Attempting to communicate with "spirit guides" opens up a person to demonic pacts and agreements, and should never be attempted. What are spirit guides? Learn more about the clashing perspectives between new agers/occultists and Christians.
by SPIRIT SANCTIFIED
What Are "Spirit Guides" According to Occultists?
From a New Age perspective, spirit guides are believed to be non-physical beings or entities that offer guidance, support, and wisdom to individuals on their spiritual journey.
These "guides" are thought to exist in higher planes of existence, beyond the physical realm, and are accessible through various spiritual practices and techniques.
Here is a description of spirit guides from a New Age viewpoint:
Non-Physical Entities: "Spirit guides" are perceived as non-corporeal beings, meaning they do not possess physical bodies like humans. Instead, they are thought to exist in a higher vibrational frequency or plane of existence.
Wisdom and Guidance: "Spirit guides" are believed to possess a higher level of wisdom and knowledge compared to humans. They are seen as sources of guidance, offering insights and advice to help individuals navigate challenges and make decisions in their lives.
Personal Guardians: Many in the New Age community believe that each person is assigned one or more personal "spirit guides" from birth. These "guides" are seen as companions and guardians throughout one's life journey.
Connection to Higher Consciousness: "Spirit guides" are often viewed as conduits to a higher collective consciousness or universal intelligence. They serve as intermediaries between individuals and this greater source of wisdom and understanding.
Varied Forms and Identities: "Spirit guides" can take on different forms and identities. Some may be perceived as deceased loved ones, angels, ascended masters, or even mythical creatures. The form a guide takes is believed to be tailored to the individual's needs and belief system.
Communication Methods: Communication with spirit guides is thought to occur through various channels, including intuition, inner knowing, dreams, meditation, automatic writing, or through the assistance of trained mediums or channelers.
Free Will and Respect for Choices: New Age philosophy generally emphasizes the importance of free will. "Spirit guides" are seen as respecting an individual's choices and decisions, rather than imposing their guidance forcefully.
Healing and Spiritual Growth: "Spirit guides" are often regarded as facilitators of personal growth, healing, and spiritual development. They may provide insights and practices to help individuals overcome challenges, release past traumas, and evolve on their spiritual path.
Multidimensional Perspective: "Spirit guides" are believed to have a broader, multidimensional perspective that transcends earthly limitations. They may offer insights into life's purpose, soul contracts, and the interconnectedness of all beings.
Unconditional Love and Support: It is commonly believed in the New Age community that spirit guides offer unconditional love, support, and encouragement. They are seen as benevolent entities with the best interests of the individual at heart.
In summary, from a New Age perspective, "spirit guides" are seen as benevolent, non-physical entities that offer wisdom, guidance, and support to individuals on their spiritual journey. They are viewed as personal companions with a higher level of understanding and are accessed through various spiritual practices and channels.
What are "Spirit Guides" From a Christian Perspective?
Believing in "spirit guides" is viewed as spiritually perilous from a Christian perspective, particularly within the framework of Catholic teachings.
Here's a detailed explanation of the dangers:
Deception by Satan:
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
2 Corinthians 11:14-15
Believing in "spirit guides" may open individuals up to deception by Satan, who has the ability to disguise himself as a benevolent entity, leading people astray from the true teachings of Christianity.
Satanic Signs and Wonders:
The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-10
The belief in "spirit guides" may expose individuals to experiences that seem supernatural or miraculous but are actually orchestrated by malevolent forces to lead them away from God.
Dangers of the Occult:
Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12
The Catholic Church categorically condemns practices associated with the occult, which includes seeking guidance from "spirit guides." Engaging in such practices can lead to spiritual harm and distance individuals from the teachings of Christ.
Testing the Spirits:
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
1 John 4:1
The Bible instructs believers to exercise discernment and to test the spirits to ensure they align with the teachings of Christ. Relying on "spirit guides" bypasses this crucial discernment process, and opens the person up to spiritual deception.
