Having astrological skills and a Halloween birthday made Marcia Montenegro popular in the New Age movement.
Marcia Montenegro
For this professional astrologer, with all her knowledge and experiences, “death became an absorbing but uneasy topic” for Marcia. There was no personal God to love her, just the supposed “energy coming from the cosmic one”, unable to care or love.
Then the unthinkable happened: “An unexplained compulsion to go to a church gripped me.”
But Marcia hated Christians, so she resisted for as long as she could.
One day she gave in, and while attending church “I felt a love I had never known wash down over and through me, so powerfully that I started quietly crying.
“I knew this love was from God, not from the music, the people, or the place.”
Many thanks for taking time to read and share this post. For similar posts, or details on Laura Maxwell, please see below.
Laura Maxwell does not necessarily agree with all the information or conclusions presented by friends, or guest articles on her blog, in their TV or radio interviews, or in their interviews with Laura herself.
Laura submits articles/chapters, and speaks in media interviews, events or churches, whether the hosts and audience are secular, athiest, Catholic, New Age, Occultic, of any other faith, or any Christian denomination, whether she agrees with that group or denomination, or she considers it heretical, or cult-like, if she feels the Lord leading her to.
Laura does not receive payment or royalties for writing in books and magazines, or appearing on TV, radio, or at events. All of her ministry work is of a voluntary nature. Often she is gifted a free copy of the publication or DVD.
Wonderful Ex Medium testimony of Elizabeth Klanga! As an Ex Spiritualist myself, I can vouch for my friend’s story, as can countless others.
‘Elizabeth’s life took a dramatic turn during the Covid-19 pandemic when she encountered Jesus Christ – the true Light of the World – and walked away from the occult for good. Today, Elizabeth devotes her life to exposing the dangers of spiritualism by sharing her story and helping others find freedom through Jesus Christ.’
Her story featured in the October/Halloween 2025 issue of The Good News newspaper across the UK, and made freely available to prisons across the country. To God be the glory.
She also featured in an article for Proverbs and Pearls magazine by ‘Lizzie’ in October 2024. I’m so thrilled my blog is the third outlet she has featured in and I have enjoyed getting to know Elizabeth online!
She was also interviewed by Simon Guillebaud for his podcast, and I’ll share that here soon!
Many thanks for taking time to read and share this post. For similar posts, or details on Laura Maxwell, please see below.
Laura Maxwell does not necessarily agree with all the information or conclusions presented by friends, or guest articles on her blog, in their TV or radio interviews, or in their interviews with Laura herself.
Laura submits articles/chapters, and speaks in media interviews, events or churches, whether the hosts and audience are secular, athiest, Catholic, New Age, Occultic, of any other faith, or any Christian denomination, whether she agrees with that group or denomination, or she considers it heretical, or cult-like, if she feels the Lord leading her to.
Laura does not receive payment or royalties for writing in books and magazines, or appearing on TV, radio, or at events. All of her ministry work is of a voluntary nature. Often she is gifted a free copy of the publication or DVD.
Former New Age Spiritualist, she graduated from Strathclyde University, Scotland, earning a BA Honors degree in Psychology. For more on Laura, her TV and Radio Shows, publications, speaking engagements, etc, please see her blog at https://ourspiritualquest.com/about/
As an Ex Spiritualist, I was asked to speak on this program but as it was short notice I couldn’t manage and submitted my below comment instead.
Inspirational Breakfast with Esther Higham, Premier Radio, 8:30am, Thurs 12th June 2025.
‘Does the new Harry Potter series spell trouble for Christian parents?’ asks Esther Higham.
“With a new HBO TV series on the way, the age-old question for Christian parents returns: is it okay to watch Harry Potter? Two Christians, Clay Myatt, author of ‘Echoes of the Gospel in Harry Potter,’ and Bobbi Kumari from ‘Living in Light’ shared their views with the host Esther Higham.”
Clay gave a favourable response to Harry Potter. He also mentioned something about it being a positive thing that Harry Potter shows that there is ‘good magic’ and ‘dark magic’. However, I’d argue the bible doesn’t differentiate, or state ‘good magic’ even exists. Instead, it emphasises all forms of the occult are demonic, whether the user means well, or not. The other guest, Bobbi provided a caution against Harry Potter.
