Why Christians Should Reject Esoteric Energy Practices

Esoteric Energy: The Hidden Dangers Christians Must Not Ignore

In today’s spiritually hungry world, many people seek experiences that transcend the physical. This desire has birthed a surge in mystical practices involving esoteric energy—forces or powers claimed to affect physical and emotional states but that cannot be scientifically measured. These practices are commonly found in Reiki, Qi Gong, chakra balancing, kundalini awakening, and other New Age modalities. But behind these alluring experiences lies a spiritual realm that Scripture warns us about.

What is Esoteric Energy?

Esoteric energy refers to invisible forces said to flow through the human body and universe. Unlike the scientifically proven forms of energy (thermal, kinetic, electromagnetic), esoteric energy operates on a metaphysical level. It is typically manipulated through spiritual rituals, hand motions, symbols, breathing techniques, and mental focus. Practitioners claim this energy can heal, enlighten, and connect individuals with divine consciousness.

Origin and Spiritual Foundation

These ideas trace back to Eastern religions and occult traditions. In Hinduism, the concept of prana (life force) and chakras forms the basis of energy healing. Buddhism incorporates Qi (chi)—believed to flow through meridians—used in practices like acupuncture and Tai Chi. In modern times, these ancient beliefs have merged with New Age spirituality, creating a syncretistic religion that promotes self-deification and contact with spiritual beings.

These systems often acknowledge multiple gods, spirit guides, or universal forces, rather than the one true God of the Bible. Their founders and influencers include occultists like Helena Blavatsky (Theosophy), Alice Bailey, and Madame Blavatsky, who openly communicated with “ascended masters”—spiritual entities that Christians would identify as demonic spirits (1 Timothy 4:1).

Is Esoteric Energy Divination or Demonic?

While esoteric energy isn’t always explicitly labeled as divination, it operates in a similar fashion, seeking hidden knowledge or spiritual power apart from God. The Bible explicitly forbids this:

“There shall not be found among you...a diviner, a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens...For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord...” —Deuteronomy 18:10-12

What’s more, the manipulation of unseen forces to bring healing or enlightenment is sorcery, which is condemned throughout Scripture (Galatians 5:19-21). These practices open the door to demonic influence, spiritual oppression, and even possession.

Why Christians Should Reject These Practices

God’s Word is clear: we are to seek healing, peace, and guidance from Him alone. Christ alone is our Healer (Isaiah 53:5), our Light (John 8:12), and the only Way to spiritual truth (John 14:6). The seductive pull of esoteric energy promotes self-reliance, not dependence on God. It glorifies experience over Scripture, and leads people into spiritual bondage.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind...” —Romans 12:2

Many former practitioners report horrifying consequences: demonic torment, sleep paralysis, fear, confusion, loss of peace, and an inability to connect with God until they renounced and repented of these practices.

Spiritual Consequences and Deception

Engaging with esoteric energy is not a neutral act. Though it may offer temporary feelings of warmth, healing, or connection, these are deceptive experiences rooted in counterfeit spiritual power. The enemy comes as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) but seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). What begins as harmless curiosity can end in spiritual torment, mental instability, and even physical ailments, anxiety, unnatural fears.

The Call to Come Out

The Bible calls us separate from the world (2 Corinthians 6:17). Christians must reject the counterfeit to embrace the truth. If you’ve engaged in esoteric energy practices, repent, renounce, and seek deliverance in the name of Jesus Christ.

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” —Ephesians 5:11

Methods of discernment to see if it lines up with Scripture:

• 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. 

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.

Free Group Deliverance Online, two times a month. Learn more about the webinar and sign up quickly. We will have these 2 times a month. Register today before the May 26, fills up.

FREE Online Deliverance Webinar Bi-Weekly. Register and Join us. See Schedule. 

