The Battle We Don't See

The Business of Being You

Dear Readers,

It has been a long time since I’ve connected with you here, and I feel I owe you an explanation. I apologize for my absence, but the truth is, I’ve been at war. Not the kind fought with weapons, but a war of the spirit—one that leaves its mark on the body, mind, and soul. Perhaps you’ve felt it too, though it’s rarely named: spiritual warfare.

This is the battle of good versus evil, a quiet but relentless clash. It shows up in ways we often dismiss or overlook:

• Unexplained interference—important moments sabotaged by dropped calls or broken connections.
• Strained relationships—friends turning against one another, snapping under invisible pressures.
• Twisted narratives—lies whispered to sow discord and control perception.

It’s as though we are living a modern-day reflection of the cartoons where an angel and a devil perched on someone’s shoulders battle for influence. Yet today, the devil's whispers seem louder, cloaked in the seductive, destructive mantra: "Just do it, go ahead."

The question we must ask is: How do we protect ourselves?

Recognizing Evil

Evil is insidious, often wearing the mask of good to deceive. M. Scott Peck, in People of the Lie, identifies traits of human evil that can help us recognize it:

1. Self-deception to avoid guilt while maintaining a polished outward image.
2. Projection of their own darkness onto specific targets while appearing normal to others.
3. Hiding hate under the guise of love for self-deception.
4. Abuse of power, whether emotional, social, or political.
5. Consistent destructiveness, not necessarily in magnitude but in persistence.
6. Inability to empathize with victims.
7. Intolerance to criticism and perpetual lies to maintain control.
8. Conscious awareness of their own evil, yet refusal to introspect or admit it.

These behaviors surround us in subtle and overt ways, creating an environment where good feels drowned out.

Cultures Around the World: Warding Off Evil

Across the globe, people have recognized and resisted this dark energy in unique ways:

• Salt Circles (Western Traditions): Salt is thought to purify and repel negativity, often used to form protective boundaries.
• Evil Eye Amulets (Mediterranean and Middle East): Believed to deflect harmful intentions.
• Smudging with Sage (Indigenous Cultures): Smoke cleansing rituals to remove negative energy.
• Iron Talismans (Celtic Lore): Iron is said to ward off malevolent spirits.
• Mantras and Chants (Hinduism and Buddhism): Repeated prayers or sounds to invoke protection.
• Red String Bracelets (Kabbalah and East Asian Cultures): Worn for protection against envy and harm.
• Holy Water (Christianity): Sprinkled to cleanse spaces and people.
• Black Tourmaline and Onyx (Modern Crystal Healing): Crystals believed to absorb negative energy.

Building Your Armor

We all have tools to resist darkness and nurture light. Whether it’s faith, meditation, rituals, or simply staying grounded in truth and love, our armor lies in our intentions and actions.

Have you ever felt it—the bad energy that makes your hair stand on end or ties your stomach in knots? Recognizing it is the first step. Trust your instincts. Stand firm. And remember, light always shines brighter in the presence of darkness.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. How do you guard yourself in this unseen battle? What practices give you strength? Let’s continue this conversation. Together, we are stronger.

Yours in resilience,

Marelle Couture

The Business of Being You