An eight-year journey through the occult and into freedom
Though Kristine McGuire was raised in a Christian home, at an early age she became fascinated by the occult. At sleepovers she and her friends told fortunes and held séances. As a teenager she was convicted and put all games of mysticism aside. She went to a Christian college and married a Christian man. But despite her decision to follow God, a longing for the occult persisted, leading her to leave her church and husband and to fully embrace witchcraft.
Escaping the Cauldron takes you deep inside Kristine’s eight-year journey as a witch, medium, and ghost hunter. Part Bible study, part memoir, it exposes the subtle occult influences that affect us as it reveals how God mercifully delivered her out of the occult altogether and restored her faith and life in Christ.
Kristine McGuire is an inspirational author and speaker, sharing her testimony and encouraging others in their walk with Christ. A gifted writer, her work has been featured on Positively Feminine, Faithful Devotions, and Praise & Coffee Magazine (Fall 2011).
Kristine 's first book, Escaping the Cauldron: Exposing Occult Influences in Every Day Life, is an informative memoir recounting her journey from committed Christian to witch, medium, and ghost hunter for eight years until completely restored to faith in Jesus Christ.
Her second book, An Insider's Guide to Spiritual Warfare, published by Chosen Books, will be available October 7, 2014.
Kristine was a contributing writer to Dancing with the Devil: An Honest Look into the Occult by Former Followers by Jeff Harshbarger and a background consultant for the novel The Widow of Saunders Creek by Christy Award Winning Author, Tracey Bateman.
“The more they seek to learn about the occult, the more their beliefs may adopt a new or strange gospel opposed to what we traditionally understand about Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.” – Escaping The Cauldron
In Escaping The Cauldron, Kristine McGuire reveals to us her past as a Christian witch, medium and ghost hunter. It is a personal testimony that is powerful and informative. There is a heightened interest in the occult nowadays. From television ghost hunting to fictional shows that depict a medium heroine the occult is everywhere. So what’s wrong with playing seance, calling up ‘Bloody Mary’ in a mirror, playing with tarot cards, horoscopes, and other things?
“I believe what we are witnessing in popular media and culture is more of a response to a long, present demand. Whether people want to admit it or not, there is a deep spiritual need in this country which the church isn’t fulfilling; driving many, even professing Christians to seek answers elsewhere,” says Kristine. “Often such a search causes a person to throw caution to the wind; take a risk on something which current popular opinion deems a more enlightened approach to life and what may come after it.” Kristine explores the occult world with a mix of information of how it all works, what it is, and throws in her personal experiences with it.
Have you ever heard demons scream? Have you ever been startled awake by something in your room? Have you ever heard footsteps pounding up the stairs into your bedroom, but when you open the door the room is empty? Have you ever been harassed by demons masquerading as spirit guides? She explores the question of, “Is it so hard to consider that demonic spirits may in fact be the source of all hauntings and behind all ghostly activity?” She backs her facts and personal experiences with scripture as she argues against Christian ghost hunting and delves into a world unlike anything we can imagine. Some of her stories reminded me of my own experimentation and experiences from my past.
She clearly makes her case that the spirits out there were never people and they were sent to deceive and draw a believer away from God or a non-believer farther away from Him. “There is no value in listening to the whispers of spirits or seeking the counsel of mediums. Instead, seek God in everything you do and ask the Sovereign Lord for His grace and guidance. You can trust that His word is faithful and true. If you do this, as it promises in the Bible, God will light your path.”
Every person who feels drawn to the occult should read this book. I would probably suggest not reading it at night like I did because when the house is asleep and you have a vivid imagination chills run along your spine. You can see everything Kristine is talking about and you can feel her trepidation. She leaves us with a warning, “There are those today, even in the church, who deny the existence of Satan. Their unwillingness to acknowledge the spiritual world is of little consequence to the reality that it exists. We shouldn’t be surprised. The Bible reveals to us: “First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, ‘Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.’ But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s Word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water.” – 2 Peter 3:3-5 (NIV)
A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me as a blog tour host by the author in exchange for posting this interview on my blog. Please visit Christian Speaker Services at www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com for more information about blog tour management services.
