feng shui/birth stones etc

[vivshaun]

PRAISE THE LORD

HOW DOES THE CATHOLIC CHURCH VIEW ON THE MATTERS OF

1. BIRTH STONES /GEMS ---

2. FENG SHUI /

3. REIKI -

COULD SOME 1 ENLIGHTEN ME ON THIS... WOULD IT BE CONSIDERED A SIN

THANKS

VIVIAN
 

[royston]

I wouldn't presume to give the official Catholic view on these things.. But my view is that if we entrust our lives to anything other than God then it is sin.. Since through reiki, feng shui, birthstones, astrology, etc we are seeking to control our own future, rather than trusting God to guide us, hence these are not appropriate for us as Christians.

Royston

[Melody]

Hey Vivian,

I believe that indulging in any of the things you mentioned in that list would be like sinning. I think they would come under "Magic or Socery" and hence under "Occult"

Here's what the CCC says:

2117 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.

There is no direct reference to any of the things you mentioned in the CCC, but here are some quotes which may help you accept what I've just said:

(01) About Birthstones: "Supernatural powers have long been attributed by astrologers to certain gemstones. Wearing the gem associated with one's birthday is commonly thought to bring good luck or health." —Encylopedia Britannica

(02) About Feng Shui: Traditional Chinese method of arranging the human and social world in auspicious alignment with the forces of the cosmos, including qi and yin-yang.It was devised during the Han dynasty (206 BC–AD 220). Specialists, called diviners, use compasslike instruments to determine the exact cosmic forces affecting a site, appropriate sites being chosen particularly in relation to bodies of water and mountains. Feng shui, especially as it affects interior design, has recently become popular in Britain and the U.S.—Encylopedia Britannica

(03) About Reiki: Reiki is not a Christian religious practice. It is from Japanese Buddhism and involves non-Christian religious principles (e.g., moving around one's life energy or ki-the ki in reiki). The practice of reiki is not consonant with Catholic spirituality. (Quoted from www.catholic.com)

And yes;
Ennegrams,
Vastu,
Chakra Healing,
Jewish Kabbalah,
Tai Chi meditation,
Yoga,
Shamanism,
Wicca (witchcraft),
I Ching (Chinese fortune-telling),
Oriental meditation,
Astrology,
Tarot card readings 
& other New Age Stuff

are all also not in keeping with the teachings of the Catholic Church.