Words as Spells: The Hidden Cost of Tearing Others Down
There’s a reason ancient traditions understood the power of the spoken word. Whether through prayer, song, or invocation, words have long been seen as vibrations that shape reality. Yet in modern times, we often forget this wisdom. Instead, we wield words recklessly—through gossip, judgment, and speaking ill of others, without realizing the harm we cast into the world.
We need to talk about the unseen damage caused by tearing others down. Not just to the people being spoken about, but to ourselves, our relationships, and the collective energy of society.
Gossip Is a Form of Social Poison
Gossip is often disguised as harmless conversation. It bonds people over shared opinions, a fleeting sense of superiority, or the comfort of feeling included in a discussion. But beneath the surface, gossip does something more insidious. It erodes trust, fuels insecurity, and creates a culture where no one truly feels safe.
The Weight of Words: When we speak ill of someone, it doesn’t just stay in that moment. Words have an energy, a lingering presence. They shape how others see that person, creating ripples that extend beyond what we can see.
The Boomerang Effect: Speaking negatively about others doesn’t just impact them. It subtly reinforces negative energy in our own lives. The mind absorbs what it puts out. The more we engage in judgment, the more we become fearful of being judged.
A Culture of Distrust: When gossip is normalized, we learn that no one is truly safe from being torn apart behind closed doors. This doesn’t create deep connections; it creates a fragile world where people walk on eggshells, unsure who they can trust.
Tearing Others Down Doesn’t Make Us Taller
For some, gossip and negativity have become easy clickbait, a quick way to draw attention and gain validation. It’s easier to attack someone else than to build something real. Whether in personal conversations or public platforms, speaking ill of others can be a shortcut to being noticed. But what kind of attention does that create?
It’s often believed that making someone else look small makes us seem bigger. But this is an illusion. The act of diminishing another person only highlights our own wounds. The parts of ourselves that feel unseen, unworthy, or unheard.
Confidence vs. Superiority: True confidence doesn’t come from tearing others down; it comes from lifting others up while standing firm in our own power.
Projection & Reflection: Often, what we criticize in others reveals more about ourselves than the person we’re speaking about. When we catch ourselves gossiping, we should pause and ask: Is this about them, or is this about me?
When We Speak, We Cast Spells
In many spiritual traditions, words are spells. They hold power beyond what we see. When we speak negatively about someone, we are—intentionally or not—casting an energy onto them. When we uplift someone, we are blessing them.
Imagine if, instead of cursing someone with our words, we sent them thoughts of growth and healing.
Imagine if we stopped using our voices to spread shame, criticism, and envy and instead used them for encouragement, truth, and connection.
Imagine if we treated our words like sacred tools. Understanding that each sentence carries an impact, whether we realize it or not.
How to Break the Habit of Gossip & Negative Speech
Pause Before You Speak – Before talking about someone, ask yourself: Would I say this to their face? Does this help, or does this harm?
Redirect the Conversation – If gossip starts around you, steer it toward something uplifting. (“I actually really respect how they handled that situation.”)
Examine Your Triggers – What does gossiping about others reveal about your own fears or insecurities?
Practice the Power of Silence – Not every thought needs to be spoken. There is strength in choosing not to engage.
Speak Powerfully – Instead of gossip, use your voice for building, not breaking. Give compliments, express gratitude, share ideas.
The Ripple Effect of Choosing Kindness
Every time we choose not to engage in gossip, we shift the collective energy. We create spaces where people feel safe, where trust can grow, where sisterhood is strong. We step into our own power, not by dimming someone else’s light, but by shining our own.
If words are spells, let’s make sure we are casting the right ones. May our voices build, may our speech bless, and may our words be tools for something greater than tearing others down.