 Gnosis, Chaos Magic, and Demonic Deception: A Biblical Warning

Chaos Magic and Gnosis: A Christian Warning Against Occult Deception

Chaos magic is a modern occult system focusing on practical results rather than rigid doctrines. Developed in the late 20th century, chaos magic teaches that belief is a tool to manipulate. At the core of this practice lies the concept of gnosis—an altered state of consciousness where the mind is emptied of distractions and focused solely on a single magical intent. This bypasses the rational mind and makes one more susceptible to spiritual influences.

Founders and Spiritual Roots

Chaos magic emerged in the 1970s and 1980s through the work of British occultists like Peter J. Carroll and Ray Sherwin. These individuals were heavily influenced by earlier occultists such as Aleister Crowley and Austin Osman Spare. Spare introduced the idea that sigils (symbols charged with intent) could be empowered through the gnostic state, allowing magic to bypass the conscious mind.

Peter J. Carroll's book Liber Null became a foundational text for chaos magicians. His spiritual framework is explicitly anti-Christian, drawing from a mixture of Western occultism, Eastern mysticism, and individualistic philosophy. Carroll promoted belief in spiritual beings but rejected moral absolutes and objective truth, replacing them with relativism and personal empowerment.

Cultural and Religious Background

Chaos magic arose from Western esotericism, a mixture of Kabbalah, Thelema, Eastern practices, and modern psychology. It does not adhere to any one religious tradition but borrows from many. It treats gods, spirits, and symbols as tools rather than real deities, although practitioners acknowledge contact with spiritual entities. These are often interpreted as archetypes, energies, or thought forms.

In reality, the spirits contacted in chaos magic are not harmless archetypes—they are demons masquerading as helpful guides. The Bible says:

"And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light." —2 Corinthians 11:14 (ESV)

Is Chaos Magic Demonic?

Yes. Chaos magic is deeply rooted in divination, ritual, and altered states of consciousness—means often used to contact demons and fallen angels. These spirits exploit the practitioner’s openness during the gnostic state. Whether one realizes it or not, participation in such practices invites spiritual oppression.

"Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God." —Leviticus 19:31 (ESV)

"The acts of the flesh are obvious: ... idolatry and witchcraft ... those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." —Galatians 5:19–21 (NIV)

Spiritual Consequences of Gnosis and Chaos Magic

Christians who dabble in chaos magic—intentionally or through ignorance—risk severe consequences. These may include:

• Demonic torment: Night terrors, sleep paralysis, depression, or compulsions.

• Spiritual confusion: Doubts, deception, and departure from biblical truth.

• Loss of spiritual authority: Engaging in occult practices invites the enemy’s control.

Chaos magic cannot be separated from rebellion against God. It promotes the exaltation of self, relativism, and spiritual lawlessness. Scripture strongly warns against these paths:

"There shall not be found among you anyone ... who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer ... For whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord." —Deuteronomy 18:10–12 (ESV)

A Call to Repentance

There is hope if you’ve been involved in chaos magic or gnosis. Jesus Christ offers complete forgiveness and freedom. Repent and renounce all occult involvement. Ask the Holy Spirit to cleanse and restore you. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." —1 John 1:9 (ESV)

Conclusion

Chaos magic may promise power and change, but its source is demonic and deceptive. Christians are called to walk in the light and have no fellowship with the works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11). Gnosis in chaos magic is a counterfeit of biblical meditation, replacing God’s presence with self-exaltation and occult influence. Stay alert, discerning, and cling to the truth in God’s Word.XXXXXX

Methods of discernment to see if it lines up with Scripture:

• 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. 

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.

Free Group Deliverance Online, two times a month. Learn more about the webinar and sign up quickly. We will have these 2 times a month. Register today before the May 26, fills up.

FREE Online Deliverance Webinar Bi-Weekly. Register and Join us. See Schedule. 

Marketing No

Social Media Hook: Many people think chaos magic is just another harmless form of self-empowerment or spiritual practice. But do you know what spirit truly empowers it? Learn why chaos magic is dangerous and why believers in Christ must stay far away.

