Dear Brother Ignatius,

Thank you so much for your site.

Please could you advise me, I have been caring for my 80 yo mother who has been sick all winter. The other morning she told me of a terrifying dream she had. In it, my father (who died many years ago) entered the room and began physically attacking her as she slept. When she struggled against him, he produced a knife from his pocket and made to stab her. At this point (still in the dream), I walked into the room and "said something." Dad backed off and faded out and she woke up.

Dad had been outwardly a respected professonal, however he molested me from the age of 4, and ran around with other women--my mother remained in complete denial, tranced out with TV and valium. Then, soon after Dad died, I was approached several times by people who had known him well, each confiding he had been involved in a local Satanist group. Though accepting Dad had not been a very nice man, I refused to listen.

After Mom's nightmare, I went into her room to say some prayers, asking Our Lord and His Mother to bless and protect the house.

After I finished praying, my eyes were drawn to a baggie tucked away in a corner. Inside was what looked exactly like an old occultic athame dagger. It had been customized with a rawhide covering which I recognized as coming from a huge piece Dad used for leathercraft. I examined and researched the knife but found no purpose for it other than occult ceremonial. Dad's leather was worn and had obviously seen many years of use and handling.

I was sickened at what I had found and buried it in the trash. Back in the house, the entire atmosphere seemed to lift. Mom slept better last night, no bad dreams, and already seems more her old self.

Although this morning I was hit with panic attacks wondering if I did right. How can I keep Mom and the rest of the family well and safe in future? I would be so grateful for your advice. Thank you.