My comment submitted to the program was:
“As a former Spiritualist and New Ager, I emphatically agree Harry Potter programs, etc, are definitely dangerous for anyone to watch, both children and adults. Every one of those books and films contained examples of very real occult beliefs and practises, which God warned us about all throughout the Bible. Watching them can definitely normalise witchcraft and the occult, desensitising and even enticing viewers to being open to trying such practises at a later stage. Indeed, many have testified to this having happened to them, especially when invited along to events like Harry Potter themed birthday, or Halloween parties, where new age or occult activities took place. On the release of the first book, witches and occultists worldwide actually congratulated the author on her shining a spotlight on the occult via the mainstream media, for the attention of the general population!”
“It’s not surprising to me and many other former occultists, that in the last two or three decades, there has been a huge rise in people suffering from being harassed by demons and requesting help to have their homes cleansed. Unfortunately, many turn to Spiritualist Mediums, Shamans, etc, for help which can only make matters worse. It’s not unusual for people to tragically end up in psychiatric hospitals or to commit suicide like my own mother did. Thankfully more people have heard testimonies like mine, where former Spiritualists, Ghost Hunters, etc, found salvation in Jesus and experienced His deliverance from evil spirits, thus peace being restored in their homes upon the demons being cast out in Jesus’ name.” Laura Maxwell, Christian author and former New Age Spiritualist.
Unfortunately, they didn’t manage to share my comment on the program. Perhaps due to time restrictions but I was honoured to have been asked. You can find my previous interviews on Premier Radio, or articles in Premier Magazine, throughout this blog.
Esther has been dabbling in radio since her teens, working for Radio Kent, Mercury FM and even made a series of features for Radio 1. She has also spent a decade working in television production – starting out at children’s BBC then going on to making documentaries, with husband Jeremy, for Channel 4. Now she juggles her time between Inspirational Breakfast, the film-making business she runs with her husband and running around after their two school-aged children. She also leads worship regularly and runs a movie night at her local church. She is partial to cream teas, bonfires and spotty china, occasionally all at the same time.
(My apologies for the small text above. I can’t rectify it!)
Please see Laura Maxwell‘s articles, or interviews on Harry Potter, throughout this blog.
Laura Maxwell does not necessarily agree with all the information or conclusions presented by friends, or guest articles on her blog, in their TV or radio interviews, or in their interviews with Laura herself.
Laura submits articles/chapters, and speaks in media interviews, events or churches, whether the hosts and audience are secular, athiest, Catholic, New Age, Occultic, of any other faith, or any Christian denomination, whether she agrees with that group or denomination, or she considers it heretical, or cult-like, if she feels the Lord leading her to.
Laura does not receive payment or royalties for writing in books and magazines, or appearing on TV, radio, or at events. All of her ministry work is of a voluntary nature. Often she is gifted a free copy of the publication or DVD.
For years, many of us have lovingly warned about being deceived, using such verses:
‘… evil people and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.’ 2 Timothy 3:13.
‘And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words.’ 2 Peter 2:1-2.
‘I urge you, … watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.’ Romans 16:17–18.
‘Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock … After I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.’ Acts 20:28-30.
‘… people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions’. 2 Timothy 4:3.
‘If anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is Christ!’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. False christs and false prophets will arise and produce great signs and wonders to deceive… For as lightning flashes across from east to west, so will the Son of Man’s coming be.’ 2 Corinthians 11-13.
‘Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves,’ Matthew 7:15.
‘Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God…’ John 4:1.
‘But even if we, or an angel from heaven should preach to you a different gospel, contrary to the one we preached to you, let them be condemned.’ Galatians 1:8.
‘And no wonder, for even Satan himself masquerades as if an angel of light.’ 2 Corinthians 11:14
Just a few of the many scriptures on deceptions, false teachings, false prophets, false christs and evil spirit beings.
As someone once deeply deceived by the new age and occult, I urge you all, please be careful. Check the Bible for truth, on these Last Days deceptions. “…Then you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free!” John 8:30-32.