Spirit Guides as Demons:
From a Catholic perspective, it is believed that "spirit guides" are often manifestations of demonic entities masquerading as benevolent beings.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2117) expressly warns against engaging in practices that involve conjuring or evoking spirits.
All practices of magic or sorcery, by which one attempts to tame occult powers, so as to place them at one's service and have a supernatural power over others—even if this were for the sake of restoring their health—are gravely contrary to the virtue of religion.
CCC 2117
The Church's teachings emphasize the dangers of engaging with supernatural entities outside of divine guidance.
Historical Examples of Occultists Engaging with "Spirit Guides"
Throughout history, there have been instances of individuals who claimed to have "spirit guides" and engaged in occult practices. These individuals are prominent figures in the world of occultism and esoteric teachings. While their claims of communicating with spirit guides may vary in nature and belief, they have all magnified, developed, and popularized various occult traditions, built on teachings received from alleged extra-physical sources.
Aleister Crowley and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn (Late 19th to Early 20th Century): Aleister Crowley was a British occultist, writer, and ceremonial magician who was a prominent member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Crowley claimed to have communicated with various entities through ceremonial magic and believed he was guided by spiritual beings, including his primary "Holy Guardian Angel." His practices and beliefs eventually led him down a path of increasingly dark and controversial pursuits. Many critics argue that Crowley's engagement with what he believed to be spiritual guides ultimately led to his spiritual and psychological turmoil.
Helena Blavatsky and Theosophy (Late 19th Century): Helena Blavatsky was a Russian occultist and co-founder of the Theosophical Society, a spiritual movement that sought to explore ancient wisdom and esoteric teachings. Blavatsky claimed to have received guidance and knowledge from ascended masters and hidden spiritual sources. While her teachings influenced many and had a significant impact on the New Age movement, some critics argue that her practices opened doors to potentially malevolent influences. Theosophy's complex cosmology and esoteric practices have been both praised and criticized for their potential spiritual risks.
Edgar Cayce (1877-1945): Edgar Cayce, often referred to as the "Sleeping Prophet," claimed to have the ability to enter a trance-like state and access information from a higher spiritual source. He believed he communicated with a higher consciousness or "universal mind." Edgar Cayce's teachings conflict with the First Commandment and the Bible's prohibitions against engaging in occult practices.
Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925): Rudolf Steiner was an Austrian philosopher, esotericist, and founder of Anthroposophy. He claimed to have direct spiritual insight and communicated with spiritual entities, which he referred to as "spiritual guides" or "spiritual hierarchies." Rudolf Steiner's teachings diverged significantly from traditional Christian beliefs, introducing concepts such as reincarnation, karma, and a unique understanding of Christ that challenged core tenets of Christian doctrine. His esoteric philosophy and emphasis on spiritual evolution led many to view his ideas as potentially undermining orthodox Christian worldviews and potentially leading followers away from traditional Christian faith.
Israel Regardie (1907-1985): Israel Regardie was an American occultist and author known for his involvement with the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. He wrote extensively on ceremonial magic and claimed to have experiences with spiritual entities during his practice. Israel Regardie, through his involvement in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and advocacy for ceremonial magic, promoted occult practices that were fundamentally incompatible with orthodox Christian beliefs. His teachings and practices encouraged the pursuit of esoteric knowledge and rituals that contradicted traditional Christian doctrines.
Madame Blanche Barton (1859-1932): Madame Blanche Barton was an American occultist and the leader of the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) after the death of Aleister Crowley. She claimed to have communicated with spiritual entities and worked within the framework of Thelema. Madame Blanche Barton, as the leader of the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) after Aleister Crowley, propagated esoteric beliefs and practices that deviated from mainstream Christian teachings. Her promotion of Thelema and occult rituals challenged traditional Christian worldviews, leading adherents towards a spiritual path at odds with orthodox Christian doctrine.
