks.
“Double Double toil and trouble fire burn and cauldron bubble…”
Ugly green faced ladies with pointy hats.
This is usually what I think of when I hear about witchcraft. Really though, combating evil, avoiding witchcraft, dodging curses and hexes – its par for the course in a day in the life of being Catholic. We are no strangers to the reality of evil.
Recently that evil was paraded front and center. I’m sure by now you have heard about the call to action that has been issued asking witches and other interested individuals to participate in an on-going effort to cast a “binding spell” on President Trump and “all who would abet him.” Several news outlets had some fun with headlines and several exorcists have taken the opportunity to speak out about the very real nature of spells and the demonic. With all the ‘witches brew-ha-ha’ over the issue (see what I did there?), we thought it might be a good idea to talk about how to protect oneself from spells and curses. (Spoiler Alert: Real Witchcraft doesn’t usually involve Shakespeare, green ladies or broomsticks.)
The Sacramental Life
According to former Chief Vatican Exorcist Gabriel Amorth the best defense against evil, spells, curses, and hexes is to live a Sacramental Life. Frequenting the Sacraments, particularly confession and Holy Communion, protect one against the forces of evil and the effects of witchcraft.
Prayer
Prayer is important not only for protecting oneself but for combating the forces of evil present in the world. Prayers to bind evil and to remove the effects of evil stop witchcraft in its tracks and remove the effects of it in one’s life and lineage. “For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground.” Ephesians 6:12-13.
Here are 4 prayers recommended by an Exorcist to combat evil.
Sacramentals
Sacramentals can offer protection from evil. They should never replace actual Sacraments but they can be powerful aids in both protecting oneself and combating the effects of witchcraft and curses. Holy Water, Blessed Salt, Medals (Particularly the Medal of St. Benedict and the Miraculous Medal), Crucifixes, Scapulars, Pictures of the Saints, Mary or Jesus, Statues and blessed objects all can help to protect us against the forces of evil that are at work against us – known and unknown.
Sacramentals are not “powerful” in and of themselves any more than that carrot called for in the spell against President Trump is powerful. What gives Sacramentals their spiritual ‘umph’ is the combination of the blessing with which they are imbued by the Church and the faith of the person using the object. By itself, an object is just an object. Imbued with a Blessing and used with Faith, it is a weapon against Satan and his forces. Sacramentals can be especially effective against certain hexes because these spells require an evil version – an anti-sacramental – to work. Like the carrot in the Spell in question. By itself a carrot is a carrot. Used as part of a spell or hex, combined with the intention of the person performing the evil ritual, it becomes something more.
The Rosary
Speaking of Sacramentals, the Rosary is a powerful weapon against evil. Padre Pio called it “THE Weapon for these times.” Satan hates Mary. When you combine a Sacramental (the Rosary) with the Blessed Mother its a sucker punch to evil’s face!
Mary
Did I mention that Satan hates the blessed the Mother? He is terrified of her. Demons fear her. With her virginal heel she crushes the effects of curses and spells and protects her children when they call out to her. Never be afraid or hesitate to call out for Mary’s help and protection. As the most perfect mother, she will stop at nothing to come to your aid!
Garlic
Just kidding. Garlic has absolutely nothing to do with spiritual warfare. It just tastes good in a nice dinner after another day in the life of a Catholic – combating evil and avoiding witchcraft. Who ever said Catholicism was boring….Oh Wait…..
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