Friends, let’s keep our eyes on Jesus. ‘…Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, because He knew all men,’ John 2:24. Don’t trust your lives to leaders, kings, politicians, scientists, AI, technology, or the many lying ‘spirits’ and ‘aliens’ yet to come. They may even seem good at times, but will eventually lead to The Great Tribulation, Mark of The Beast, and Battle of Armageddon, when the world is destroyed.
‘… Repent… in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.’ Acts 2:38.
Remember, paranormal activity and UFO/UAP phenomena will increase dramatically. The Bible predicts alleged ‘aliens’ bring the greatest deception to ever deceive the world, and even many Christians!
For centuries, many new agers and others, including my mother and me, already accepted such messages from so called ghosts, spirit guides and ancient aliens. They masquerade as our allies, but teach ‘doctrines of demons’, including that the Bible and Jesus Christ are false; and that, they instead will save and heal the earth, along with a global leader, bringing a new Golden Age of Aquarius; world unity, peace and prosperity. In reality, it will be the Antichrist’s world takeover.
This will be the greatest Last Times deception. Even many Christians will believe unless warned.
Hosea 4:6 ‘My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…’
The Bible doesn’t predict the future to scare, but to prepare you! We can stand through it all with Jesus, enduring until the end!
The Signs of the Times and the End of the Age. Matthew 24:3:31.
Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”
4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for [a]all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, [b]pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Some translations say the beginning of birth pangs.)
9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
The Great Tribulation.
15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the [c]elect’s sake those days will be shortened.
23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand.
The Coming of the Son of Man.
29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His [d]elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Many thanks for taking time to read and share this post. For similar posts, or details on Laura Maxwell, please see below.
Laura Maxwell does not necessarily agree with all the information or conclusions presented by friends, or guest articles on her blog, in their TV or radio interviews, or in their interviews with Laura herself.
Laura submits articles/chapters, and speaks in media interviews, events or churches, whether the hosts and audience are secular, athiest, Catholic, New Age, Occultic, of any other faith, or any Christian denomination, whether she agrees with that group or denomination, or she considers it heretical, or cult-like, if she feels the Lord leading her to.
Laura does not receive payment or royalties for writing in books and magazines, or appearing on TV, radio, or at events. All of her ministry work is of a voluntary nature. Often she is gifted a free copy of the publication or DVD.
Ally Tower went to church as a witch at Halloween ‘out of spite’, but walked out as a new Christian after a dramatic encounter with God, writes the Good News Newspaper.
Ally was caught in a battle between light and darkness from an early age. Her parents brought her up to go to church, but her grandmother told her stories of great aunt Gracie, who was the ‘minister’ at a nearby spiritualist church.
Over the years, things went from bad to worse with Ally thinking God had turned a deaf ear to her pleas for help. Then Ally picked up a book by an ex-Satanist, warning against the occult, but it led Ally to delve more. Soon Ally embraced witchcraft, joining a coven and becoming a witch.
“It was of all days Halloween when I returned to church, believing nothing would happen because of the energy that I possessed.”
But no sooner did the congregation begin worshipping than Ally again found herself crying – “which totally floored me”.
A woman unknown to Ally sat holding her hand throughout, and Ally was introduced to the ex-occultist she’d originally come to church to meet.
As the ex-occultist and prayer team ‘laid hands’ on Ally and prayed, “I felt the spiritual entities start leaving my body”.
Good News Paper, UK.
“God himself came down and wrapped his arms around me. He just swept me off my feet and saturated me with love beyond words. I encountered the love of God with such intensity that I simply couldn’t deny nor resist him any longer.”
Ally prayed with the pastor to accept Jesus into her life as Lord and Saviour on Halloween.
“I find it ironic that he would use that day, but then again, what better day for God to prove he has triumphed over darkness?”
“I was thrilled my dear friend, Ex Wiccan, Ally Tower‘s story was featured in the Good News UK newspaper. May God continue to transform many lives through her true story. Please see my radio interview with her and some of her articles below! Laura Maxwell, Ex New Age Spiritualist, UK.”
Many thanks for taking time to read and share this post. For similar posts, or details on Laura Maxwell, please see below.
