Spiritual

The Hidden Dangers in Spiritual Communities: How to Spot Red Flags Before You Get Burned

May 15, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

Image depicting a representation of two spiritual paths: one bathed in light & one shrouded in darkness.

759 words, 4 minutes read time.

There’s a heartbreaking paradox happening in modern spiritual spaces: the places we go to remember who we are are often the very places that cause us to forget. Forget our power. Forget our sovereignty. Forget our divine right to say, “No, that doesn’t resonate with me.”

I’ve been in so-called “spiritual families” that preached sovereignty but practiced control. I’ve witnessed “healing” offered like a favor, only to have it weaponized later when you dared to trust your own discernment over their direction. I’ve seen help offered with a smile—and then yanked back with a slap of shame when you didn’t comply. That’s not spiritual guidance. That’s manipulation in sacred disguise.

Let’s be real: not every spiritual community is safe. Not every “high-frequency” group is actually rooted in integrity. And not every smiling “lightworker” is walking their talk.

But Why Do Spiritual Groups Attract Narcissists?

Because narcissism loves hierarchy & spiritual bypassing. When someone can position themselves as more “evolved,” more “connected,” or more “divinely appointed,” the door opens wide for subtle control tactics. Spiritual narcissists aren’t always overt—they often hide behind “love & light” language, weaponize group loyalty, & use teachings like “just drop your trauma” to silence critical thinking.

And when the leadership isn’t trauma-informed? That’s where harm multiplies. Real healing work doesn’t shame your nervous system. It meets it. It doesn’t bypass your pain with empty affirmations. It honors your process & walks with you through the fire.

When Legacy Feeds Ego (And Not Liberation)

Some leaders even root their identity in spiritual lineage—like claiming a past connection to known gurus as proof of their spiritual credibility. But not all lineages are clean.

Take Osho, for example.

While he publicly spoke of inner freedom & spiritual sovereignty, allegations & testimonies surrounding his commune told a different story: manipulation, abuse, & a disturbing hierarchy where the inner circle wielded control masked as enlightenment. And yes, women were disproportionately involved in carrying out the darker agendas—often at the direction of those higher up.

When someone builds their “authority” off of associations like that without acknowledging the harm that occurred—brushing off real accounts as “lies” or “media manipulation”—that’s enabling. That’s flying monkey behavior. That’s a spiritual red flag.

Saying the Right Things While Doing the Opposite

The most dangerous communities aren’t the ones that openly declare themselves as gurus. They’re the ones who say all the right things: “Be your own guide.” “Trust your inner wisdom.” “You don’t need me.”

But then… the culture tells a different story. Members defer to the leader constantly for answers. No one dares to question “downloads.” Critical thinking is seen as a lower frequency. And suddenly, the very group that says it’s about sovereignty begins to look a lot like worship.

And when the answer to every struggle becomes a product—“Just do the [insert program name here]”—you’ve entered the realm of spiritual consumerism masquerading as healing. Outsourcing your inner work to someone else’s team won’t create lasting transformation. We all have our own Spirit Teams, our own Divine Intelligence. Healing that lasts requires you to meet yourself in the shadows, not just hand them off & call it done.

You’re Not Alone (And You’re Not Crazy)

If any of this hits close to home—if you’ve ever doubted yourself after being spiritually gaslit or abused in the name of “healing”—please know: you are not alone. Many of us have walked through distorted communities believing we found “home,” only to realize we were handing over our power in increments.

But that experience doesn’t make you broken. It makes you wise.

It’s exactly why I created a downloadable checklist to help you spot these red flags before you get entangled in a group or with a guide who doesn’t actually serve your soul’s evolution.

Download 13 Spiritual Integrity Checkpoints: Is This a Soul-Aligned Sanctuary or a Cultic Dumpster Fire?

The checklist below includes signs of spiritual manipulation, bypassing, narcissistic dynamics, & cult-like behavior, based on real experiences, including mine. It’s a tool of discernment, not fear. Keep it close.

Because the more spiritually empowered we become, the harder it is for false light to find a foothold.

Log in or sign up if you would like to download the checklist. (As a free member of Abundant Youniverse, you will also have access to our high consciousness, spiritual social network, Sacred Circle, & all the free resources on Abundant Youniversity.)

