Spiritual Imposter Syndrome

Raise your hand if you’ve ever had imposter syndrome! So, that’s like, all of us. Sweet.

Most of the time, we talk about imposter syndrome is the context of creating or working. That feeling that you’re just making shit up and don’t know anything and sooner or later everyone’s going to figure out that you’re only here because of a mistake. It’s a really awful, shameful feeling.

But imposter syndrome doesn’t only hit us at work. It can also crop up in unexpected places, like our spiritual lives.

I find this to be particularly true for those who do any sort of magic, or psychic/spirit work, but it can hit anyone at any time. Because our brains suck, let’s be real.  If I’m honest, spiritual imposter syndrome is one of the things I struggle with the most.

So what might spiritual imposter syndrome look like?

• Dismissing unexplained experiences and sensations 
• Constantly seeking approval from folks positioned as teachers or leaders 
• Getting way too many divination readings instead of trusting your own instincts 
• Feeling like you’re just fooling yourself about your path or experiences 
• Etc. 

Basically, it’s that nagging worry that you don’t quite fit, aren’t quite right, are making things up, or are just faking things for attention. Not to get all psychological up in here, but a lot of these feelings can stem from the shame of being different (or being “too normal,” depending on the circumstances). Especially on a pagan path in an Abrahamic-leaning world, where intimate connections with astral beings aren’t really A Thing.

But here’s the good news.

You aren’t alone and you aren’t an imposter.

One of the things I’ve noticed is that most people who struggle with spiritual imposter syndrome tend to be on the right track, for lack of a better term. Sure, we might not be 100% on top of things all the time. But we generally have a better grasp on our experiences, beliefs, and discernment than we think we do.

So go forth and tell that imposter syndrome to fuck right off. You’re better than that.

- Nonir