They prey on weak minds. The best defense is through a long-term meditative practice such as that detailed in "Turning the Mind Into an Ally" by Sakyong Mipham

They prey on weak minds. The best defense is through a long-term meditative practice such as that detailed in "Turning the Mind Into an Ally" by Sakyong Mipham and Pema Chodron. Years ago I dabbled in Golden Dawn ritual and almost lost my mind. A Buddhist friend told me I needed to chill out and gave me that book. After a month of 30 minute per day meditative sessions, my paranoia and delusions went away. There were many more benefits that came from continued practice - I could detail them but most people would scoff. Most ignorant people don't believe in magic, so why would they believe in mental powers attained through meditation?