New Age methods

Spirit guides are defined by many as ‘spiritual beings assigned to guide us throughout life’. This is one of the roles of the Holy Spirit in a Christian’s life. As humans, we are vulnerable when it comes to the spiritual realm. There are many wrong spirits that try to guide and influence us. There is the Holy Spirit, angelic beings, our individual (human) spirits and demonic spirits. Our own spirit dwells within our physical body until we die, when it is then released from our body and returned to God for either an eternal dwelling place with him in heaven or for judgment in hell.

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God who leads us into all truth, biblical truth! You can have a spiritual encounter or a supernatural experience through the Holy Spirit or with angels in God’s Presence. I have often used the gift of prophecy, word of knowledge and the gift of healing, which are the gifts of the Holy Spirit outlined in 1 Corinthians 12. I have often used the gift of dream interpretation which was used by Joseph and Daniel in the Bible.

However, you can also have a spiritual encounter with wrong spirits, I have had encounters with wrong spirits when experimenting in different new age and various spiritual practises as outlined in my testimony. God has given us guidelines in the Bible that are for our own protection. Angels can minister to us and guide us. We can receive their help or choose to ignore them. The Holy Spirit and angelic beings are on direct assignment from God. This includes giving us direction, comfort, guidance and protection. According to Psalm 91, angels are commanded to keep charge over us. 

“For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11)

They are also mentioned in Hebrews 1:14 as ministering Spirits, sent to help the heirs of salvation. They protect us, bring answers to our prayers and can give us God's counsel and release dreams and visions.

Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:14)

But if it is not the Holy Spirit, it is demonic! These spirits work through false teaching and occult practices. In the Bible, God warns us of the dangers of experimenting in the spirit world. Evil spirits are fallen angels, they attach onto people and objects, mainly due to sin. These spirits bring torment, oppression and lead many into deception. Evil spirits can appear as angels, they are very deceptive. 

Despite the beliefs of the New Age and occult, spirit guides are not spirits of our departed loved ones, the Bible calls them familiar spirits (Leviticus 20:27). Spirits can imitate deceased loved ones, aliens and ancestors. Paul tells us they appear as ‘angels of light’, as spirit guides. Like Satan, who himself comes disguised as an angel, Satan’s messengers come disguised as spirit guides.

Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. (2 Corinthians 11:14–15)

Evil spirits can give spiritual encounters. They can reveal information and give advice. There are different types of paranormal activity:

• Projections
• Levitations 
• Visions
• Noises & lights 
• Communicating through a person  (a channeler)

Channelers claim to get messages from spirit guides. Messages can often be comforting, spiritual and tell us of past events.

Demonic spirits channel through divination methods: seances, fortune-telling, occult and new age practises. Spirit guides can imitate well-known religious or biblical characters. Founders of Eastern religions claim to have been visited in dreams by a figure appearing as a guru. Some spirit guides have appeared claiming to be Jesus. Spirits can appear and manifest as animals. 

Not all spirit guides are audible or visible: they can work through Ouija Boards or tarot cards, but eventually bring a person under their control. A person will begin to act in a strange way under their influence. Avoid these type of spiritual experiences, as they are destructive and deceptive. Don't interact with them or encourage them into your life. Opening the door to the demonic alters the course of your destiny!

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1) 

Evil spirits hate Jesus Christ, his followers, the Bible, the church and the things of God and try to prevent people from coming to a knowledge of the truth. Satan and his angels are opposed to humans beings as we are made in the image of God, angels are not! Evil spirits attempt to obstruct and divert people from the truth, away from God into deception. 

All true followers of Christ have been given authority in Jesus' Name to overpower and drive out evil spirits, this is the only interaction we are told to have with them. We see this in the ministry of Jesus as recorded in the gospels and was common practice in the early church. It is just as effective today for releasing people from torment, oppression, sickness and deception.

