The Deception of Iridology: Exposing Its Occult Roots and Spiritual Dangers

In today’s wellness-obsessed world, many are turning to alternative therapies for answers to physical, emotional, and even spiritual issues. Among these is iridology, a form of alternative medicine that claims one can diagnose bodily ailments by examining patterns, colors, and characteristics of the iris—the colored part of the eye.

At first glance, it may seem harmless, even fascinating. After all, the Bible does say the eye is the lamp of the body (Matthew 6:22). But does that mean God supports using the eye for divination or medical discernment rooted in spiritual deception? Let’s explore the roots, beliefs, and real dangers of iridology—and why this seemingly harmless health tool could be a trap set by the enemy of your soul.

What Is Iridology?

Iridology, also known as iris diagnosis, is based on the belief that every organ in the body corresponds to a location in the iris. Practitioners use charts and magnification tools to examine the iris, claiming they can spot dysfunctions in organs or systems. The purpose is to supposedly detect health weaknesses or early signs of illness.

But here’s the problem: there’s no scientific validation for iridology, and deeper investigation reveals spiritual roots far outside of biblical truth.

Who Created Iridology—and What Was Their Belief System?

Iridology traces back to Ignaz von Peczely, a Hungarian physician in the 19th century. The story goes that as a child, he accidentally broke the leg of an owl and noticed a black stripe appearing in its iris. Years later, as a physician, he began correlating iris markings with patient ailments.

But it wasn’t science that inspired Peczely’s theories—it was mysticism. He was influenced by the esoteric and metaphysical movements that were gaining momentum in Europe during the 1800s. These movements blended alternative healing with the occult, astrology, and energy-based diagnostics.

Later, iridology was embraced and expanded by New Age proponents like Bernard Jensen, a chiropractor and nutritionist who helped popularize the practice in the U.S. Jensen’s work incorporated holistic and Eastern philosophies—often incompatible with biblical faith.

What Culture Did Iridology Arise From?

Iridology emerged in Western Europe during a time of increasing occult curiosity, with influences from early alternative medical movements, theosophy, and spiritualism. These belief systems emphasize inner enlightenment, self-diagnosis, and bypassing divine healing through Jesus Christ.

In essence, it was birthed in a culture seeking knowledge outside of God's Word, looking inward or to creation itself rather than the Creator.

Who Are the “Gods” of Iridology?

While iridology doesn’t explicitly name gods, the philosophies behind it do. The New Age worldview from which iridology gained traction sees man as divine, able to access higher realms of knowledge through intuitive or mystical methods. This replaces dependence on God with self-reliance, inner light, and universal energy—all concepts directly opposed to biblical teaching.

The true god behind such deceptions is the "god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4)—Satan—who disguises himself as an angel of light. He offers counterfeit healing to distract people from the true Healer: Jesus Christ.

What Kind of People Use Iridology?

People who turn to iridology often fall into these categories:

Those desperate for healing and answers not found through traditional medicine.
Spiritually curious individuals open to holistic or New Age practices.
Wellness seekers who believe in the integration of mind, body, and spirit—but without biblical guidance.
Even some professing Christians, unaware of the spiritual roots, have been seduced by this "natural" practice.

What they all share is a desire for knowledge, control, and wellness—but too often they seek these apart from the wisdom and will of God.

The Hidden Dangers: What Happens Spiritually?

While iridology may not appear occultic like tarot cards or séances, the spiritual danger is just as real. Here’s why:

1. It Opens the Door to Demonic Torment

Engaging in occult-based diagnostics—even unknowingly—invites spiritual torment. Many who have submitted to iridology begin experiencing:

Mental confusion or unrest
Seeing lights or shadowy figures
Hearing unexplained voices
Feelings of oppression or heaviness
Depression, suicidal thoughts, or worsening physical ailments

This is because occult practices place a person under the influence of demonic spirits. What appears as healing at first can become a snare leading to bondage, confusion, and even death.

What Does God’s Word Say?

In Deuteronomy 18:9–12, God makes it clear:

“When you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations... There shall not be found among you anyone who practices divination... or a soothsayer... or one who interprets omens... For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord.”

God strongly forbids divination and occult knowledge because it bypasses trust in Him and invites demonic deception. Iridology, though masked as health care, functions as an occult diagnostic tool—and falls under the practices God calls abominable.

The Occult's Empty Promise

The enemy always promises power, insight, and healing—but delivers slavery. Iridology may promise early detection and holistic health, but it comes with a spiritual price tag: torment, confusion, and separation from God.

What begins as a curiosity or desperate reach for healing can become a path to madness, possession, or death. Only Jesus offers true healing—of the spirit, soul, and body.

Jesus Is Greater Than Any Occult Power

The Gospel reveals the incomparable power of Christ:

He casts out demons with a word (Luke 4:36)
He healed every disease (Matthew 4:23)
He came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8)

When someone turns from occult practices like iridology and runs to Jesus, He sets them free. “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

Break Free and Come into the Light

If you’ve participated in iridology or had your iris read:

Repent – Acknowledge it was sin and ask God for forgiveness.
Renounce – Verbally reject and break all agreement with the practice.
Receive Deliverance – Ask Jesus to remove any demonic spirits or torment.
Replace – Fill your heart and mind with God’s Word and truth.

Final Warning and Hope

Iridology is not just pseudoscience—it is spiritual deception dressed as healthcare. The devil is cunning, offering “solutions” that bypass God and eventually ensnare souls. But God’s mercy is greater. If you’ve opened a door to the occult through iridology or similar practices, it’s not too late. Jesus came to set the captives free. Many Christian are into holistic medicine and believe it is safe but the fact is we perish from lack of knowledge.

Run to Him today. Forsake the occult. Reject the lie. Receive the truth—and be healed by the only One who truly sees you, knows you, and has the power to restore you completely.

Let the eye be the lamp of your body—lit not by mystical light, but by the light of Christ alone.

Methods of discernment to not fall into these false demonic practices:

• Who was the founder of this modality?

• What was his/her spirituality?

• What culture did it come out of?

• What were their beliefs?

• Who is their God or gods?

Many occult practices within Christianity require discernment. Another method of discernment is the Word of God. The word of God is our measuring stick. The more we read the word, know the word, and have a relationship with the Lord, the more we discern right and wrong. We perish from a lack of knowledge.

Hosea 4:6 declares, “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.”

By Teresa Morin, President of Touch of God Int'l Ministries of Healing and Deliverance.

See list of occult practices.

If you've been involved in a new age, occult, or cult, it can invite demonic spirits to torment you. If you feel tormented, you may need deliverance.

Looking for Deliverance?
You're not alone—and you don’t have to fight your spiritual battles alone either. Touch of God Ministries offers free online group deliverance sessions every other week to help individuals find healing, freedom, and restoration through Jesus Christ. Whether you're battling rejection, fear, trauma, addiction, or spiritual oppression, this is your opportunity to break free.

✅ Learn more about the upcoming webinar
✅ Understand the subject of deliverance
✅ Sign up to attend a free session
✅ View a schedule of future dates to plan ahead

Freedom is just one click away. Join us for an anointed time of teaching, prayer, and spiritual breakthrough. Learn more about the FREE online deliverance webinar

Sunday, June 08, 2025