Kristine McGuire shares her personal experience as a witch, ghost hunter and medium in her first book, Escaping the Cauldron: Collection One – Ghosts and the Paranormal. She recounts how ghost stories, Ouija boards, séances and other supernatural events had an influence in her childhood — piquing her interest in the occult. As an adult, McGuire slowly wanders from her Christian faith and embraces witchcraft — only to return to Christianity as a result of a paranormal experience she never expected.
This book provides a steady and riveting balance of personal anecdotes, facts and scriptural responses to long-held assumptions regarding witchcraft, ghosts and paranormal events. In offering an informative insider’s view of ghost hunting, mediums, haunting spirits, dangerous games, spirit guides and witchcraft, McGuire shines a bright light into the dark world of the occult and exposes it for what it really is.
Witchcraft is a subject that has taken our culture by storm in a barrage of books, films and TV shows mostly aimed at today’s youth — deceptively offered as an alternative to mainstream religion. McGuire has dared to share the story of her detour from Christianity into the world of the occult and back. In doing so, she is aiding countless individuals and families caught in the throngs of its practices with no apparent way out.
Escaping the Cauldron is also a clarion call to the Christian Church to confront these issues and not ignore the need for knowledge and grace-filled intervention. McGuire boldly proclaims the truth in this eye-opening, challenging and desperately needed book in the 21st century — as information and spiritual thirst increases in this world of masquerading lies.
Have you experimented with the occult? Do you find yourself being pulled into the paranormal? Kristine McGuire has written a book that is a must read for any parent, friend or family member who has known someone trapped by the spiritual underworld and its web of lies. Her book “Escaping the Cauldron” systematically breaks down the allure of the paranormal, and why so many spiritually hungry people are drawn to its appealing qualities of excitement and intrigue. Kristine candidly exposes not only her own fascination with the occult, but her sincere regret at pursuing this warped version of spiritual intimacy. She readily concurs that Jesus Christ is the only True spiritual guide for her as a believer, and that her past involvement with demonic spirits was foolish and dangerous. Her use of the Holy scriptures make the argument that only God’s Word can truly open the eyes of the spiritually blind, and that He alone can bring healing and restoration to a life in the clutches of evil spirits and demonic activity. Kristine has truly written a book that will make the demons tremble and satan packing his bags for a one-way trip back to his pit. I recommend giving this book to anyone who is living in a danger zone with one foot in the kingdom of God, and one foot in satan’s den. “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
Anyways very interesting Testimony Kristine. It sorta sounds like mine, but I just blocked myself form getting into Ancient Egyptian type Magick, you cal it. I think I realize form my research, Revelations, talking to people like you! I realize I was tormented for probably a good 15 years off and on form these Evil Spirits of Egypt, drawing me in. But God seen my faith and he brought me to a higher level in him, in 2005 to now and into the future. Uses me to expose these Evil Spirits, that have so long tormented me! Thank you Kristine, your testimony and Laura helped me realize more and I dream I had form God early in 2010. God Bless you sweet Sister!! Amen!!
My favorite part about this book is that the author went back to witchcraft and wishes she never wrote this thing. That's what I call a true happy ending.
I appreciated the author's care not to try and marginalize witches by insisting they aren't all evil devil worshippers, but whoever put her up to writing this in the first place needs to have their fingernails removed.
Some people believe that there is no harm in watching a scary movie like, Paranormal Activity. I mean it's not real, it's just a movie. Other's think there is nothing wrong with the Wiccan religion, or witchcraft as long as your intention is to help and not harm people. What about watching shows like The Ghost Whisperer or Ghost Hunters? Is there any danger in what you are watching? How about horoscopes, tarot cards or innocent toys like Magic 8 balls or Ouija boards?
