Spiritual warriors: How to stand strong against psychological and spiritual attacks

In today’s world, it’s easy to feel bombarded by external forces—people, situations, and unseen energies that seem determined to knock us off balance.

Whether it’s the manipulative behavior of a toxic person, the draining influence of a spiritual charlatan, or the invisible pull of negative energy, these psychological and spiritual attacks can leave us feeling powerless, anxious, and disconnected from our true selves.

But you don’t have to be a victim.

Becoming a spiritual warrior means learning to stand strong in the face of adversity, to protect your energy, and to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and purpose.

It’s not about waging war on the world but about mastering your inner strength and defending your spirit from forces that seek to undermine your peace and power.

In this article, we’ll explore what it means to be a spiritual warrior, how to recognize psychological and spiritual attacks, and the tools you need to protect yourself and stand strong in your truth.

What is a spiritual warrior? The art of inner resilience

A spiritual warrior isn’t someone who goes looking for battles; it’s someone who knows how to stand their ground when the battle comes to them.

It’s a state of mind, a way of life, and an unwavering commitment to your own growth, truth, and peace.

The path of the spiritual warrior is about cultivating inner resilience—the ability to remain centered, grounded, and strong, no matter what external forces come your way.

This involves developing a keen awareness of your own mind, emotions, and energy, and learning to navigate the invisible terrain of the spiritual and psychological world.

Here are some key qualities of a spiritual warrior:

1. Awareness: Spiritual warriors are deeply aware of their inner world and their surroundings. They recognize when their energy feels off, when their boundaries are being crossed, or when they are under attack, both seen and unseen.
2. Discernment: The ability to distinguish truth from illusion, authenticity from manipulation, is a vital skill for a spiritual warrior. This discernment protects you from being misled by false guidance, toxic individuals, or deceptive energies.
3. Boundaries: A spiritual warrior knows the importance of setting and maintaining boundaries—energetic, emotional, and physical. They understand that protecting their space isn’t selfish; it’s necessary for their well-being.
4. Inner strength: Warriors are not immune to fear, doubt, or pain, but they have developed the inner strength to face these challenges head-on. They understand that their power comes from within, not from external validation or control.
5. Compassion and forgiveness: A true spiritual warrior doesn’t seek to harm others but rather to protect themselves with love and compassion. They know that forgiveness, while challenging, is often a key to releasing the grip of negative energy.

Recognizing psychological and spiritual attacks

Psychological and spiritual attacks can come from many sources—people, situations, or even unseen forces. Recognizing these attacks is the first step to defending yourself.

Here are some common forms these attacks can take:

1) Energy vampires

Energy vampires are individuals who feed off your emotional energy. They drain you with their constant negativity, neediness, or drama, leaving you feeling exhausted and depleted.

They may not even realize they are doing it, but their impact on your well-being is real.

Signs of energy vampires include:

• Feeling drained or tired after interactions.
• Frequent feelings of guilt, obligation, or resentment around them.
• Constantly being drawn into their crises, complaints, or conflicts.

2) Gaslighting and manipulation

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that makes you doubt your own reality, memory, or sanity.

It’s a common tactic used by toxic people to control and dominate others. Manipulation can also involve subtle emotional coercion, guilt-tripping, or exploiting your kindness.

Signs of gaslighting and manipulation include:

• Feeling confused, doubting your perceptions or decisions.
• Feeling guilty for asserting your needs or boundaries.
• Being told you’re “overreacting” or “too sensitive” when you express your feelings.

3) Psychic attacks and negative energies

Psychic attacks are spiritual assaults on your energy field, often coming from negative intentions or low-vibrational energies.

These attacks can manifest as sudden anxiety, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, or an unexplained heaviness around you. Whether intentional or not, these energies can disrupt your peace and well-being.

Signs of psychic attacks and negative energies include:

• Sudden shifts in mood, anxiety, or fear without clear cause.
• Unexplained physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or tension.
• A sense of being watched, oppressed, or energetically drained.

4) Spiritual deception and false guidance

Not all spiritual teachings are rooted in truth, and not all who present themselves as guides are trustworthy.

Spiritual deception often involves false gurus, manipulative healers, or misleading teachings that create dependency rather than empowerment.

Signs of spiritual deception include:

• Feeling pressured to follow one “right” path or teacher.
• Teachings that instill fear, shame, or control rather than love and freedom.
• Guidance that contradicts your inner knowing or feels disempowering.

