Weaponized Spirituality
The people are crumbling who misuse spiritual principles to justify abusive, manipulative, or harmful behaviors for their gain.
I will fight for and protect what I love. Spirituality is not a fleeting fad for me. It is who I am deep down in my soul. And I have felt so much disgust for this space that I almost shut it down in my life altogether. I wanted to end my business, I was terrified to show up and share and speak publicly, and I came close to completely removing it from my personal life. Thankfully I worked through the disgust and embarrassment. And came to the realization that the dark gauntlet I had to endure was an initiation into my own leadership.
Maybe you guys have or haven’t noticed how off track, performative, manipulative and even down right abusive the Spiritual Space has been for a number of years now. I personally have experienced it both in the on line space and in person settings. In looking back, I noticed it on the rise significantly since around 2017, but even more so since the world went wonky in 2020.
It has effected me deeply. I know many others who feel the same, but remain quiet and shut down, I do not blame them.
I want to share a little of my own experience and insights, in hopes you can feel seen and heard, increase your discernment and maybe find some transformative healing if you need it.
I don’t want anyone to give up on, or never find their spiritual connection because of the bad actors out there. You know, the ones who prey on the seekers and monetize off manipulating them and their fears.
You know the ones who take twisted pride in using others to make examples of. They do it to the people they disagree with, are jealous of or feel they are in competition with. And they are doing nothing more than aggressively caressing their own egos and ignoring their own wounds, while pointing out their own perceived faults in the faults of others.
I witnessed something the other day that honestly just really hurt my Pisces soul. I have struggled a lot with people who deliberately bully others for their own gain in power, follows, hearts, likes, status, greed, and a need to be seen at all cost. It makes me both rage and cry inside. And it made me want to finish this blog that I have had on the go for months now.
I have kept myself hidden away for fear of being made an example of for saying something people disagree with. Or saying something that someone will latch on to and bully me with, for their own gain. It hurts my soul that I have been so deeply scared for so long. The intense fear I have felt kept me frozen for years. But my own love for artful and creative expression no longer feels okay suppressing myself out of fear.
Historically, I have avoided confrontation at all costs. Even when it was a time where I was being pushed to stick up for and protect myself. I have had to learn to move through those fears and face the music so to speak.
I have spent a lot of my life feeling this way, but about 3 years ago now, I began experiencing exactly what I have been trying to avoid. Public hate and a feelings of fear and humiliation because of it. Confrontational weaponized spirituality at its finest. Someone trying to use me for their gain. Someone who used spiritualty and spiritual concepts as a weapon against me and to silence me. It still disgusts me to this day, that people behave this way.
But 2025 is the door that opens for us all to see the true darkness in others. The fake charismatic marketing geniuses are coming to the light for us all to witness.
Especially the ones who misuse a false sense of spiritual power for personal gain. Especially the ones who portray themselves in a leadership role and misuse spiritual principles to justify abusive, manipulative, and harmful behaviors and say “Jesus told me so” or “it is my RIGHT to call out the darkness in others”. All the while they are saying they are being a leader of the light and evolution of humanity. But what they are really doing is using spirituality to justify their behaviors and gain off the pain of others. Their egos are flaring and by the end of this year, many of those flaring egos will be burnt to the ground with an opportunity for rebirth.
I am in the spiritual business. I have been since around 2011. I LOVE it and have a deep respect for it and how it can help people in a different way than the mainstream can. Not better, just different and it is what some people need in certain places in their lives.
I never used to think that I had any fears about my values and beliefs when it comes to spiritualty and spiritual concepts. But in the last three years my eyes have been pried open to show me otherwise. I have been terrified of becoming abusive in any form in my business. I do not want to be a dogmatic abusive woman, who’s spiritual ego is out of control. I don’t want to become what hurts my heart the most. I never want to be someone who hurts the people who trust me with their hearts, their dreams, their secrets and their pain.
I have sat with this on many occasions and wondered, what is the answer? Should people who are operating a spiritual business be regulated like psychologists are? Would that stop the issues? Not likely. It doesn’t stop the professionals from causing harm. I have experienced that too.
So I am going to concentrate my efforts on educating the consumer. In hopes that at least some people don’t fall into the trap of weaponized spirituality.
