As I’ve been trying to figure out how to write on the topic of “authentic power,” I came upon this article that I first penned in 2019. Then it was titled, “Beware of Witch Collectors.” I have since come to broaden this topic to include anyone who feeds off the power of those who are authentically gifted, because the one who feeds has no power of their own. It seems fitting to share this re-write here rather than to try to create something new as this does a great job of summing things up while providing the necessary cautions. Enjoy!
This one is for my sister-witches and brother-witches. When I use the term “witch” I’m referring to the women and men I know who have harnessed the infinite power within themselves and who are using this power to support their own life mission of being in service to the betterment of our world. These are people who are strong, independent, confident (albeit sometimes insecure – only because they have rarely been supported or affirmed in their gifts), intuitive, empathic, teachers, healers, leaders and behind the scene witches. These are the ones who have been with us throughout eternity and who have been ridiculed, condemned, even killed for their magical gifts. Fortunately we are no longer in the “burning times” but that doesn’t mean that today’s witches are free from danger. In fact, the dangers we face today are even more subtle and insidious than the dangers we faced during the witch trials and the inquisition. Today I wish to speak of one specific danger that faces all people of authentic power today – and that is of what I like to call Energy Vampires, Succubae, and Witch Collectors.”
Succubae are individuals who appear powerful, confident, strong, self-assured, perhaps even a bit arrogant. They are often physically attractive and lure people in with their charm. At first they seem sincere, trustworthy and of integrity, but it is all a ruse. What they show to the world is an illusion for what hides behind the mask is an energy vampire – one who is not strong at all, but terribly insecure and lacking in inner power.
Motivated by a deep sense of emptiness and vacancy, Energy Vampires and Witch Collectors are compelled to seek out and then draw in those of authentic power so they can suck them dry. In the world of psychology, these people are often called narcissists, but in my experience, their “condition” moves far beyond that of a borderline personality disorder. Unlike narcissists, succubae desire more than power and control. They literally feed on the life-force energy of those whose power is authentic and who they have drawn into their clutches. The problem with this “relationship” is that the Witch Collector is never satisfied – can never be satisfied – as there is no amount of “witch power” that can fill a vacant hole. They may feel temporary satisfaction from the energy they have drained, but the emptiness within an energy vampire/witch collector is like a black hole – infinitely empty and impossible to fill. As long as the relationship continues between witch collector and witch, the witch collector will feed and the witch will feel drained –unable to harness the fullness of her power and to use that power for good.
Identifying a witch collector is tricky business, especially if you are one who is still nursing the wounds of the unholy masculine. In a culture which has been ruled for the past 5000 years by the unholy masculine (fear, power and control), most of us harbor this wound. As a result, we long to be seen, heard, acknowledged and supported in the use of our gifts. When we find the rare individual who celebrates our gifts – who speaks our language – we are thrilled. Titillated actually! In our excitement, we are tempted to set aside our shield of caution and discernment gets tossed to the wind. We enthusiastically enter into the web, blind to the true motivation of their seduction. This is how seduction works, speaking to our insecurities, fears and unhealed wounds, which then causes us to put down our guard. Then the “witch hunter” moves in for the “kill.”
But there is hope. We are not defenseless in the face of energy vampires, succubae or witch collectors. The first step is recognition – looking for and seeking out those in our lives who are parasites. Once we identify them, they no longer have power over us. Say NO to their seductions and their ministrations. STOP being the host for their insatiable desire for power. Remember that in truth, they HAVE NO POWER. We are the ones with the power and it is our power they seek to possess. See them. Say no to them. Cut them off from their food-source. And then watch them slink away. This is what I have found in my own experience with witch collectors – once they know they are being seen for who they truly are, once we refuse to let them take our power, once we say NO to their seductions, they simply go off in search of their next victim.
Addendum: An important note as it relates to succubae, etc. is the matter of power. In this world, there are two kinds of power. The one in which we are most familiar is the power that is wielded by the system. This is power-over. One seeking to have power over another. This is power that is distorted and (dare I say) evil. This kind of power is gained through manipulation, most commonly using shame, guilt, threats and triggering one’s insecurities and fears for the purposes of gain. Institutions use this. Governments use this. Corporations use this. The advertising industry is defined by this kind of power. Despots and dictators thrive on this kind of insidious power, as do individuals. Many so-called healers, teachers, shamans, etc. use these kinds of manipulations to gain clients, wealth, and fame. This kind of power is false and ultimately temporary. This kind of power does not satisfy. It only leaves the wielder of it constantly wanting more.
Authentic power is something else entirely. Authentic power springs naturally and without effort from one who is in union with Source (that which some might call “God”) and living in harmony with Source guidance. We are all born with authentic power, but our life experiences often limit our access to that power via the woundings and traumas we experience in the human condition. As we do the inner work of healing those traumas, our authentic power becomes more accessible. It is out of this power that our Divine gifts emerge, and it is our connection to this power that allows us to humbly allow Source to live through us. When living from authentic power, we are naturally and effortlessly guided to where we need to be, and what we are being called to do. We find ourselves grounded in ourselves, content in who we are, and at peace with what life brings to us. Those who would benefit from the gifts we share are naturally drawn to us and find us without any effort on our part. When grounded in authentic power, we are also able to see more clearly those who are not interested in growing or healing through the sharing of our gifts, but who instead seek only to feed off us. When in authentic power, from these we are able to simply walk away.
Accessing our Authentic Power begins with identifying and healing the wounds and traumas that are blocking that power. Our training programs help support you in that transformation. Click on the images to learn more.
Lauri Ann Lumby 