by Samantha Herron

Created on: January 04, 2009

In troubled times such as this, people in growing numbers turn to the spiritual side of life for strength and guidance. It is within the realms of spirituality that they seek reassurance that they're not alone and not forgotten.

While this should be comforting to people and give them strength to come through trying situations, what it may do is make them targets for those who prey on wounded souls.

Before everyone jumps in and tells me how pessimistic I'm being, how there are many groups out there that are sincere in their support of each other in such times, let me tell you why I'm writing this.

I have been following my particular spiritual path, Wicca, for 35 years. It has been my strength and gotten me through some very trouble times. During that time, I've had the privilege of editing and writing for a small publication. That was in the 1980s. Thanks to that experience I had some information fall into my hands about some less than honorable people who were taking advantage of those seeking a spiritual path. The information so opened my eyes that I wrote and asked permission to reprint it in my publication. I was allowed to pass the information on.

While the article then had been written specifically for followers of Wicca and Paganism, I now feel the general information it contained is applicable to any spiritual path that one may be seeking to be part of a group.

Do I believe that corruption and predators do exist in the guise of spiritual leaders? Yes. Do I believe that corruption and predators are around every corner? No. What I do believe is that we are in very trying times and this makes it a prime hunting ground for those who are looking to take advantage of others.

For this reason, I want to pass on, in my own words, the information that I gained over 25 years ago. Who knows, it may prove useful to someone and prevent them from losing faith because of less than honest people.

Some of this information may seem obvious, but when a person is in crisis, they may be less than clear-headed or clear thinking. For this reason, I ask that you give even the most obvious indications careful consideration. While I'm not looking to make anyone paranoid, I feel that any honorable, caring spiritual group will have no problems with being carefully scrutinized by someone seeking admittance nor will they mind answering questions that the seeker feels necessary for their peace of mind.

Take a second look and ask questions of any group that -

-requires it members to have sexual

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