5 Signs You’re Being Led by a False Guru

#YES2U
Apr 18
3 min read

Let’s call it what it is—some of y’all are being spiritually scammed.

The self-proclaimed guide who was supposed to liberate you? Yeah. You're more confused now than when you started. That’s not enlightenment—that’s manipulation.

If you want to live in your sovereignty: stop mistaking charisma for truth.

Here are 5 red flags to help you know when you're being misled by a false guru.

1. Despite the teaching, you don’t actually feel better.

Let’s keep it real. At first, there’s hype. The "guru" shows up with their pizzazz and sales pitch. They speak directly to whatever pain you’re carrying and make you feel seen—temporarily.

But after that dopamine hit? You’re not clearer. You’re more confused.

“You feel jazzed at first… but then it’s just like with narcissism. It turns into: now I have control of you, your resources, your attention. It happens subtly over time.”

If the “guidance” leaves you anxious, off-center, or dependent on them for your next move? It’s not guidance. It’s control.

2. They’re overly charismatic, but avoid triggering you.

False gurus rarely speak truth that cuts. They charm. They flatter. They make you feel good about you—because that makes you like them.

“Charm means: I want to gas you up, make the focus about you, so you’ll trust me. I want you to feel really good about yourself so I can influence you. And that looks like never triggering you.”

Truth isn’t always soft. Sometimes it slaps. If someone is always "nice" but never real, that’s not kindness—it’s performance.

3. Their life doesn’t bear the fruits they preach.

If their teaching is all about peace, liberation, trust, and flow—but their relationships are toxic, their energy is scattered, and they live in chaos…hello?

“You should see fruit—peace, flow, trust—in their life. Their closest people should want to be around them. There should not be contradictory behavior like, ‘I say facade here, but behind closed doors I’m someone else.’”

Don’t just listen to what they say. Look at what they live.

4. They’re inconsistent or dismissive over time.

Do they avoid accountability? Talk over people? Dismiss what you say?

“He was projecting onto you without trying to see you or validate what you’re saying… dismissing you.”

Real leadership listens. It evolves. It sees you.

If someone can't consistently stay grounded in their own values and make space for yours, they’re not a guide. They’re a spotlight addict.

5. They rush your process or pressure you to say “yes.”

Spiritual growth is not a sales funnel. There is never a good reason to be rushed into committing your energy, time, or money.

“If anybody’s trying to rush you into anything too soon—do not trust them. I stand by that. You should never feel pressure.” -Starlite The Oracle

Pressure is your number one sign to pause. True guidance invites. It never coerces.

Final Word: Liberation Can’t Be Bought

A true teacher doesn’t center themselves. They help you center you.

You want to know if someone’s the real deal? Ask yourself this:

Are they helping you say YES to yourself? Are you growing? Do you feel more sovereign, more trusting of your own voice?

If not—walk away. Or better yet, run. 🔥 Ready to break free from the noise and remember who the hell you are?

We built #YES2U for people like you—those done with fake gurus, spiritual bypassing, and performative empowerment. It’s time to reclaim your truth, your voice, and your power.

👉 Explore the movement at www.YES2U.org