Twinn Swan

The concept of spiritual attacks is a complex tapestry woven from personal experiences, cultural beliefs and religious interpretations. While the specifics differ from culture to culture, the common thread is the feeling and the knowledge of being under assault by unseen forces. The very nature of the perceived source of the spiritual attack is often shaped by one’s cultural beliefs. Understanding the narrative of spiritual attacks within your cultural context can help you interpret–and perhaps even alleviate–the experience.

Regardless of one’s religious background, spiritual attacks tend to manifest as temptations, misfortunes as well as internal ongoing struggles against vices. Individuals might feel a loss of faith, overwhelming negativity or a sense of being physically or mentally drained.

In indigenous cultures, the spirit world is seen as vast and complex, containing both benevolent and malevolent spirits. Ancestral spirits might either be protectors or sources of misfortune depending on the context. Spiritual attacks tend to come from offended spirits, imbalances in nature or even curses and hexes. Individuals might experience unexplained illnesses, bad luck or nightmares as a result of these spiritual imbalances.

Many traditions believe in subtle energy fields surrounding individuals. Spiritual attacks can be perceived as a depletion or disruption of this energy. Practices like Reiki or smudging aim to cleanse and strengthen these fields, offering a form of energetic defence. This ‘unseen field’ is believed to hold information about our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Spiritual attacks, seen through this context, are perceived as a depletion or disruption of this energetic field, leaving us feeling drained and vulnerable and more susceptible to negative entities and energies. Our aura is said to reflect our emotional and spiritual state. Negative emotions like anger or fear can create ‘dark spots’ in the aura, while positive emotions create a brighter, more vibrant energy field.

Spiritual attacks, perceived as negative energetic entities or intentions directed towards us, are believed to deplete our aura’s energy. This can leave us feeling drained, fatigued, and emotionally off-centre. The Christian tradition acknowledges the human propensity for sin and self-destruction. Spiritual attacks might be seen as manifestations of these internal struggles, urging believers to rely on God’s grace for victory over these enemies. Some Christian traditions engage in practices like spiritual warfare prayer, which involves actively praying for deliverance from negativity and demonic influences.

The concept of the intention behind these spiritual attacks throws open a Pandora’s Box of questions. Some indigenous traditions emphasise the interconnectedness of all things. An attack could be a manifestation of a collective imbalance or negativity you’re sensitive to.

Some esoteric traditions believe in energetic cords connecting us to others. These cords can drain our energy, potentially leading to feelings that one is under spiritual attack. Cord-cutting meditations or visualisations aim to sever these energetic connections. Others believe unresolved trauma from past lives or negative karma inherited from ancestors can manifest as spiritual attacks. Past life regressions or ancestral healing practices might offer ways to address these issues.

It’s crucial to distinguish between spiritual attacks and mental health issues like anxiety or paranoia. If you’re struggling, the modus operandi is to first seek professional help from a qualified therapist. Be wary of information that thrives on fear and maintain a balanced perspective. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Explore different perspectives and find what empowers you on your own spiritual journey.

While science definitely doesn’t acknowledge “energy” through this specific lens, the feeling of being drained by certain people or situations is undeniable. Science is constantly evolving and gathering data, but its understanding of energy and consciousness is still limited. While the “how” might be unclear, we do know a lot about the ‘what’ of emotional drain. We understand the impact of negativity on our emotions and physiology.

Feeling drained by certain people or situations is often a gradual process. The good news is: your body sends out early warning signs before your energy reserves are completely depleted. There is a way to deal with this and move on if one is willing to take the necessary steps to be on a healing, as opposed to self-harming, journey.

While the concept of spiritual oppression might not resonate with everyone, there are interesting parallels between prayers and practices for emotional release and stress management. Prayers often involve specific rituals – postures, chants, mantras or texts recited out loud. These rituals create a sense of mental and emotional structure and focus, similar to meditation or mindfulness practices. This can be calming and allow individuals to address emotional issues in a dedicated space.

Communal prayers–prayers performed with the rest of your community–can be incredibly powerful. Knowing you’re not alone in facing challenges can be very comforting. Moving, chanting or speaking in unison can create a sense of unity and belonging. This synchronised action can be calming and grounding, created a sense of shared experience. Moreover, we connect with more people by being part of a community than by praying solo.

The focus and structure of communal rituals can induce a relaxation response, lowering stress levels. Chanting, singing, or spoken word rituals may provide a safe space for emotional expression, promoting catharsis and emotional release. The shared energy and positive intentions of a group can foster feelings of hope and optimism. Participating in a ritual can create a sense of control over one’s own well-being. It serves to remind us that we are not and never alone.