The truth is there is more to these than just simply being movies, television shows or an innocent interest in them. All of these have a basis in the occult and no one can tell you more than a reformed witch, now Christian wife and mom who exposes what that lifestyle is all about in her latest book, Escaping the Cauldron! Kristen McGuire now shares her chilling interest in witchcraft, spells and the ghost haunting investigations she used to be a part of for more than eight years. Along the way, she shares just how Satan captures the interests and how most people believe there is no harm in dabbling in them. How wrong they are! Using scripture to highlight what God's perspective is in all of these things, the reader is in for a chilling reality check and can see for themselves just how prevalent and accepted these practices are becoming and what we as believers can do to help those that are lost and struggling.
When I received the offer to review this book, I knew I had to read it. Mostly because as a young child, I could relate to the very same things that drew Kristen into the occult and how innocent the lure can be. Like her, my interest began as a way to find fulfillment for being a lonely child growing up while my parents were going through a divorce, and since my mom worked, I spent time looking for things to do. It began in the public library looking at books on spell casting and witchcraft with the intent of making good things happened. I would later find myself on the chilling end of Satan's lure but was saved when I turned my life to Christ.
I received Escaping the Cauldron by Kristen McGuire compliments of Glass Roads Public Relations for my honest opinion and think every single Christian parent needs to read a copy of this. Like Kristen, there are ways that your children and teens can be hiding this and this is a great resource to know what signs to look for to see if your child is dabbling in the occult. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars because we can't pretend the stuff that is happening around us and on TV and the movies is not affecting us in negative ways. I applaud Kristen's efforts for sharing her testimony and can only see this as a benefit to those who are trapped in the lure of the magical world.
The excitement of witchcraft embraced the author, when in her younger years and in joining her friends unknowingly through experimentation and innocent games. Later in her life and for eight years she had practiced witchcraft after falling away from the church and God's loving graces. Her memoir also explains the growing fascination with the occult, the lure that society and the entertainment industry can provide, and how common practices can be a bridge that links to the occult.
Some of the subjects covered are: (in my own words) Detecting demons or are they angels?, ridding your life from the paranormal, meditation, what are ghosts and many other topics. Terms familiar to wicca participants are covered as well as truths and myths that are explored in detail that links Christianity with modern practices of wiccan, pagan and witchcraft. Volume contains many scripture references along with Digging Deeper sections that has questions for individual and group use, also contains a helpful question and answer section in the back.
With this book the Christian reader can enter into a world that is unseen and one that movies and books I feel for the most part do not generally portray accurately. Haunting, disturbing and honest are the terms I would use to describe this hard to put down book. Not having read a book quite like this one to date I gained a knowledge of these practices and learned how to handle paranormal experiences in that might invade my life and others lives. This book strengthened my faith and gave me hope and a discernment to what is evil. I recommend this well written book to both Christian and non Christian readers as an avenue of becoming aware and how to differenciate what is from God and what is from paganism. I received a complimentary copy from Charisma House for my review.
Escaping the Cauldron by Kristine McGuire Exposing occult influences in everyday life
During her childhood Kristine was fascinated by the spiritual unseen world and the powers that could be tapped by those in the "know". Escaping the Cauldron is her story and how she was drawn into the world of the occult and her eventual escape.
Kristine's legalistic views and structures lead her away from the grace of God and the church and onto a path that nearly destroyed her marriage. Kristine searched out various Wiccan traditions to form her own unique path of enlightenment. But how did she find herself on this destructive path to begin with?
As a child Kristine dabbled with the supernatural. The idea of being able to tell the future by looking into a crystal ball was alluring. Areas that many dabble in include horoscope, Angel Oracle cards, Ouija boards, and ghost hunting. Opening the door to the spiritual even a crack can be dangerous and has the potential to pull us onto a path we may have trouble escaping from. Rather than dabble we must "Abstain from every form of evil."
For eight years Kristine was on a path of spiritual destruction that lead to the mis-belief that she could combine witch-craft with Christianity and have the best of both worlds. Fortunately Kristine's self-deception was revealed to her through a loving God who opened her eyes to the truth.
Escaping the Cauldron may be what you need to expose the occult influences in your everyday life and to help you to break free or even to avoid the trap!