Laura Maxwell does not necessarily agree with all the information or conclusions presented by friends, or guest articles on her blog, in their TV or radio interviews, or in their interviews with Laura herself.
Laura submits articles/chapters, and speaks in media interviews, events or churches, whether the hosts and audience are secular, athiest, Catholic, New Age, Occultic, of any other faith, or any Christian denomination, whether she agrees with that group or denomination, or she considers it heretical, or cult-like, if she feels the Lord leading her to.
Laura does not receive payment or royalties for writing in books and magazines, or appearing on TV, radio, or at events. All of her ministry work is of a voluntary nature. Often she is gifted a free copy of the publication or DVD.
‘As an Ex Satanist, I was recently surprised to notice several Christian circles, more concerningly some church events, welcoming Halloween, with full awareness and support of their leadership,’ Adrian Seal told Laura Maxwell in an interview.
‘My initial thought was, this is satire; an ill thought through joke! Are these events really happening?
‘Ask yourselves, would a satanist, witch, clairvoyant, or any type of occultist, come to an Easter celebration, to celebrate the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ? Unlikely. Yet many Christians celebrate Halloween!
‘I am aware there is an acceptance of things such as Harry Potter amongst many churches. Many well-meaning believers unawares of what it can usher in, like spell casting, ouija boards, seances, etc, especially to children, or those who are more vulnerable, or more open to occult temptation in the body of Christ.
‘Cursed things open demonic doors, while also removing godly protection. I used to think that only applied in Old Testament times, however God warns us not to be stupid through the New Testament too. And yet, I did these very things myself!
‘My Ex Spiritualist friend, Laura Maxwell, asked what I thought of such events, and whether as Christians, we should celebrate Halloween. Like many other ex occultists, she and I are in full agreement over this.
‘We should all caution believers to heed warnings in scripture, such as, Hosea 4.6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” The bible gives many warnings around, even the appearance of the occult, or anything that can give way to it and to other forms of evil and demonic activity, however rebranded.
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22
“Do not imitate what is evil.” 3 John 1:11
‘Thoughts sprung to mind as a former satanist. I was reminded of my past beliefs in the 90’s, the hypocrisy in Christians I saw around me, who shared this Saviour but entertained what I would not enter into of their ceremonies, if tables were reversed!
I recalled this was why historically I could never take them seriously. I saw many in wider circles around me growing up who confessed a faith, some even a relationship with Jesus! Was this possible with the God of the bible? Could you talk with him, would He even be interested? I saw so many who were poorly weak, wavering between two stations.
This was until I met a real believer, I say ‘believer’ but there was more a fellowship taking place between him and God.
Then there came my cry for help. In September ’94, collections of things I had believed to be harmless; my interest in occult material, books and vast range of materials, amassed over many years, had built strong-holds I was unaware of.
But now the forces moving through these items, the doors I had opened, seemed to be seeking their reward.
‘I asked for help. This ‘harmless’ occult was far from harmless fun. To my amazement, a church fellowship came to help! They answered the call, my plea, equipped with revelation of who they were in Him, their faith and without compromise.
If you let satan get in the car, it won’t be long before he wants to drive. Tenants/demons will need to be removed. This needed some support to vacate them.
The man that lead this group, an Anglican Minister, didn’t compromise. He scared me at first. He had a Presence about him, his faith uncompromised, was real.
He had a past that he now lived separate from. It wasn’t a religion, it was clearly a relationship with a power, some force of light that carried a POWERFUL authority.
I was soon to learn you can’t dance with the occult, play with darkness, the devil or evil, and at the same time walk away free, when you wish to move on.
Scripture reminds us John 10:10 ‘The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy but I have come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly’.
This man showed me that he didn’t give room to the enemy through compromise. “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Mark 16:17-18
We are reminded to give no place to works of darkness, to have no fellowship with darkness or things of that nature.
As 2 Corinthians 6 14-16 says, ‘Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? … And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? … Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.’
Laura Maxwell agrees with Adrian.
She added, ‘Friends, as an Ex Spiritualist who loved Halloween, I totally do appreciate that not everyone realises the true significance and spiritual dangers. I could’ve still enjoyed Halloween too, unless I’d been in the occult myself!!! It was my favourite time of year when a Spiritualist, we believed the ‘air was thinner then,’ because of all the spiritual doors it opened! That’s why I share these interviews.
