Spiritual Discernment #3 - Cults Don’t Always Wear Robes

 

When you hear the word “cult,” you probably picture a secluded compound, chanting followers, and a robe-wearing leader who claims divine authority. But the truth is, cult-like dynamics are everywhere, and many of them look nothing like the stereotype.

In today’s spiritual world, manipulation wears a new outfit. It speaks in hashtags. It sells healing packages. It hides behind smiles and self-help lingo. You don’t need robes or rituals to create a toxic power structure. All you need is one person with too much influence and a group unwilling to question.

This is where discernment becomes a non-negotiable tool.

What Cult Vibes Look Like

You don’t have to be in a literal cult to be impacted by cult-like dynamics. Some warning signs:
- **There’s one unquestionable leader.** Their word is final. They position themselves as the only source of truth.
- **You’re pressured to conform.** Dissent is shamed. Disagreement is treated as betrayal.
- **Outsiders are demonized.** You’re told that anyone who doesn’t “get it” is unenlightened or dangerous.
- **Jargon is used to gatekeep.** Complicated language keeps you confused and dependent.

Sound familiar?

This kind of environment doesn’t always feel scary. Sometimes it feels exhilarating. Safe. Connected. At first. But over time, you start to notice that you don’t feel free. You feel controlled.

What It Feels Like

Manipulative spiritual spaces don’t always shout. Sometimes they whisper. They say things like:
- “If you leave, you’re not ready for your next level.”
- “You just don’t understand yet.”
- “Only those who are truly awakened can see the truth.”

And here’s what you start to feel:
- Confused and anxious when questioning anything.
- Afraid to speak up or leave.
- Dependent on the group or teacher for approval and validation.
- Isolated from friends or family who “don’t understand.”

These aren’t small concerns. This is spiritual manipulation, and it’s real.

You Don’t Owe Anyone Your Power

Discernment is the ability to ask, “Does this space amplify my voice, or erase it?” If you’re not allowed to disagree, leave, or set boundaries without being shamed, you’re not in a community, you’re in a system of control.

You do not owe your loyalty to any teacher, healer, or group. Not if they make you feel small. Not if they shame your questions. Not if they frame your doubt as weakness.

Discernment says:
- “I don’t care how many followers they have.”
- “I don’t care how polished their message sounds.”
- “If it feels coercive, it probably is.”

How to Break the Spell

If something feels off, trust that. You’re not crazy. You’re not broken. You’re waking up.

Start by creating distance. That could mean unfollowing, taking a break from events, or stepping out of the conversation. Talk to people you trust. Read up on high-control groups. Journal your experience to get clarity.

Here’s what you’ll likely find: your intuition was right all along.

Journal Prompts to Support Your Clarity

- When have I felt manipulated in the name of growth?
- What does real safety feel like in my body?
- Who or what makes me feel free to be myself?
- Where have I silenced my instincts to fit in?

In Closing

Cults don’t always wear robes. Sometimes they wear flowy dresses, post daily affirmations, and claim to be healers. The packaging doesn’t matter. The behavior does.

Stay curious. Stay awake. Stay sovereign.

Spirituality should never cost you your voice. If it does, it’s time to walk away.