I have written before on the fact that real spiritual development is a slow process, one that takes years to complete, which is difficult for many in this day of instant results and five-second attention spans. In addition, there are obstacles along the way.

    The forces of darkness, devils, demons or whatever you call them, are very real. Whether you visualize them as actual beings, or as just negative energies that pull you in the wrong direction, the effect is the same. Generally, they will leave you alone if you are making no attempt at spiritual growth, or if you are following a false system that will never produce results. On the other hand, if you are starting to truly develop your spiritual side, they are going to do their best to stop you. First, they will appeal to your ego, their best friend, by telling you that you are losing friends or losing out on opportunities to make money. They will tell you that people are starting to think you are a little crazy with all that spiritual nonsense. If that doesn't work, they will go further by making you sick or causing you to have accidents. Anything that will prevent or limit your use of spiritual growth techniques, they will do.

    So when you make the decision to enter a path of spiritual growth, do it with the understanding that it takes time and there will be obstacles. If you are prepared, than you are more likely to get over those hurdles. It also helps to be working with a group or community of people working for the same goal as it is easier to resist the dark ones with the aid of others.