Characteristics of a Python Spirit (Spirit Profile)

If you’ve been feeling spiritually suffocated, constantly exhausted, or distanced from your faith, you might be dealing with the insidious python spirit. Unlike the Leviathan spirit, who will lock you in an inner prison to disable you, the Python spirit will squeeze and suffocate you to death. This one works overtime to stop the Word of God and the Good News from being spread.

In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics of a python spirit, how it manifests, and most importantly, how to overcome it.

What is the Python Spirit?

We encounter a spirit of divination, called the Python spirit in Greek, in Acts 16:16. When the Bible was translated from Greek, the Python spirit was translated as a spirit of divination. The python spirit and the spirit of divination are the same spirit.

“Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her master much profit by fortune-telling.”

The history of Python is rooted in the Oracle of Delphi:

Python was directly involved in protecting false prophets, it’s no wonder it tries to shut down God’s prophets. This isn’t just a myth or an ancient tale; it’s a real spiritual force that can impact our lives today. The Python spirit works by wrapping itself around our spiritual life, squeezing the life out of our relationship with God, and trying to silence the voice of the prophetic.

Characteristics of a Python Spirit

The Python spirit is not a lone operator. It collaborates with other spirits to create a stronghold in a person’s life; a stronghold is a way of thinking or mindset that increasingly becomes automatic. Here are some key characteristics of this demonic gang in operation:

Python is Hindering

A python spirit and the demons it employs bring obstructions and hindrances to your Christian life and walk with the Lord.

Python’s Disguise as the Holy Spirit

Python comes slithering up to you cloaked in good intentions and disguised as the voice of the Holy Spirit, leading people into deception and lack unknowingly. It works with a lying spirit to convince its victims.

Remember Paul’s warning in the Bible:

“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 11:14-15

Pride as a Guard

Python works with a spirit of pride, using it as a guard to make sure it can stay in a person’s life. As I discussed in an earlier article and video, the king of pride is Leviathan.

A person under the influence of pride often refuses to look at Truth and is stubborn in their stance, justifying their beliefs. A spirit of pride convinces them that they’re ok with God – spiritually – without doing what the Godly are called to do.

This is a scary place to be in. We are not promised tomorrow, time is running out. These kinds of people risk hearing “Depart from me, I never knew you” from Jesus on judgment day.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven—only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” Matthew 7:21

Mob Mentality and Conformity

A python spirit demands agreement and conformity to its deceptive beliefs. It will target those who stand up against it or who don’t agree with it. I see this type of mentality in the world today in idealistic cults and cancel culture.

This is one aspect that it uses to isolate people too.

Python Brings Fear

Fear is Satan’s counterfeit version of faith in God. Satan’s kingdom uses it to force their will upon humankind. Unsurprisingly, the Python spirit instills fear through its lies, preventing spiritual growth and keeping people stuck.

There are so many subtle forms of fear that are used against God’s people. Here are just a few examples:

• Fear of rejection (works with the mob mentality and conformity)
• Fear of failure
• Fear of lack
• Fear of the unknown
• Fear of criticism
• Fear of change
• Fear of intimacy
• Fear of success
• Fear of responsibility
• Fear of commitment
• Fear of isolation
• Fear of loss
• Fear of conflict
• Fear of inadequacy
• Fear of vulnerability
• Fear of judgment
• Fear of disappointment
• Fear of the future
• Fear of the past
• Fear of sickness
• Fear of death
• Fear of being wrong

These fears can hinder spiritual growth and the fulfillment of God’s purpose in our lives.

9 Symptoms of a Python Spirit: Signs You’re Under Attack

The Python Spirit often strikes after a big victory or just before a big promotion. Once you learn to see the Python Spirit symptoms at work, you can take steps to navigate and overcome its influence. Here are some symptoms to watch for:

1. Loss of Spiritual Hunger:

Disinterest and boredom in the Christian lifestyle and in spiritual matters.

2. Losing Desire for the Word:

Losing passion for the Bible and spending time with God.

3. Interruptions and Distractions During Prayer & Bible Study:

Finding it hard to pray and study due to constant interruptions and the onslaught of distractions.

4. Chronic Exhaustion and Fatigue:

Persistent tiredness, lack of motivation, and feelings of heaviness.

5. Overwhelm:

Feeling worn down, paralyzed, stuck, and questioning the purpose of your efforts.

6. Financial Struggles:

Experiencing lack and poverty. Resources are drying up, leading you to focus more on money than on God. Then greed rears its ugly head as fear tells you that you need to hold onto everything you have.