Hashtags: #ChaosMagic #ChristianWarning #SpiritualWarfare #DemonicDeception #GnosisExposed #BiblicalTruth #OccultDangers

Unmasking FHU: Hypnosis, Divination, and the Deception of Roy Masters

Unmasking FHU: Hypnosis, Divination, and the Deception of Roy Masters, Founder

Unmasking Roy Masters and the Foundation of Human Understanding: A Christian Warning

In a world desperate for peace of mind and personal transformation, many seekers fall into the traps of pseudo-spiritual modalities masked as self-help or enlightenment. One such trap is the Foundation of Human Understanding (FHU), an institution founded by Roy Masters, a man deeply involved in hypnotism, mind control, and occult techniques.

Though cloaked in philosophical and therapeutic language, FHU's practices are spiritually dangerous. Christians need to be aware of the demonic roots of such teachings and why following them directly contradicts the Word of God.

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Who Was Roy Masters?

Roy Masters (born Reuben Obermeister) founded the Foundation of Human Understanding in 1961 in Oregon. A former diamond cutter turned hypnotist, Masters claimed that conventional religion and psychology had failed people. His alternative? A method of "meditative observation" rooted in hypnosis—specifically designed to bypass the conscious mind and influence behavior at the subconscious level.

Masters practiced hypnotism, mind control, and psychological manipulation, presenting it all under the guise of "spiritual awakening" and inner clarity. But this isn’t the path to peace—it’s the path to demonic influence.

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The Religion Behind FHU

While Masters often rejected formal religious labels, his worldview borrowed heavily from Gnosticism, Eastern mysticism, and occult psychology. He promoted self-realization through mystical introspection—similar to the New Age notion of becoming your own god.

The spiritual roots of these teachings are not Christian—they’re steeped in divination and manipulation, both of which Scripture condemns.

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Hypnosis and Divination: The Real Power Behind It

Though hypnosis is often framed as scientific or therapeutic, its roots trace back to occult practices. It involves altered states of consciousness and relinquishing control of the mind—a perfect invitation for demonic entities to gain influence.

The Bible is clear: such practices are forbidden.
📖 Deuteronomy 18:10–12 says:

“There shall not be found among you anyone... who practices divination, or tells fortunes, or interprets omens, or a sorcerer... For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord.”

Though Masters didn’t claim to be a psychic or prophet, he used techniques that align with sorcery and mental manipulation, which are spiritually hazardous.

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Why Christians Must Stay Away

Masters taught that salvation comes through self-awareness and mastering one's mind, not through faith in Jesus Christ. This teaching is antithetical to the Gospel, which states that salvation comes by grace through faith, not inner enlightenment.
📖 Ephesians 2:8 says:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”

Following FHU’s teachings encourages self-reliance instead of dependence on Christ. It promotes inner awakening through mental exercises, rather than spiritual rebirth by the Holy Spirit.

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Consequences: Spiritual Torment and Confusion

Many who have dabbled in FHU practices or similar hypnotic modalities report spiritual torment—nightmares, anxiety, compulsive thoughts, and even hearing voices. Why? Because when you surrender your mind to hypnotic or meditative suggestion, you yield control to spirits that are not from God.

📖 2 Corinthians 11:14–15 warns:

“Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.”

This false light can feel enlightening at first, but it soon leads to bondage, confusion, and spiritual darkness.

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FHU and the New Age Spirit

Roy Masters’ teachings reflect the spirit of the New Age—a dangerous blend of Gnosticism, mysticism, and self-deification. It rejects the authority of Scripture and denies the need for repentance, holiness, or obedience to God.

📖 Colossians 2:8 warns:

“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition... and not according to Christ.”

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Final Warning: Return to the Word of God

If you’ve practiced FHU teachings, hypnosis, or any mind control techniques, it's not too late. Renounce them, repent, and turn to Jesus Christ, who offers true peace and transformation.

📖 Romans 12:2 says:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...”

That renewal comes not through hypnosis, but through God’s Word and His Spirit.

Methods of discernment if it lines up with the Word of God

• 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

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. 

