A Sneakier Kind of Witchcraft
Nowadays, many people are drawn to practices that promise control over their lives, whether it is “manifesting” desires, using affirmations to speak things into existence, or repeating phrases to attract what they want. These practices may seem harmless, even spiritual on the surface. However, when we look deeper, these practices often reveal a desire to control outcomes, events, or other people.
New Age theology and practices are heavily rooted in various ancient and historical spiritual traditions. Practices that rely on human effort, rituals and a combination of diverse traditions marketed as “spirituality”.
When we think of witchcraft, we usually picture spells, potions, and the occult. However, there is a subtler, sneakier kind of witchcraft that many of us unwittingly fall into: Manipulation.
Manipulation can be understood as a control mechanism—methods used to influence or dominate others, often through subtle or deceptive means.
It is a way of trying to shape people and circumstances to our own will instead of trusting the Most High to work all things out according to His perfect timing.
Manipulation is not always overt or aggressive; it can be subtle and even sound religious. One common form is the use of vain repetitions—repeating words or phrases with the belief that the sheer repetition will produce results.
The Messiah warned against this in Matthew 6:7: “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.” The Messiah was not discouraging persistent prayer (see Luke 18:1–8), but He was warning against meaningless, formulaic words used to manipulate outcomes instead of submitting to the Most High’s will.
When we attach ourselves to New Age philosophy, we open the door to witchcraft in disguise. Witchcraft leads us away from YAH and draws us closer to darkness. It convinces us that we hold total control over our lives — that we can bend reality to our will — but in doing so, we reject YAH’s sovereignty.
Over time, many who follow these philosophies find themselves in spiritual and mental turmoil, unaware that they have invited unclean spirits to dwell within them.
Witchcraft Is Rebellion
1 Samuel 15:23 states: ” For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” This verse highlights that rebellion, stubbornness, and disobedience are made equivalent to witchcraft. Why? Both witchcraft and rebellion share a common trait: a desire to control outcomes by our own means.
In Galatians 5:19–21, the Apostle Paul lists the works of the flesh, “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like…”
The original term for sorcery here (Greek: pharmakeia) often involves witchcraft or drug use, but the underlying spiritual principle is this: a desire to control, manipulate, and influence outcomes by human ability rather than submit to the Most High’s plan.
Jezebel: A Manipulative Spirit
One of the clearest examples of a manipulative spirit in Scripture is Jezebel. In 1 Kings 21, Jezebel conspires to have Naboth killed so her husband Ahab can take his vineyard. These were not open acts of sorcery, but they were calculated to benefit her through control and deception.
“But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, ‘Do you now govern the kingdom of Israel? Arise, and eat bread, and let your heart be merry: I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.’”
— 1 Kings 21:7
Her manipulation was cloaked in care and support, yet it served her selfish aims. She used lies, coercion, and even murder to achieve her ends. This is a dark example of how manipulation equals witchcraft—not because it seeks control, but because it replaces the Most High’s justice with personal ambition.
A Matter of the Heart
Manipulation is not just an action, it is a heart issue rooted in a lack of faith in YAH’s sovereignty. If we trusted the Most High to provide and lead us, we would not feel the need to control or manipulate others.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
— Proverbs 3:5–6
When we fully trust God, we stop trying to control people and outcomes. Instead, we yield to His leadership and timing
The Just Shall Live By Faith
The Bible calls us to truth and love in our relationships. In Ephesians 4:15, it says: “But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ.”
Manipulation distorts truth, even when it appears to serve a good purpose. Rather than using control to bring about change, believers are called to speak the truth in love, trusting God to work in hearts and situations.
We must examine our hearts to ensure we are not operating under the spirit of witchcraft through manipulation. Are we trying to control others to achieve our desires? Do we use guilt, fear, or deception?
These are signs that we may be under a manipulative spirit. But there is a way out:
1. Submit to YAH’s Will
Acknowledge that we are not capable of controlling people or circumstances. Submit to God’s perfect plan and timing.
2. Walk in the Spirit
As Galatians 5:16 says:
“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
This is how we overcome the temptation to control, and instead allow the Holy Spirit to guide us.
3. Act in Love
“Love is patient, love is kind… it is not self-seeking.”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4–7
True love is not manipulative. It seeks the best for others without control or domination.
4. Be Open and Honest
Speak the truth in love. Do not twist words or actions to fit our agendas. Honesty builds trust and frees us from the need to manipulate.
If you’re unsure whether manipulation is present in your life, seek the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to reveal hidden motives and lead you to repentance:
“Search me, O God, and know my heart… See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
— Psalm 139:23–24
Surrender control, and trust fully in God’s perfect will.
Manipulation is rooted in control and pride. These are sins that the Scriptures clearly condemn as works of the flesh and not of the Spirit of YAH. In 1 Samuel 15:23 it is written,
“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.”
This reveals that rebellion is not only an outward act, but an inward defiance against the will of the Most High. When a person seeks to control others or manipulate outcomes, he departs from the path of faith and walks in the flesh. This is a sign of unbelief and resistance to the sovereignty of YAH.
The Word of YAH teaches in 2 Corinthians 5:7, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Manipulation violates this call to trust. Instead of submitting to the timing and authority of YAH, it places the will of man above the will of YAH.
The Scriptures instruct in Galatians 5:16, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
In Ephesians 5:11 it says, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” Let every person examine his heart and turn away from every form of control and manipulation. Surrender fully to the will of YAH in all things.
As it is written in Romans 8:13–14, “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”