7. Isolation from Godly Relationships:

Pulls you away from godly relationships and isolates you. It will use offense, rejection, shame, and victimizing oneself. You may start feeling more comfortable with worldly influences than with other Christians.

8. Old Sins & Iniquities Resurface:

Struggling with past habits and sins, such as addictions or negative behaviors. You start justifying them and feeling drawn back through compromise. Python will then hit you with shame to isolate you even more.

9. Seeking Carnal Enjoyment:

Godly things are being replaced with worldly pleasures.

🗒 SIDE NOTE: I believe a Python spirit was coming up against me to stop this article and the corresponding video from being published.

I was experiencing symptoms four and five (above) for two weeks and felt stuck. I wasn’t able to move forward and get this done.

When I realized what was going on, I set my mind right, played worship music, and tore down the stronghold that the enemy was trying to build.

How the Python Spirit Gains Access

First, I need to clarify that the python spirit works mainly to stop or hinder God’s people from accomplishing His plans for their lives. It usually attacks from the outside; applies pressure from the outside, and uses other spirits that work to get inside. In this section, I’m referencing the “inside” work of this network of evil.

There are spiritual rules in place that evil must follow to gain access to a person’s inner life. The Python army gains access through:

Involvement in Witchcraft and the Occult

Practices like tarot cards, crystals, and New Age activities can open doors. God hates these practices and they carry curses – they are forbidden to Christians.

“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD; because of these same detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you.” Deuteronomy 18:10-12

“And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.” Leviticus 20:6

Notice, in Leviticus 20:6, the mention of these people being cut off from among their people. Is it a coincidence that one of the characteristics of a python spirit is cutting a person off from their Christian brothers and sisters?

In the New Testament, 1 Timothy 4:1 warns us about these practices in the latter times, which I believe we are in now:

“Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the latter times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.”

Unforgiveness

Holding onto sin and refusing to forgive will create a legal entry point. Unforgiveness is a huge hindrance (even for healing) and an open door for the “tormentors.” Read what Jesus said in the parable about forgiveness in Matthew 18:34-35:

“And in wrath, his master turned him over to the torturers (jailers) until he paid all that he owed. My heavenly Father will also do the same to [every one of] you if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.”

And also in Matthew 6:14-15 when Jesus was teaching us how to pray:

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Sin and Worldly Influences

We are in the world but are not of the world. God calls us to come out of her and be unique, a “peculiar” people. The world should recognize that we are different.

Do not yoke yourself with the world. You are the temple of the Holy Spirit.

In 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 the Bible says:

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God.

As God has said:

“I will live with them
    and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
    and they will be my people.”

Therefore,

“Come out from them
    and be separate,
says the Lord.
Touch no unclean thing,
    and I will receive you.”

And,

Participating and engaging with what the world endorses, but goes against the Word, will open doors for the demonic in a believer’s life. Be especially careful about entertainment, such as movies, music, and games. They are one of the main tools that Satan uses to open doors and get access.

Overcoming the Python Spirit

If you recognize any of the characteristics of a Python spirit or its symptoms and activities, there are practical steps you can take to overcome:

1. Forgiveness: Become born again and receive God’s forgiveness for ALL your sins through Jesus. Forgive others as you have been forgiven.
2. Prayer and Worship: Engage in regular prayer and worship to strengthen your spiritual defenses.
3. Stay in the Word: Regularly read and meditate on the Bible to stay grounded in God’s truth and in obedience. You will need to be in the Word to discern these spirits.
4. Partner with Other Believers: Ecclesiastes 4:8-12 and Matthew 18:19 highlight the importance of support and agreement in spiritual battles.
5. The Armor of God: Put on, wear, and use the spiritual armor God gave us. See Ephesians 6:11-18 for details.
6. Remember God’s Promises: Hold onto God’s promises and declare them over your life. Matthew 7:24-27 reminds us that we are built to withstand the storm.

What’s Next?

The Python Spirit is a formidable foe, but with the Holy Spirit and God’s Word, you can overcome its influence. Don’t forget, we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus! God has equipped us to win, it’s our job to find the instructions and employ them.

Stay vigilant, stay connected to God’s Word, and lean on your community of believers. Together, we can break free from the suffocating grip of the Python spirit and walk in the fullness of life that God has promised us.

For more in-depth teachings and resources, check out my related videos and watch for my upcoming book on spiritual warfare. Together, let’s stand strong and victorious against the forces that seek to hinder our spiritual growth.