It’s not their fault, most of these precious people, Christians and non Christians, just don’t know, because tragically most churches and pastors have failed and remain silent, instead of gently sharing the truth to warn them with the loving compassion of Christ.
Churches rarely preach to their members, warnings from scripture, such as this one Adrian shared, Hosea 4.6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” As you know, the bible gives many warnings about, even just the appearance of the occult.
I don’t get upset at folks who dabble in witchcraft, etc, and end up with demonised homes requiring our help. If churches did what we’re called to do, people like me and countless others, to name just a few of my ministry friends: Ex Ghost Hunter Dana Emanuel, Ex Satanist Carrie Christian, Ex Witch Ally Tower, Ministers Mark Hunnemann, Bill Posey, ex Medium Katie Macleod, Ex Satanist Jerry Blase, Ex Occultist Adrian Seal, etc, wouldn’t have to be the rare Christians sharing these truths and casting demons out people’s homes in Jesus name.’
Adrian agreed with Laura. He continues, ‘I’ve heard that some Christians will compromise by taking part in Halloween activities, even during occult activities, just to reach out to those who are enjoying the darkness!
‘However would a satanist, or any occultist, come to an Easter celebration, to celebrate the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ? Obviously not!
Yet many Christians celebrate a festival which celebrates Samhain or Halloween, a night being the high point of satanic worship, all that is pure evil, with the antichrist at its centre, everything He stands for delights in the destruction of life.
‘God breathed life and the life of God through his creation. Sadly, when we compromise the word, we step out from under the One whose power is in the word of God.
Spiritual Warfare
‘To become yoked to satan was easy, to close these doors that were opened in error, or ignorance at times, resulted in horrible demonic backlash for me and a season of extreme discomfort.
‘Seasons pass. I am so grateful that Jesus Christ set me free! With knowledge, comes wisdom and with wisdom comes freedom. You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.
Preach the good news, heal the brokenhearted and set captives free from darkness. (Isaiah 61).
*Regarding my full testimony as featured on Laura Maxwell‘s blog, including my season with Tribe of Judah Motorcycle Ministries, who primarily reach out to the biker community and out law biker clubs.
‘My time with TOJMM came to a close some years ago. God moved me in another direction and we remain thankful to the wonderful family there.’
Many thanks for taking time to read and share this post. For similar posts, or details on Laura Maxwell, please see below.
Laura Maxwell does not necessarily agree with all the information or conclusions presented by friends, or guest articles on her blog, in their TV or radio interviews, or in their interviews with Laura herself.
Laura submits articles/chapters, and speaks in media interviews, events or churches, whether the hosts and audience are secular, athiest, Catholic, New Age, Occultic, of any other faith, or any Christian denomination, whether she agrees with that group or denomination, or she considers it heretical, or cult-like, if she feels the Lord leading her to.
Laura does not receive payment or royalties for writing in books and magazines, or appearing on TV, radio, or at events. All of her ministry work is of a voluntary nature. Often she is gifted a free copy of the publication or DVD.
Kate Orson, who was involved in the new age for more than 20 years, explains why she is concerned, and how Christians can respond.
The University of Exeter’s new MA in magic and the occult reflects growing interest in all things magical and mystical.
Source: piklist.
Last week, the University of Exeter announced a new masters degree, created in response to the “recent surge in interest in magic”.
While Harry Potter fans were getting excited imagining a real life Hogwarts, the MA in magic and occult science is not actually designed to teach practical magic skills, but to study “the history and impact of witchcraft and magic around the world on society and science.”
AREAS OF INFLUENCE
I do think it is important to understand the influence that occult thinkers have had on society, and learning about it can help us make sense of how the enemy operates. Shortly after becoming a believer, I began to research writers, philosophers and musicians, and was astonished to find that a huge number of them throughout history were practising occultists, or those who dabbled or had an interest in the area.
STUDENTS OF MAGIC MAY EXPERIMENT WITH THE OCCULT – IF THEY AREN’T ALREADY DOING SO
For example, the poet William Blake had an interest in alchemy, magic and mysticism. He criticised organised religion in his poem The Garden of Love, in which he writes about how the “Priests in black gowns / were walking their rounds / And binding with briars / my joys and desires”. Blake had a very unconventional attitude towards sex.
