A Call for Discernment

Last weekend, I attended a cultural dance show in Cayman, expecting an evening of vibrant celebration. However, before the performances began, the atmosphere took an unexpected turn. A woman stepped onto the stage to welcome everyone and set the "intention" for the evening. She had a table laid out with symbolic elements—water, candles, plants, and crystals representing different natural forces. She claimed how we all worship the same God, just by different name, and then invited the audience to join in an "interactive" session of calling out the names of ancestors to honour them.

As she poured water into a larger glass, she felt led to mention that this act was harmless and not demonic. She stated that people have stripped these practices away from us to take away our power & freedom. What was supposed to be a family-friendly event had become a ritual, opening doors that most may not fully understand. For those who are grounded and covered, this may have little to no effect, but for others, especially children—it could lead them down a path of curiosity and confusion.

Walking the Fine Line

In my early 20s I was drawn to crystals, astrology and moon rituals. They felt peaceful and empowering during my toughest times. I would write down my intentions, light it under the moonlight to release my limiting beliefs and those who had hurt me into the wind. As John Bevere put it, "An offended heart is a breeding ground for deception". It's the positive language in these practices that makes it feel harmless, especially since a lot of it is centered around forgiveness and love. It basically is the same as praying to an unknown god, or basically seeing yourself as a god. Fortunately for me, every time I engaged in these rituals, I would close my writings with the name of Jesus. I wasn’t sure why I did that, especially since I didn't have a relationship with Jesus then. Maybe my conscience was protecting me from fully diving into muddy waters. Though I don't condone mixing spiritual practices like I did then, I do believe God protected me while I was in total ignorance. I didn't follow the step-by-step instructions or wording used by the online spiritual guides providing the information. My skepticism is what kept me from fully complying. Compliance forms agreements. and my reluctance to fully engage was my saving grace.  I urge you to also be discerning with spiritual teachers with a stage, regardless of what they claim to believe in. We are called to test the spirits. This is why it hurt me deeply to hear the audience calling out their loved ones' names so casually at this show. They didn't even bat an eye to this unknown person leading this ritual. I just envisioned an enmeshment of different spirits swirling around the room, flying out from different mouths and straight into this water. It was extremely irresponsible. Casual compliance is exactly what the enemy wants from us. If you have engaged in practices without understanding their true nature, it’s not too late to renounce them and cancel those agreements. Opening specific doors might not even be the thing that affects you, but it can affect your bloodline down the line.

Side note: One of the most tragic stories I encountered this year involves a lady I followed between 2014-2015. She was a prominent figure in the new age movement, guiding many through these moon rituals that promised peace, prosperity, and empowerment. This year, in April, she took her own life and that of her family during what is described as a psychotic episode. She had fallen so deeply into spiritual deception, and after years of being “blessed” by it, the enemy came to collect. I witnessed her journey—from her rise in popularity to her mental downfall and tragic death. It was heartbreaking, but this is exactly the reality of the kingdom of darkness, no matter how much love and light it presents itself as.

I share these experiences not from a place of judgment, but from a place of understanding. I’ve been drawn by the same search for meaning and healing. I've also taught others what I was learning back then, believing it was the right path (I "saw" that it was good). That’s why I’m open about my repentance throughout this blog and why I speak so passionately about the dangers of unknowingly leading others astray. Jesus warned in Matthew 15:14, “They are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” When you hold a position of influence or a platform, you carry a serious responsibility to guide others with wisdom and integrity. Yet, many overlook this, focusing more on gaining influence than on the responsibility it demands.

Respect vs. Ritual: Where Is the Line?

The Bible does encourage us to remember our past and learn from it. Deuteronomy 32:7 says, “Remember the days of old; consider the years of many generations. Ask your father, and he will show you; your elders, and they will tell you.” There is wisdom in reflecting on where we come from, understanding the experiences of those who came before us. But there’s a difference between respect and invoking our ancestors through rituals. When we begin to seek something from our ancestors, we are stepping into a spiritual grey area that God has explicitly warned us about, one that can easily deceive us into believing we're communicating with a loved one, when it's something merely masquerading as such.

Masquerading as Light

Spirits that people invoke may seem benevolent, but they are not the same as the comforting memory of a loved one. 2 Corinthians 11:14 warns us that “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” People seeking comfort may not be willing to face this truth.

True empowerment and freedom come from understanding who we are in Christ. God offers us a way to connect, belong, and find purpose—through a relationship with Him, not through rituals that promise control over the unseen or a sense of familiarity. That evening at the cultural dance show was a vivid reminder of how spiritual influences can subtly weave their way into moments that seem harmless or even beautiful. But not everything that appears as light is truly light. Discernment is a gift, and seeking God’s truth will always lead us to genuine peace and freedom.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”
Proverbs 9:10

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A Prayer for Discernment and Freedom

If this resonates, ensure to speak genuinely from your own heart and continue the conversation in your own words with our Father.

^{Heavenly Father, I come before You, acknowledging that I may have engaged in practices that were not aligned with Your truth. I ask for Your forgiveness. Right now, I cancel and renounce the agreements, pacts, or spiritual connections that I have made, whether knowingly or unknowingly, that are not of You. I plead the blood of Jesus over my life and declare that every door opened to the enemy is now closed in the name of Jesus. Holy Spirit, fill every space that was occupied by darkness and lead me into Your truth and light. Thank You for Your mercy, grace, and protection. In Jesus’ name, Amen.}

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_{Self-Reflection Prompts}

1. ^{Have you ever participated in a practice or ritual out of curiosity or because it felt good in the moment? Did you stop to consider what you might be agreeing to, even if subtly?}
2. ^{How do you respond when someone invites you to engage in practices that blend elements of different spiritual beliefs? Are you able to discern whether it aligns with your faith, or do you sometimes feel pressured to comply?}

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