See list of occult practices. 

Free Group Deliverance Online, two times a month. Learn more about the webinar and sign up quickly.

FREE Online Deliverance Webinar Bi-Weekly. Register and Join us. See Schedule. 

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. 

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.

Free Group Deliverance Online, two times a month. Learn more about the webinar and sign up quickly.

FREE Online Deliverance Webinar Bi-Weekly. Register and Join us. See Schedule. 

 Fire-Walking: Demonic Power Disguised as Empowerment

🔥 Fire-Walking: A Deceptive Spiritual Practice with Demonic Roots

Fire-walking—the practice of walking barefoot over a bed of burning hot coals without physical harm—is often touted as a mental, emotional, or spiritual breakthrough. But beneath the seemingly miraculous feat lies a dark and deceptive power that Christians must be wary of. This ancient ritual is far from a harmless team-building exercise or self-empowerment tool. It is rooted in spiritual deception and occult power.

🔍 Origins of Fire-Walking

Fire-walking has been practiced for thousands of years in various parts of the world, including Fiji, Polynesia, Greece, India, Sri Lanka, and Japan. In many of these cultures, it was (and still is) tied to religious or spiritual rituals. For example, in Hinduism and certain Polynesian traditions, fire-walking is a religious rite performed to honor gods or to prove one’s faith and connection to divine forces.

In some tribal practices, it was believed that only those protected by the spirits could walk across fire unharmed. This concept connects fire-walking to spiritual entities—not the Holy Spirit, but to other deities and spiritual forces which the Bible clearly identifies as demonic. “The things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons.” (1 Corinthians 10:20)

👁️ Is It Divination, Energy, or Something Else?

Some modern coaches, motivational speakers, and New Age practitioners claim that fire-walking is a demonstration of "mind over matter" or "energy alignment." Others say it’s about breaking through fear or achieving personal transformation. But let’s be clear—fire-walking is not a mental trick. It's not just physics or psychological manipulation. There is a spiritual element at work, and it is not from God.

When someone walks on fire and comes out unscathed, they are either being manipulated through sleight of hand, or worse—they are being protected by demonic power, which mimics miracles. Satan often performs counterfeit signs and wonders to deceive. “For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)

Fire-walking aligns with occult practices and rituals that invoke energy, power, and transformation from sources other than Jesus Christ. This makes it a form of divination or occult manipulation, depending on how it's practiced. Either way, it's opening a door to spiritual forces that are not of God.

📖 Why Fire-Walking Contradicts the Word of God

The Bible is clear that seeking power, transformation, or enlightenment outside of God is sin and dangerous. “There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or daughter pass through the fire, or practices witchcraft… or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer…” (Deuteronomy 18:10). While this verse refers to child sacrifice and other demonic rituals, the key principle is: Do not pass through fire or engage in mystical rites that are outside of God's ordained ways.

Participating in fire-walking ceremonies—even if they’re marketed as “motivational” or “empowering”—is participating in a ritual that draws from the same spiritual well as witchcraft and divination.

Jesus never called us to test ourselves through occult practices or physical feats to prove our faith. Instead, we are called to surrender, obey, and walk in the Spirit. Real transformation comes from God through Christ alone, not fire-walking.

⚠️ Consequences of Involvement

Engaging in fire-walking, especially as part of a spiritual or energy-healing exercise, can have serious consequences. Many people who have participated in these rituals report emotional distress, tormenting thoughts, nightmares, increased anxiety, and a loss of peace. These are not random side effects—they are spiritual consequences.

Opening your heart to a demonic realm, even unknowingly, gives the enemy legal ground to torment your mind and emotions. This is not just symbolic—it’s spiritual reality.

If you’ve participated in fire-walking, it's important to repent, renounce the practice, and seek deliverance in Jesus Christ. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). We perish from lack of knowledge. 

✝️ The True Power Comes from Jesus

Only Jesus Christ has the power to truly transform a life. “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32) You don’t need fire, rituals, or mystical experiences to overcome fear or grow spiritually. The Holy Spirit is the one who empowers us, comforts us, and transforms us from the inside out.