The people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, "You are the Son of God!" (Luke 4: 40-41)

Yoga is a new age spiritual exercise that goes beyond the normal physical exercise done at the aerobics class or the gym. This is part of the Hindu religion, which believes in preparing a person for death and reincarnation through Yoga.

Yoga is claimed to be for healing the body and mind using meditation and balancing your psychic energy by using your ‘Third Eye’, this gradually cuts off the connection between yourself and your body. Breathing techniques are used - which is to breathe as little as possible! 

Yoga is becoming increasingly popular in society today and is also recommended in the medical field. 

The Gods of Yoga

The postures taken in yoga are worship to Hindu Gods. The Hindu religion has many gods, but the main one worshipped is Kundalini, the serpent power god.

Cobra Posture

By taking this position you open your body to the Kundalini force.

Worship Posture

Shiva is another god worshipped,  referred to as the God of Light. Through yoga you are encouraged to worship and reach out to him. 

The Twelve postures used for warm up are sun worship positions. Mantras are also used in Yoga. These are prayers recited to reach meditation – chants are used, while emptying your mind to reach a state of trance.

The Deception: Yoga is not exercise – It’s a religion!

The purpose of Yoga is to awaken you to spiritual forces and reach physical death by slowing down your breathing technique.

“You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the women. “For god knows that when you eat of it, your eyes will be opened”, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil”. (Genesis 3:4)

Worship Posture

Satan seeks to be worshipped, “I will become like Most High God.” If he cannot be worshipped directly, he will take it through deception by manufacturing religions and spiritual practises that outwardly appear to prosper us. Many positions adopted in Yoga are the same used by Satanists in their worship and ritual practises, along with chanting techniques. 

Yoga does however connect you to the spiritual world, but the wrong one! Through yoga, you allow yourself to become an entrance for other spiritual energy and forces. Many have suffered with opposite effects of what it has claimed to do. 

Problems Surrounding Yoga

Although Yoga may give an instant and temporary feeling of relaxation and peace, it is accompanied by other spiritual and physical problems!

· Headaches/Migraines (regular) 

· Neck & Chest pain

· Respiratory problems 

· Heart Problems

· Back Problems (base of spine, upwards & twisted posture)

· Arthritis

· Strong lust/sexual perversion

· Depression

· Confusion & Forgetfulness

· Concentration problems

“You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself any carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them or serve them. For I the Lord your God, am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me.”  (Exodus 20 1-5)

Astrology is an ancient and pagan practice which is becoming increasingly popular in our society today. The basic belief is the planets and stars and time of our birth influences our lives and controls our destiny. 

Although the Bible doesn’t give much detail on astrology, it warns us against divination and false predictions. The purpose behind reading a horoscope is to gain insight into the future. God’s will for our life is not determined by the position of the stars and the planets. To look for insight about our future and guidance other anyone else but God is misplaced faith.

“In all your ways acknowledge Me and I will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:6)

The Bible does tell us  the stars were created by God,He has them all numbered and named. 

He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. (Psalm 147:4)

A horoscope is the chart that attempts to describe our character and destiny. Horoscope readings are available in most newspapers and magazines. The problem with horoscope reading is that they are very generalised, and how can that apply to everyone born at the same time of the year?

For I know the plans I have for you, not to hinder you but to prosper you, to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

The Babylonians used astrology as part of divination and predicting the future. It was believed then the gods presented themselves by their constellations and the planets. But in Daniel 2:10-11, we read how astrologers were powerless to interpret the King’s dream, it was God’s prophet, Daniel who was given the interpretation. When King Belshazzar saw a finger appear and write on the wall, he called in the astrologers, only Daniel had the ability to interpret, given to him by God, what was written on the wall.

"No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about?” (Daniel 2:27)

Astrologers are mentioned in Isaiah. The judgment that came from Babylon, which all the astrologers failed to predict, only came through God’s true prophets!

“Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you. Surely, they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot even save themselves from the flame… Each of them goes on in his error; there is not one that can save you."(Isaiah 47:13-15).