Standing strong: Tools and practices to protect your energy

Now that you know what to watch for, it’s time to arm yourself with the tools you need to protect your energy and stand strong against psychological and spiritual attacks.

Here are some essential practices for every spiritual warrior:

1) Strengthen your boundaries

Boundaries are the armor of the spiritual warrior. They protect your energy, your time, and your mental and emotional space.

Setting boundaries isn’t about shutting people out; it’s about defining what is and isn’t acceptable in your life.

• Identify your limits: Know where your boundaries lie—what behaviors, energy, or interactions are you unwilling to tolerate? Make a list of your non-negotiables.
• Communicate clearly: Boundaries are only effective if communicated. Be direct but kind. Use statements like, “I’m not comfortable with this,” or “I need some space right now.”
• Stay consistent: Consistency reinforces your boundaries. Don’t feel pressured to relax your limits just because others push back. Your peace of mind is worth protecting.

2) Ground and shield your energy

Grounding and shielding are powerful practices to protect your energy field from external influences.

Grounding connects you to the earth, stabilizing your energy, while shielding creates an energetic barrier that repels negative forces.

• Grounding techniques: Spend time in nature, walk barefoot on the earth, or practice grounding meditations where you visualize roots growing from your feet into the ground. This helps anchor you in the present and dispels unwanted energies.
• Shielding visualizations: Imagine a protective light surrounding your body, like a bubble or shield that deflects negativity. You can visualize different colors—white for purity, gold for strength, or blue for calmness. Reinforce this shield whenever you feel vulnerable or under attack.

3) Cleanse your space and energy regularly

Spiritual warriors know the importance of energetic hygiene. Just as you clean your physical body, your energetic body needs cleansing to remove unwanted influences.

This helps maintain your vibrational integrity and keeps your energy field clear.

• Smudging: Use sage, palo santo, or other sacred herbs to smudge your space and aura. The smoke helps to cleanse negative energy and restore balance.
• Salt baths: Soaking in a salt bath, especially with Epsom or sea salt, can draw out negative energies from your body. Add essential oils or herbs for an extra layer of healing.
• Sound cleansing: Use sound to break up stagnant or harmful energy. Singing bowls, tuning forks, or even clapping your hands in the corners of a room can help shift the energy.

4) Strengthen your intuition

Your intuition is your spiritual radar, alerting you to danger, deception, or negative influences.

Strengthening your intuition helps you detect attacks before they fully affect you, empowering you to take preventive action.

• Meditate daily: Meditation quiets the mind and helps you tune into your inner voice. Regular practice strengthens your ability to discern between intuition and fear.
• Listen to your body: Intuitive signals often come through physical sensations—tightness, chills, or a sense of unease. Trust these signals; they are your body’s way of communicating with you.
• Ask for guidance: Whether it’s through prayer, oracle cards, or journaling, ask for guidance from your higher self, spirit guides, or whatever divine forces you connect with. They can provide clarity and insight when you feel uncertain.

5) Practice energetic self-defense

Sometimes, a spiritual warrior must actively defend against attacks. Energetic self-defense techniques can help you deflect negativity and maintain your vibrational sovereignty.

• Return to sender: When you sense negative energy directed at you, visualize it being returned to its source. This isn’t about harming others; it’s about refusing to accept what doesn’t belong to you.
• Cut energetic cords: Cords are energetic connections that form between people, often draining you if they’re toxic. Visualize cutting these cords with a sword of light, affirming that you release any energy that no longer serves you.
• Use affirmations: Empower yourself with protective affirmations like, “I am safe, I am protected, I am in control of my energy.” Repeating these can help fortify your mental and spiritual defenses.

Reclaiming your power: Embrace your warrior spirit

Becoming a spiritual warrior is not about seeking conflict but about embodying the courage to stand in your truth, protect your energy, and navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and resilience.

The challenges you face—whether from people, situations, or unseen forces—are opportunities to strengthen your inner resolve and deepen your connection to your own power.

As a spiritual warrior, you are not just defending yourself from external attacks; you are reclaiming your sovereignty, stepping into your authentic self, and living in alignment with your highest truth.

You are saying “yes” to your own peace, power, and purpose, and “no” to anything that seeks to undermine them.

Remember, your greatest weapon is your inner light. When you stand strong in your energy, no external force can diminish your spirit.

Embrace your journey as a spiritual warrior, and let your strength, compassion, and wisdom light the way.