There is a growing interest among many in returning to Africa to reconnect with spiritual traditions. This desire often comes from a place of searching for identity, healing, and cultural pride. But in this search, a dangerous trap has been set. Not everything presented as “African spirituality” is truly of Africa, and many people are falling into deception.
I have observed, there are countless individuals who claim they are deep into African spirituality. They wear the garments, change their names, and decorate themselves with symbols. Yet, behind these outward displays, many are practicing occult rituals that have nothing to do with the true spirit of Africa. What they are embracing is not empowerment, but a pathway into confusion and destruction.
The sad reality is that the occult often hides itself in forms that look familiar, beautiful, and cultural. It presents itself as wisdom, but it thrives on deception. When Black people, especially from the West, rush to adopt practices without true understanding, they open the door to energies they cannot control. This is not a matter of opinion—it is a matter of survival for the soul.
Many are so desperate for something “different” from the religions they grew up with that they will accept anything that feels exotic or rebellious. But not every drumbeat is calling us home. Some beats are calling us into spiritual slavery. We must be able to tell the difference, because if we don’t, we will mistake bondage for liberation.
This is why the subject Beware of the Occult Masquerading as African Spirituality must be spoken on with urgency. Too many of our people are getting caught in movements that promise power but leave them broken, confused, and disconnected from the true spiritual essence of Africa.
The Mask of Culture
One of the main tricks of the occult is to dress itself up in cultural beauty. People put on African clothing, jewelry, and headwear, but these outward signs do not equal true spirituality. They are costumes if not connected to genuine knowledge and righteous living. We must not confuse style with substance. True African spirituality is rooted in balance, respect for life, and connection to the Creator—not in rituals that glorify darkness.
Spiritual Tourism and the Search for Identity
Many who travel to Africa do so with good intentions. They want to reclaim what was lost through slavery and colonization. But in their eagerness, they become vulnerable to exploitation. Some self-proclaimed spiritual leaders see this vulnerability and take advantage of it. They sell ceremonies, titles, and “secret powers,” but what they are really selling is confusion and chains disguised as freedom.
The Dangers of Immaturity
Another danger comes from people who approach spirituality without emotional maturity. They want quick power, instant results, and shortcuts to wisdom. This leads them into occult practices such as hexes, spells, and channeling dark forces. These things may seem exciting at first, but they destroy lives. Without grounding and discipline, people lose themselves in delusion, believing in fantasies that have no substance.
The Double Life of Fraudulent Teachers
There are many frauds who present themselves as keepers of ancient wisdom, but they live double lives. They preach one thing while practicing another. They are not building communities or uplifting people; they are feeding off the desperation of those who want meaning in their lives. These false guides often lead people into spiritual bondage while pretending to liberate them.
True African Spirituality vs. The Occult
It is important to make a clear distinction between true African spirituality and the occult. African spirituality, at its core, honors creation, ancestors, harmony, and the divine source of life. It uplifts, it heals, and it strengthens community. The occult, on the other hand, is rooted in manipulation, control, selfish power, and often the worship of destructive forces. One brings light, the other brings shadows. We must be able to see the difference.
The Role of Discipline and Wisdom
Spirituality is not entertainment. It requires discipline, humility, and wisdom. Those who claim African spirituality but use it to gain personal power or control others are not following the true path. Instead, they are inviting forces that corrupt the soul. Our people must recognize that spirituality is about growth and connection, not about showmanship or manipulation.
Protecting the Community
The danger of the occult hiding behind African spirituality is not just personal—it affects entire communities. Families are broken, minds are confused, and people are led away from true empowerment. Instead of building a strong cultural and spiritual foundation, these false practices weaken us. The community must learn to protect itself by exposing frauds and standing firm in truth.
The warning must be clear: Beware of the occult masquerading as African spirituality. Not everything presented with African symbols and language is pure. Some of it is poison dressed in tradition. If we are not careful, we will drink deeply of what destroys us.
I have seen the confusion that comes when people rush into these practices without wisdom. I have seen how quickly lives can unravel when darkness is mistaken for light. The price is too high for us to ignore this truth.
We must move with discernment. We must question the motives of those who present themselves as spiritual leaders. We must seek out genuine understanding, not flashy displays. Our spiritual journey is too important to gamble with.
Let us hold on to the true essence of African spirituality—one that uplifts, heals, and connects us with the divine order. Anything else is a trap designed to enslave us in a different form.
If we want freedom, strength, and clarity, we must separate the real from the false. The mask of the occult is convincing, but when we see behind it, we realize it was never African spirituality at all. It was deception. And once we know this truth, we can walk the path of light without fear.
