A viewer asks: “As with the Jack-O-Lantern story above, the use of a “cross” to dispel and ward off spirits, even “Satan” himself, is a common theme. Is there any actual “power” in using a physical cross for this purpose? If it really works, “why” does it work? Does it work as a way of “requesting” divine intervention, and as a means of helping belief quotient? We know objects can be “cursed,” and we also know they can be “blessed.” Can Creator comment on the benefit of obtaining and using “blessed” objects such as crosses?”

It is true that objects can be cursed, but also blessed. This will add energy of holy intent for the object in question that will be of benefit for those who believe, but not for those who do not. There needs to be more than simply an object with a history of veneration and being recognized by the divine realm that it is to be used for a special purpose. There must also be a human consciousness and will to form an intention for its use in this way. In the absence of belief, no blessings will carry any weight and the divine realm must stand down. People, similarly, must believe in themselves as well, as being worthy of divine assistance, so there is a dual requirement here. The cross is a powerful icon representing divinity and has been since the time of Christ. This itself imparts energy that a person can use for inspiration and to empower themselves through their belief for a strengthening to take place and buoy them up and help them make it through a very trying and difficult time, and certainly, confronting dark spirits, beings intent on dragging a person down, bullying and tormenting them, and ruining their life, is as serious as any other problem can be. So turning to the cross as a tool for divine assistance is a time-honored ritual that will confer a benefit to those who believe—it is that simple. It is not magic. It is the power of belief set into motion with an intent for something to happen. The divine realm will follow the intention held by the person, not simply the object they may hold. But human consciousness has power of its own and this can be amplified again and again by many symbols that become a rallying cry—the sight of the national flag, a battle hymn, a rallying cry to seek the righting of wrongs of the past. All can be used to fire up a crowd and help people come together in unison to amplify their individual energies through a group effort that may carry the day in many settings. The cross has been used again and again for this kind of purpose even to give strength and courage during battle in non-divine ways, but that is human‑level energy then on display and a kind of placebo effect, you might say, because the divine will not encourage or support non-divine conduct. So there are always fine points and conditions that must be met for these kinds of energies to be in play and have an influence on events.