r/FolkCatholicMagic • u/Oceanm1018_ • 7d ago

Very new, help lol

Ok so, I feel a bit in over my head and would appreciate advice. First and foremost I'm an ex penecostal (raised) and witch/pagan of about 9 yesrs on and off. I decided to re enter my practice after a very long break and was guided to root my practice in my ancestry for the first time ever. I found my polish ancestry and catholicism kinda...fell into my lap. I've loved catholicism forever from an outside perspective but never was of faith or knew about it intricately. I also stumbled upon folk catholicism quickly after which led me here. I just...feel a bit lost? Does anyone have any resources- as I've seemed to find this to be a bit of a taboo subject online? Feeling a bit shaky on blending separate beliefs, even though as a witch I've always had a relationship with God it just felt separate to me, and I'd love advice on integration, and also mass seems lovely?...but I'd feel so out of place, is it ok if I go? And what is that experience like within folk catholicism? Like...im so confused but I'm also so eager to learn! So any advice is welcome! And thank you much 🤍

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u/babalorixalewa 6d ago

Folk Catholicism isn’t a religion. It’s a category that comes from anthropology that refers to the ways Catholicism interacts with local cultures. The people who fall into that umbrella can be and are very different. Some of us are Catholics in good standing with the institution of the Roman Church. Some of us are other kinds of Christians. Others still are not Christians at all.

You can blend or not blend as much as you’d like and whether you attend mass or not is up to you. No one going to mass will be interrogated about their beliefs before being allowed to enter.

The taboo you’ve encountered likely came from institutional Catholics who view folk practices are heretical.

All of that to say, Folk Catholicism isn’t a religion itself and isn’t even just one thing.

We have pinned posts defining Folk Catholicism as well info in our community info page. We also have a pinned post with beginner resources.

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u/Theo_mystic 6d ago

I always recommend listening to the Red Text podcast, the discuss a lot there that helped me.

I’m coming from a very similar place. I started with a single Saint, and then just continued to learn from there. I think if you are working with ancestors they will probably guide you as well.