Looking at how many influential figures in the arts practised occultism has got me speculating about the way Satan, the god of this world, may have used people who are open to the spiritual realms to impart certain ideas. Ideas that shift society away from Christianity, by criticising religion and painting the temptations of sin in a positive light.
But is this course the right place for learning about magic and the occult? I do not think so. In fact, I think it could be positively dangerous.
AN AGE OF THE OCCULT
The 2022 UK census found an increase in the number of people identifying as pagan or wiccan. The “surge in interest” is not just about reading fictional stories about wizards or textbooks about the history of magic. The interest comes from the very real practice of occult arts.
Among those who wouldn’t call themselves pagan or wiccan, there are many who dabble in magical practises. From manifestation to vision boards and consulting mediums, (once taboo in a Western culture influenced by Christianity) these practises are now going mainstream.
An article on the new degree in The Guardian begins by saying: ‘’If you’ve been getting into crystals, manifesting your dream board or exploring feminist readings of witchcraft, you can now take your hobby to the next level.’’ It is indicative of a shift: The Guardian, previously very cynical of all things spiritual, is acknowledging that many of its readers may use crystals.
SHINING THE LIGHT
Learning about witchcraft in a secular environment, I fear, will only alienate people further from Christianity. How will this course approach the Christian issue as it teaches that (so-called) ‘Christians’ were responsible for the witch hunts, or the colonialism that forcibly stopped witchcraft and occult practises? I contacted the University of Exeter and course leader Emily Selove to ask, but didn’t receive a response.
THE 2022 UK CENSUS FOUND AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PAGANS AND WICCANS
Jesus taught that we are like sheep liable to go astray, and when we flock together with others in society, we are liable to be influenced by them. When witchcraft enthusiasts come together, I can imagine that there will be much discussion. And, while there may be people whose interest is entirely theoretical, I suspect that many might know that magic is very real.
While the normalisation of witchcraft is alarming, we can use it as an opportunity to open up conversations. We can share the testimonies of ex-witches (there are many on YouTube) who realised that there is no such thing as white magic and who had devastating spiritual attacks due to the practises they followed. We can correct misunderstandings about the ‘patriarchal’ Christian God.
God uses everything for good, and I pray that as more people get involved in witchcraft, many will, like me, come to see its destructive influence in their lives. As Christians, we can be there shining our light, to help guide people out of the darkness.
Kate Orson Author of Tears Heal: How to listen to our children. Writer, parent and writing coach.
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About Kate Orson
Kate Orson
Kate is a writer, parent and writing coach. Her articles regularly feature in UK secular publications such as The Guardian, The Telegraph, Daily Mail, Metro and Breathe, as well as Christian publications such as Premier Christianity, Next Gen and others.
Many thanks for taking time to read and share the above post. For similar posts, or details on Laura Maxwell, please see below.
Laura Maxwell does not necessarily agree with all the information or conclusions presented by friends, or guest articles on her blog, in their TV or radio interviews, or in their interviews with Laura herself.
Laura submits articles/chapters, and speaks in media interviews, events or churches, whether the hosts and audience are secular, athiest, Catholic, New Age, Occultic, of any other faith, or any Christian denomination, whether she agrees with that group or denomination, or she considers it heretical, or cult-like, if she feels the Lord leading her to.
Laura does not receive payment or royalties for writing in books and magazines, or appearing on TV, radio, or at events. All of her ministry work is of a voluntary nature. Often she is gifted a free copy of the publication or DVD.
FREE TODAY ONLY! Chapters by Ex New Age Spiritist Laura Maxwell. and others in this worldwide Amazon download. Also on sale at Waterstones and other bookstores across Europe.
This Free Amazon offer will be repeated every now and then!
Author, John Hemming-Clark, wrote:
“For today (Sunday) only, you can download my new book, “Transformative Testimonies,” from Amazon absolutely free.
If you’ve ever wanted to find the answers to “Why are we here?” and “What’s it all about?” meet twenty-two people, and their first-hand stories, who have found the answer.
