The occult refers to hidden, supernatural practices that seek power, knowledge, or influence outside of God’s will. Many people unknowingly open themselves to spiritual deception by engaging in seemingly harmless activities that are actually gateways into demonic influence. The Bible strongly warns against all forms of occult involvement (Deuteronomy 18:9-12).
Divination & Fortune-Telling
- Examples: Astrology, horoscopes, tarot cards, palm reading, Ouija boards, psychic readings, numerology.
- Why It’s Dangerous: Seeking supernatural knowledge apart from God invites deception and spiritual bondage.
- Biblical Warning: “Do not practice divination or seek omens.” (Leviticus 19:26)
Witchcraft & Magic
- Examples: Wicca, spell-casting, black magic, white magic, charms, potions, energy healing.
- Why It’s Dangerous: Using supernatural power apart from God, even for "good," is still rebellion against Him.
- Biblical Warning: “I will set my face against anyone who turns to mediums and spiritists.” (Leviticus 20:6)
Spiritism & Communication with the Dead
- Examples: Séances, speaking with "spirit guides," channeling, ancestor worship.
- Why It’s Dangerous: The dead do not communicate with the living—these spirits are demons in disguise.
- Biblical Warning: “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them.” (Leviticus 19:31)
Meditation & Mystical Experiences
- Examples: New Age meditation, astral projection, transcendental meditation, yoga with spiritual intent.
- Why It’s Dangerous: Emptying the mind or seeking spiritual enlightenment outside of God invites deception.
- Biblical Warning: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion.” (1 Peter 5:8)
Sorcery & Drug-Induced Spiritual Experiences
- Examples: Psychedelics (ayahuasca, DMT, LSD), shamanism, occult rituals involving substances.
- Why It’s Dangerous: Sorcery (Greek: pharmakeia) is linked to drug use and demonic influence.
- Biblical Warning: “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, idolatry and witchcraft (pharmakeia)…” (Galatians 5:19-20)
Energy Healing & Mysticism
- Examples: Reiki, chakra healing, crystal therapy, manifestation, "law of attraction."
- Why It’s Dangerous: Using spiritual energy or hidden knowledge apart from God is demonic deception.
- Biblical Warning: “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)
Cursed Objects & Occult Entertainment
- Examples: Occult books, symbols (pentagrams, talismans), horror movies, music with demonic themes.
- Why It’s Dangerous: These can be doorways for demonic oppression and deception.
- Biblical Warning: “Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction.” (Deuteronomy 7:26)