When “Spiritual Attacks” Become a Tool of Manipulation

Understanding Abuse, Control, and Power in Spiritual Communities

By: Marty Mullenax- Bull and Thorn

Spiritual language is powerful. It shapes how people understand the world, interpret experiences, and assign meaning to suffering. Because of this power, spiritual frameworks can be used for healing, connection, and growth—but they can also be weaponized.

One of the most harmful ways this occurs is through the manipulative use of “spiritual attacks,” psychic assault narratives, or claims of baneful magic to control others, avoid accountability, or consolidate power within a community.

This article is not about denying spiritual experiences. It is about recognizing when spiritual explanations are being used to manipulate, silence, or harm.

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What We Mean by “Spiritual Attack” Narratives

In many Pagan, magical, and interfaith spaces, people may describe experiences such as:

• Psychic attack

• Spiritual warfare

• Energy vampirism

• Curses or baneful workings

• Astral harassment

• Targeted magical persecution

These frameworks can be meaningful within a belief system. However, problems arise when these claims are used not to seek healing or grounding, but to control people or situations.

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Common Manipulative Uses of Spiritual Attack Claims

1. Avoiding Accountability

When someone is confronted about harmful behavior, they may respond with:

• “I’m under attack right now.”

• “Someone cursed me, that’s why I acted this way.”

• “Dark forces are influencing me.”

This shifts responsibility away from the person’s actions and places them beyond critique. Accountability becomes “spiritual harm,” and anyone asking questions is reframed as an aggressor.

Red flag: Spiritual explanations are used only when consequences arise.

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2. Silencing Criticism and Dissent

Claims of spiritual attack can be used to shut down discussion:

• “Questioning me weakens my wards.”

• “Disagreeing feeds the entity attacking me.”

• “If you don’t support me, you’re spiritually unsafe.”

This creates an environment where disagreement is equated with violence or spiritual betrayal.

Result: Community members stop speaking up—not out of respect, but out of fear.

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3. Creating an “Us vs. Them” Dynamic

Manipulative leaders or members may frame themselves as:

• The chosen target of dark forces

• A martyr protecting the group

• The only one who can “see the threat”

Outsiders, former members, or critics become:

• “Enemies”

• “Psychic predators”

• “Unconscious agents of harm”

This isolates the group and deepens dependency on the person controlling the narrative.

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4. Justifying Control Over Others

Spiritual attack narratives may be used to justify:

• Monitoring people’s behavior

• Restricting who members can talk to

• Enforcing loyalty tests

• Demanding emotional or spiritual labor

“All of this is for protection” becomes a shield for coercion.

Protection without consent is not protection.

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5. Reframing Trauma Responses as Spiritual Failure

When someone is harmed or overwhelmed, they may be told:

• “Your shields aren’t strong enough.”

• “You attracted this.”

• “Your vibration allowed the attack.”

This places blame on the victim and discourages them from seeking real-world support.

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Why This Is So Effective

Spiritual manipulation works because:

• It uses sacred language, which people are taught not to question

• It triggers fear of unseen consequences

• It exploits trust, devotion, and identity

• It frames skepticism as moral or spiritual failure

Many people remain in unhealthy situations longer than they would in secular spaces because leaving feels like spiritual danger, not just social loss.

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Discernment vs. Denial

Naming manipulation does not mean:

• Denying spiritual experiences

• Mocking belief systems

• Calling everyone delusional

• Rejecting magic or metaphysics

It means recognizing that belief does not excuse harm and that spiritual language does not override consent, accountability, or mental health care.

A healthy spiritual community can hold mystery and responsibility at the same time.

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Signs of a Healthy Response to Spiritual Distress

In ethical communities:

• Spiritual explanations never replace accountability

• Leaders encourage grounding and multiple perspectives

• Mental health support is normalized, not stigmatized

• No one is punished for asking questions

• Protection practices are consensual, not enforced

• Fear is not used as a bonding tool

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Reclaiming Spiritual Language From Abuse

Spirituality should empower people, not trap them.

It should bring clarity, not confusion.

It should foster resilience, not dependency.

When “spiritual attack” becomes a way to control behavior, silence voices, or avoid responsibility, it is no longer spiritual care—it is spiritual abuse.

Calling this out is not an attack on spirituality.

It is an act of protection for the community.