When people misuse spiritual principles to justify abusive, manipulative, or harmful behaviors it makes me want to scream. It really triggers me. And I think it should! Honestly, I think, what kind of person would I be if I thought this was ok and didn’t speak up about it. Since I have such respect for the sacred art of spiritual healing, I can’t sit here and hide in my shadow. My Scorpio moon won’t let me. My soul’s calling won’t let me…..not any longer.
Trusting yourself is key.
This is what I have learned to watch for:
Charisma, great marketing, intelligent use of language or using fad like buzz words, and an ability to manipulate people, makes the perfect storm. Lets not forget a lack of empathy and conscious. Of course these people want you to think they really care about you and that buying their offers is them loving you. It is so easy to overlook the truth behind the charisma.
And, just because someone has great marketing, and are intelligent, it doesn’t mean they automatically fall into this. But if they act as if they know all, do not have any wounds of their own to heal, don’t like to be questioned, or say they are better than anyone……walk away.
Things I have been witness to (and fell for on occasion), that are red flags for seekers:
People who use a spiritual figure to justify aggressive actions. AKA - being an abusive prophet.
“If you’re triggered, that’s your problem” is used to dismiss valid concerns about unethical behavior.
People who understand emotions deeply but lack empathy. They will use that knowledge to manipulate others.
The popularity of shadow work and psychological insights has led to some people using these tools as justification for cruelty, gaslighting, or controlling behaviors. “You haven’t done enough work, that is why you aren’t manifesting what you want”.
People blending “high vibration” language with righteousness, superiority, and spiritual elitism, claiming that anyone who disagrees is “low frequency” or “stuck in 3D.”
A twisted cruel versions of "tough love" is used to justify public shaming, bullying, or cruel dismissals of people seeking guidance. For example, one I saw on Instagram was “I told her if she didn’t move away from that place something bad would happen and it did. She lost her child”.
People who believe they are spiritually superior, often claiming unique downloads, ascended knowledge, or divine missions. The chosen one mentality. ** People are psychic and do have a connections, but proceed with caution when they make you feel like it is THEM ONLY that can give you what you need.
The mean girl club. You have seen it, the people who want to belong so bad they jump on the wagon with their abusive coach or teacher and shame and ridicule others.
Using fear based manipulation as a way to sell programs and offers. For example, “If this triggers you, it means you need my program.”
Using the trend of “brutal truth”. Instead of kindness, they justify bullying as being “real or people who claim that if you don’t accept their “truth,” you’re weak or in denial.
Misuse of the laws of Karma. People claim that victims of harm or abuse "manifested it" due to their energy. This allows for the person who is being the abuser to be off the hook for their actions.
Spiritual narcissism and control over followers. Some leaders claim divine authority and use “downloads” or “intuition” to justify harm. Or, they create hierarchies where they are above questioning and demand loyalty.
Tips….
Watch for Rigid, Black and White Thinking – True spirituality is flexible, open, and self-aware. If someone speaks in absolutes (e.g., “I am right, and anyone who disagrees is unenlightened”), that’s a red flag. My God is the right God. Or if you don’t follow Jesus you will never be healed.
Pay Attention to Emotional Manipulation – If someone makes you feel small, guilty, or afraid under the leadership of “teaching,” they may be using spiritual language for control.
Look for Power & Ego Dynamics – Healthy spiritual leaders empower others, not control them. If someone positions themselves as all-knowing or beyond criticism, be cautious.
Be Wary of Us vs. Them Mentalities – If someone divides people into enlightened vs. unenlightened, high vs. low vibration, or chosen vs. lost, they are likely using spirituality to create superiority.
Trust Your Intuition – If something feels off but you’re being told it’s just your “wounds” or “ego,” listen to your gut.
True spiritual growth should foster awareness, discernment, humility, and love—not superiority, control, or justification for cruelty.
My hope for you is that you have, strong energetic boundaries, self-trust, and critical thinking. Learn to trust your intuition and lean in where it feels like true, good for you guidance.
I started in the spiritual arts to help people learn what their intuition was saying and I really love what I get to do. Join me here.
I am really glad I didn’t give up on my love for this work……
xoxo
Paula