As the spiritual and wellness industries continue to grow, so too do the number of self-proclaimed "lightworkers" looking to take advantage of vulnerable seekers. While the concept of lightwork - using one's energy, thoughts, and actions to spread more light in the world - is a noble one, the reality is that there are many individuals out there engaging in deception, manipulation, and even dark magical practices under the guise of being a lightworker.
One issue with some self-proclaimed lightworkers is the use of dark magic and occult practices, often without the knowledge or consent of their clients. This can range from hexes and curses disguised as "energy work" to the manipulation of a person's auric field or subconscious using dark ritual. The goal is typically to maintain control over the client, keep them coming back for more “sessions,” or even to sabotage their lives in order to create a constant need for the lightworker's services. Dark magic and spell casting is not light energy work. It is important to avoid professionals who practice dark magic, sell dark magic products, have dark magic alters or items strewn across their office, offer dark magic or spell casting courses, in the name of “Lightwork.”
As a lightwork professional, it is crucial to approach your work with humility, empathy, and a deep understanding of your role as a guide and facilitator, rather than a superior being. Signs of narcissism, such as an inflated sense of self-importance or a belief in one's own infallibility, can be extremely detrimental in this field. Similarly, a need for control or a "god complex" that leads a practitioner to believe they have ultimate power over their clients' healing journeys can undermine the trust and autonomy that are essential for effective lightwork. These tendencies can cause a lightwork professional to make decisions based on their own ego rather than the true needs of the individual they are serving.
The use of mind control techniques in the practice of lightwork is an alarming trend that should be approached with great caution. While the intention behind lightwork may be to promote healing and spiritual growth, the employment of manipulative mental practices, telepathy, mediumship abilities, etc., poses significant risks to individual autonomy and wellbeing. When practitioners attempt to influence the thoughts, emotions, or behaviors of others through subliminal messaging, energy channeling, or other coercive means, it undermines the fundamental right of each person to make their own choices freely. This can foster an unhealthy dependence on the lightworker, stifle critical thinking, and even lead to the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
When engaging in spiritual and personal growth practices, it is essential to be wary of cults and guru-led organizations. While many lightwork and new age communities have noble intentions, some groups can become insular, controlling, and even abusive. Charismatic leaders may make grandiose claims, isolate followers, berate students, and exert undue influence over members' lives. This can stifle personal agency and authentic spiritual development. Instead, it is crucial to maintain healthy boundaries, think critically, and avoid blindly deferring to any single authority figure. True growth emerges from within, nurtured by a diverse support network and one's own discernment. By steering clear of cultic dynamics, lightworkers can stay grounded, empowered, and focused on their unique paths of healing and transformation.
Unfortunately, the proliferation of these types of lightworkers has led to a growing distrust of the entire spiritual and wellness community. Many people have been burned by false promises and manipulative tactics, causing them to be skeptical of anyone who claims to be a healer, medium, or energy worker. This is a shame, as there are many genuine and ethical lightworkers out there who are truly dedicated to spreading more light and helping humanity.
So how can you protect yourself from lightworker deceptions? Here are additional red flags to watch out for:
Lack of transparency around a practitioner’s qualifications, training, and experience.
Use of fear-based tactics to create a sense of urgency or scarcity.
Use of criticism or not being able to ask questions in sessions or classes.
Attempts to isolate you from friends, family, or other support systems.
At the end of the day, it is important to approach any spiritual or wellness practitioner with a healthy dose of discernment. Do your research, trust your intuition, and never hand over your power to someone who claims to have all the answers. The true lightworkers are those who empower you to heal and awaken your own inner light. True lightworkers empower self-awareness, inner strength, and autonomy. Any lightwork modality that infringes on this core principle of self-determination should be viewed with the utmost scrutiny and caution.
References:
Grace, Angela (2020) Protect Your Energy: The Book of Positive Vibrations & Toxic Energy Protection Secrets (Energy Secrets). Independent Publisher.
Remski, Mathew (2024). Surviving Modern Yoga: Cult Dynamics, Charismatic Leaders, and What Survivors Can Teach Us. North Atlantic Books.
Thalia (2021). The Dark Side of the Wellness Industry. Retrieved from https://notesbythalia.com/dark-side-of-the-wellness-industry/. [Accessed 26 Aug. 2024].
Louisa Mastromarino is the CEO of Holistic Consortium, LLC, a distant holistic and life coaching practice worldwide. Louisa is a Licensed Spiritual Health Coach, Licensed Ecclesiastical Health Practitioner, and Clinical Hypnotherapist, and certified counselor educator. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications, a Master of Science Degree in School Counseling, and a post master’s degree in Supervision and Educational Leadership. She is also certified in Intuitive Consulting, Reiki, Integrated Energy Therapy, Esoteric Healing, Matrix Energetic and a host of holistic programs. Louisa is the author of Spifford Max and the Cycle Pups Go to Washington, D.C., Spifford Max and the Cycle Pups Go to New York City, Spifford Max and the Cycle Pups Go to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Brizzley Bear Loves Poetry and additional publications. Louisa's work has been highlighted in the noted publications Careers from the Kitchen Table by Raven Blair Davis and Miracles in the Divine by Beverly Pokorski. Louisa is also an intuitive artist and writer with works found at LouisaMastro.com. Please email Louisa at distantholistic@gmail.com to schedule a private holistic or life coaching session.
Thank you.
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