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in conjunction with this Glass Roads PR blog tour. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
"Escaping the Cauldron" is a memoir with a focus on the times when the author was involved in the occult. We learn why she was interested in the occult, how she got into it, what types of things she did (as a witch, medium, and ghost-hunter), and what caused her to stop these activities.
We're told some details about the occult practices she did, but it's to compare them to Christian practices. For example, she saw someone describe magick as "prayer with props," so she described for us the attitude and intent (and ritual) behind magick versus that for prayer. The author showed a very good Scriptural understanding of the purpose of Christian practices, etc., and why these are different from the occult at their foundation. The author discussed the truth behind the paranormal according to the Bible. Throughout the book, she quoted what Scripture has to say about these things.
I'd recommend this book to those who wish to reach out to those in the occult (and so wish to better understand it and what the Bible says about it). I'd also recommend it to Christians who dabble with the occult (horoscopes, yoga, angel oracle, etc.) because they don't see the harm in it. I wouldn't give this book to a Christian Witch or someone who doesn't hold the Bible as their sole authority, though, since they aren't likely to accept her arguments.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
This book is about exposing occult influences in everyday life, Kristine was a witch, a medium, a ghost hunter, and she had spirit guides. When she felt guilt about being a Christian and dealing with the occult she became a Christian witch, which is the newest fast growing way for it to be "ok" to dabble in the occult.
She was drawn in and quickly became one of the best in being led by spirits during ghost hunting excursions. Sometimes the things she did frightened herself but yet she kept telling herself it was a gift God had given.
An interesting read, contains lots of information about witchcraft and the evil spirits that followed her. 4 out of 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Escaping the Cauldron is the perfect combination of a personal memoir of how a woman, raised in a Christian home, could turn to the occult but also combines the knowledge of exposing popular cult practices. It is a fascinating account that keeps you riveted and you come away informed. It is a biography that also serves as a handbook of warning for all educators - parents, teachers, youth group leaders of all types. This book is a MUST READ for all of us in the church today! Thank you, Kristine, for your courage in sharing your God story.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book or not during the first few chapters. As I kept reading the book opened my eyes to the world of Wiccans, and Christian witchcraft, which I’ve never heard of. The author has a lot of knowledge of both worlds, Wiccan and her now Christian conversion. I learned a lot from this book. Yes I would recommend. Easy to read too.
How many of us feel a little in awe of the occult? Scary movies, paranormal books, seemingly innocent children's games, whatever, and this time of year is conducive to such feelings and curiosities. What would a Christian who had come out of all this have to say about it? I admit I did have some amount of trepidation when I signed up to review this book. Would this author seek to combine witchcraft and Christianity? That would be tantamount to combining oil and water and having the mixture not separate. And, what would cause a Christian to turn from God to occultic practices? She answers those questions beautifully and pointedly - without reservation and judgment. She doesn't blame her choices and situations on others. Instead she accepts responsibility for her own actions and reactions, and that was rather refreshing. The author states in her introduction: "...I pursued purity as a means of having a deeper connection with God...The life I created became narrow-minded and legalistic...I lost a vital part of my understanding about God. His grace. I lost sight of the merciful nature of my Savior." Many of us, Christians included, find paranormal things mysterious and beguiling. Enticing, even. What started as an innocent look at a seemingly harmless religion brought her down a dark, scary path that was all but innocent. The author states: "I became a Christian witch. Did I lose my mind or Bible? There is no such thing as a Chrsitian witch. Who would even believe such a thing as even possible? Someone influenced by a postmodern society. A person hungry for spirituality without rules." Friends, Satan is alive and well. And he's as beguiling and crafty as ever. Christians must not ignore the truths placed before us in God's Word. The battle is alive and well, and we're facing a formidable enemy. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a deeper understanding of these things without leaving your Christian beliefs behind. Well written and engaging, this book can be used not only to better understand, but help Christians not shy away from reaching out to those who have lost their way or are embroiled in the occult. Kristine McGuire has a message. A clear, confident message that needs to be shared with others who may have felt the draw and enticement of the occult. This isn't just a story of one woman's release from the occult, but of God's steadfast love, grace and mercy. His love and attention toward a prodigal. Is it possible for a Christian to become embroiled in witchcraft and come out again? I ask you, Is anything too hard for God? 1 John 1:9 Quotes: -The Bible simply became a book of wisdom, literature, and history. I rejected it as the inerrant Eord of God, embracing spiritual experience as my guide. - how many times have we heard the same thing? -I avoided the corporate church experience - another, oft-used argument. -I'm spiritual but not religious. - dangerous beginnings down a dark path -Spiritual syncretism is the blending of otherwise incompatible belief systems into a unified whole. This is the foundation of Christian witchcraft -Freedom found me the day I realized I was not bound to witchcraft. - this is the authors own words when she realized God's grace and mercy were offered to her. And it was as much grace and mercy He offered those who had never become involved in the occult or witchcraft. Yes. The grace and mercy He offers to every one today. All she had to do? Accept it. The same as everyone else.
