Occult Inventory

This page inventories activities associated with “the occult.” The original inspiration for this page came from the inventory used at Christian Healing Ministries. I have revised, reorganized and expanded the original inventory to include new items.

In general, occult activities involve seeking knowledge or power that is not from God (of the Bible, i.e. Jehovah). For a more detailed explanation, please read my Occult Background page. Dabbling in the occult has often been characterized as harmless fun and generally accepted by mainstream culture (and many Christians). No matter how insignificant or harmless the occult may seem, it is important to know that:

· There is real power behind it

· It will give the enemy a foothold in your life (Exodus 23:33)

· It can open you up to demonic oppression (i.e. evil spirits)

Such influences can hinder your freedom from sin and your ability to live the new life that God has for you in Christ.

God gives very clear guidance in the scriptures concerning the occult. Consider Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (NLT):

¹⁰For example, never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering. And do not let your people practice fortune-telling or sorcery, or allow them to interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, ¹¹or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead. ¹²Anyone who does these things is an object of horror and disgust to the LORD. It is because the other nations have done these things that the LORD your God will drive them out ahead of you.

Seeking other knowledge or power apart from God violates the first commandment, “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3 NKJV). It also violates Jesus’ command, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37 NIV). In short, God’s followers are to have nothing to do with the occult.

A question that frequently comes up is, "Is it wrong for a follower of Christ to watch horror movies or movies with occult content?" I've written a special page to address that question (see horror & occult movies answer).

Each section of this inventory contains reference verses which I encourage you to read through. The questions are intended to uncover possible entry points into the occult realm. Since the occult is ever-expanding through new avenues, this inventory is merely a starting point that hopefully will help increase your awareness of its prevalence.

Before proceeding through the inventory, please pray for revelation, discernment, conviction and protection. As the “Spirit of Truth,” the Holy Spirit will remind you of occult activities you’ve been involved in as you go through this page. Here is a sample prayer you can pray:

Lord God in heaven, thank you for this opportunity to look back through my life and examine it from your perspective. Please shine the light of Truth into every dark area and reveal the things that I need to repent from. I reaffirm my trust and allegiance to Jesus Christ, who is your Son. I believe that he was crucified and resurrected from the dead, providing forgiveness for my sins. I command every voice that is not of God to be silent now as I go through this inventory. I bind all evil spirits from influencing me, especially any spirits of fear. I rebuke all attempts of the enemy to hinder my progress through this inventory. I plead the blood of Jesus Christ over myself right now. Father, please send your holy angels to assist and protect me in this activity. Please send your perfect peace to me. Thank you, Father! I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

The enemy wants to retain whatever power or influence he may have gained in your life through the occult. Sometimes people experience "spiritual resistance" as they go through this inventory. Examples of resistance have included distracting thoughts, mocking voices, inability to concentrate, exhaustion/drowsiness, hot or cold flashes, trouble focusing eyes, difficulty in breathing, heart racing or bodily pains like headaches. Do not fear if you experience these or similar manifestations. You can ask God to help you and you can assert your authority in Jesus Christ over any spirits that may be trying to hinder you. Here is an example prayer to do so:

Dear God, Please help me overcome this resistance and complete the inventory. In the name of Jesus Christ, I bind every demonic power that is hindering my progress and I command it to stop right now. I command every voice that is not of God to be silent. I rebuke every attack of the enemy that is being waged against me. I plead the blood of Jesus over myself and my thoughts. I put on the full armor of God, to include the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth and I shod my feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. I speak the word of God from my mouth and in my thoughts, as it is the Sword of the Spirit. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

As you go through the inventory, please note which items apply to you, even if you did them as a joke. It may be helpful to print this page out so you can circle the areas that apply to you. If the Lord reminds you of additional sins, please write them down and include them in the confession & repentance prayers in the next section.

Sins associated with the flesh or eyes
(Matthew 5:28; Romans 6:12-14; Romans 8:13-14; 1 Corinthians 6:13-20; Galatians 5:16-21; 1Thessalonians 4:3-8; 1 Peter 2:11; 1 John 2:16)

• Have you ever used LSD, marijuana, crack cocaine or any other mind-expanding or mind-altering drugs?
• Have you ever abused prescription drugs?
• Have you ever viewed abstract art while under hallucinogenic stimulus?
• Have you ever had a problem with alcohol?
• Have you ever looked at pornography in any form?
• Have you ever visited a prostitute, strip bar, or massage parlor for sexual favors?
• Have you ever had a problem with habitual masturbation?
• Have you ever participated in cybersex, phone sex or anonymous sex?
• Have you ever taken interest and/or been involved in homosexuality or lesbianism?
• Have you been involved in group sex, bestiality or pedophilia?
• Have you ever had sexual contact with a person who was not your legal spouse? If possible, list them by name (first name or initial is sufficient):

• Have you had an abortion? Have you fathered a child who was aborted? Have you been involved with an abortion in any way?
• Have you ever had a fetish?
• Have you watched horror movies?
• Have you read books or watched movies/television shows with demonic themes? (The Exorcist, Rosemary’s Baby, The Omen, etc.)
• Have you read books or watched movies/television shows that promoted occult practices? (Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, The Seventh Sign, Poltergeist, Teen Witch, etc.)
• Have you ever listened to hard rock, heavy metal or acid rock music with a Satanic influence or music with a new age influence?