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. 

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.

Free Group Deliverance Online, two times a month. Learn more about the webinar and sign up quickly.

Upcoming May 26, 2025, register before seats fill up.

From Ecstasy to Oppression: How Feri Witchcraft Pulls You from Christ

✨ The Feri Tradition: A Seductive Trap into Spiritual Darkness

The Feri Tradition is a form of modern pagan witchcraft that emerged in the mid-20th century. Unlike other Wiccan or fertility-based traditions, Feri is considered an “ecstatic” practice, focusing heavily on personal spiritual experience, sensual awareness, and sexual mysticism. It embraces all forms of sexuality and includes ritualistic practices designed to awaken energy and deepen spiritual experiences. While it claims to offer empowerment and freedom, the truth is far darker—and dangerous for the soul.

Feri was developed by Victor and Cora Anderson, who were deeply involved in occult, Gnostic, and spiritualist teachings. Their background was steeped in esoteric mysticism, and Victor Anderson even referred to himself as a "shaman." This tradition blends elements from multiple religions, including African diasporic practices, Kabbalah, and tantric philosophies. From its roots, it is spiritually syncretic and opposes the exclusive truth of Christianity.

The Feri Tradition invites practitioners to engage with spirits, gods, and elemental forces, often through visualization, trance work, and energy manipulation. It focuses on personal gnosis—direct spiritual knowledge—as the highest form of truth. The problem? That “truth” comes from sources entirely outside of Jesus Christ.

The Bible warns strongly against seeking knowledge or power apart from God. “Let no one be found among you… who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft” (Deuteronomy 18:10). These are not just neutral activities—they are spiritually dangerous. What the Feri Tradition calls "ecstatic connection" is often communion with demonic forces masquerading as light. “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)

Christians should not dabble in Feri or any other occult tradition. Even brief involvement can open the door to spiritual oppression, confusion, torment, and fear. Those who have practiced these rituals often report mental and emotional disturbances—nightmares, depression, anxiety, and even voices. These aren’t just psychological phenomena; they are spiritual consequences.

The sensual emphasis of Feri is also deeply concerning. It encourages sexual mysticism without moral boundaries, which completely contradicts God’s design for sexuality in Scripture. “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body...” (1 Corinthians 6:18). Sensual experiences become gateways to spiritual deception, and over time, participants can become numb to conviction and resistant to the truth of the Gospel.

One of the subtle but powerful dangers of Feri is that it offers a sense of personal power and liberation. This appeal to the flesh is what makes it so seductive. People are drawn to the idea of being their own gods—of crafting their own truths. But in doing so, they reject the authority of Jesus Christ. Feri practitioners are often encouraged to deconstruct religious boundaries and embrace spiritual fluidity, which is directly opposed to Christ’s declaration, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

Involvement in Feri can gradually pull someone away from Jesus. At first, it may seem like harmless spiritual exploration. Over time, however, it subtly replaces God’s Word with personal experience and sensual ecstasy. A person’s heart grows cold to the Gospel, their mind becomes darkened, and spiritual bondage can take hold.

If you've dabbled in the Feri Tradition or any New Age spiritual practice, know there is hope and freedom in Jesus Christ. “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36) Repent, renounce the practice, and ask the Holy Spirit to cleanse your heart, soul, and home. Remove any objects, books, or symbols connected to it. God is faithful to forgive and restore.

Ultimately, the Feri Tradition is not just another harmless spiritual path—it is a gateway to spiritual bondage. Christians must discern the spirits and reject anything that draws them away from the truth of God's Word. “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1)

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.

Free Group Deliverance Online, two times a month. Learn more about the webinar and sign up quickly.

Upcoming May 26, 2025, register before seats fill up.