An eight-year journey through the occult and into freedom Though Kristine McGuire was raised in a Christian home, at an early age she became fascinated by the occult. At sleepovers she and her friends told fortunes and held séances. As a teenager she was convicted and put all games of mysticism aside. She went to a Christian college and married a Christian man. But despite her decision to follow God, a longing for the occult persisted, leading her to leave her church and husband and to fully embrace witchcraft. Escaping the Cauldron takes you deep inside Kristine’s eight-year journey as a witch, medium, and ghost hunter. Part Bible study, part memoir, it exposes the subtle occult influences that affect us as it reveals how God mercifully delivered her out of the occult altogether and restored her faith and life in Christ.
My thoughts about the book: Once I got started reading the book I couldn't put it down. I didn't realize how many ways the occult influences are in our every day life. This is a topic that Christians seldom talk about even though I believe it definately needs to be addressed. The book helps readers be aware of what is going on in the world and always points the way back to Christ. As well as telling her story, Kristine also shares her insight on pop culture items that we may or may not realize deal with the occult such as Harry Potter, the Twilight Series, scary movies, even yoga. I higgly recommend this book for any Christian.
About the Author: Kristine McGuire is an inspirational writer and speaker, sharing her testimony and encouraging others in their walk with Christ. A gifted writer, her work has been featured on Positively Feminine, Faithful Devotions, and Praise & Coffee Magazine (Fall 2011). Kristine's testimony has also aired on The 700 Club.
Kristine is a wife and the mother of two adult daughters. She enjoys writing, spending time with her family, long walks, listening to music of all kinds, and experiencing God's daily gift called life.
I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of GlassRoad Media.
As I’ve shared my thoughts on this book with friends, there is always one common response; shock, surprise, and awe that someone could straddle both worlds in such a manner. How is it possible to justify reading the Bible, attending church, and casting incantations at home in your spare time? Kristine is honest about her journey – she shares the good and the bad. The scary and the amazing. She doesn’t mince words and she doesn’t hide the reality. She knows that during her time as a practicing Wiccan, the Lord kept His hand on her, protected her and eventually guided her back to Him.
Now, out of that lifestyle and culture, Kristine is firmly planted in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Where she previously embraced dark spirits, her time is now spent meditating on God’s word.
Part reference, this book shared details that anyone from the outside wouldn’t truly know or understand without some level of research. Kristine explains various levels of Wicca and how they worship. She leaves nothing out and describes her experiences in vivid detail. I will not mince words. There were encounters that frightened me and freaked me out. Though I know who is victorious in the end, it still doesn’t change the darkness that we battle. The spirits, demons and principalities of darkness are creatures that Kristine has spoken with, researched and in some cases, worshiped.
The Bible tells us often that our battle is not in the flesh. We’re constantly working against the supernatural/spirit world. Lately, with the influx of television, films and books that are all dealing with this subject matter, there’s become a new fascination with the supernatural. Kristine’s book shed light on this subject that I personally needed.
