Is the Devil Real? Or maybe I should rephrase – Is There an Entity That Influences Us Toward doing something that’s Not ‘Right’? Now, before we begin, let me make one thing clear – I’m not here to negate anyone’s beliefs, nor am I here to challenge religious doctrines. This is not about proving or disproving the existence of any being, deity, or force but about Shadow Work and the Devil.
In fact, as someone who has walked the path of healing and occult practices, I firmly believe that all kinds of entities exist—be it God, demons, angels, spirits, or even lesser-known astral beings. They may not exist on our physical realm, but their presence is undeniable. I have personally sensed them, interacted with some, and worked with energies beyond the physical world.
Having said that, let us come back to the Devil and His existence. or rather, the existence of a force that is often blamed for leading people astray!
Does an External Force Really Push Us Into Doing ‘Wrong’?
Throughout history, different cultures and religions have described a dark, tempting force—whether it is called Satan, Devil, Mara, Shaitan, Asura or simply temptation itself. The idea remains the same:
“There is something out there trying to lead us away from what is right.” Or similar words.
But honestly: Can anyone (or anything) truly push us into doing something we do not want to do? The answer lies in understanding how influence and personal choice work.
The Devil Within
Often, what we label as ‘temptation’ or ‘evil’ isn’t necessarily some external being whispering in our ears, but rather our own unacknowledged inner conflicts surfacing. And as usual, we are more comfortable putting the blame on someone else – real or imaginary!
For example:
- A person who is tempted to lie or manipulate may put the blame on society – “One has to cheat and manipulate in this world to get something”, while he may actually be reacting to deep-seated fear of inadequacy or failure.
- A person who repeatedly engages in self-destructive behaviors – be it self sabotage or substance abuse, may be unconsciously acting out unresolved trauma while believing that “the world is out to get me!”.
- A person who finds themselves engaging in aggression or cruelty may be projecting their own repressed anger and pain while saying things like – “He/She made me do it” or even “They deserved it”.
So, is it really an external Devil that pushes us toward the ‘wrong’ path? Or is it our own unresolved wounds, emotions and desires manifesting as external temptations? And because we have learnt to blame it on outside things, The Devil becomes an easy scapegoat (is that why he is depicted with feet of a goat?).
Shadow Work and the Devil: How To Break the Illusion of External Control
If you ever feel like you’re being ‘tempted’ or ‘enticed’ into something that doesn’t align with your values and your higher self, instead of immediately blaming an outside force, ask:
1️⃣ What within me is responding to this temptation?
2️⃣ What am I avoiding or suppressing that is making me vulnerable to this influence?
3️⃣ Am I being shown a part of myself that I have not yet accepted?
When we take full responsibility for our choices, we reclaim our power. No external being, no energy—however strong—can make us do anything we do not align with on some level.
This is why Shadow Work is so transformational—it helps us recognize our hidden fears and desires before they control us from the unconscious.
So, Is the Devil Real?
Yes… and no.
Yes, there are forces and energies beyond human comprehension – we can think of them to be dark or light. But whether you see the Devil as an external force or as a reflection of your own unhealed parts is a matter of perception.
The real question is: Are you in control of your choices, or are your unconscious fears and desires controlling you? Or are you putting the blame on the Devil while not willing to take responsibility?
The Devil, temptation, negative energy—whatever name we give it—only has power over us if we allow it. By self-awareness, Shadow Work, and holistic healings like Bach Flower Remedies, we strip away the illusion of control from external forces and step fully into our own power.
So the next time you feel ‘tempted’ by something, ask yourself:
“Is this truly something external, or is this an unacknowledged part of myself asking to be seen?”
Because the real battle isn’t between good and evil—it’s between awareness and avoidance.
