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Summary:

In this episode, Marcia Montenegro shares her journey from the New Age and occult practices to a life transformed by Christ. Marcia describes her years immersed in astrology, New Age teachings, and even teaching these practices, and how she witnessed the growing influence of New Age ideas in mainstream culture—from mindfulness and Reiki in hospitals to elements creeping into therapy and mental health modalities. She highlights the subtle ways these practices appear helpful or harmless, while often being spiritually dangerous.

Marcia also reflects on cultural phenomena like the Twilight series, explaining how dark themes are glamorized and attract young people through curiosity, rebellion, or the allure of secret knowledge and community.

Her own conversion story is compelling: despite being skeptical of a personal God, Marcia felt a profound encounter with God’s love during a church service. This led her to give up astrology, explore the Bible, and ultimately recognize Jesus Christ as her Savior. She emphasizes God’s grace, the power of prayer (including others praying for her before she even knew), and the life-changing simplicity of faith in Jesus.

Takeaways:

• New Age practices like astrology, Reiki, and mindfulness have infiltrated mainstream culture, often appearing harmless.
• Dark themes in popular media, such as Twilight, attract young people through rebellion, curiosity, and the lure of secret knowledge.
• New Age and occult communities often draw people by offering belonging and empowerment.
• Some therapeutic practices, even Christian inner healing, can unknowingly incorporate New Age techniques like visualization.

ABOUT MARCIA MONTENEGRO

Marcia practiced as a professional astrologer for eight years. She took astrological classes for over two years. After these studies, she passed the 7-hour exam given by the Atlanta Board of Astrology Examiners, a Board set up by the City to formulate and grade exams to be given to aspiring astrologers wishing to practice legally in the City of Atlanta. Marcia later was a member of this Board for four years, and Chairperson for three of those years. She was also active in the Metropolitan Atlanta Astrological Society, serving as president for a year. She was also Chairperson of the Curriculum Committee, as well as working in other areas of this organization.

Before becoming an astrologer, Marcia was involved with various New Age, occult, and Eastern beliefs and practices, including Inner Light Consciousness, Tibetan Buddhism, Zen Buddhism, Hindu teachings and meditation, and psychic development classes. During these years, she also participated in past life regression, numerology, Tarot cards, spirit contact, seances, astral travel, and received a spirit guide through a guided visualization.  

Since becoming a Christian, Marcia has been on several radio shows, including “Unshackled!,” Bill Bright’s “WorldChangers,” and “Janet Parshall’s America;” video interviews with former New Age writer Doreen Virtue; the Cultish program; and many others. She has also been on Christian television, including having her testimony dramatized on Dr. D. James Kennedy’s show. She has led workshops and spoken at conferences, churches and retreats, and written for Christian publications. Marcia is the author of SpellBound: The Paranormal Seduction of Today’s Kids (Cook, 2006;  republished by Midwest Christian Outreach, 2024; Foreword by Norman Geisler). Marcia is co-author with Don and Joy Veinot of Richard Rohr and the Enneagram Secret (2020).

LINKS MENTIONED:

Marcia’s Website

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