What Is An Egregore?
An egregore is a collective thought-form or psychic entity created by the shared beliefs, emotions, and intentions of a group of people. It exists on the astral plane and is sustained by the energy it receives from those who acknowledge or interact with it. Egregores can range from simple constructs, like a shared group mindset, to powerful spiritual forces that take on a life of their own.
As they become more autonomous, egregores may begin to influence even more individuals, leading them to act in ways they might not otherwise choose. They can also become malevolent, manipulating their creators or growing uncontrollable if their energy is not properly managed or if the group’s intentions shift. The longer an egregore exists, the harder it becomes to control, and it may exert a disproportionate influence over those who have fed it, making it a potentially dangerous force in occult practices.
Origins and Function
The concept of egregores dates back to ancient mystical and occult traditions, particularly in Western esotericism, Kabbalah, and ceremonial magick. The term comes from the Greek word egregoroi, meaning “watchers” or “guardians.” In modern occultism, an egregore is often likened to a psychic servitor, but instead of being created by a single person, it is formed and strengthened by collective consciousness.
Types of Egregores
• Religious & Spiritual Egregores – Gods or angels that have been empowered by centuries of belief and worship of organized religion.
• Cultural & Societal Egregores – Nations, political movements, or even corporations that develop their own energy and influence.
• Magical & Esoteric Egregores – Thought-forms created intentionally by occult groups for protection, knowledge, or power.
• Pop Culture Egregores – Fictional characters or mythologies that gain psychic influence due to mass belief and emotional investment.
How Egregores Are Sustained
An egregore requires attention, emotion, and ritual to survive. The more people interact with and reinforce its presence—through belief, symbols, rituals, or storytelling—the stronger it becomes. Some egregores can gain autonomy, influencing the thoughts and actions of those connected to them.
Working With or Disrupting Egregores
• Creating an Egregore: Occultists and magickal groups sometimes create egregores for protection, guidance, or manifestation. These are carefully built through ritual, intention, and structured feeding of energy.
• Dissolving an Egregore: If an egregore becomes negative or harmful, it can be weakened through neglect, conscious dismantling, or banishing rituals.
• Recognizing Their Influence: Many egregores subtly shape reality through collective belief. Understanding their power can help one navigate group dynamics, avoid manipulation, or harness them for magickal purposes.
Egregores exist everywhere, from spiritual traditions to modern fandoms, corporations, and ideologies. Whether viewed as independent entities or as psychological constructs, their impact on the world is undeniable, especially within witchcraft and occult circles. Learning how to recognize egregores for what they are allows a practitioner to circumvent unwanted influences and protect their energy.