When we attempt to predict or seek the future through any other source other than God, we show our lack of trust in Him. God will not compromise with sin, seeking counsel for the future by divination or through the use of astrology or horoscopes offends Him. They are not his ways. Looking to the stars or constellations for our future is a form of idolatry. We should worship the ‘Creator’ of these things, not the things he has created.

"And beware not to lift up your eyes to heaven and see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, and be drawn away and worship them and serve them, those which the LORD your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven. (Deuteronomy 4:19)

Like divination, fortune-telling and astrology are an occult practise. This opens the door to demonic oppression which can alter our destiny and is spiritually dangerous, we become vulnerable to deceiving and dangerous spirits, rather than God’s Holy Spirit. 

“Let no one be found among you who practise divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritualist, or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.” (Deuteronomy. 18:10)

God didn’t create us as Aquarian or Sagittarian, but as ‘Unique-ian’ – The Bible says we are fearfully and wonderfully made.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well”. (Psalm 139:14)

In the Bible, we have the assurance of His truth about our future, which is with Him in eternity, through the redemptive work Jesus done on the cross. When we accept Him as our Lord and Saviour, our future with Him is guaranteed.

"Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32)

Spiritualists (mediums) believe they communicate with spirits of the dead. Spiritualist believe that life continues on after death, when people die, they exist in the spirit world. 

The Spiritualist Church is now termed a form of Christian worship, they combine some of the Christian beliefs with occult practises. It has become a recognised global movement, but beliefs and teachings are contrary to the Bible and doctrines of mainstream Christian churches. One of the deceptions is that many believe they are attending a Christian worship service, but methods are very different to those of traditional Christian services. Some spiritualist churches claim to draw inspiration from Christianity. 

Let no-one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practises divination or sorcery, interprets omens or engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. (Deut. 18:10-12)

Similar to the format of most Christian churches, spiritualist churches have pulpits, organs, pews, crucifixes and often read scriptures from the Bible, have prayers and songs. But they practise meditation and give psychic readings. Services are usually led by a medium or channeler. Many of them believe that heaven, hell, Satan and evil spirits do not exist which would explain their lack of fear for the demonic realm. The Bible instructs us to test spirits. Spiritualists do not test spirits! This means to compare what is being taught and practised against what the Bible teaches. 

Do not believe every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognise the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist. (1 John 4:1-3)

Spiritual healing can be part of the service in some spiritualist churches. Direct healing energy is transferred to a person from a ‘higher source’, channelers use their hands to channel healing, this is New Age hands-on healing, not divine healing through the power off the Holy Spirit as practised by Jesus and the Apostles in the Bible. 

Saul & The Witch of Endor

Many spiritualists use the example of King Saul in the Bible for contacting spirits of the dead to endorse their practise. The story of the witch of Endor contacting the deceased prophet, Samuel, on behalf of Saul is recorded in 1 Samuel 28:7-20. Here we read how the spirit of Samuel was conjured up to consult with King Saul for spiritual advice, as God was not communicating with Saul through any of the prophets, as the Lord had rejected him as King due to his disobedience.

Saul requested the witch to bring up the spirit of Samuel to advise him on the outcome of a battle which was about to take place, he was desperate for spiritual guidance. Saul had disobeyed God once again by consulting with a spiritualist, who then foretells Saul of his own death. 

“For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king." 

(1 Samuel 15:23)
 

As a result of his disobedience, Saul sought spiritual advice from the very source t he had previously expelled from the land. 

In the meantime Saul had removed the mediums and magicians from the land 

(1 Samuel 28:4)

All mediums and spiritualists were expelled from Israel by King Saul, as Israel was not to be influenced or defiled by them. By seeking counsel from a spiritualist, it shows how far King Saul had fallen. King Saul disguised himself to deceive the medium of his identity. Saul requested the medium to bring up the spirit of Samuel from the dead. She informs Saul of the ban of such practices throughout the land.

