The concept of familiar spirits emerges as a critical element in the discernment of spiritual influences. To discern spirits is a supernatural ability enabled by God's Holy Spirit, allowing a person to determine the source of a spiritual manifestation, whether it emanates from God, the devil, the world, or man. This gift reveals information about the presence or absence of spiritual entities, often regarded as useful to detect evil spiritual forces or influences. In examining spiritual encounters, such as that of Eliphaz in the book of Job, it becomes evident that not all spirits align with divine truth. The spirit that troubled Eliphaz came at nighttime in the form of a nightmare, employing intimidation rather than the comforting approach typically associated with God's messengers in Scripture. This elusive being preferred obscurity and began its message with an accusation, a technique often linked to satan. The spirit's insinuation that God does not trust the angels contradicts the biblical portrayal of God entrusting weighty responsibilities to His messengers and His church with the priceless gospel. Furthermore, the assertions of this spirit are contradicted by Scripture, which assures us that God is mindful of every human death, regarding the deaths of His saints as precious. This stands in opposition to the demon's implication that God is intent on destruction. Contextually, it is probable that Eliphaz received counsel from a familiar spirit, out of sync with the whole counsel of Scripture. Only by repeatedly engaging with God's Word can one properly exercise the gift of discerning spirits, ensuring alignment with divine truth over deceptive influences.

The Bible clearly condemns the practice of witchcraft and consulting mediums, as seen in Leviticus 19:31, which warns against seeking familiar spirits, stating, "Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God." Further, Leviticus 20:6 declares that God will set His face against anyone who turns to mediums and familiar spirits, cutting them off from His people, a warning that foreshadows the consequences of such actions. Deuteronomy 18:9-14 lists mediums and spiritists among abominations to the Lord, reinforcing the prohibition against engaging with these practices. In the narrative of Saul at En Dor, as detailed in I Samuel 28, the involvement of familiar spirits through the medium highlights the spiritual deception at play. Though the medium appears to summon the prophet Samuel, the account suggests a demonic presence, aligning with the broader scriptural stance that God opposes such occult practices and does not endorse communication with the dead through these means. The story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of turning to forbidden sources for guidance, illustrating the path of despair and destruction that follows when one forsakes God's commands.

Halloween, with its roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain, embodies practices that God detests, particularly those involving familiar spirits and spiritism. The Celts believed that during Samhain, the boundary between the physical and spiritual worlds weakened, allowing spirits to cross over more easily. This led to rituals aimed at appeasing these spirits with food and treats to prevent curses or tricks, as well as attempts to contact the dead through seances and divination for guidance or inspiration. God explicitly warns against such practices, labeling them as abominations. In His instructions to Israel, He commands not to seek after mediums or familiar spirits, equating these acts to spiritual prostitution and idolatry, which defile both flesh and spirit. These practices are ranked alongside severe sins like fornication and idolatry, highlighting their destructive impact on the relationship with Him. Engaging in spiritism, whether through witchcraft, sorcery, or divination, is seen as a rejection of His way, causing separation and undermining the covenant with Him. The seriousness of these acts is evident as they are reasons for dispossession and destruction, with the land itself reacting against such defilement through natural disasters, famine, and disease. God's consistent message is to avoid inquiring into or participating in these ungodly customs, as they lead to impurity and separation from Him. His desire is for holiness, urging His people to remain pure and untouched by the darkness of such practices associated with Halloween.