“Ekstasis” Worship and Trance Dancing: New Age Seduction in the Church
Today, many churches have become spiritual supermarkets filled with a mix of emotionalism, sensual worship, and “god experiences” that feel good—but are spiritually deadly. One of the most dangerous forms infiltrating Christian worship is called “Ekstasis” dancing—derived from Greek, meaning to "stand outside oneself" or to have an ecstatic trance.
While the emotional high may feel spiritual, what lies beneath is a deceptive force straight from the pit of hell—a demonic counterfeit of God’s presence. This practice is deeply rooted in shamanism, kundalini yoga, and ancient mystery religions, and the effects are opening up spiritual gates to demonic entities.
Watch video to learn the truth of ekstasis New Age Worship is not from God
What is Ekstasis?
Ekstasis is not a new phenomenon. It has long existed in pagan and occult rituals, meant to induce altered states of consciousness. Through trance-inducing dance, rhythmic music, hypnotic lighting, and repetitive chants, individuals are led into spiritual states that mimic the Holy Spirit but instead invite unclean spirits.
Practices like this are closely linked with Kundalini awakenings—a New Age term for the coiled serpent energy that rises through the chakras. In reality, this “energy” is a demonic force that manifests in uncontrollable shaking, howling, convulsions, heat in the spine, and hallucinations.
“You shall not behave thus toward the LORD your God, for every abominable act which the LORD hates they have done for their gods.” – Deuteronomy 12:31
The Pagan Roots of Ekstasis and Trance Dance
The roots of this worship stem from ancient Greece, India, and indigenous shamanic tribes. Pagan rituals regularly used dance and drum beats to contact spirits and gods. In the mystery religions of Babylon and Egypt, temple dancers engaged in ecstatic movement to channel deities.
Even today, kundalini yoga uses breathwork, movement, and chants to achieve this same altered state of consciousness—opening the participant up to “universal consciousness” and demonic possession.
Yet many modern churches now unknowingly incorporate the same techniques:
-
Dimmed lights
-
Hypnotic music
-
Repetitive lyrics
-
Body movement leading to trance
These forms of “worship” are not birthed in the Spirit of God but mimic the mechanics of witchcraft and sorcery.
“Her priests… have made no distinction between the holy and the profane... and I am profaned among them.” – Ezekiel 22:26
There Is No Such Thing as “Christian Trance Dancing”
Churches are labeling these experiences as “new wineskins” or the “manifest presence of God,” but Scripture warns us against learning from the ways of pagan nations:
“Beware that you are not ensnared to follow them… saying, 'How do these nations serve their gods, that I also may do likewise?'” – Deuteronomy 12:30
The God of the Bible never commanded trance or ecstatic dancing to invoke His presence. He desires a contrite heart, obedience to His Word, and worship in spirit and in truth—not altered consciousness or emotional highs.
Demonic Manifestations from Ekstasis Practices
If you or your ancestors participated in any of the following, demonic spirits may have entered through these spiritual portals:
-
Kundalini yoga or New Age breathwork
-
Shamanic journeying or dance rituals
-
Worship at churches using ecstatic, trance-like experiences
-
Mystical contemplative prayer or “soaking” sessions
Common demonic manifestations include:
-
Night terrors and sleep paralysis
-
Depression or suicidal thoughts
-
Nervous system disorders or seizures
-
Confusion or mental fog
-
Fear of reading the Bible or praying
-
Sudden anger or rage during worship
-
Sensual cravings and sexual torment
These are not gifts of the Holy Spirit. They are signs that another spirit is operating behind the veil of emotionalism and so-called spiritual breakthrough.
“For Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” – 2 Corinthians 11:14
Questions to Ask Before Engaging in Any Modality
Ask these biblical questions before participating in any worship or spiritual practice:
-
Who founded this movement or modality?
-
What was their spiritual background?
-
Which culture or religion did it originate from?
-
What gods were being invoked or honored?
-
What is the intended purpose of the practice?
If it’s not rooted in Scripture and the finished work of Jesus Christ, it is not of God—no matter how good it feels.
Deliverance is Needed
If you or someone in your bloodline has participated in Ekstasis, trance worship, kundalini practices, or mystical experiences, repent and renounce them today. Pray this aloud:
Father God, I repent for myself and my ancestors for engaging in Ekstasis worship, kundalini yoga, trance dancing, or any New Age mystical practices. I renounce every spirit of false fire, counterfeit Holy Spirit, kundalini, divination, and shamanism. I command every unclean spirit that entered through these practices to leave me now in Jesus’ name. Fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit and purify my worship. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Final Warning
The Lord is calling His people to purity and discernment. We cannot mix the holy with the profane. These seductive forms of worship are not innocent expressions of creativity—they are portals to demonic invasion.
“You shall not listen to the words of that prophet… for the LORD your God is testing you to find out if you love Him with all your heart and soul.” – Deuteronomy 13:3
