If you study about quick sand and the dangers of quick sand you will probably recognize quick sand if you were to happen upon it. You would know what areas to expect it, where it thrives, and what it looked like. You could tell if you saw it.

If you didn't know what quick sand was you might spot it, but you would probably step in it. Quick sand to the unlearned eye looks like normal, stable ground. It's not until you step into it that you begin to sink. The harder you try to get out of it - the deeper in you become. You either have to save yourself (which is unlikely at this point as you are already on your way down) or until help arrives.

Cults and mysticism are much the same way. You usually start out by putting one foot in and then find yourself in way over your head. When you started you may not have intended to get so deep so quickly - or maybe you did. In either case your sinking and need some help to get out of the pit. The longer you stay there the worse shape you are in and the harder to get you out and cleaned up.

There are many many forms of cults, unhealthy beliefs, and self-pleasing group rituals. Some people find the taboo exciting and thrilling. It brings them a sensation of power to dab into things of darkness and witchcraft. Power is something that most all cults and dark studies thrive on. Power from within. A higher power. People seek power from satan and his counterparts. Power to be in control over their peers. Power to have people follow them. Power to feel loved and in control. But this is an illusion that unfortunately usually is not seen until it is too late. Suicides among satinism and other various cults are very high and climbing. Ironically cult members are usually young and bright but disillusioned.

Groups (hereafter referring to cults and darkness associations) usually thrive on those that are lonely, depressed, seeking, and wanting to open their minds. People angry, rejected, hurt by others. People wanting a family, love, support, these are all individuals that groups seek. Especially the young.

Groups are usually organized in a hierarchy type of structure with a controlling leader of persuasive personality at the top and virtually no accountability to anyone or anything. The leader is usually well liked and charismatic. Oftentimes this person is said to be divine or have divine influence. The group as a whole is under total authority of the leaders which can also include financial and relationship control and who they will and will not speak with and about what. Usually these leaders claim to possess the one true knowledge to salvation through either their own personal studies or that of their group as a whole. Sometimes they hold themselves accountable to their interpretation of who or what they are worshipping (fictional or real) and other times they are accountable only to themselves. Anything outside of the group is said to be hostile, a threat, unlearned, and unenlightened.

Some groups are open to the public about their beliefs. Others have subtle ways of getting you involved. Ways that seem harmless at first glance and slowly filter in their beliefs and rituals.

When I was going through a time of struggle and searching in my life, I had a co-worker who seemed to care. He and his wife said they were praying for me and seemed very caring and educated as to the bible. Because no one else seemed to care at the time and the church I had been attending seemed false and a let down I welcomed these people reaching out to me. Soon I began attending their at home group studies. It seemed not only harmless but I actually began to get allot of self-confidence as I was learning more than I had ever learned before and 'thought' I was learning something 'special' that others needed to know (or wish they did).

The people were very friendly and all seemed to care. Looking back there were warning signals but at the time, though I saw many, I overlooked them because I felt the 'good' far outweighed any flaws I saw in the people and surely since they taught about the bible and considered themselves to have studied more extensively then any other non-denomination or denomination and had world wide participation - surely these people could be trusted. Right? WRONG!

Thankfully I was able to get out of this group without too much trouble. They instantly labeled me as "mark and avoid" and that was because they believed that I was evil and a threat because I did not stay within their cult. No one is allowed to talk with me or associate for fear of "catching" an evil spirit. Had I been in this group for many years it would have been harder to leave as this group encourages you to fellowship with only them, study with only them, and encourages you to look at all others as 'lesser'. For many members who have left this group or ones like it they are leaving the only 'family' they have ever known. People they thought they could trust and depend on and had for many things. Sometimes it's this fear of loneliness that keeps people in these types of groups. They don't want to loose the ties they have made and the people they know. They don't want to be considered an 'outcast'. Other groups are not so easy to get out of. Some not only psychologically damage you but they can also physically harm you. Anyone who tries to leave would be threatened or beaten and told it was being done 'out of love and care for their knowledge of the truth'.

Yes, even some who claim to be Christian (and claim is the keyword) need to be tested to see their true beliefs, drive, and ambitions. You need to be on your toes and the saying "if you don't stand for something you'll fall for anything" could not be more accurate when dealing in these areas. Many of the groups thrive off well known and accepted practices to entice their victims. Many groups use wide-known buzz-words, and beliefs, and build on those to lure others in and seem valid. The particular group I studied with seemed to be focused on the bible and that nothing was more important than 'rightly dividing the word'. However that was not the case but the opposite but it took awhile to see that. Many are not as lucky to get out and have lost all their financial savings, own nothing of their own, and will give their life for their belief - - and many have given up their families.

Whether you have a desire to seek out the mysterious, the taboo, or any group, ask the following questions, your answers could provide early warning signals:

- How did the group originate?

- How was the leader chosen? Are theyy worshipped? Considered divine? What background allows them this responsibility? Are they self-taught? Do they claim special access to God? Special powers?

- What literature is used? Is it newlly inspired? Self-written? Said to be divine and not recognized by 'outsiders'? Is it mixed with widely acceptable material and then some unique?

- Is the group deceptive in its recruiitment techniques? Teachings? What if you want to leave? Do you feel overwhelmed by the niceness and love shown from the people who greet you? Do they display this to only new visitors or to all members? Do you feel comfortable? Is there something just not right but you can't quite put your finger on it? Are there many secrets for the group's ears only?

- Is there a fear of something bad happpening or that you are evil if you leave the group? How are members treated who leave? Do you know from personal experience? Are members often taught with guilt or shame? How much personal information have they gathered on you and how is it used? Is it used to your benefit?

- Have you been encouraged to cut off outside relationships including former friends and family who are not members? Are you taught you are above the 'outside' world?

- How does this group view Jesus? Thee bible? Does it consider themselves or higher members equal to Jesus or above? Do they recognize Jesus as existing?

- Does the group or leaders profess too have the truth but actually it is a mixture of truth or a play on words? How do you feel when you question a teaching? How do they react?

- Do you get enough sleep? Food? Is your financial support required? How much? How are traditional values viewed? Do you still have material possessions of value or have you turned them over to the group or members of the group? Leaders? How dependent are you upon the group?

If you are only curious at this point about magic, spiritualism, new age, island groups, do some research. Don't dabble in any of the above as just a little can give you more than you bargained for. Many in these groups are smart and very persuasive. The teachings are not easily identified unless you know what to look for and have a firm foundation under you. You may feel like you couldn't be tricked or could handle yourself but think again. Many many have said the same things only to be proven wrong and left with damaged lives.

Regardless of where you are or where you have been, don't be deceived by false doctrines. satan has always been a great deceiver and often quoted the bible to gain control over others. This was overcome by the person correctly using the scripture and it's meaning and context. Have questions about the authenticity of the bible? God? Christianity? Don't trust me either. Try it for yourself. God will become real to you as the very air you breath. I can only give you my personal experiences and tell you that God has made a miraculous change in my life and that the bible promises and applications all bring forth what they say they will by the power of God.

Are you confused? Not sure what to do? Where to turn? Who to turn to? Try God. Turn to Him. He loves you and cares for you. He stands waiting at the door for you to open the door and allow Him into your life. Wherever you have been, whatever you have done, He waits to forgive you if you just call on Him. There is no other book in the world that has more proof archeologically, prophetically, or historically than the bible. It even warns of false deceptions and devices that are used to deceive. Read it for yourself and apply it to your own life. You'll be amazed what God will do.

If you haven't got a spouse - God will be your partner in life. He will be your best friend. Your encourager. Supporter. The following are names of Jesus from the bible