Was this God bringing up the dead to the living or taking the living to the dead? Instead of Samuel visiting Saul, was Saul visiting Samuel? In this particular passage, it does not give us any other reason to believe that this was not Samuel who appeared. When the spirit showed up, the medium shrieks, she now realises this is Saul requesting to speak with Samuel. When the spirit speaks, it tells Saul what he had already heard, what Samuel  foretold when he was still alive, that due to his disobedience, God had judged him and had given the kingdom of Israel to another (King David).

The Appearance of Samuel

God gave Saul an appearance by which he was able to recognise Samuel. The message  given to Saul was accurate. God allowed the witch of Endor to summon what appeared to be the spirit of Samuel, to give Saul news of his defeat and death. The spirit which claimed to be Samuel resembled Samuel (a familiar spirit). 

In verse 14, Saul asks the medium to tell him what she sees. She informs Saul of an old man covered with a mantle, who Saul believes to be the prophet Samuel. If God would not communicate to Saul previously through any of the prophets, what made him think he was speaking to Samuel the prophet now? 

The fact that Saul understood God was not communicating to him through the prophets, should have been enough for him to realise God was not communicating through Samuel the deceased prophet! 

So Saul inquired of the Lord, but the Lord did not answer him—not by dreams nor by Urim nor by the prophets. So Saul instructed his servants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, so that I may go to her and inquire of her.” His servants replied to him, “There is a woman who is a medium in Endor.” (1 Samuel 28:6-7)

The spirit tells Saul how he and his sons would be joining him the next day, as they would be defeated in battle. 

Was Saul Speaking with the Spirit of Samuel?

According to 1 Chronicles 10:13:14, Saul inquired of ‘it’, and not of Samuel. It tells us in this verse this was a ‘familiar spirit’ Saul communicated with, and not the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel. A familiar spirit (evil spirit or demon) resembles a deceased person that is familiar to the person enquiring.

“So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.” (1 Chronicles 10:13:14)

It tells us Saul not only faced death for his disobedience, but also for 'enquiring from one with a familiar spirit'. The spirit deceived both Saul and the witch of Endor into believing it was actually Samuel speaking. The next day, Israel were defeated in battle, and both of Saul’s sons were killed, and so Saul fell on his sword and died.

The spiritualist was first deceived by Saul and then by a familiar spirit!

My Own Experience

As outlined in 'My Testimony', not long after the death of my father, I spoke with a psychic who told me exactly how my father had died and how he was watching over me, I knew  this was a lying spirit, as it was everything my father had stood against because of his own testimony and Christian faith. Even if my father were to speak through such methods, he would have told me to get back in the church!

See Demonology

The Legend & Origin

There are various legends surrounding the Dream Catcher, the most common one traces back to an Indian Apache or Navajo tribe. Tribal cultures believe the night air is filled with floating dreams and knowledge of both good and bad and our dreams are messages from the spirit world.

The purpose of the web is to catch only good dreams of the night air to allow them into the home, others claim the web is to catch and hold bad dreams, allowing only the good dreams to filter through the hole into the home? This has led to the dream catcher being manufactured and sold on the market.

· Catch good dreams and spirits, or catch and hold bad dreams and spirits?

· Strengthen your connection to the spirit world 

· Hold the destiny of your future

· Carry spiritual medicine bringing power

· Give strength, understanding, and healing to the body, mind & spirit.  

The legend would have us believe that long ago, a tribal leader on top of a high mountain  received a vision, in which a spider showed him how to design a web and demonstrated how the web with a hole placed in the centre would act as a spirit guide to all the tribes.

Adverse Effects 

The dream catcher does connect and strengthen your connection to the spiritual world, but the wrong one! There are many homes after being in possession of one of these unusual looking instruments that are suffering from adverse effects of what it is claimed to do. The problems and incidents that surround  the dream catcher are too similar for coincidence. This acts more like a curse over a home and a magnet for evil spirits to enter, the effects are similar to a subtle sting of a witchcraft. 

Pattern of the Dream Catcher!