Soothsaying, Divination, Necromancy and Spiritualism
(Leviticus 19:31; Leviticus 20:6; Deuteronomy 18:9-16; 1 Samuel 28:7-11; 2 Kings 21:6; 1 Chronicles 10:13-14; Isaiah 2:6; Isaiah 8:19-22; Isaiah 47:10-15; Micah 5:12; Acts 16:16-18)

• Have you ever had your future predicted through tea leaves, palm reading, crystal ball, fortune teller or psychic?
• Have you ever read or followed horoscopes, or had a chart made for yourself to predict your future?
• Have you ever read any other types of birth signs?
• Have you ever been hypnotized, practiced self-hypnosis, yoga or transcendental meditation? (Hypnotism was described as "casting a spell" in Bible days, and a hypnotist was called a "charmer")
• Have you ever been involved in charming or enchanting (using spirit power to do your will)?
• Have you ever attended a séance or a spiritualist meeting?
• Have you ever believed in reincarnation or had a reincarnation reading?
• Have you ever played with a Ouija board, crystal ball, Dungeons & Dragons, Pern (Harper's Tale) or other games involving occult subjects? (witches, warlocks, wizards, magical powers, spirits, etc.)
• Have you ever had a Tarot card reading or practiced cartomancy (using playing cards for fortune telling or other magical purposes)?
• Have you ever played games using ESP, telepathy, hypnotism, etc.?
• Have you ever consulted or acted as a medium, psychic, spiritualist or numerologist?
• Have you ever practiced channeling spirits?
• Have you ever seen and/or communicated with apparitions that were evil or of questionable origin?
• Have you ever sought healing through magic spells or charms, a Christian Scientist, New Age healer, spiritualist, witch doctor, Reiki practitioner, or Shaman?
• Have you ever had a massage that included Reiki therapy? (AKA “Energy Healing”)
• Have you ever been involved with acupuncture?
• Have you ever used a charm, amulet of any kind, or crystal for protection, power or good luck?
• Have you ever participated in chain letters?
• Have you ever practiced water-witching or dowsing to find out information such as where to dig a well?
• Have you ever practiced seer stone divination?
• Have you ever visited a town or location known for its occult activities or supernatural or paranormal phenomenon?

Occult Books, "Contact" Objects and Other Media
(Exodus 20:3-6; Deuteronomy 5:8-10; Deuteronomy 7:4-6, 25-26; 2 Kings 22:15-20; Psalm 97:7; Isaiah 42:17; Acts 19:19-20)

• Have you read or possessed books on Wicca, astrology, non-Christian interpretation of dreams, augury (interpretation of omens), cults or other religious groups that deviate from sound Biblical doctrine? (examples: Mormonism/The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Science, Unity,Unification Church, Scientology, or Mind Science)
• Have you ever read or possessed books or materials on witchcraft, fortune telling, magic, ESP, psychic phenomena or possession? (Harry Potter materials, Steven King novels, the Cabala, the Satanic bible, books on casting spells, hexes or curses, witchcraft, etc..)
• Do you have anything in your home associated with non-Christian religious practice or other occult practices? (Examples: Indian dream catchers, Buddha statues, New Age crystals, temple relics, ankh, voodoo doll, ceremonial masks, Masonic rings, etc.)
• Do you have anything in your home that was given to you by someone in the occult?
• Do you have any materials written by Edgar Cayce, Jean Dixon, Shirley MacLaine, L. Ron Hubbard, Anne McCaffrey, Nostradamus, or New Age authors?
• Do you possess music with Satanic lyrics?
• Do you possess videos or other media that feature sexual sin, murder or other violence for entertainment (example: R rated movies)?
• Have you played or do you own games (video or other) that involve characters with superhuman or supernatural powers? (Harry Potter, Zelda, Pokemon, Diablo, Powerball, Doom, Dungeons & Dragons, Atmosfear, etc.)

Sorcery or Magic
(2 Kings 17:17, 2 Kings 21:6; Isaiah 47:9; Ezekiel 13:17-23; Malachi 3:5; Acts 8:11; Acts 13:4-12; Revelation 18:23; Revelation 21:8)

• Have you ever practiced sorcery or magic?
• Have you ever practiced mind control over any person or animal, cast a magic spell or sought a psychic experience?
• Have you ever consulted voodoo in order to bring harm on another person, to protect yourself, or to cause someone to fall in love with you?
• Have you ever been involved with Santería, or Lucumí (AKA The Order of the Orishas or The Order of Lucumí)?
• Have you ever practiced the black arts?
• Have you ever practiced table lifting, levitation of objects, pendulum swinging, lifting of bodies, automatic writing, astral travel or soul-travel?

