"Let no one be found among you… who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells… Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord."
— Deuteronomy 18:10–12 (NIV)
God created our hands to lift in worship, to build in love, and to serve in holiness. But when they are used to engage in sorcery, witchcraft, or occult rituals, we violate the very purpose of our bodies—and open dangerous spiritual doors.
Sorcery is not fantasy or harmless curiosity. In Scripture, it is a serious sin—a form of rebellion that attempts to access power apart from God. Whether through spells, rituals, charms, tarot cards, astrology, crystals, or calling on spirits, these practices are spiritually defiling and deeply offensive to the Lord.
The Spirit Behind the Occult
"For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry."
— 1 Samuel 15:23 (KJV)
At its core, sorcery is about control—trying to manipulate the spiritual realm without submission to God. It replaces trust with manipulation, prayer with incantation, and surrender with self-will. God forbids it not because He fears it—but because it invites dark spiritual forces and leads people away from the truth.
Examples of Occult Practices Involving the Hands
Casting spells or performing rituals
Using tarot cards, pendulums, or runes
Creating potions or charms for love, revenge, or luck
Participating in séances or spirit-channeling
Practicing "white magic" or "energy healing" outside of Christ
Engaging in palm reading or fortune-telling
Using crystals for spiritual protection or power
Writing sigils or symbols with occult meanings
Conducting rituals tied to astrology, moon cycles, or ancestral spirits
"They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to false gods. They shed innocent blood... whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan."
— Psalm 106:37–38 (NIV)
God sees behind the ritual—He sees the spiritual allegiance it represents.
The Consequences of Sorcery
Separation from God's presence
Demonic oppression or spiritual torment
Hardening of the heart against truth
Generational spiritual bondage
Emotional instability and confusion
Rejection from the Kingdom (Galatians 5:20 – "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God")
Even seemingly "small" practices can open large spiritual doors. The enemy does not care how you enter—as long as you do not enter through Christ.
How to Guard Against This Sin
1. Renounce All Occult Involvement
Break agreement with anything you've participated in—no matter how long ago.
(Acts 19:19 – "They brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly…")
2. Cleanse Your Home and Hands
Remove books, objects, jewelry, or symbols tied to the occult.
(Deuteronomy 7:26 – "Do not bring a detestable thing into your house…")
3. Fill Your Life with God's Word and Worship
Replace deception with truth.
(Psalm 119:105 – "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.")
4. Pray for Deliverance if Necessary
Spiritual darkness can linger where repentance is incomplete. Seek prayer and accountability.
(James 5:16 – "Confess your sins to one another… that you may be healed.")
5. Trust Only in the Power of Christ
Jesus is the only source of true light, power, and protection.
(Colossians 2:15 – "He disarmed the powers and authorities…")
Prayer of Renunciation and Cleansing
"Lord, I confess that I have used my hands for things You call evil. I renounce every work of sorcery, witchcraft, or the occult that I have engaged in. Forgive me for seeking power outside of You. Cleanse me by the blood of Jesus. Break every spiritual tie and shut every door I've opened. Fill my heart and my hands with Your light and truth alone. I surrender fully to You. In Jesus' name, Amen."