For more information on spiritual narcissism in general, please check out my article Spiritual Narcissism: The Hidden Trap on the Awakening Path.

The Point Is the Point: A Mathemagickal Revelation About Reality

May 6, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

655 words, 3 minutes read time.

“Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.” – Albert Einstein

Let me paint you a picture.

I’m sipping coffee, watching a Reiki ASMR video, deep in the fog of my moon cycle (read: thick-brain, low-motivation, highly receptive mode)… when BAM—epiphany. Or maybe it was more of a soul remembrance. Because this wasn’t just a passing insight. It was part of a download that’s been unfurling in pieces over time—a multi-dimensional breadcrumb trail the Universe keeps nudging me along.

And this time, the next piece clicked.

Time & space aren’t real.

Not metaphorically—not in the woo-woo “time is a construct” kind of way (though, yes). I mean in a literal sense. The reason why distance healing works, why timelines collapse, & why we can tap into any version of ourselves in meditation, dreams, or quantum healing… is because everything is happening all at once inside a single, conscious point.

Not a location—a state. A state of beingness. A Divine Superintelligence dreaming Itself into infinite expressions.

🌀 What Is “The Point”?

Imagine a torus—a 3D donut-shaped energy field where energy flows in, out, & around infinitely. That’s the shape of your aura, your heart field, Earth’s energy grid, galaxies… & yes, even the everything bagel from Everything Everywhere All At Once (a film that turned a Universal Truth into both a meme & a spiritual metaphor).

The center of the torus—the still point—is The Point.

It’s the One Source Consciousness. The All. The dreaming intelligence that birthed (& is continuously birthing) all realities, timelines, dimensions, & incarnations. And from within that Point, everything radiates. Simultaneously. In all directions. Including inward.

You’ve never left it.

You are not moving through time & space.

You are consciousness having experiences within the infinite layers of a dream… curled into itself like a fractal, folding & unfolding, forever.

☯️ So Why Does It Feel Like Time & Space Are Real?

Because within the dream, we need polarity. We need contrast. We need separation to experience connection. We aren’t here to escape the illusion but to remember within it—to become lucid dreamers.

Foggy mornings. Spiral downloads. Strange synchronicities. Everything is a breadcrumb. And when we feel “low vibe” or “out of it,” sometimes we’re not off-path—we’re simply slowing down to re-sync with the Point.

It’s all here. It’s all now. And none of it is separate from you.

🧘‍♀️ Why This Matters (And How It Connects to Your Path)

This remembrance isn’t just poetic—it’s practical. If you’ve been feeling disconnected, uncertain, or like you’re running out of time (👀), this is your sign to breathe.

You are not late. You are not behind. You are not broken.

You are dreaming. And you’re beginning to remember.

That’s where my Soul-Aligned Ascension Mentorship comes in—not to teach you something new, but to help you remember what your soul already knows. It’s a sacred space for multidimensional beings like you who are waking up to their own codes, timelines, & Divine role in The All.

So if your soul said “yes” while reading this… it’s already begun.

👉 Explore the Soul-Aligned Ascension Mentorship here.

🥯 Wait… What About the Everything Bagel?

Oh, right. The bagel.

It’s not just a cute metaphor. It’s a visual key. That circular flow with the hole at the center—the still point—is the shape of consciousness in motion. The torus. The Point. The All.

So yes, that absurd little bagel in the movie wasn’t just comic relief—it was a sacred geometry wink from the Universe.

✨ Final Word

This is an ongoing download for me. I don’t have all the answers, but I know this much:

You’ve never been separate.
You’ve never truly left Source.
You are the dream & the dreamer.
And the Point… is the point.

Ready to dive deeper into your own Divine design? I’d love to walk beside you as you remember your place within the dream. 💫

Spiritual Narcissism: The Hidden Trap on the Awakening Path

March 7, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

1,366 words, 7 minutes read time.

In the world of spirituality, we often talk about raising our vibration, stepping into our highest Self, & aligning with Divine Truth. But what happens when someone claims to embody all of this, but something just feels off? Enter the spiritual narcissist: the wolf in guru’s clothing, the teacher who preaches love while subtly manipulating, & the healer who thrives on hierarchy instead of empowerment.

