You may have read recently about dark empaths, a personality type which has gained a great deal of recognition and traction, despite not being in the the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V).
A dark empath is someone who uses their ability to understand others’ feelings to manipulate them for personal gain. They manipulate others extremely effectively (because they understand them well) but only to feed their narcissistic ego.
Their excellent empathy skills make them dangerous because they can get under people’s skin, see what makes them tick… only to use it in a callous and self-serving way.
While they will always presents themselves as friends, collaborators, allies, and confidants, this is all to get you to let your guard down and feed them the intel about yourself that they will later use against you.
‘Dark empath’ signs to look out for
A dark empath is going to be highly manipulative, using tactics like gaslighting and guilt tripping to get what they want.
They seek to exploit. They are knowing and shrewd about what’s going on for folk, but totally emotionally detached from truly caring or wanting to help or sympathise. They see only their own gain.
They are also adept at using spiteful humour and jokes and ‘banter’ to manipulate people and situations. This can feel jarring and very hurtful.
They are usually quite extrovert, at ease socially, able to converse and charm on a superficial level, even actually build bonds and friendships (albeit it never takes too long for those bonds to turn toxic and poisonous).
They can be self depreciating and self critical – which will disarm you initially – because of their powerful analysis skills.
Star signs most likely to be dark empaths
There is no scientific evidence here but, as a keen astrological observer, I am going to point out three signs with potential.
Firstly, Libra. A natural analyst and diplomat, but ultimately a pretty self-serving and biased character. Librans are happy to watch others’ drama – in fact they enjoy it, as long as the mud doesn’t splash on them. They enjoy dissecting people.
Secondly, Gemini. The ultimate dissociated sign, who is clever and charming enough to make anyone like them, but ultimately can switch those feelings off and get to doing what needs to be done for their best interests. Geminis have a ruthless streak.
Thirdly, Cancer. The ultimate empath of the zodiac and usually the greatest nurturer too… though not always! And when you team up Cancer’s supreme intuition with a tainted heart or outlook, that’s a dangerous combination.
Capricorn is a contender, so is Taurus, as both have controlling and cold tendencies, but ultimately both are not natural empaths or going to do the ‘work’ required to really manipulate someone to this degree.
Scorpio feels too obvious a choice, so I deliberately didn’t pick them! But, yes, Scorpio is also a contender here.
How to escape a dark empath’s clutches
Being in their grip might make you feel anxious, self doubting, insecure and even traumatised.
So, firstly, make sure you have good support and a self-care focused routine to keep you grounded, calm, and connected to the ‘normal’ world and people living in it. Don’t be cut off or isolated.
Take good care of yourself in your own company and build your self esteem too. Keep being yourself and doing what you know to be right; stay grounded in your own ethics and values.
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Thirdly, forgive yourself, and don’t let them make you feel like you’ve done anything wrong. Set boundaries, ground rules, limits and make them clear. If they are transgressed, you can refer back to that agreement, then take steps as a result. It holds you, and them, to account.
And, if you need to quit, leave, walk away, end something, resign, or sever all ties, then so be it. There’s no shame or blame in that. Self protection is key. A toxic situation will change you long before you can change it.
Kerry King, the tarot queen, uses tarot and star sign wisdom to create inspiring forecasts and insights, with nearly 30 years of fortune telling experience and many happy clients all over the world. Join her tarot club on Patreon for exclusive forecasts, predictions, lessons, readings and 1-1 access.
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