#boy is this true
Any time a member of an occult group wants to talk with you about group-relevant topics, but they insist on doing it privately, that is an orange flag.
Sometimes I will tell people, “I have thoughts on this but I don’t want to discuss it publicly.” Maybe someone wants to talk about cannabis use and I don’t feel like talking about drugs in a group with minors.
I often do readings in DMs as well. There are valid reasons to take conversations away from public spaces.
But if you’re in a magic-working, spirit-working, or pagan group, and you ask a group-appropriate question like “what spell can I do for this problem?” or “any help communicating with gods?” and someone wants to take that to DMs, that is something to be careful about.
Because there is a really good chance that person knows what they are about to tell you might be challenged or refuted by other group members, so they want to do it privately so no one can call them on their bullshit.
If you’re sitting in a circle with a lot of people and you’re all enjoying a civil conversation, then suddenly someone wants to pull you aside and tell you things so no one else can hear, that’s suspicious.
It’s not a red flag, but it’s an orange flag. And it’s a good idea to cross-check what information you’re being told.
“I wanted to talk to you in private because what I’m about to tell you is really intense and most people don’t really get it, I only share it with people who I think are ready to listen” is a red flag.
