An altered state of consciousness is the goal of many New-Age practices such as meditation, contemplation, repetition of mantra, chanting, trance dancing, etc. Science has identified this state as a brainwave frequency called Alpha state. This is the state when we are half asleep, deeply relaxed with the mind being neutral, open and passive. Alpha induced state is used in hypnosis, guided visualization, channelling of spirits, automatic writing (A version of channelling), shamanic trance, psychic activities, day dreaming, lucid dreaming, remote viewing, psychic healing, and out-of-body experiences. In this state, the mind is calm and receptive to intuitive messages and non-ordinary forms of communication with “the spirit world”.
Relaxation is, of course, beneficial but the alpha state is a vacant state when the mind is not alert and therefore susceptible to interference. Because many alpha state activities involve occult practices, this is an open invitation for legions of demons to freely move in and take up residence in us. On the other hand, a positive alpha state, such as praying and communion with the Lord, deep relaxation or when we fall asleep, is of course, appropriate, beneficial and not dangerous. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of demons: ye cannot partake of the table of the Lord, and of the table of demons. 1 Corinthians 10:21
Many new-age spiritual teachers have been through non-ordinary states of consciousness, entering a paranormal reality. These experiences are highly valued, glamorized and seen as evidence of spiritual maturity. When they return to normal reality, they bring back messages and “wisdom” from the other side of the veil and they feel empowered to teach others. Often their personality changes dramatically and their loved ones don’t recognize them. These changes are understood to be the product of having a transcendental experience, having been in the presence of god or becoming enlightened.
Whether it is a kundalini awakening, an out-of-body experience, an encounter with a “spirit guide”, an abduction by a “beneficial alien being” or an altered state induced by a psychoactive drug, the result is a trip beyond the veil into the astral world and, with that, the possible attachment of dark entities. Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight! Isaiah 5:20-21
I had a friend who was the secretary of a famous medium who was channeling a collective of “angels”. I had many opportunities to be a part of public and private channeling sessions where I witnessed her receiving information in a semi-trance-like state. This lady was also teaching others to channel and, for a while, I was surrounded with people channelling everything they could get their hands on. This was quite funny and at time became quite a circus of various entities wanting to grab centre stage for adulation and attention. I was often told very personal things and flatteries of all kinds and I had the distinct feeling that these demons wanted my adoration. Instant business partnerships were created and the students were experiencing feelings of grandeur and sense of purpose.
Channeling is a widespread activity and an ever-increasing number of people are opening themselves up to supposed wise men and spirit guides who, we are told, have evolved through successive cycles of reincarnation to reach a state of divinity; they are also called Ascended Masters, Masters of Wisdom, Elder Brothers and The Great White Brotherhood.
Those interested in occult practices to develop powers of clairvoyance, mediumship and other extra-sensorial abilities open themselves to the transcendent spiritual realms that are closed to ordinary senses. The great confusion here, and ultimate deliberate deception, is that the so-called higher worlds beyond this one are not the Kingdom of God, the Third Heaven, but, in fact, the realm of Lucifer and his legions of Demons, the Second Heaven.
Spiritual Warfare - Revelation of a New Age Deception 
Thank you so much for this information. I have a friend doing this but could not find a biblical source to show it is wrong.
A christian friend is leading a Bible study on Jim Richards’s teachings. He has a few books on amazon.com (ex: Wired for Success, Programmed for Failure ). He teaches we are no longer able to change our basic heart beliefs ( bitter roots) without entering into an alpha state of meditation to commune with Jesus-Christ and claim his promises and let him change our heart without the lies of our flesh and old man entering our thoughts. As children, we were supposedly able to change our heart beliefs without alpha state but not anymore. I want change my heart beliefs and “meditate” on God’s word. Isn’t the Holy Spirit in me a guard against possession?
“In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house.” ( Mark 3: 27 )
Richards’ meditation steps involve a count down repeating the same number three times ( 3, 3, 3, relax ) and later imagining opening a door to the innermost part of our heart. Then imagining merging with Christ ( being in him and him in us ) which is part of reality in scripture but something seems non-biblical to this approach and yet it is getting popular ( on 100 Huntley street ). I need advice.
Dear Alex
I don’t know James Richard’s teaching but from what you are sharing I can tell you it is deceptive. To change our basic heart belief we only need to repent, ask God’s forgiveness and obey his commandments. There is no need to enter into an apha state of meditation to commune with Jesus. We only need to love him deeply, abide in His Word, serve him in everything we do and dedicate our life to Him. That is true communion with Jesus. The holy Spirit is not a guard against possesion if you willingly open yourself to such practice as alpha state meditation. The bible says in Hosea 4:5-7
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I also will forget thy children.”
The count down repetition is an hypnotic practise also used in inducing transe and altered state of consciousness. Imagining opening a door to the innemost part of your heart is dangerous, you may be granting free acess to demons. Merging with Christ is very new age and not biblical. “In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house.” ( Mark 3: 27 )
When you submit yourself to such deceptives practises such as suggested by James Richard you are tying up yourself to be plundered by the dark forces. Thank you for sharing. God bless you and keep you out of trouble.
Sorry, that’s James Richards not Jim