Why Christians Must Avoid Erhard Seminar Training and The Forum

The Hidden Dangers of EST and The Forum: A Christian’s Guide to Discernment

The pursuit of self-betterment is a deeply ingrained desire in human nature. New Age philosophies have capitalized on this longing in recent decades, merging spirituality with psychology to form seductive self-help systems. One such system is Erhard Seminar Training (EST) and its evolution, The Forum—programs that claim to unlock personal potential but often lead followers into spiritual deception.

Founded by Werner Erhard (born John Paul Rosenberg) in the early 1970s, EST was marketed as a life-altering experience, guiding participants toward personal transformation through intense, confrontational sessions. The Forum (now under the brand Landmark Forum) replaced EST in the 1980s, continuing Erhard’s legacy under new leadership and packaging. But behind the promises of clarity, purpose, and personal power lies a dangerous blend of Eastern mysticism, New Age philosophy, and humanistic self-idolatry.

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How Does It Work?

EST and The Forum use long, exhausting seminars that often span several days. Participants are

subjected to rigid rules—no watches, limited bathroom breaks, no talking unless prompted. The process is emotionally intense, stripping down personal identity and belief systems to “rebuild” a new sense of self based on personal responsibility and inner power.

The core idea is that “there is no reality—only what you make of it.” This principle rejects objective truth and moral absolutes. The participant becomes their own authority, capable of creating meaning without external guidance—even from God.

These methods create emotional upheaval. Participants often experience breakdowns, tears, and extreme mental vulnerability—all touted as progress. This breakdown and rebuilding process subtly rewires one’s worldview. In effect, the program becomes a religious experience disguised as personal development.

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Why Christians Should Not Dabble in EST or The Forum

From a biblical standpoint, these programs are deeply incompatible with the Gospel. EST teaches that truth is subjective, that you are your own god, and that transformation comes from within—not through repentance, faith, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Christianity teaches denial of self (Luke 9:23), not glorification of the self. It emphasizes that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life—not subjective perception or inner enlightenment.

Participating in these programs can open the door to:

• Mental torment through identity confusion

• Emotional exhaustion from manipulative tactics

• Spiritual deception by accepting counterfeit beliefs

• Separation from Christ due to idolatry of self and false spirituality

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Could It Open the Door to More Torment?

Yes. Many who leave EST or The Forum report ongoing confusion, emotional distress, and feelings of spiritual emptiness. The seminars break down mental boundaries and replace them with unstable philosophies that can lead to anxiety, narcissism, or despair.

Participants are told that all answers lie within them. But when crises arise, they are left without true spiritual anchoring. They turn inward instead of turning to Christ, and that inward search can spiral into torment when the answers never come.

Moreover, these teachings create a false sense of enlightenment. Those who embrace them may become hostile to biblical truth, mocking faith in Christ as “limiting” or “naïve.” This delusion is exactly the kind of deception warned about in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11.

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Who is Behind It and What Religion Were They Into?

Werner Erhard, the founder, was influenced by Zen Buddhism, Scientology, and New Thought metaphysics—all religions and philosophies that are at odds with the Christian faith. His spiritual journey was rooted in Eastern mysticism, the idea of transcending the ego to reach a god-like state. These worldviews deny sin, the need for a Savior, and the sovereignty of God.

The structure of EST closely resembles cult-like behavior, emphasizing total submission to the program’s leaders and discouraging independent thought or criticism. It demands loyalty and often alienates participants from dissenting family or friends—hallmarks of spiritual abuse.

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A Final Call to Discernment

Christians must test every spirit and every teaching (1 John 4:1). EST and The Forum may wear the mask of personal development, but underneath lies a counterfeit gospel. One that exalts man, denies the need for repentance, and leads seekers away from the only One who can truly transform them—Jesus Christ.

If you or someone you know has been involved in EST or The Forum, there is hope. Repentance, renouncing the false beliefs, and seeking deliverance and healing in Christ can bring restoration. God is merciful and delivers those who cry out to Him in truth.

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. 

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.

Free Group Deliverance Online, two times a month. Learn more about the webinar and sign up quickly.

Upcoming May 26, 2025, register before seats fill up.

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