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It’s the second most important book you may ever read!
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Laura Maxwell, one of the contributing authors of the book, wrote:
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‘Before I became a Christian two years ago, I celebrated Halloween without a second thought. I can remember when my daughter was three years old we encountered a Halloween parade at a theme park in Germany. She was terrified of all the spooky costumes, but after I explained to her that they were just children dressed up she decided she wanted to dress up too.’
Ex new-ager Kate Orson is concerned about Christians treating Hallowe’en as ‘harmless fun’ and suggests we ignore the day completely.
‘We spent my daughter’s early years in Switzerland and now live in Italy; countries that don’t traditionally celebrate Halloween, but we often hosted a Halloween party, sometimes introducing the concept to families that had never celebrated it before. It was fun to dress up, play some scary sounding songs, and bob for apples.
Halloween for me was just an excuse for a party, as it is to many in the secular world. But, as a Christian I have avoided the celebration, as I began to understand what’s really behind it.
Halloween has its roots in the celtic festival of Samhain, which marks the Celtic new year, the end of summer, and the harvest season. Samhain was the druid god of death, and the Celts believed that on the 31st October the boundary between the living and the dead blurred and spirits could return to the earth. The origin of dressing up in costumes was because it was thought that if people dressed as ghosts and demons the spirits might mistake them for one of their own and would not harm them. During the festival animals and even humans were sacrificed to appease Samhain.
It was later ’Christianised’. In A.D. 1000, the church made November 1 All Souls’ Day, a day to honor the dead and so the evening before became All Hallow’s evening, abbreviated to ’Hallowe’en’.
Modern day Halloween seems very different to the ancient festival, so should Christians celebrate it? Do we want to be that party pooper Christian that stays away, and how should we explain it to our children and the neighbours?
I think we need to be careful of the way that Pagan traditions get secularised in the West in a way that can fool us into thinking we aren’t taking part in something spiritual. One prime example is yoga which many Christians partake in thinking that it can be just a form of exercise. Most Indian converts from Hinduism to Christianity would never continue to do yoga, as they understand that it is a spiritual practise, inseparable from its Hindu roots.
I think that there is something similar going on with Halloween. While atheists might think the festival is fun, for witches, warlocks and Satanists the 31st October is their high holiday, the most important day of the year.
Putting on a costume is opening up a doorway to have a conversation with the demonic realm. John Ramirez, an ex Satanist turned Christian has said, ‘when you dress up even as an angel or a mermaid for Halloween, “you give the devil the legal rights to change your identity.”
We can tell ourselves it’s just a bit of fantasy, and fun, but what does God think? Does God really want us to take part in a festival that has its roots in worshipping another god, (demon) that demanded human sacrifice?
As is written in Deuteronomy, ‘When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.’
Halloween may be different now, but I think that is one of its added dangers. Our modern, commercialised celebration makes the spiritual realm look fun, silly, and fictional. The world may have changed, but demons are still the same. The devil is still prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
If I was the parent of a young child I would not introduce the concept now. With children who are feeling left out, I would explain in age-appropriate terms what Halloween actually is, that it is a time for witches, warlocks and Satanists, to use for black magic, to amass more power, control and money, to make bad things happen to other human beings.
I’m not sure about the concept of ‘light parties,’ and personally would rather treat the 31st as an ordinary day, with extra time spent in prayer.
While I won’t be joining any Halloween parties, and parades, I will be on the lookout for any opportunities the Holy Spirit gives me to share the real way we ward off the enemy, our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.’
Kate Orson Author of Tears Heal: How to listen to our children. Writer, parent and writing coach.
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About Kate Orson
Kate Orson
Kate is a writer, parent and writing coach. Her articles regularly feature in UK secular publications such as The Guardian, The Telegraph, Daily Mail, Metro and Breathe, as well as Christian publications such as Premier Christianity, Next Gen and others.
Laura Maxwell does not necessarily agree with all the information or conclusions presented by guest articles, in their TV or radio interviews, or in their interviews with Laura herself.
Many thanks for taking time to read and share the above post. For similar posts or details on Laura Maxwell, please see below.
Our Spiritual Quest 