Spiritual narcissism is a particularly insidious form of manipulation because it masquerades as wisdom, enlightenment, & even Divine authority. It’s harder to spot than other types of narcissism because it wears the perfect disguise—spirituality itself.

Let’s break it down:

What Is Spiritual Narcissism?

At its core, narcissism is a personality trait (or, in extreme cases, a disorder) characterized by a sense of superiority, entitlement, & a need for admiration. Spiritual narcissism takes this a step further. It uses spiritual concepts, teachings, & practices as a way to elevate oneself above others.

A spiritual narcissist may:

Present themselves as more enlightened, awakened, or “special” than others.
Use spiritual jargon to gaslight & deflect accountability.
Demand loyalty or devotion, often positioning themselves as a guru or authority figure.
Subtly (or overtly) suggest that they have access to Divine Truth that others do not.
Offer “help” or guidance—not out of genuine care, but as a tool for control. They keep a silent tally of everything they’ve done for you, making sure you feel indebted, even if you never asked for their assistance. And while they’ll insist they don’t need recognition, they’ll have no problem reminding you of every favor, every act of generosity—even the ones you weren’t aware of.

Unlike traditional narcissists, who might flaunt wealth or social status, spiritual narcissists wield their “enlightenment” as their power source.

Why Is It So Hard to Spot Spiritual Narcissism?

Most people can recognize a textbook narcissist—the arrogant CEO, the self-obsessed influencer, or the manipulative romantic partner. But a spiritual narcissist hides behind virtues like unconditional love, non-judgment, wisdom, & service.

Here’s why they’re so tricky to identify:

They appear selfless. Many spiritual narcissists often speak about service, humility, & surrender, but their actions tell a different story. While claiming to simply “guide” others, they expect admiration & unquestioning obedience. (If you listen closely, you’ll notice their “good deeds” always circle back to them—how they helped, how they feel about it, how wise they are, how much they sacrificed—rather than truly centering the people they claim to serve.)
They weaponize spiritual principles. Concepts like “ego death,” “surrender,” & “trust” are often twisted to control others. For example, if you question them, they might accuse you of being “stuck in your ego” or “resisting the Divine plan.”
They exploit vulnerabilities. People on a spiritual journey are often in a place of deep self-exploration, seeking truth & healing. A spiritual narcissist knows exactly how to mirror your desires & wounds, making it seem like they hold the answers you’ve been searching for (or at the very least, that they’re walking the same path as you).
Their “help” isn’t actually for you. As previously touched on, any guidance, healing, wisdom, or “assistance” they offer is ultimately about them—their ego, their sense of power, their ability to be seen as generous or the enlightened authority. And it’s never truly unconditional. If they help you in any way, expect it to be used against you later. They’ll remind you of what they did for you, or maybe even reveal something you didn’t know they did for you, subtly making you feel indebted or ungrateful if you ever question them.

Triangulation: Pitting People Against Each Other

One of the most manipulative tactics a spiritual narcissist uses is triangulation, which means playing people against each other to maintain control.

Here’s how it works:

They subtly (or openly) compare you to others, suggesting that someone else is more evolved, more devoted, more aligned, or just plain better than you. This keeps you striving for their approval.
They spread misinformation or selectively share details between people to create confusion, distrust, or competition.
They position themselves as the “mediator” or “higher authority” when conflicts arise, keeping themselves at the center of everything.
They make you feel like you’re either in their inner circle or on the outside, creating a dynamic where people compete for their attention & validation.

A spiritual narcissist thrives on this kind of division because it ensures they remain the ultimate authority. If people in their circle are constantly doubting or competing with each other, they won’t unite & question them.

If you ever feel like someone in a spiritual community is causing unnecessary drama, whispering behind the scenes, or making you doubt your own relationships (or even your perception), PAY ATTENTION. They might be using triangulation to manipulate & control.

