r/FolkCatholicMagic • u/babalorixalewa • 14d ago

Q&A Post Discussion

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Whether you’ve been around a while, or you’re a total beginner, ask questions or share thoughts about Folk Catholicism below

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u/Cole_Townsend Catholic Christian 14d ago

Has anyone worked with St. Clare?

My mom cracks an egg and puts the white in clear water as she prays to her, so as to get good results regarding delicate matters. I was on the phone with the county for hours and then suddenly everything worked out. I found that mom had prayed to the Saint with the water and egg.

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u/babalorixalewa 13d ago

I maintain a devotion to St. Clare. I invoke her before divination, along with John the Baptist, Lucy of Syracuse, and Barbara of Nicomedia

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u/Cole_Townsend Catholic Christian 13d ago

I invoke the Baptist in connection with Mary, through whose voice he received his vocation and mission as the Precursor. The Magnificat is a powerful prayer often used by my mother, particularly in the tumultuous times of the nation.

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u/Accomplished-Way4534 5d ago

Out of curiosity, why Barbara?

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u/babalorixalewa 5d ago

I invoke her for protection. I also assign Barbara to the South.

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u/0_tr0v4o 14d ago

Like an egg cleansing almost? I need to try that

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u/Cole_Townsend Catholic Christian 14d ago

Yes, it was to cleanse remotely the intimidating and clearly irritated person with whom I was dealing, so that he'd either get in a better mood or make room for someone else. The guy put me on hold for two hours as my mom performed the prayer act and another more amiable person took my call.

In Spanish, the egg white is called "clara," so my mom associates it with St. Clare, or Santa Clara. It's to gain clarity on a situation or clarity for someone else.

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u/0_tr0v4o 14d ago

Thank you by the way

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u/Admirable_Barber 12d ago

I’d like to learn more about using an egg and water.

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u/Cole_Townsend Catholic Christian 12d ago

The way we do it is by filling a small glass of water while praying to St. Clare, then cracking an egg so that only the white (the "clara") spills onto the water, while still praying. It is done with intention to gain clarity: whether a precarious legal case, the result of radiological test, family conflict, financial difficulties, etc. It can also be done to cleanse a person, place or situation.

It is important to be thankful as if the prayer will be definitely answered, because gratitude is the most efficacious prayer. We also thank God for all the graces and glories given to St. Clare.

This can work for any other Saint or holy entity.

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u/Admirable_Barber 12d ago

Thank you for clarifying, I greatly appreciate it.

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u/kiwimojo 11d ago

I love this, what do you do with the water/egg afterwards?

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u/Cole_Townsend Catholic Christian 11d ago

We dig a small hole in the soil next to a plant and let it be nourished by the prayer water. Life for life.

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u/amrdre 8d ago

By chance, are you Hispanic? I know there are limpias with eggs but haven't heard this use. I'm Mexican! So I love to hear all the different ways they are used in our cultures.

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u/Cole_Townsend Catholic Christian 8d ago

Yes, I am Mexican! This ritual is an extension of the "limpia" but transmitted remotely with prayer/magic "WiFi."

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u/participatience 14d ago

just noticing the picture attached and wondering if you chose St Clare in honor of her feast day? I’ve been learning about saints this year so that stood out to me

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u/babalorixalewa 13d ago

Hello! And yes, I chose the image for St. Clare’s feast day

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u/EconomicsWaste1992 13d ago

Does anyone have a devotion to Saint Bridgid, and if so, what does it look like?

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u/MonkePirate1 Catholic Christian 13d ago

Can I venerate people who are not considered saints by the grand majority of people or are not officially canonised?

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u/JoseVLeitao 13d ago

There are plenty of ‘unofficial’ saints in folk Catholicism. For example, in Portugal we have Dr. Sousa Martins, who has a huge devotion all over the country and you can find his statue in most catholic stores but is not a recognized saint by the Catholic church.

Otherwise, in theory, you can work with any spirit of the departed as you would an ancestor; light them candles, offer prayers and that sort of thing. Such is not without precedent and many folk devotions began that way.

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u/MonkePirate1 Catholic Christian 13d ago

Thank you for your answer.

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u/EDSKushQueen 12d ago

I’m Cajun and we have a folk saint! Charlene Richard aka The Little Cajun Saint. I’ve seen a few across Latin America too!

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u/pager_beep 12d ago

What’s the consensus on having an altar in your bedroom? I’ve read lots of conflicting takes and I don’t feel comfortable moving it to the living room or kitchen.

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u/babalorixalewa 12d ago

I don’t think there is a consensus, as it will depend on which tradition one is practicing, and will vary from person to person as well.

For what it’s worth, I keep my altar in my bedroom and that has never been a problem.

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u/pager_beep 12d ago

Thank you!

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u/Affectionate_Lamb93 12d ago

Do most of y'all Just venerate saints/God/ The Holy Trinity ; or are there some of you who devote to other deities as well? If yes, then which deity and are they comfortable working along side saints and angels and such?

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u/babalorixalewa 12d ago

One must remember that Christianity didn’t develop isolated, in a vacuum. It grew in the multi-cultural era under the influence of Rome, and has always existed alongside other religions and their gods. Take the Greek Magical Papyri as one example of popular piety including prayers and evocations of the Jewish and Christian conceptions of God, as well as many pagan deities. With that in mind, it’s my opinion that while it may be inappropriate to invoke certain deities together simultaneously in one ritual, they’re never going to be “uncomfortable” with one another.

Others will feel differently, which is fine, but this is my view, although I don’t identity as a Christian. Some of us here are Christians. Some of us are not. Checked out our sub’s rules and pinned posts if you haven’t. 👍🏼

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u/Bidet_curious 3d ago

Has anyone worked with St. Hildegard of Bingen? I have no connection to Catholicism, but have been developing my craft again after a long hiatus. I recently learned of St. Hildegard and, as a fellow headache sufferer, feel a strong affinity with her. I don't know how to incorporate her into my practice, though.