From Witchcraft to Faith Ashley Jones Finds Her Way Back
Digital creator Ashley Jones engaged in the practice of witchcraft — spells and all — for close to ten years.
“Astrology and zodiac signs were my initial entry point, as they were so universally embraced,” shared Jones, 27, during the September 8 Monday installment of Madi Prewett’s “Stay True” podcast. “Truly, everyone is aware of their astrological sign. I recall growing up in the 1990s, seeing Capricorn merchandise, and it was simply commonplace.”
Jones recounted that she became convinced by the concept of zodiac signs, feeling that her personal horoscope readings were exceptionally precise.
“It certainly served as my initial gateway,” Jones stated, concurring with Prewett, 29, that both zodiac signs and enneagram assessments hold “demonic” origins.
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Following her deep engagement with horoscopes, Jones began exploring birth charts and lunar cycles as part of her personal quest for “self-discovery and understanding.”
“I began exploring what seemed like ‘harmless practices,’ such as crystals, manifestation techniques, and the law of attraction,” Jones remembered. “It swiftly captivated me to such an extent that I thought, ‘Why isn’t anyone discussing the true potency of this?’ … I became utterly fascinated by the inherent power within these elements.”
Jones’ grandmother, a highly spiritual woman who considered herself a “good witch,” ultimately gave the influencer her personal collection of spells.
“My grandmother presented me with my first spell book at the age of 15, titled ‘Good Spells and Fortunes,’” Jones recounted. “Even the book referenced ‘good light,’ which I now understand was entirely misleading. I brought it home, thinking, ‘Perfect.’ The initial spell I recall performing was a financial prosperity charm during a full moon.”
When Jones reached the age of 23, she experienced a profound realization concerning her spiritual path.
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“I was actively manifesting my ideal lifestyle: driving a high-end vehicle, traveling bi-weekly, visiting incredible destinations, and possessing an abundance of wealth, more than I could spend,” she explained. “I had a different partner then [prior to meeting my current husband]. We shared a lovely home. Essentially, everything the world equates with contentment, I had achieved.”
However, despite accumulating these material possessions, Jones found herself plagued by severe depression and anxiety.
“I thought to myself, ‘I no longer wish to exist. I have no idea how to escape this situation,’” Jones remembered. “I instinctively felt compelled to attempt prayer just once. … Prior to this moment, I was experiencing daily visual and auditory hallucinations, perceiving and hearing what I believed were demons. I struggled to discern reality from illusion.”
Jones, who had a Christian upbringing, offered her first prayer in years while en route to her residence.
“I declared, ‘God, you cannot possibly be real, because if you were, and if you truly loved me as the church claimed, my life would not be in this state,’” she recounted to Prewett. “I challenged, ‘If you exist, show me proof.’ At that moment, a truck suddenly emerged in front of me. … I had to forcefully apply my brakes, and attached to that truck was a trailer carrying what appeared to be a 20-foot wooden cross. My immediate thought was, ‘I will absolutely never make such a demand again.’”
Upon arriving back at her house, she engaged in prayer once more, audibly this time.
“I collapsed onto the floor, weeping uncontrollably. My only utterance was, ‘Please assist me,’” she described. “I pleaded repeatedly. … It marked the lowest point of desperation I had ever experienced. After approximately 20 minutes of this, I suddenly felt a sensation, as if I were being physically embraced.”