Signs You’re Dealing With a Spiritual Narcissist

How can you tell if someone is just using spirituality to feed their ego? Watch for these red flags:

They claim to be more enlightened than you (&/or others). True spiritual teachers empower others; they don’t create a hierarchy of awakening.
They dismiss your intuition. If someone tells you that your concerns, doubts, or instincts are “just your ego talking,” that’s a red flag.
They avoid accountability. When confronted, they use spiritual bypassing, claiming “everything happens for a reason” or shifting blame onto you for not being “high-vibe” enough.
They demand loyalty. Whether it’s an exclusive spiritual group, a “guru” figure, or a healer who insists they are your only path to growth…RUN.
They use guilt & shame as tools. If someone makes you feel spiritually inadequate for questioning them or setting boundaries, that’s a major red flag.
They create dependency. A real teacher wants you to trust yourself more, not rely on them indefinitely.
They center themselves when they “help” others. When they talk about being of service to others, are they centering those they are helping or themselves? How many times do they use the word “I” & how many times do they reference the person or people they helped? This will tell you a lot about their intentions.
They use “ego resistance” as a way to control your reactions. If something they say or do makes you uncomfortable, alarms you, or just doesn’t sit right, they’ll tell you it’s just your ego resisting. That you need to surrender. That your discomfort is proof you have something to release. They might even get defensive in an attempt to make you feel guilty for experiencing discomfort, or questioning them in the first place.

This tactic is dangerous because it forces you to second-guess yourself. Instead of listening to your gut when a red flag appears, you’ll feel pressured to override your instincts in the name of “growth,” “awakening,” or “gratitude.” Before you know it, they’ve conditioned you to ignore your inner truth & only trust them.

How to Protect Yourself

If you suspect someone in your spiritual circle has narcissistic tendencies, here’s what you can do:

Trust your intuition. If something feels off, it probably is.
Stay grounded in your own path. No one else has the authority to define your spiritual journey (or anything else) for you.
Set firm boundaries. If someone is making you feel small, powerless, or guilty for asserting yourself, it’s time to step back.
Seek multiple perspectives. A healthy spiritual journey involves diverse viewpoints, not blind allegiance to one person or philosophy.
Pay attention to how they handle your discomfort. If they twist your feelings into something that serves their narrative, especially if they say your resistance is just your ego, you’ve found a major red flag.

Can resistance be your ego? For sure. But if it happens when someone is demanding something of you that makes you uncomfortable? And then they tell you it’s just your ego? That is a clear sign of manipulation.

Final Thoughts on Spiritual Narcissism

Spiritual narcissism is one of the trickiest traps on the path to awakening, but awareness is the key to avoiding it. The more we recognize these patterns, the less power they have over us.

True spiritual growth isn’t about hierarchy, control, or superiority. It’s about self-awareness, humility, & personal empowerment. No one holds the keys to your enlightenment but you.

Become your own spiritual guide & guru.

Are You a Blueprinter? Reveal the Hidden Codes of Your Soul

February 6, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

377 words, 2 minutes read time.

Have you ever felt like you were deciphering reality itself—seeing the hidden patterns beneath existence while others simply accept things at face value? Do you instinctively sense that life is built on something deeper, more structured than what we’ve been taught? If so, you might be a Blueprinter, which is a soul type designed to work with the very fabric of creation.

From the energetic architecture of the Universe to the intricate codes embedded in our own souls, Blueprinters are the ones who decode, refine, & realign reality itself. Just as software relies on precise coding to function properly, existence follows Source Code, the Divine Blueprint that governs all things.

But while every being carries this cosmic template, Blueprinters are different. They don’t just have Source Code. They actively engage with it, troubleshoot it, &, in some cases, rewrite it.

Could You Be a Blueprinter?

Many Blueprinters sense their role long before they have words for it. They are drawn to:

✔️ Cosmic systems like astrology, numerology, Human Design, or sacred geometry
✔️ Seeing hidden structures & patterns in everything
✔️ Fixing, upgrading, or refining energetic or physical systems
✔️ Challenging outdated structures & feeling deeply misaligned with distortion

Blueprinters come in different forms. Some are Creators, designing the original blueprints of existence. Others are Technicians, repairing corrupted code, or Translators, helping others understand their own Divine Blueprint.

And some, like me, embody all aspects at different times, navigating reality like a cosmic architect, always drawn to the underlying structure of things.