A pattern always surrounds and accompanies witchcraft or a curse. A gradual process of events take place after the dream catcher is placed the home.

· Broken sleep/sleepless nights (frequent)

· Concentration problems/mind distractions

· Bad dreams/nightmares (frequent)

· Constant strife in the home  

· Allergies, fears, phobias, anxieties 

· Increasing compulsive behaviour and addictions. 

· Constantly tired & drained (flu symptoms) 

  (a wrong spirit in a home will drain your spiritually & physically)

· Increasing financial problems

· Eventually leading to various types of  sickness and chronic illnesses.

· Accidents and tragedies 

· Re-occurring problems, a chain of disastrous events

· Finally resulting in a break-up of the home and family relationships

My Own Experience

Back in July 2000, I was given a dream catcher as a gift which I placed within my home. Gradually, over a few months, many adverse effects as detailed above began to take place. It was as if I had been put under a curse. Eventually, not long after being back in church I prayed for spiritual insight into my problems, the Holy Spirit revealed this was a source of demonic power that had infiltrated my home. I have also prayed for other people in their homes where after being in possession of one,  not long after have suffered similar adverse effects. 

Other Articles of Interest :

Spiritual House cleaning

Spirit Guides

Demonology

Angels

What is a Curse

A curse is an obstruction in your life, a barrier, it is a spiritual force working against you that cannot be seen or identified. It acts as a hindrance in certain or all areas of your life. Just as you start to prosper in that area, circumstances will then prevent it. Many people suffer from and battle with problems, without realising they could be under a curse. 

“You shall burn the carved images of their gods with fire, you shall not covet the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it for yourselves, lest you be snared by it, for it is an abomination to the Lord your God, nor shall you bring an abomination into your house, lest you be doomed to destruction like it, you shall utterly detest it and utterly abhor it, for it is an accursed thing”. (Deut. 7:25-26)

The Future

After your physical death, your spirit then goes on to eternity, either heaven or hell. The bible says to enter the kingdom of heaven you must be born again. Although many people believe they are not bad and will go to heaven. The bible says no-one can earn their way into heaven. You must come through the cross. 

“It is appointed unto man once to die and then judgement.” (Hebrews 9:27 )

Reflexology, like acupuncture and acupressure, is an ancient eastern method and popular new age healing technique, a form of holistic therapy. Most reflexologists believe there are connections between all major organs, for example: the heart, liver and soles of our feet. By massaging the feet at specific points, they claim certain ailments can be corrected, give relaxation and pain relief in other parts of the body. For example, massaging the big toe on specific points can ease headaches, thyroid and neck problems.

Many who practice reflexology claim the body has an energy field, an invisible life force and a blockage of this can prevent healing. The belief is everything in the world, including our bodies, is divided into one of two energy forces, known as ‘yin and yang’. Yin and yang and 'Five Elements' taken from occult teachings from China. The Five Elements are: wood, fire, water, earth and metal. Each part of the body is believed to be associated in one way or another to one of these elements. 

Many who practise reflexology, even some Christians, are unaware of what reflexology is actually based on. Reflexology is presented as a healing method for relieving aches and pains, which sounds good and feels therapeutic. But Christians should be cautious and avoid the spiritual aspects connected to reflexology, just as Christians should avoid most new age beliefs.

Reflexology is not based on biblical principles, instead it is based on principles of Taoism. 'Yin and Yang' are considered opposites. Yin represents a dark, feminine force, the left side of the body. Yang is the opposite, it represents the light, masculine force, the right side of the body.

The world is divided into two areas when it comes to religion and culture; Eastern and Western and there are several differences. Different gods are worshipped in the Eastern religions, as well as different beliefs, cultures and customs practised. Most Eastern religions originated in areas such as China, South-east Asia, India and Japan. Western religions were founded in Europe and America. The two largest religions in the world are Christianity and Islam. 

