I have watched with a growing sense of unease as the familiar spectre of the Satanic Panic reemerges—cloaked in new rhetoric and fueled by a potent fusion of fundamental Christian fervor and political manipulation. The latest incarnation of this moral hysteria seems less about genuine concern and more about consolidating power, marginalizing alternative spiritualities, and stoking fear among the unwary. At the heart of this resurgence lies an unlikely figure: Charlie Kirk, heralded by the Christian Right as a martyr for their cause, transformed into a rallying symbol in this modern crusade against the “demonic” influences they claim threaten American morality.

In a new book by Lucas Miles, titled Pagan Threat, the late Mr. Kirk makes some bold statements in the book’s foreword.

I have long observed the patterns that emerge when society’s darker fears are weaponized. The current climate echoes the Satanic Panic of the 1980s and ‘90s—an era marked by baseless allegations, moral panic, and the suppression of pagan and alternative spiritual communities. I know. I survived the Satanic Panic of my youth, and did so without compromising my beliefs. The thing is, today’s panic is more sophisticated and insidious, leveraging social media, misinformation, and political rhetoric to stoke fears of “wokeness,” “liberal decadence,” and “occult influence,” all cloaked as defense against evil.

What is most troubling in this new wave is the strategic use of the assassination of Charlie Kirk as a martyr in the narrative of spiritual warfare. For the Christian Right, Kirk’s murder serves as a powerful tool to galvanize their base. They portray him as a hero standing against the “demonic forces” of secularism, LGBTQ rights, and pagan spirituality—forces they equate with evil incarnate. This framing feeds into a broader narrative that positions traditional Christian values as under siege, and that any deviation from their strict moral code is a direct assault from the darkness.

This manufactured “battle” has serious repercussions for pagans, heathens, witches, mediums, and those practicing alternative spiritualities. Historically marginalized and often misunderstood, these communities now face renewed hostility fueled by this moral panic. Accusations of devil worship, mind control, and “sacrificial rituals” are recycled, threatening the very safety and acceptance of practitioners who seek only to explore the mysteries of the unseen. The danger is not just social—it’s existential. When suspicion and fear are whipped into a frenzy, violence and discrimination often follow.

And trust me, it won’t be long before paranormal enthusiasts and investigators are drawn into the line of fire.

The occult and paranormal community must remain vigilant. We know from history that such moral panics are cyclical, often driven by fear-mongering rather than facts. The rise of this new Satanic Panic must be met with more fervor than the last. Misinformation must be countered with truth, we need to educate the public about the diversity of spiritual paths, and, above all, stand united against attempts to demonize our various communities.

It is essential to remember that our power resides within understanding and awareness. What the grifters in this new movement are looking for is to divide, discredit, and destroy what it cannot comprehend.

We have to remain vigilant and respectful, stay rooted in truth, but stand firm against a fundamentalist frenzy that is based in fear and ignorance.

We have to be better than them. When they froth at the mouth. Smile. Stay calm. And be a shining example of what it means to be reasonable and not reactionary.

We can get through this: Stay aware, stay safe, and lean on your allies, of whom there are many.