The Dark Roots of Fortune Telling: A Christian Warning

Exposing Fortune Telling and Divination: A Christian Perspective

In today’s spiritually curious culture, fortune telling and divination are often marketed as harmless fun, ancient wisdom, or even spiritual gifts. From tarot cards to palm readings, crystal balls to astrology, many people often unknowingly open themselves up to practices God explicitly forbids. But where did these practices originate, and why are they so spiritually dangerous?

The Origins of Divination

Divination, by definition, is the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through supernatural means. Its roots stretch back to ancient Babylon, Egypt, and Greece, where pagan priests and oracles consulted spirits, stars, and omens to gain insight. These practices were deeply intertwined with polytheistic and occult religions that worshiped false gods and relied on demonic forces.

One notable origin of structured fortune telling is found in ancient Babylon—home of astrologers, enchanters, and magicians. Daniel 2:27 exposes these false practitioners:

“Daniel answered the king and said, ‘No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked.’”

The founders and practitioners of divination in history were steeped in occult religions. They often worshiped gods and goddesses associated with the underworld and nature. These were not neutral or innocent acts—they were rooted in rebellion against the one true God.

What Kind of Power Is Behind It?

While some believe fortune telling is merely intuition or energy work, Scripture makes it clear that it operates through demonic influence. Deuteronomy 18:10–12 strongly warns:

“There shall not be found among you anyone... who practices divination, or tells fortunes... For whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.”

The supernatural power behind fortune telling is real, but it is not holy. It is not from God—it is from familiar spirits, which are demonic entities that mimic knowledge to gain influence over a person’s life.

Fortune Telling vs. Prophecy

Understanding that biblical prophecy is not the same as fortune telling is crucial. True prophecy comes from God through the Holy Spirit, as seen in 2 Peter 1:21:

“For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

Fortune telling, however, is man seeking forbidden knowledge through unholy means. It’s a counterfeit—designed by Satan to mislead, enslave, and ultimately destroy.

Consequences of Engaging in Divination

Engaging in fortune telling opens doors to torment, deception, and spiritual bondage. Many who have participated in these practices report nightmares, anxiety, depression, confusion, demonic attacks, and a persistent sense of darkness.

Isaiah 8:19 warns:

“When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists... should not a people inquire of their God?”

God is the only true source of wisdom and revelation. When people seek answers outside of Him, they place themselves under demonic authority.

King Saul’s demise began with disobedience, but worsened when he consulted a medium (1 Samuel 28). God was silent because Saul had already rejected Him. The result? Saul was tormented and ultimately died in defeat.

Why Fortune Telling Contradicts the Word of God

The Word of God calls believers to walk by faith, not by secret knowledge. Jesus never encouraged people to seek their future from a seer—He told them to trust the Father. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus says:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Divination places trust in spirits other than the Holy Spirit. It’s a betrayal of God’s lordship and an act of spiritual adultery.

Final Thoughts: Come Out and Be Separate

If you’ve engaged in fortune telling—even out of curiosity—repent and turn back to God. Renounce the practices, break any agreement with the demonic realm, and ask Jesus to cleanse you with His blood.

2 Corinthians 6:17 says:

“Therefore, ‘Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.’”

God wants His people free from the chains of deception. He offers true revelation, peace, and direction—not through cards or stars, but through His Spirit and Word.

Methods of discernment:

• 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 in Christianity need to be discerned.  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. 

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