Eastern religions associated with India are Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism and Hinduism. These have become popular in the West over recent years, mainly due to immigration. There are also different sects and smaller groups that offshoot from these religions, just as with Christianity in the West. Most eastern religions worship more than one God, unlike Western religions, where one God (or triune God) is worshipped.

In Eastern culture, people express their religion at any time or place. People will worship in their homes and visit temples whenever they are free, unlike Western culture, where many form congregations and worship together in frequent gatherings.

• Muslims worship in Mosques 
• Jews worship in Synagogues
• Christian worship in Churches

Most Eastern religions have different beliefs in the afterlife, such as re-incarnation and Karma, which are both acknowledged in Buddhism and Hinduism.

Hinduism has many Gods, it is the third largest religion with over a billion followers. The word Hindu refers to the people and culture of the Indus Valley region, situated on the border between Pakistan and India. Hindu is the dominant religion practised in India and Nepal today. There is no known founder or a governing body in Hinduism. Hinduism has a huge variety of beliefs and like most false religions, are all contrary to the Bible. There are various types of Hindus, three major sects are Shaiva, Shakti and Vaishnava. Hindu practices have become popular in the west over recent years. New Agers have adopted some of the Hindu beliefs, such as Yoga and meditation. Hinduism is similar to Buddhism, as they believe in Karma and reincarnation. Hindus believe that everyone is divine and our main purpose in life is to reach enlightenment. 

No teaching except the gospel of Jesus Christ can bring salvation and a right relationship with God. (Galatians 1:8,9)

Among their gods is the serpent power God, ‘Kundalini’, and Krishna. Like Christianity, Hinduism has a Trinity. 

· Brahma (Creator)

· ishnu (Sustainer)

· Shiva (Destroyer) 

Hare Krishna is the mystical sect of Hinduism, they became more known throughout the west in the '60s. 

Yoga 

Yoga is an important part of Hinduism and is believed to be the pathway to God. Yoga is a spiritual exercise and is part of the Hindu religion which prepares a person for death and reincarnation. Yoga is claimed to heal the body and the mind through meditation, used to restrain the mind by balancing psychic energy using the third eye. This gradually cuts off the connection between yourself and the body to achieve a state of nirvana. 

Karma

The belief of Karma is the quality of our next life is determined by our works in our current life, our actions have results. Karma emphasises the importance of a person being responsible for their own actions. 

When men follow ways that seem right by human wisdom, the end result is death. (Proverbs 14:12)

Reincarnation

Reincarnation is the eternal cycle of birth, life and death. After the death the soul returns to earth in another body, it is considered immortal and eternal. Death and rebirth continue until the soul is finally released. The main goal of Hinduism is to escape the cycle of reincarnation. To Hindus, punishment is to continue existing here on earth. How a person will be reincarnated is determined by karma, if we do enough good works, are unselfish and go without pleasures and the material things in life, we can achieve a better reincarnation. The Hindu religion does not acknowledge salvation, judgment, heaven or hell.

Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment

(Hebrews 9:27)

Mahatma Gandhi, a famous Indian activist, was a devout Hindu brought up in a Hindu family. Although he was a believer of all other religions in the world, stating truth was the only religion. He said, “It is because I am sanatani (orthodox) Hindu that I claim to be a Christian, a Buddhist and a Muslim.” The main books in Hinduism are Vedas, Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, 18 Puranas and Mahabharata.

Other Beliefs & Practises

The Hindu religion has many fasts, feasts and festivals. It does not dictate Hindus to visit temples regularly. Most Hindu homes have a small room for ‘puja’ and prayers. Most Hindus conduct worship at home through religious rituals. The most important time of day for household rituals are at dawn and dusk, more devout followers may do this more often. Hindus only visit temples on festival days. Hindu temples do not have a major role in funerals and marriages. For most people in India, the date and time of a wedding are decided by their parents who consult with astrologers. After the death of a family member, relatives are involved in ceremonies for preparation of the body and procession to the cremation or burial ground. For most of the Hindus, the ideal method is cremation.