Manly P. Hall (1901-1990): Manly P. Hall was a prolific American author and lecturer on occult and esoteric topics. While not explicitly claiming direct communication with spirit guides, Hall delved into various esoteric traditions and teachings that often involved contact with higher spiritual beings. Manly P. Hall's advocacy for occult practices and his encouragement of individuals to seek contact with spiritual beings ran in direct contrast with orthodox Christian beliefs. By endorsing esoteric knowledge and rituals that involved attempting to commune with non-divine entities, Hall led followers away from the teachings of Jesus, which emphasized a direct relationship with God rather than intermediary spiritual beings.
Dion Fortune (1890-1946): Dion Fortune was a British occultist, author, and founder of the Fraternity of the Inner Light. She wrote extensively on occult subjects and claimed to have experiences with spiritual entities during her mystical practices. Dion Fortune's involvement in occult practices, including channeling and communication with spiritual entities, conflicted with traditional Christian beliefs and values. Her adherence to esoteric teachings, reminiscent of practices like the Oracle of Delphi in ancient Greece, led followers down a path that diverged from the teachings of Jesus and raised concerns about the influence of malevolent entities in their spiritual pursuits.
The Church, in response, has consistently condemned such practices as contrary to authentic Christian faith.
In summary, believing in "spirit guides" from a Christian perspective is considered dangerous due to the potential for spiritual deception, the risk of engaging with malevolent forces, and the deviation from authentic Christian doctrine. It is advised to seek guidance and discernment through prayer, the sacraments, and trusted spiritual leaders within the Church.
The Top 10 Reasons NOT to Attempt to Engage With "Spirit Guides"
Here are the top ten reasons a person should avoid researching or attempting to communicate with "spirit guides" from a Roman Catholic perspective.
1 - Potential for Deception by Malevolent Entities:
Engaging with "spirit guides" opens the door to communication with deceptive and malevolent entities that lead individuals away from the teachings of Christ.
2 - Violation of First Commandment:
Seeking guidance from "spirit guides" is viewed as a violation of the first commandment, which admonishes against having any gods before the one true God (Exodus 20:3).
3 - Danger of Occult Practices:
Researching or attempting to communicate with "spirit guides" involves delving into occult practices, which are expressly condemned by the Catholic Church (CCC 2117).
4 - Potential for Spiritual Harm:
Engaging in practices associated with "spirit guides" exposes individuals to spiritual harm, including potential influence or oppression by malevolent forces.
5 - Risk of Disrupting Divine Providence:
Seeking guidance from entities other than God disrupts the divine providence that God has ordained for each individual's life.
6 - Distortion of True Faith:
Believing in and seeking communication with "spirit guides" distorts the authentic Christian faith by introducing elements of superstition and reliance on supernatural entities outside of God.
7 - Erosion of Trust in God:
Relying on "spirit guides" erodes trust in God's providence and the belief that He is the ultimate source of wisdom, guidance, and protection.
8 - Potential for Demonic Influence:
The Catholic Church warns that attempting to communicate with spiritual entities outside of God's providence exposes individuals to demonic influence and spiritual danger.
9 - Neglecting Authentic Christian Practices:
Focusing on "spirit guides" diverts attention and devotion away from authentic Christian practices such as prayer, sacraments, and studying sacred scripture.
10 - Conflict with Church Teachings:
Engaging with "spirit guides" is in direct conflict with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, which unequivocally condemns practices associated with the occult and the summoning of spirits (CCC 2117).
CCC 2117: "All practices of magic or sorcery, by which one attempts to tame occult powers, so as to place them at one's service and have a supernatural power over others—even if this were for the sake of restoring their health—are gravely contrary to the virtue of religion."
Closing Thoughts
In summary, from a Roman Catholic perspective, seeking to communicate with "spirit guides" is fraught with spiritual dangers that lead individuals away from the authentic teachings of Christ and into spiritually harmful practices.
It is advised to focus on prayer, sacraments, and seeking guidance from trusted spiritual leaders within the Church for genuine spiritual growth and protection.
Read These REAL STORIES by people who got involved in the occult. They are now sharing their testimonies in hopes that others will TURN AWAY and NOT get involved with occult practices, including the belief in and temptation to communicate with "spirit guides" that are actually demons in disguise.
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