Why This Matters

When you understand your Source Code, everything changes. You begin to see your role in the grand cosmic design. You realize that the very things you’ve always been drawn to—the patterns, the systems, the need to fix, upgrade, & translate—are not random.

They are part of your soul’s function.

If this resonates with you, it’s not by chance. It’s because, on some level, you already knew. You just needed the right keys to unlock it.

Reveal Your Divine Blueprint

There’s so much more to explore: each type of Blueprinter, how to identify your unique soul coding, & how to integrate more of your Divine Blueprint into this life.

Click here to read the full page & uncover your Source Code.

Choosing Focus vs. Spiritual Bypassing: Striking the Balance for True Alignment

January 12, 2025 by Elle Leave a Comment

704 words, 4 minutes read time.

There’s a subtle yet profound difference between choosing where we focus our attention & falling into spiritual bypassing. It’s a distinction worth exploring because where we place our energy profoundly impacts our experience & what we manifest.

Spiritual bypassing often happens when we try to skip over the hard stuff—ignoring uncomfortable emotions, avoiding painful truths, or denying what’s unfolding in front of us because it doesn’t fit the outcome we desire. It can look like insisting we’re fine when we’re not, pretending everything is perfect when it isn’t, or jumping straight to “love & light” without processing what’s really there.

But here’s the thing: emotions are energy in motion. When we’re experiencing something we don’t prefer, whether it’s fear, anger, sadness, or frustration, the most aligned thing we can do is to acknowledge it fully. Feel it. Let it move through us. Give ourselves the space to clear & transmute that energy so we’re not carrying it forward.

Ignoring these feelings or shoving them down doesn’t make them disappear. It just buries them where they fester, often showing up later in ways we don’t expect, through “blocks,” self-sabotage, or manifestations we didn’t consciously choose.

It’s important to note that truly focusing on the outcomes we desire is not the same as distracting ourselves from what we fear might happen. Distraction without belief creates a push-pull dynamic that reinforces doubt. When we try to force ourselves to think about what we want while secretly believing we can’t have it, we amplify the very fears we’re trying to avoid. That inner split becomes the energetic signal we send out—& the Universe responds in kind. (Ask me how I know.)

What About the Bigger Picture?

This principle also applies when we’re looking at the world. Acknowledging the existence of war, poverty, or suffering is not the same as being consumed by pity, worry, or fear. Those energies, though well-meaning, often disempower the very people we’re trying to support.

Instead, we can choose to approach these situations with unconditional love, compassion, & appreciation for the strength, resilience, & divinity in everyone involved. This shift matters. The energy we project, our vibration, makes a tangible difference, even when it’s subtle.

Focusing on Desired Outcomes

When faced with multiple potential outcomes, it’s vital to focus on the one we truly want to experience, while staying open to the possibility that something even better could unfold. This doesn’t mean denying the current reality or pretending everything’s fine when it’s not. It means choosing to channel our energy in a way that aligns with the future we want to create, not the fear we want to avoid.

Ultimately, the key is balance. Honor what you feel, but don’t get stuck there. Allow it to move through you & clear so you can come back to center & focus on what you truly desire. This is the art of alignment—creating from a place of clarity, trust, & unconditional love.

The world doesn’t need more fear, pity, or worry. It needs people who can hold the vision of what’s possible with an open heart. And that begins with how we show up for ourselves & each other.

Steps to Reconnect & Realign

Tomorrow’s Gemini Full Moon (1/13/25 or 1/14/25) would be a particularly powerful time for this exercise, but it can be done anytime you’re reading this.

Take a moment to pause & reflect on how you’ve been processing emotions & focusing your energy lately. Here are a few journaling prompts to help you dive deeper:

Acknowledge: What emotions or situations have I been avoiding? How might they be impacting my energy & focus?
Feel: When I think about a recent challenge, what do I feel in my body? How can I allow that emotion to move through me without judgment?
Align: What is the outcome I truly desire, & do I believe I can have it? If not, what fears or doubts are standing in my way?

After journaling, try a short meditation if you feel called to it. Breathe deeply & visualize/imagine releasing any stuck energy or emotions, letting them flow out with each exhale. Then, as you inhale, imagine filling yourself with unconditional love, trust, & clarity. Hold space for the possibility of something even better than you can imagine.