Worshipping other gods
(1 Corinthians 10:20-22; Psalm 106:37; Revelation 9:20-21; Revelation 13:4)

• Have you ever made a pact with the devil or been involved in or witnessed Satan worship, a Satanic ritual or black magic?
• Have you ever been involved with anyone in The Brotherhood, The Illuminati, the Sisters of Light, or any other group associated with Satanism?
• Have you ever worn, owned or had in your home the symbol of the ankh (a cross with a ring top that is used in satanic rites)?
• Have you ever celebrated or witnessed a black mass? (real or depicted)
• Have you ever participated in or witnessed a ritual sacrifice?
• Have you ever made a blood covenant or pact?
• Have you ever invited spirit gods, or other beings into your body?
• Have you ever asked for a spirit guide to help you?
• Have you ever asked the devil to help you or “made a deal” with the devil?
• Have you ever believed the idea that man is self-sufficient and does not need God?
• Have you ever considered yourself to be an atheist?
• Have you ever been involved with a non-Christian or “near-Christian” religion? (ex. Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, New Age, Wicca, Mind Science, Scientology, Christian Science, Jehovah's Witnesses, LuminEssence, The Path of Light, Paganism, Judaism, Mormonism/LDS, Unification Church, etc.)
• Have you ever visited Mayan or Incan ruins, Indian burial grounds, Egyptian pyramids, Buddhist temples, mosques, or any other site significant to a non-Christian religion?
• Have you ever participated in pagan celebrations such as Hawaiian luaus, Indian rain dances or other festivals of religious significance?

Witchcraft
(Galatians 5:19-20; 1 Samuel 28:5-24; 1 Chronicles 10:13; 2 Kings 9:22; 2 Kings 23:24; Isaiah 8:19; Isaiah 19:3; Ezekiel 13:17-23; Micah 5:12)

• Have you ever participated in witchcraft or voodoo activities?
• Have you ever been involved in Wicca, New Age, or Freemasonry?
• Have you ever wished you or someone else were dead?
• Have you ever planned or attempted suicide?
• Have you ever planned or attempted to kill someone?
• Have you ever sent a curse, hex or spell on someone?
• Have you ever practiced shape-shifting? (no kidding; see Exodus 7:11-12)

Generational Influence
(Exodus 34:6-7; Numbers 14:17-19; Deuteronomy 5:8-10; Isaiah 19:3)

• Have your family members ever had problems with alcohol or drugs?
• Do you know of any relatives or ancestors who have been involved with Wicca, witchcraft, pagan religions, fortune telling or strong superstitions, or used magic spells or potions?
• Has anyone in your family been involved in Freemasonry?
• Has anyone in your family been involved in any of the activities mentioned in this inventory? If so, please note the family relation and the activities involved.
• See our page on Generational Sin for more information

Confession and Repentance
Take some time to review the areas that you have noted in the inventory. If there are any that you are unsure about, ask God to reveal any sin that may have been involved with the activity and to give you understanding about why it was sin. If there are any areas that you are not ready to turn away from, you can ask the Lord to give you the desire to repent in those areas.

Now you have the opportunity to confess the sin associated with the areas you identified in the inventory. Confession is important because it signifies our agreement with God that we did something wrong. It clears the way for us to receive healing, forgiveness and cleansing from the ill-effects of our sin (1 John 1:9, James 5:15-16). If you have possessed objects linked to the occult, I strongly urge you to get rid of them as a symbolic act of your repentance, just as the people who burned their magic books in Paul’s day (Acts 19:19). For more info on this, please visit my Clean House page.

If you are ready to confess your sin and turn away from it with no regrets, please pray the below prayers specifically for each area that you noted:

“Lord God, I believe in Jesus Christ as your Son, who was crucified and resurrected from the dead. I confess that I have sinned in the following ways: _____________(list the sin). I renounce these sins and the use of my body in conjunction with them. I renounce any attempt I have made to seek power or knowledge from any source outside of you. Please forgive me, Lord, for entering the realm of evil and opening myself up to the devil's influences.

I now take my position as a redeemed son (or daughter) of God in Jesus Christ in my family. I confess the occult sins of my ancestors to include: __________________ (list). I renounce these sins and any unknown sins that they committed. I apply the blood of Jesus Christ to these sins and break any curses that may have come down the generations to me or the rest of my family.

Lord God, please cleanse me with the blood of Jesus and fill me afresh with the Holy Spirit. I receive your Spirit now. (pause for a time of silent prayer) Please unite my heart to live for you in righteousness. I now present my body, soul and spirit as instruments for righteousness and not for sin. I am your vessel, Lord. Thank You, Father! I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

If you prayed that prayer sincerely, you can be confident that God has forgiven you and purified you of your sin (1 John 1:9). In fact, God doesn't even remember your sin once you've confessed it. He said in Isaiah 43:25: "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." You can now move forward in your walk with God without condemnation concerning the past!

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