I have recommended this book to every pastor I know and I believe that anyone who stands in the gap as a prayer warrior needs to read this book. It helped me learn how to pray when under attack and it answered tons of questions that I have had. Kristine cut to the heart of many issues and answered with blunt truth and honesty. I appreciated the fact that in each section, no matter what she was discussing, she referenced the Bible. Every argument, thought, opinion – all of it was foundationally based in the Bible.
Thank you LeAnn at Glass Road for sending this to me to review!
Escaping the Cauldron: Exposing occult influences in everyday life by Kristine McGuire is a book I received to read and review. Many thanks to Glass Road Public Relations for the opportunity to review this book. My review of this book is an honest representation of my experience, thoughts and views.
In this book, Kristine McGuire writes about the occult, her experiences as a Christian Witch, how God delivered her and just how increasingly the occult is can be found in our every days lives. Even more shocking is how the occult is becoming more and more present in the Christian faith and church!
I was stunned at how quickly just even ONE innocent activity can open just a small fissure that if left unnoticed, can lead to temptation and decisions that may seem innocent in the beginning but can so easily lead us down a down a path away from God.
Kristine's references of Biblical scripture sheds understanding and light on so much that I did not know about God's view of the occult. I really respect that she doesn't judge or condemn as she tells her story. She just honestly, openly shares her experiences along with God's work and salvation in her and her family's lives.
At the end of each chapter are Biblical verses for personal study and review as well as thought provoking questions that helps the reader begin to explore and seek God's will in our lives. They were invaluable to the full experience of this book.
~ My thoughts ~
I found this book to be enlightening, educational and one of the BEST sources of scriptural references from the Bible regarding God's stand on the occult! God certainly laid some convictions on my heart while I was reading this.
The descriptions of the occult and Kristine's experiences are in depth and openly shared. At times I felt that she didn't need to go into such detail about some of her experiences. Overall though, her descriptions really gave me a clear and better understanding of what she experienced and God's grace and love that changed her life. I highly recommend Escaping the Cauldron!
From a good friend of mine comes a new book about the paranormal. Kristine McGuire of Big Fish Ministries writes about her experiences as a Ghost Hunter, Medium and Christian Witch in ‘Escaping the Cauldron: Collection One – Ghosts and the Paranormal.’
Confronting the growing pop culture interest in the paranormal and taking the reader through the many stages of her initial interest and subsequent professional experiences, Kristine McGuire boldly proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ in this first collection of stories.
This book is a collection born from her writings on the paranormal (www.bigfishministries.com) together with her desire that the church should not shy away from such discussions and the encouragement of her husband. Kristine has published a good first installment of many to come.
Why are we so interested in the paranormal? What do we hope to gain by delving into this vast field of contact with the darker side of the supernatural? What does the bible give us in way of instruction regarding involvement? All these questions are answered by one who has been there and felt the driving desire to know and the conflict that occurs in the christian heart when interest in this area grows too strong.
Various techniques, protocol, and other standards of paranormal investigation are discussed in this book, but not in the light of driving one to pursue such activity. These methods are mentioned only in the sense of a warning.
This is a collective work of small essays, topics arraigned so that each chapter could be read independently. All in all a great read. Interesting to be sure and as I surveyed the small list of books written by Christians on this topic, a much need one at that.
I would recommend this book for those in the church who may need to minister to others who have a history in paranormal contact. I would also recommend Big Fish Ministries. More information on this ministry can be found at www.bigfishministries.com.
I appreciate Kristine's testimony from the inside out of occult practices. In a very straightforwards, simple manner, Kristine shares her experience both in sliding into the practice of witchcraft, and her realization that the practice is NOT without concern.
Rather than using scare tactics, she shares her insights from God's Spirit working in her life. Sensible, Rational, and an enjoyable read - I recommend this book for anyone who has questions about the spiritual realm.
Kristine's book is a must read for all Christians. People are hungry for the supernatural and sadly they open themselves up to the enemy more often than they think. Ghost hunting and occult have become common place and we need to understand what's really going on spiritually.
Great personal memoir intertwined on solid Christian teaching makes this a great source for anyone who wants to understand the dangers of the occult in our lives.